Founder & President
Vic Rader has pastored churches in the USA since 1980. In 1990 he founded the non-profit organization "Encouragement Inc." for the purpose of evangelism and equipping the body of Christ to reach the lost and to serve effectively. Vic has varied experiences in Christian ministry; from planting and restarting churches to serving on the staff of a mega church in the Washington, D.C. area. He began ministering in Zambia, Africa in the year 2000. In 2003 he sensed God's call to get involved in the plight of young abandoned orphans in Kenya. He and his wife, Debbie, have two grown daughters and a granddaughter. The Rader's live in Colorado Springs, CO.
Vic Rader
Vice-President
Debbie Rader has traveled and assisted with ministries throughout several countries in Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. She has been a vital part of the vision and administration for Encouragement Incorporated since its beginning in 1990. Together Vic & Debbie promote, oversee and manage the Leadership of the Encouragement Children's Home and the other ministry programs in Kenya & Uganda. Her 35+ years of experience as a Pastor's wife and serving in Children's ministries brings a wealth of insight into evaluating and meeting the needs of vulnerable children.
Debbie Rader
Secretary
Mike Poe is a Supervisor for Dominion Power Company in Northern, VA He has been involved with managing volunteer teams in Africa since 2001. He is a certified electrician and has traveled to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya & Uganda serving as the electrical engineer for the equipment needs to perform outdoor crusades throughout Africa. Mike also supervises the construction projects for our ministry and serves on the BOD for the USA and Kenya organizations. He and his wife, Andrea, live in Culpeper, VA they have three grown children.
Mike Poe
Treasurer
Randy Shaw is the Director of Development Managers for Mercy Ships. "I heartily endorse Encouragement Inc. as an effective organization that has an impeccable reputation. Vic Rader has been a friend for many years and his heart for the poor as well as the unsaved is a true passion. I have ministered with him in Kenya and as a member of the BOD for many years. The hand of God is on this ministry." Randy and his wife, Karen, live in Goodlettsville, TN, he has traveled extensively as the baritone singer with the gospel group "Southern Sound."
Randy Shaw
Member of the Board
Terry Wilcox is the former Executive Director of the Bridgeport Rescue Mission in Bridgeport, CT.
An ordained minister with 25 years experience as a pastor. Terry has worked in the rescue mission ministry for 25 years. He is a proven leader at delivering compassionate, front-line ministry to the needy. Terry has led numerous mission teams to troubled spots all over the world, including Africa, South America and Asia. He and his wife, Danielle, live in Lakeland, FL where he is the Senior Pastor at Restoration Fellowship Church. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.
Terry Wilcox
Member of the Board
Richard Lauby has pastored churches across America for more than forty-two years. He earned his Masters Degree from Azusa Pacific University, CA. He served with Youth For Christ in Kansa City, KS for many years. Richard is an effective communicator and writer. He has authored four books aimed at reaching the lost people and edifying the Body of Christ. He continues to preach both in the USA and Cuba. He and his wife Donna live in Punta Gorda, FL. Richard is the father of two children, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Richard Lauby