Missionary Brad Krause Heads up Evangelism Efforts in León

As we announced earlier this year, Brad Krause was called to serve as a missionary to Mexico in May 2010. He fills the position left open by Missionary Ralph Martens, who moved to Mahahaul in August of this year.

Missionary Krause and his wife Heidi studied Spanish in Puebla for a few months during the summer. They are now settling in to León. Needless to say, we're very excited to have them here on the field!

Let's take a few minutes to get to know the Krauses. We'll start with some background information and then jump into what they'll be doing here in León.

From Wisconsin to Mexico

Brad is from Watertown, Wisc. He attended Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and graduated in 2007. At that time, he was assigned to serve as tutor and teacher at Nebraska Lutheran High School. He served there for two years; then he and Heidi got married.

Heidi hails from Eagle River, Wisc. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in psychology. Before coming to Mexico, she worked as a therapist helping autistic children.

In the summer of 2009, Brad and Heidi accepted an opportunity to serve as volunteers in southern Mexico. They lived in Mahahual for a year. While there, they laid the groundwork to start a new Lutheran church (quick Mahahual update: mission work that the Krauses started continues, and God willing we will have a fulltime Mexican pastor there in just a few months).

This last spring, Brad's name went back to the seminary assigning committee. In May, he was asked to continue serving in Mexico, this time as a missionary to León. Upon accepting the call, Brad and Heidi began making preparations to begin a new phase in their lives: fulltime missionary work.

Evangelism Minded

In León, Brad's main responsibility will be to oversee the new church "Cristo Resucitado" (Resurrected Christ), where English classes are currently offered. Brad will lead worship on Sundays, conduct numerous Bible studies, and carry out evangelism efforts. When asked about his goals while here in León, Brad explains they are "to preach God's Word faithfully and administer the sacraments faithfully." He also asks that God grant him strength to make the most of the opportunities presented to him.

Brad and Heidi have found life in Mexico to be different in many ways from the U.S. "In the U.S., lives are scheduled out in hours and minutes," says Heidi. "In Mexico, days are planned more around events and people." (sidenote from Rachel: this is so true and well-stated! A good summary of how daily life functions here).

The Krauses are excited about what León has to offer, noting its comfortable climate and backdrop of mountains as two of the city's highlights.


Their home is located in a bustling part of the city, close to the new mission. They are within walking distance of grocery stores and malls. "It's the Mexican culture with American amenities that really makes it nice," says Heidi.

One of the biggest blessings for the Krauses has been the chance to be surrounded by a mission team. With Brad and Heidi, there are now four missionary families, plus two WELS Kingdom Worker volunteers, in León. A group like this offers a great chance for fellowship, encouragement, and problem solving on a day to day basis.

Thanks for joining the team, Brad and Heidi! We are thrilled to have you with us, and look forward to seeing how God uses you to carry out His work in Mexico.