Dr. and Mrs. Mike Kadera have been ministering in Latin America since 1978, especially in Costa Rica and Guatemala. In partnership with the national church, they have used their spiritual gifts and medical/dental training to minister to the spiritual and social needs of the poor. They have been especially effective in administration, praise and worship, evangelism, discipleship and social outreach.

Native Californians, Mike and Sandy were raised in Christ-centered homes, both having accepted Jesus as their own personal saviour at an early age. They have four children:  Andrew, Melissa, Laura and David. Andrew and Melissa were born in California, and Laura and David in Guatemala.  Andrew is married and lives in Fullerton, CA, with his wife, Kimmyn, and their children, Jordyn and Ethan.  Melissa has a degree in Computer Science from Azusa Pacific University where she is presently working full-time in the computer department.  Laura graduated from APU with a degree in psychology and is working with problem teenagers.  Her desire is to return to Guatemala to work with children.  David is in Guatemala finishing high school.

Dr. Kadera graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1973.  Immediately after this he spent three weeks working with a dental missionary in Honduras, Central America.  Through that experience he felt the Lord leading him into a cross-cultural ministry.

Upon returning from Honduras, he entered private practice in general dentistry and enrolled at Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, CA,  to study the Word and formally prepare for missionary service.  In December, 1978,  he graduated with a Master of Arts in Missions, just before leaving for Latin America.

Sandy also graduated from the University of Southern California, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Biology in 1974.  Upon completion of a medical technology program and marriage to Mike in 1975, she studied at Talbot Seminary while working as a medical techologist.

The Kaderas are presently on staff with VERBO church in Guatemala City, working with inner city poor.  Along with several Guatemalan families, they are in the process of planting a church in a large settlement area on the outskirts of town.