Colonel Lyell M. Rader came from a lengthy heritage of Christian personalities. His great-great grandfather, William Rader, and his great-grandfather, Andrew Rader, were ordained Methodist preachers. His grandfather, Daniel Rader, became a pioneer Methodist circuit rider. Colonel Lyell’s father, Lyell Mayes Rader, was born in 1877. He became a successful industrial chemist. After he had lost his faith in God, he met The Salvation Army, renewed his faith and served as a chaplain. Colonel Lyell Rader, the oldest son of Layell and Jennie Rader, was born on May 1, 1902. 

At the age of 13, Colonel Lyell came to faith, with the guidance of a teenage friend named Tracey. He prayed with Lyell after reading and re-reading John 6:37 to Lyell. His friend, Tracey, led Lyell to the Lord that life-changing day! 

After reading all of Samuel Logan Brengle’s books, Colonel Lyell felt the call to officership. He and his sister, Frances, became cadets together in The Crusaders session (1926-27). The summer following commissioning, Lyell met, fell in love with and married Gladys Damon on November 29, 1928. 

Lyell and Gladys had five children, all of whom served abroad with their spouses as Salvation Army officers.  

Colonel Rader’s legendary history records an enthusiastic, persuasive, riveting evangelist. Embracing every opportunity to bring people to Christ, he utilized dramatic on-stage scientific presentations to gain attention and preach the gospel. From individual interviews, the following are illustrations of Colonel Rader’s unique and focused approach to personal evangelism:

While riding on a New York subway, he once purposefully stepped on someone’s foot. His apology opened the door to a conversation about Jesus.

When saying grace over meals in a restaurant, he would pray in a deep, loud, persuasive voice. Customers were seen bowing their heads as he prayed. 

Colonel Lyell Rader’s vivid exhortation rings ever true. “If you mean business with God, then press on to the Spirit-filled life. Let nothing discourage you. Without it, you are like a naked baby on a battlefield!”

So What?

After all is said and accomplished, will you be found faithful by the Lord? In what manner will your faithfulness to Christ be demonstrated? Does God ultimately get all the glory?