Remembering Gregg Shaffer

Gregg Scott Shaffer, ISA founding director and mentor, passed away on February 1, 2020, at his home in Rockville, MD after battling brain cancer for 13 months.  His legacy is deep and immeasurable. 

Gregg Shaffer touched our lives in countless ways with his magnetic presence, perceptive words, and corny humor. For many of us, he pointed the way to a life with Jesus Christ. On February 8, Gregg's Celebration of Life service was held at Forcey Bible Church in Silver Spring, MD. Numerous personal testimonies spanning over 50 years were delivered by people whose lives were greatly impacted by his Christ-like life.

Gregg is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughters, Elly Shaffer, Heidi Smith, and Erynne Shaffer; his siblings, Jo Sears, Kell Shaffer, and Tim Shaffer.

Gregg was born on June 15, 1952 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Harold and Phyllis Shaffer.  He graduated from Toledo University in 1975 with a Sociology degree and joined staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) where he spent 23 years as full-time staff, serving domestically and internationally with the campus ministry and Athletes in Action. Staying affiliate staff with CCC, he then went on to serve with Christian Alliance for International Development (CAID) and International Strategic Alliances (ISA) up until his passing. He also completed graduate studies at The International School of Theology in San Bernardino, CA. 

He married the love of his life, Diane Otto, on July 21, 1984, in her hometown of Burlington, Iowa.  They shared a love for outdoor activities, athletics, and ministry.  Gregg committed his life to spiritual multiplication and mentoring men.  He also loved researching genealogy, public speaking, homeschooling his daughters, and using his creativity to plan social events, scavenger hunts, large-scale athletic events, perform magic, and tell original stories that he intended to publish. He was also a Revolutionary War & JFK buff.

If you’d like to support Gregg’s work with ISA, you can make a donation on the website by visiting: https://www.internationalstrategicalliances.org/make-a-difference/

Gregg's life exerted an enormous influence on countless souls over five decades and across the United States, Haiti, and Asia. Gregg was the person that Christ used to help me come to faith in Him, to learn about ministry and discipleship, and to serve as a missionary in Haiti.