Guatemala Team finishes trip – October 11

Posted on October 12, 2008 by christianradio

What an incredible week we had in Guatemala! There were 26 of us from Michigan, Illinois, Texas and Edmonton who traveled to Guatemala to reach out to kids and see what Orphan Outreach is doing with orphanages, churches and communities.

Days one and two took us to Mrs. Patricia Arzu’s schools for poor children. Many of them are considered orphans by the U-N (they’ve lost one or more parents) and are either living in single parent families, or being taken care of by relatives. Mrs. Arzu, is the wife of Guatemala’s mayor (and former President of Guatemala) and has established child care center and schools to provide a place for poor adults to bring their kids to, to get an education, health care and most importantly, the Gospel.

Day three and four took us to Panabaj. We drove three hours west of Guatemala City, to see the work of Pastor Diego at The Good Shepherd’s Church. His church see more than 600 children in church. He wants to start a school. He’s also reaching out to the needs of those displaced by the mudslide of 2005 where an entire village was wiped out. The government says the area isn’t fit to rebuilt, so they’ve been abandoned.

Day five took us to Antigua where we visited an orphan called Casa Aleluyah, founded by Mike and Dottie Clark. They over see about 600 kids from infant to over 18. Their desire is to teach these kids how to be kids, give them an education, point them to Christ, encourage them to lead their peers in discipleship and church planting. The older kids now want to build a church for the community, so they can reach out with the Gospel.

Below, you’ll find a video about the entire week. Enjoy it and continue to pray for the kids of Guatemala!

Mission Network News in Guatemala — last day

Posted on October 11, 2008 by christianradio

Thank you all for praying for me. I found out my problem with my health wasn’t really a ‘health’ problem, it was an elevation problem. We were at almost 12,000 feet and I am susceptible to elevation sickness. However, unaware of the elevation, I wasn’t concerned or even thinking that was an issue. So, all in all I’m very happy to know that’s all it was. I’m feeling great and had a wonderful day today.

I’ve produced another video for our final day in Guatemala. Today we traveled to an orphanage outside of Guatemala City, near Antigua. It’s called the Casa Alaluya Orphanage and it’s run by Mike and Dottie Clark from Louisianna. They have an incredible story of following God’s direction to run this orphanage which is home to about 600 kids.

Click here to see the video.

After we left the kids, we did a little shopping and came back to the hotel for our farwell dinner. I’ll have one more video to post showing everything we saw on the trip.

Thank you for visiting regularly.

Greg Yoder, MNN

Guatemala Day 3 and 4 – October 9-10, 2008

Posted on October 9, 2008 by christianradio

Well, things have gotten a bit hetic here in Guatemala. For those of you who know me, know that I have a blood disorder. It makes my blood clot easily, well. I had to go to the hospital here in Guatemala because I THOUGHT I had a clot had moved into the deep veins, which is a bad thing. Dr. ‘Peppi’ as he wanted me to call him, gave me his card and told me to call any time night or day if I had any trouble.

The group left without me, heading to Panabaj. Carol (one of our interpreters) stay with me because she is a hospital professional. She ran the hospital up until two months ago. She was able to get me right in and see a very well trained vascular surgeon. He took blood, and checked me out with a dopler ultra sound. Fortunately, the clot I currently have is in a superficial vein and everything was good.

Carol and I were driven two or three hours to meet the team just after they had finished lunch. We then got on a boat to travel the rest of the way to Panabaj, which is on the banks Lake Atitlan. Beautiful is an understatement.

After the boat ride, we checked into our hotel rooms. Carol and I ate our lunch (very late) then headed to the Good Shepherd Church where Pastor Diego is the pastor.

For those of you who are regulars to this blog you know back in November I had a ’bout’ with something that the doctors weren’t able to identify. While standing in church in Panabaj I had a MAJOR bout again. Heart pumping, lightheaded, dizzy, feeling like I was going to pass out.

I got out of the church because I didn’t want to create a scene in a church who didn’t know me and decided to go sit down in the nearest room. That would be the room with kids making crafts. I just sat there. Fortunately, someone in our group went and got Lori Koorndyk, who’s a physicians assistant. She suggested we call Dr. Peppi. He told me to stop taking the medication and get back to Guatemala City in the morning so I could see him.

I left the group again, and traveled with Lori, Amy Seale (Orphan Outreach) and Carol back to Guatemala, leaving the group again. I just finished meeting with the Dr. and he doesn’t think it’s anything serious (good news), but wants to to rest today before doing any more traveling. So, I am following his advice. I’m sitting in my hotel room relaxing — writing on this blog.

I don’t feel real great right now, so I would like you all to pray for me.

In the mean time, enjoy this video I put together before I started feeling bad. That will give you a good idea where were are and how we got where we were.

The team is on its way back to Guatemala City, while I rest in my room.

MNN Guatemala trip – Day 2

Posted on October 8, 2008 by christianradio

I thought I’d make it easy on myself today and try my hand at making a video. This is my first attempt, so pardon the poor quality and abrupt changes of direction. Now that I know what I can and can’t do with my basic video editor, I’ll chose video more carefully.

So, here is a video for you to enjoy.

Feel free to post comments. They are moderated, so it does require me to approve them. Since I’m traveling, I may not be able to approve them as soon as you’d like.

Keep praying for us.

Greg Yoder, MNN

Guatemala City Day 1 – October 6, 2008

Posted on October 7, 2008 by christianradio

MNN/WCSG team gets ready to head to its first stop in Guatemala.

Today was day one of our Guatemala trip. There are 26 people on the trip, which is made up of Mission Network News and 91.3 WCSG listeners. We all met for breakfast at 8:30am. The hotel we’re staying in is one of the nicest hotels in the area. The owners are Christians and they give Orphan Outreach a great rate. So, we stay here. Breakfast is your typical American breakfast — eggs, bacon, french toast, you name it. It was good. Soon after we ate, we met in the lobby for our first stop. We were split into two groups — group A and group B (original names, I know) and boarded our buses. Much of the bus trip was spent shooting pictures.

A view of the dump from the school/day care center.

We traveled nearly 45 minutes to a dump. That’s right, a dump. The reason? To visit a school Orphan Outreach is supporting NEXT to the dump. Because there’s such poverty, people (many single moms) go through the dump looking for anything of value. They collect it and try to sell it to provide for their families. They’re street people. In year past mothers would take their children to the dump. But, now, there’s a school/day care center that’s allowing the kids to go to school, while mom works sifting through refuse. They work hours just to find enough ‘stuff.’ We were told it amounted to nothing more than a $1 a day. A few months ago, there was a collapse in the dump that killed more than a dozen people.

A little girl at the school by the dump.

The school is actually run by the wife of the Guatemala City’s Mayor, who is a Christian. It’s a government run school, and Christians are welcome. Obviously the children are very happy. The children are dropped off at school/day care every day. They’re cleaned up, put on school uniforms, given a healthy meal, given a good education and they hear the Gospel by either staff members or volunteers from the local church who are actively involved in the ministry. It costs a parent 50-cents a week to put their child in school here. Since their parents only make about a $1 a day, that’s a significant contribution to helping their kids break the cycle of poverty.

Many Phillips helps this little girl with her lamb puppet.

Mandy Phillips helps this little girl with her lamb puppet.

As part of the trip, we spit up into groups to hold a modified daily vacation Bible school. One group told a story about the lost lamb. Another group did games. Another help kids with a craft. They made lamb puppets out of paper bags. And, the final group did a fun activity like painting the girl’s finger nails, blew bubbles or some of us just took pictures of the kids so they could see themselves. Digital cameras were the best invention when it comes to interacting with kids. Most love getting their picture taken. There was lots of laughter and even a few tears when some came to the realization that ‘school’ was actually the only safe place they had each day. This was the place it all finally ‘clicked’ and got ourselves focused on the task ahead.

From there we went to lunch. Then, we traveled to a girls school. There were 200 girls registered, but only 90 were in school today. We were told that gas prices prohibit these girls from coming to school every day. We did similar activities at the girls school.

Little girls asks to get her picture taken

Girls jumping rope. First one to 20 wins.

Little girl gets ready to go home.

Greg with girls at the school.

On my way to Guatemala October 5-11, 2008

Posted on October 4, 2008 by christianradio

I am getting ready to head to Guatemala for a mission trip. Mission Network News teamed up with 91.3, WCSG in Grand Rapids, MIchingan and Orphan Outreach. I’ll be traveling with 22 others. We’re going threre to share the Gospel with needy kids.

There are about 370,000 orphaned children. Many of these kids are living on the streets.

We’ll be working with local Christians offering vacation Bible school, carnival games, crafts and more. We’re excited about God may be doing in the kids already.

I’ll try to post something here every day following our days events.

Mornings on the radio/my life

Posted on August 21, 2008 by christianradio

It has been a fun couple of days. As many of you know, I am no longer involved in live radio. What does that mean? For, non-broadcasters, that simply means most of the programming we produce at Mission Network News is recorded. While it makes for good radio, you don’t have the same feel that you have when you’re doing something live. You also don’t have the same response from your listeners.

This week I was able to do live radio again. Thanks to my friend Jack Haveman at WGNB, Moody Radio. I’m filling in for Jack’s co-host Scott Curtis. It’s fun. It’s always a great time to try and put a good radio show together. Although, this week we haven’t been doing any interaction with telephone calls. I do enjoy that interaction. But, that’s just made it more challenging to make the show compelling.

This week has been a challenge for me, physically, however. I am dealing with pains and things that aren’t normal. I will be going to the doctor Friday to see if we can figure out what’s going on. It’s actually quite scary. I’ve had several friends that are dealing with cancer and I fear that.

Now please, don’t go out telling everyone, ‘Greg’s got cancer’ because it’s probably nothing. I’m 42 years old and I’m sure I’m feeling more pains because of that. But, it also makes me start thinking about my life and how I’ve lived my life.

I figure I’ve lived half my life already. The question is, how have I lived it? Have I lived it totally serving Christ? Have I loved and lived for serving others during my life? Has the sin in my life kept me from serving Him as effectively as I could have? What if God decides to plague me with something that will shake me to the core of my being? How will I react?

I don’t have good answers to all those questions. I haven’t ‘totally’ served Christ. I’ve been selfish many times. I haven’t shown love when I should have — especially to my wife and family. I fear being sick. I fear the pain that goes along with it. I fear my family being alone. But, at the same time I know going through something like that would take me to a new level in my spiritual walk with Christ.

When I experienced the problems I did in November with dizziness and numbness, I feared I was sick then. I still have those moments, but I just view it as God’s way of keeping me close to Him.

So, how am I praying? For the first time in my life (well, maybe not the first time) I’m not sure how to pray. Any suggestions?

Weekend number 31

Posted on August 3, 2008 by christianradio

I was so looking forward to this weekend. This was the first weekend in a long time that I didn’t have to be somewhere or do something. That is, until I got home Friday night. That’s when I was reminded that I am an assistant coach for my daughter’s soccer team.

For those of you who know me, that statement is quite funny. I am NOT a soccer fan. However, my daughter is. She loves the game. Since she does — I do — now. She’s moving up to the U-10 division of AYSO Soccer this fall. Since I was an assistant last year in U-8, I decided I could help again this year.

What does this have to do with anything? Well, Saturday was the day for coaches orientation. A full morning of getting ‘certified’ to be a coach. Actually, that’s certifiable. 🙂 We actually had to participate in some of the drills — or as they called them — exercises. I spent five hours in the sun kicking a soccer ball around. Yes, I got sun burned. Head is as red as a beat. It hurts.

After that I came home and mowed the lawn, which I enjoy, actually.

Following that — a shower and a trip to Moca and Music to listen to a friend, Matt Elmore sing. It was a great day, actually. Except, I’m experiencing strange pains that can’t be explained. I’ve been to the doctor and he has no explanation. I’ve had a physical, blood work, have been to a specialist — still no answers. I’m having a procedure done September 15 to find out if my ‘plumbing’ is okay, but I have no symptoms of any issues there.

Pray for me. Perhaps it’s all related to the problems I had back in November, which really didn’t get figured out.

Summer has been a challenge

Posted on July 31, 2008 by christianradio

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything, so I thought I would jot a few things down — randomly.

There has been much sickness surrounding me lately. At least it feels that way. I have a dear friend fighting for his life with cancer. Another couple of friends who are also battling cancer and winning. For the first time in my life I’m not feeling very healthy. I had those ‘shock’ things in November. I believe they were stress related. I’ve developed blood clots in my right leg three times this winter. Fortunately, they were nothing serious. And, following a physical, the doctor told me to get another procedure done that shocked me. What does it all mean? I suppose it means I’m getting older. And, I suppose God is trying to remind me who’s in control and who’s working out the plans. NOTHING IS IN MY HANDS.

Our family cottage in Oscoda, MI

A few weeks ago we spent family vacation at our family cottage in Oscoda, MI — right on Lake Huron. It was great fun. Except, it was eye opening, too. All of our kids were there, except Sarah. Even the grand kids (yes, I have two). But, when you see your kids as adults you begin to wonder things. Right now I’m wondering why they didn’t follow in my footsteps to honor and love God. It’s a very difficult thing for me to think about. Then I remember, I’M NOT IN CONTROL. Also, I don’t always honor God. Many times I let Him down. Despite knowing that, I’m saddened that none of them show much love for Christ anymore.

We got a new puppy! Yes, I caved to the pressure. We have a

Our new puppy 'Blu' sleeping in my lap at the cottage.

collie and his name is Blu. He’s a blue merle (type of collie). He’s quite the character. He’s a faker. He’s a pleaser. He loves to chew on sticks. He enjoys chasing leaves. And, it a great tempered little dog.

Last weekend we traveled to Chicago to visit some dear friends. Sergey, Tonya, and Geni Rakhuba. Tonya is having a baby (surprise!!) at 45 years old. Geni (I think) is 20. So, there will be quite the gap between kids. We went to Chicago for Tonya’s baby shower (I didn’t go — Ann did). Sergey and I just ‘hung out’. He let me ride his motorcycle. Now I have the bug. I would really love to get one. I figure I would save about $246 a month is I drove a motorcycle to work every day. That’s quite the savings.

I miss my church family. We’ve been traveling so much this summer that we haven’t been around to attend church. We have a great church body. I don’t know what we’d do without them. I’m looking forward to hearing God’s Word this weekend in my own church.

That’s it for now. I’ll try not have so much time inbetween posts.

Earthquake in Michigan?

Posted on April 19, 2008 by christianradio

Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s been a couple of months since I’ve posted anything on this blog. It’s not like nothing has been going on. It’s been very busy. But, today something TOTALLY unexpected happened.

You expect this kind of thing in California, but not in Michigan. My wife had just gotten up. I have a cold, so I rolled over to go back to sleep. I managed to that, but I was awoken by this strange shaking. My bed was shaking, the furniture in our bedroom was shaking, I thought, “what is she (my wife) doing to shake the whole room?” It stopped for a second, and then started again. Then I thought, “Hmmmm, I’m shaking too. Maybe I’m having a seizure?” Then I thought, wow, that’s some truck driving by. But, there wasn’t any truck. Than I thought, “maybe it’s an earthquake.”

Guess what? It was. I turned on the tv — to my surprise the anchor said, “If you felt something strange just moments ago, you’re not alone — we believe we experienced a small tremor or earthquake.”

Aha, I was right. That was the big news of the day. The epicenter was located in southern Illinois and was a 5.2 magnitude quake, so it wasn’t anything serious, but for people in the midwest — that’s serious.

When i got to work, Ruth Kramer didn’t feel it, but Laura Carlson did. She had a similar experience. She said, “It was either the rapture or an earthquake.” But, her roommate didn’t feel it, so she was wondering if it really happened.

Well it did. So, this will be something I’ll remember for a long time.