Yoder Update - December 2022

As we look back over this past year it would be easy to concentrate on all the negative things that have happened. 


Burkina Faso had two military coups took place in January and September 2022. It is estimated that two million people have been displaced and thousands have been killed because of extremist attacks. Both of these have caused Burkina’s food insecurity to double this past year. The issues in Burkina have caused some of the Village of Opportunity (VOO) students to remain on campus instead of return home for the summer.


Haiti continues to struggle because of political uncertainty caused by the assassination of their president in 2021 and increased gang violence in 2022. These two things along with fuel shortages have cause businesses to shut down adding to the food insecurity there. We do know that in Port-au-Prince three of the Feminine Training Center (FTC) teachers and 16 students have been displaced from their homes because of the violence.


Flooding in South Africa displace over 40,000 people and killed nearly 450 people. This flooding destroyed homes of single moms who are already struggling. This affected Since Single Moms Raising Sons’ Bible studies which were held in homes in the affected area.



Sri Lanka’s president resigned after protests this year. Food and fuel shortages caused by government import bans fueled the protests. The inflation rate is now at 85% making it even more difficult for those in poor villages.


There was hope that when Mugabe was no longer in power that things in Zimbabwe would get better but five years later there seems to be no improvements. An inflation rate of over 260% does not even seem possible but that is what they deal with in Zimbabwe. This has caused the number of Zimbabweans in extreme poverty to grow to 50%. 


Just as we celebrate this time of year the Good News that our Savior was born, we celebrate all the great things that God has done this year through the ministries of CWO.


We are thankful that the VOO in Burkina Faso has become a safe haven for our students and continues to invest in young women’s lives both educationally and spiritually. They are becoming strong in their faith even though they may face persecution. We also have seen how God has used the food insecurity to give us the opportunity to provide food during the Mobile Clinic visits to villages. At a recent Mobile Clinic 14 people gave their lives to Christ.


Despite the continued gang violence in Port-au-Prince and now other areas, the FTCs have continued to minister to women. Students at the Port FTC are determined to attend classes when they can travel to the FTC. The new FTC in LaJeune continues to grow and remodeling of the building on the CWO property is in progress. The Children’s Feeding Program has continued to provide much needed meals as inflation has driven up food costs for families. Also, the churches have continued to meet and minister to those in their communities sharing the Gospel during these difficult times.

This past year more than 40 SMRS Bible study groups have started giving single moms a new hope. These Bible studies have been led by the 21 facilitators that have been trained. The ministry has continued to grow as well offering Men Molding Men Camps that 78 boys have attended and offering Men Around the Fire retreats for men who were raised by single moms and wish to be mentors.


We have been able to continue supporting widows and elderly in the village of Anaivilunthan, Sri Lanka which is needed now more than ever. Adding meals to the children’s program has improved the health of the children which was recognized by the government agency that visits the area. The most exciting thing is the discipleship that is happing in both the northern and southern parts of Sri Lanka. Pastors, leaders and young people have attended events giving them opportunities to grow in their faith.

Children and young people’s lives continue to be transformed in Zimbabwe through the Our Kids program. Camps and individual counseling times with them offer times to train on life skills and point them to Christ, giving them hope for the future. There were 50 families who received goats to help them become more self-sufficient. Also, over 250 pastors and lay leaders attended seminars so they can lead their churches well and minister in their communities.


We celebrate the fact that over 165 people receive the weekly prayer email. Revelation 5:8 says, “And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” The prayers of God’s people have been answered this year and we are grateful for these partners.


We also celebrate the fact that over 415 people have given financially so that children are fed, clothed, educated and counseled, women receive vocational training, people are given medical attention, leaders are trained, believers are discipled and the Gospel is shared with many. God’s people have faithfully given to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs making a difference in their lives.

Thank you for praying for us and for giving financially. We look forward to seeing what God will do in 2023.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.


Serving Together,

Greg and Laura

Praise the Lord:

  • For how He has worked through the CWO ministries.
  • For sending His Son and for the opportunities we have to share about our Savior.

Pray for:

  • Continued safety of the CWO leadership and staff.
  • Those we serve through the CWO ministries, that they might know Christ as their Savior.
Visit our website
Contact Us
Donate Today
Christian World Outreach
303-723-0333
LinkedIn Share This Email