Mike Yoder
http://www.maltmusic.com
By: Kelvin Oliver

CS: How long have you been a Christian?

MY: I've been a Christian since I was about seven years old.

CS: Can you share a short testimony with our readers?

MY: I grew up in a home where my parents loved God and loved us--I have two brothers. My dad and mom have never made lots of money, but we always had food, clothes, a clean safe home, and lots of love. Both my parents have always been involved in my life, and my growth as a Christian. We've had good times and bad times, but God and family have always been the most important things. I've had to work out my relationship with God on my own. But, because of my parents and their faith and integrity, I think I'm able to trust God as my heavenly father.

CS: When and how did you accept Christ into your heart?

MY: My father has been involved in youth ministry (Youth For Christ/Campus Life for 33 years) and global ministry all of my life. When I was about seven years old we were at a YFC event. My dad gave an invitation and I raised my hand. I was sitting with my mom and she thought I was playing around. But, I was serious. So, she took me out in a hallway and prayed with me to accept Jesus as my savior.

CS: Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten? The future?

MY: I have no idea. But, it will probably include eating peanuts and rolls at a Logan's restaurant somewhere!

CS: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? That success will change you?

MY: I've thought about it in one of my more self centered moments, but really don't think I have to worry about it. Proverbs 30:7 is always good to remember in this regard: "Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die; Keep me from falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."

CS: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences? Do you fellowship with them? Or do you remain distant as the performer?

MY: In his book, "The Purpose Driven Life," Rick Warren says, "Relationships must have priority in your life above everything else...Four of the Ten Commandments deal with our relationship to God while the other six deal with our relationships with people. But all ten are about relationships!...Relationships, not achievements or the acquisition of things, are what matters most in life." I love to sing and perform for people. That's what it's all about--the people. I love to sit around and talk with people. Remaining distant isn't an option.

CS: Who, or what, are your biggest influences?

MY: Musically, I grew up listening to lots of James Taylor and Stevie Wonder.

But, to be honest, I love all kinds of music. I think it has all had some sort of influence. Personally, my biggest influences have been my dad and mom. I've also been influenced by the writings of C.S. Lewis, and the ministry of Edward G. Dobson.

CS: Do you ever feel fear when you approach someone with the Gospel?

MY: Being such a big people person, yes! People naturally want to belong or be accepted by others. So, when you think of approaching someone with the Gospel, I think the fear of rejection is pretty natural. However, that may only be true if you're looking at it as something 'you' are going to do rather than letting God do what He does. I've come to realize that all I need to do is ask questions.

I don't need to convince anyone of anything. That is God's work. If I present God to someone by simply sharing with them or engage them in conversation by asking questions, there's not a lot to argue about. But, if I go at someone with arguments and statements designed at 'winning', then there is probably a good chance I'll get rejected. God's command is to love others.

CS: Are you involved in your own home church? What role do you have there?

MY: We just changed churches after attending our previous church for over 12 years. So, it's been a gradual transition in terms of getting involved in our new church. Right now our involvement is limited to a home group with two other couples and their children.

CS: Are you involved in any other ministries?

MY: I've done some work with a local ministry called Last Call. Basically we drive people home from the bars late at night, and share Christ by loving them and sharing with them when we're given the opportunity. It's not the most glamorous or fun thing you might ever want to do, but in the words of Audio A's tune, "Let's get dirty!" I'm also involved with a ministry my dad and mom founded 25 years ago called Christian World Outreach (http://www.cwomissions.org). They do mission and relief work in Haiti and three countries in Africa. They deal with AIDS, illiteracy, and poverty--physical and spiritual.

CS: Do you have an accountability partner or prayer partner to keep you encouraged and uplifted?

MY: Besides my wife, my best friend from high school, Randy DonGiovani. Randy's the youth pastor at a large church. We try to get together about once a week for breakfast or lunch, and to watch the Steelers (we're both huge Steeler fans).