Wcsg General Manager Addresses Balyo Arrest

WOOD TV
June 23, 2014

http://woodtv.com/2014/06/23/wcsg-general-manager-addresses-balyo-arrest/

[with video]

The general manager of a local Christian radio station addressed the highly publicized arrest of one of the station’s former morning personalities Monday on the air.

WCSG General Manager Chris Lemke went on air at 7:30 a.m. to make a statement about John Balyo, 35, who was arrested Friday at a Christian music festival in Gaylord, Mich.

Balyo is facing one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly paying a man named Ronald Moser to set up sexual encounters with minor victims at Grand Rapids-area hotels, according to a Homeland Security agent.

Lemke said WCSG, which is owned by Cornerstone University, officially parted ways with Balyo on Saturday.

The following is a transcription of Lemke’s radio address:

“This past Friday, the WCSG family was shocked and saddened to learn that WCSG morning show host John Balyo was arrested amid allegations which have since been much publicized.

On Saturday, WCSG and Cornerstone University ended its affiliation with John. We sincerely grieve over these recent events. Our family is deeply aching and we know that you may be hurting as well.

We know that no one, absolutely no one, is immune from falling into the darkness of sin and yet we have hope. Those who truly follow and live for Jesus Christ know that he alone has the power to restore broken lives and broken trust

In that light, I want you our radio family to know that more than ever, WCSG exists to serve as a Christ-centered influence, through compelling content for all of our platforms, through compassionate relationships. Our vision is to be that encouraging, engaging and equipping media influence for Christ, his church, his kingdom and you here in West Michigan and around the world.

Over the next few weeks, we request you pray in earnest for John, his family, our team here at WCSG — that God’s people will not lose heart and most certainly please pray for the victims related in the allegations.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge you as the giver of life, the giver of all that is good. We revere you as holy and just, gracious and merciful, broken and contrite heart you accept.

Father please accept our brokenness and receive our spirit. Be our rescuer. Be our provider. Be our source of peace and strength, of endurance, of confidence, of joy. Do in our hearts the work that we cannot do ourselves. Work through us to bring others your abundant life.

We pray for John. We pray for his bride, his new stepson. We pray father your peace will encompass them. Father, we pray for the victims. You are the great healer. Heal them, Father.

We pray for our team. We pray for the listeners.

Father, we ask that you are made central in all that we do. We don’t know how. We don’t know why — but we know, Father, you are our rock, our foundation, found through Jesus.

We pray that, through your grace, by your power, your name will be magnified. Your glory will prevail. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

Balyo was arraigned on the first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge Monday afternoon in Calhoun County District Court.