The ThinkOrphan Podcast

It's impossible to ignore the interconnectedness of global justice issues and the complexity of systems that affect societies. Sometimes a system enables people to thrive and other times the system puts people at risk. A clear example of this is looking at food systems and malnutrition in Central America. To help us dive deeper, we have Curt Bowen of Semilla Nueva on the show today. With work that addresses malnutrition through economic development and government partnerships, Curt and his team have turned the region's stable of corn into a driver for social change. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Semilla Nueva Online Conversation Notes Understanding malnutrition and food insecurity in Central America The importance of taking a systems approach when addressing malnutrition Navigating public policy and legislation in a libertarian environment The intersections of economic development, climate change, forced displacement and malnutrition The difference between biofortified crops and GMOs Are GMOs always bad or do they just get a bad rap? Earned income is not always possible and doesn't fit every nonprofit operation   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

James 1:27 has long been a central biblical text from which our podcast community has drawn from. But to what extent have we delved into the depths of the Jewish context in which James wrote? To help us go deeper on this text and the social implications of true religion, we've invited Dr. Andrea Siegel to the show. Dr. Siegel has years of experience in humanitarian work, Hebrew studies and counseling and brings that to the text as the curriculum writer on Helping Children Worldwide's most recent orphan care resource. If you want to hear some things about James 1:27 that you've never heard before, this is a podcast to check out. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show One Twenty-Seven by Dr. Andrea Siegel and Helping Children Worldwide Conversation Notes The Old Testament backdrop of caring for orphans and widows The collective nature of James 1:27 and what it means to be guarantors of one another in caring for the vulnerable in society The connection with Exodus 22:21-23 and parsing out singular and plural pronouns for collective responsibility Not forgetting what we look like in the mirror and how that keeps us aware of our Genesis-selves A number of different Hebrew words and applications that enrich the understanding of the passage   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

War. Famine. Poverty. Violence. Natural Disasters. Working in humanitarian spaces puts us up close and personal with some of the worst kinds of evil and suffering. In the face of it all, we follow a God who is both all good and all powerful. How do those two realities compute? It's a quandary that has been around a long time and we've invited Southeastern University's Dr. Chris Palmer onto the show to help us think biblically and theologically when we're faced with the problem of evil. From the killing fields in Polpot's Cambodia to earthquakes in the Middle East, we wrestle the reality of pain while clinging to God's goodness and embracing the mystery. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Dr. Palmer's Bio at Southeastern University Online Conversation Notes Chris being confronted with the evil of the killing fields in Cambodia How do we describe and define what evil is substantively Juxtaposing suffering that takes place in the natural world with the suffering caused by human agency The differing theodicies in seeking to understand God's justice The imperative of prayer to have our hearts conformed to God's heart Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The most effective approaches to doing justice will acknowledge nuance and there is wisdom in maintaining tensions in the work God has called us to. Central to the work of global development is how we work among at risk children and youth and there are a lot of principles to balance in that space. In this solo episode of the podcast, Brandon Stiver breaks down a number of paradigms that children's rights advocates and practitioners operate within as we hope to find the right balance that will allow children to flourish and be fully who God created them to be. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Childhood in a Global Perspective by Karen Wells Freeing Congregational Mission by B. Hunter Farrell and S. Balajiedlang Khyllep Conversation Notes Understanding the paradigms of child saving and child's rights Child sponsorship as a child saving approach to raising funds The irony of supporting child rights while also promoting war that takes life Maintaining the balance between child protection and family preservation The role of child participation in decision making and advocacy   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

There is no doubt that the international development sector has changed drastically and permanently over the last couple of months. Starting with the closure of the vast majority of USAID programming, other donor countries have also withdrawn support from the global poor. Joining the show to guide us through what it looks like for Christians to stay engaged and advocate in this spaces is the Managing Director at Bread for the World, Heather Taylor. She walks us through specific policies that are being advocated for and how Christian practitioners and organizations are collaborating and linking arms during these unprecedented times. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Link to Bread for the World's Website Advocate on Behalf of the Global Poor and Urge Congress to Restore Life-Saving Aid Conversation Notes The effectiveness of SNAP and Medicaid in the United States The human fallout from the closure of the majority of USAID programming What wrapping remaining USAID functions into the State Department would look like How changes are affecting Christians called into the global development field to serve the global poor and those hurting The importance of persistence in advocacy when it appears that government isn't listening   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License  

Developing local solutions to complex issues is foundational to global change. When it comes to food insecurity and health services, we recognize the need for local solutions at scale. Joining the show today from Rwanda is Isabelle Kamariza who is the Founder and President at Solid'Africa. She comes on the show to share with us who Solid'Africa works alongside the Rwandan government to improve nutritional outcomes for hospital patients, students and others in the community. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and learn what it looks like actually achieve sustainability when doing work in challenging contexts. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Solid'Africa Online Rwanda Inc. by Patricia Crisafulli and Andrea Redmond Conversation Notes Isabelle's journey from feeding the homeless in Belgium to feeding the masses in Rwanda The influence of Matthew 25 and how it compels us into action The power of prayer in starting a ministry to the sick The intersection of healthcare and nutrition insecurity in Rwanda Going from farm to fork (and eventually on to fertilizer!) in making sustainable change The role of social enterprise in building sustainability The value of government regulation and partnership in establishing a nonprofit in Rwanda (it's harder than starting a business!) Social change through community education The Rwandan trajectory from tragedy to case study in development Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

It's March and the madness extends far beyond college basketball. In this episode, we look at the ramifications of losing Ukrainian child data through recent federal budget cuts and why upholding these children's humans right should matter to American Christians. Then we look at a new city development in Kenya that has some unique aspects that give both promise and pause. Lastly, Brandon Stiver shares a book recommendation on cross-cultural leadership that can help equip us for the ministries that God has led us into. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show NPR : Trump Administration Cuts Funding for Program that Tracked Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia Associated Press : A startup city in Kenya tries to tackle Africa's problem of urbanizing while poor Amazon : Leading Across Cultures - Effective Ministry and Mission in the Global Church by James E. Plueddamann Conversation Notes 1:36 - The loss of data on Ukrainian children that have been forcibly removed from their country and taken to Russia. What human rights are being violated and what role do recent changes by the US put these children at greater risk. 14:50 - Steve Kariithi joins the show from Nairobi to discuss Tatu City - a privately funded city with thousands of people and a lot of appeal. We discuss the pro's and con's of this approach to urban development 29:50 - Brandon shares a recommendation for those that are working and leading in cross-cultural environments. Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

We talk a lot about global action on behalf of the vulnerable, but what about global engagement that looks like deepening our discipleship and spiritual formation? We've welcomed Randy Gonzales from Camino Quest on the show today to share with us how pilgrims travel (or even travail) the Camino de Santiago in Spain and what it looks like to connect with God through Christian pilgrimage. In a world that seems a bit wild, this is a reminder of the opportunities that God provides for us to slow down, connect and get in touch with what He's doing in our lives. Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Camino Quest Online Conversation Notes Randy's journey from MK to not wanting to be a missionary, to becoming a missionary! Defining pilgrimage to a Christian population that hasn't historically been involved in pilgrimages The value of leaving your context and traveling to another part of the globe to carry to take a pilgrimage The three traditional Christian pilgrimages The story of St. James and his legacy on the Iberian peninsula What happens on a pilgrimage and the spiritual value of the journey Balancing lives of action with slowing down and going deep internally The logistics of going on pilgrimage and how to prepare for such a journey   Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In 2025, there are still people in the world, even entire people groups, that have never heard the Good News. What's more is that access to distant places and global migration has never been higher. Is it possible to finish the Great Commission in our life time? We've got questions on how to reach more with the Gospel in word and deed and joining us for the conversation is Lisa Pak who is a leader with Finishing the Task that is focused on mobilizing the whole church to fulfill all of Christ's commands. Lisa shares with us what it's like to grow up and worship in a diaspora church, how global coordination and new technologies can help us reach more people and what it means to be a church that is not easily shaken. Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Finishing the Task Online Conversation Notes 6:30 - Lisa shares all the influences that led her into global missions 10:10 - Caring for all people everywhere ties all the way back creation covenant and stewardship entrusted to all people 13:00 - Who is really Western? Lisa speaks to the reality of second and third generation immigrants 19:30 - The link between countries that are economically developed and the spreading of the gospel. 31:25 - Taking a pulse and understanding the stats around who is unreached 34:00 - Opportunities that show up on our doorstep and seeking the unreached in our own neighborhoods 41:25 - “Prayer is the most underutilized tool in the Kingdom of God” 47:20 - Understanding diasporas and what it's like worshiping and growing up in a diaspora community 53:25 - Following God's heart and being a church that will not be a shaken   Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

It's been a whirlwind of a month for global development practitioners. We've heard a lot of the 30,000 foot view of what the shuttering of USAID means and today we're talking with a practitioner from our community that was working on a USAID-funded project in El Salvador and what it was like to receive the stop order. After that, we'll be looking at a recent Christianity Today article that discusses the rise of cyberscam trafficking. Lastly, Brandon Stiver will be sharing a word of encouragement for all those that find themselves disheartened after recent blows to the work that so many in this podcast community are called into. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Christianity Today: Crypto Cons, Beatings and Prayers for Deliverance by Erin Foley Center for Global Development: Which Countries Are Most Exposed to US Aid Cuts; And What Other Providers Can Do AP News: A comprehensive look at DOGE's firings and layoffs so far Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Conversation Notes 0:55 - Losing USAID support on the ground and organizations in this podcast community that have been effected 3:35 - Katy Luehm joins the show to share how the USAID funded project that she was a part of in El Salvador was shutdown and what effect that is having on both contractors and families alike 21:00 - Erin Foley is back to talk with us about the rapid expansion of cyberscam trafficking in Southeast Asia 41:15 - Brandon shares an encouragement for those global practitioners that are effected and discouraged after the recent closing of USAID as we point towards what the opportunity to pursue God's Kingdom in the world   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

We live in a world of tremendous conflict and as Christians, we are called to welcome those that have been forced to flee violence in their communities. For those of us called into this space, how do we mobilize Christians and advocate to the government for compassionate responses to such crises? We have long-time friend of the podcast Dr. Krish Kandiah on the show today to share what this has looked for him and the spaces God has called him into in recent years. Krish is an author, advocate and the Director of Sanctuary Foundation in the UK. We bounce around from Hong Kong and Ukraine to Sudan and Gaza to pursue God's justice for these global neighbors. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show God is Stranger by Krish Kandiah (Amazon) Sanctuary Foundation Online Conversation Notes Krish catches us up on his journey from UK foster care to government work to advocacy on behalf of forcibly displaced people globally Raising awareness and mobilizing churches to welcome refugees The role that sports can play in building community across cultures The plight of Sudan and Haiti and why certain conflicts receive media attention while others don't It's easier to get support for Ukrainians that flee violence as opposed to Sudanese people fleeing violence News is overwhelming, should we even be engaging or is it best to just tune out? A Bible in one hand, a newspaper in the other and praying with our eyes open

Being an active follower of Christ will always lead us to find things that are incongruent with God's Kingdom and we'll want to do something about it. To do justice, we have to address injustice and that might require us to start something (and our community is full of people that start things). Starting something is hard though so we've invited author and pastor Bryan Halferty to walk us through the spirit and the tenacity it takes to undertake a new Kingdom venture. Bryan also shares about his upcoming book "Terrible Beauty" which is a memoir of his own journey towards starting a church in the most unchurched metropolitan area of the country. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsor Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Link to Bryan's Substack "Table" Conversation Notes Engaging other cultures as a means of learning more about God. Discerning God's direction to start something new and how that led to a church plant. Balancing the realities of injustice with the maintaining spiritual and relational health. The role of risk when starting a ministry. Embracing the risk, the vulnerability and the potential of failure. The reality of facing rejection and apathy when you've created and brought something into the world Christ's example of compassion and suffering that guides towards ministry The messianic ache and the cry of Maranatha as we long to be with Christ and for His Kingdom to come in full   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In our end of January episode, Brandon Stiver is walking through a few current issues as well as a Bible word study that offers a more robust understanding of what it means to do justice and how looking at the word in the Septuagint underscores the inextricable connection to to righteousness. Brandon welcomes Spencer Reeves to the show to share what the team at Child Hope International is seeing in the midst of the conflict within Haiti which has displaced more people than at any other point in the country's history. Lastly, we revisit a conversation we had with Medard Ngueita earlier this month and how to understand the sweeping executive actions by President Trump that has suspended refugee resettlement, canceled legal asylum seeking and pausing USAID support globally. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsor Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show The Guardian : More than a million Haitians forced from their homes amid gang violence Advocate Alongside World Relief for Compassionate Policies Conversation Notes 1:45 - We talk about justice all the time, but what does it mean? Jump into this Bible study on the Greek word dikaiosunne and how it offers a more robust understanding of justice. 21:20 - Spencer Reeves joins the show to help us understand the ongoing conflict and large scale displacement of children and families in Haiti. He helps us make sense of a current news report that Brandon pulls from The Guardian (linked below). 37:05 - Reviewing the executive actions from President Trump that are impacting how the US engages the global poor and those that are fleeing violence.   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License  

There are so many needs within the work of anti-trafficking and orphan care, but what happens when people that are engaging as helpers are actually doing harm. Ego, poor practice and a desire for appearances can corrupt organizations that purport to be doing good. As a practitioner and journalist working in Southeast Asia, Erin Foley has been around the block working in organizations and comes onto the show today to share some of what she's seen and learned doing missions and nonprofit work over the years. She also shares about some of the great organizations she's worked with and about her most recent project, the recently published book "Where They Belong" which chronicles the movement of family care in Cambodia. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsor Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Book : Where They Belong by Erin Foley Website : Children in Families Online Website : Global Child Advocates Online Podcast : Episode 214 "Storytelling to Empower with Jeff Rogers" Conversation Notes 6:30 - Connecting from anti-trafficking into orphan care and prevention 10:30 - Fulfilling the Great Commission by loving our global neighbor and also the opportunities for those that live abroad 17:00 Lessons learned in anti-trafficking, the sexiness of it and comparing countries that experience enslavement 22:30 - The shadow side of anti-trafficking organizations and unethical practices of nonprofits 25:15 - The issues with founder-run organizations 32:45 “ I was horrified because we were supposed to be helping these women and I felt like we just enslaved them in a different way.” 38:35 - Transitioning to family based care and Children in Families 43:30 - Juxtaposing growing up exposed to cross-cultural orphanages with learning the importance of family based care 47:45 - Understanding orphan care in Southeast Asia and what is driving family separation 51:00 - Documenting the story of family care in Cambodia and more broadly through Erin's book Where They Belong 55:30 - “If your heart leads you, bring your brain along with you” Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

As we anticipate the inauguration of President-Elect Trump later this month, we take a moment to consider how some of his public comments and proposed policies will affect global neighbors that are fleeing violence and seeking refuge in the US. To guide us through this conversation, we have Medard Ngueita on the show. Medard is the Executive Director at World Relief Western Washington. He has a vast knowledge on refugee resettlement not only as a long time team member at World Relief, but also because he was once an asylum seeker himself. Medard talks with Brandon Stiver about the ramifications of the first Trump administration on refugee resettlement and how organizations are preparing for the prospective policies that will be enacted in the upcoming administration. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsor Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show World Relief Online Protective Behaviour is a practical framework that will enable both you and the children around you to thrive. This is a highly regarded course and you'll have an opportunity to connect with other practitioners throughout the world. Click here to learn more and enroll Follow Up Resources on President-Elect Trump's Proposed Immigration Policies NPR Report - This report is a little dated and you can skip most of it, but the start of the segment includes clips of President-Elect Trump saying he plans to close refugee resettlement Center for Migration Studies - The US Refugee Admissions Program: What's at Stake in the Election KFF - Expected Immigration Policies Under a Second Trump Administration and Their Health and Economic Implications Christian Post - "Why President-elect Trump should defend persecuted Christians" by Myal Greene and Ryan Brown World Relief Press Release - World Relief Troubled by Rumors that Trump Administration Will Rescind Guidance Limiting Immigration Enforcement Activities in Churches and other “Sensitive Locations” Conversation Notes 3:27 - The work of World Relief Western Washington and how they partner with the church to engage global crises 5:20 - Who is our neighbor that we are called to love? 7:35 - Medard's own journey as a political asylum seeker from Chad 12:05 - The countries people are fleeing currently that are arriving in Western Washington 16:22 - Certain countries fly under the radar but are producing forcibly displaced people and most end up in neighboring countries refugee camps 19:40 - Comparing Medard's arrival almost 20 years ago with what asylum seeking looks like now 23:50 - Reflecting on President Trump's immigration and refugee policies that sought reduce the amount of asylum seekers entering the country from Latin America 29:10 - When President Obama left office, he set the refugee resettlement mark at 100,000 people, President Trump reduced it to 22,000 30:43 - The rub between international UN policies and nationalist sentiment within Western countries 46:30 - What churches can do to help refugees that are coming to the US in 2025 55:10 - The importance of a stance of humility and prayer in pursuing a life of justice

Happy New Year's Eve! We have so much to be thankful for as we reflect on the last year of nonprofit ministry, podcasting, family and everything else! In this end of 2024 episode, Brandon and Phil will catch up our listeners on what is happening in their personal lives and ministry. Most importantly to you, dear listener, we share about the state of the podcast, how it's been since we did some rebrand/rescope and what the future of the podcast is. This is an episode for those listeners that want a peek behind the curtain and are looking for more ways to go deeper with Think Global, Do Justice. Conversation Notes Phil and Brandon share about how God has been moving in their respective organizations in 2024 (Providence World and CarePortal) (0:30) The hosts share their top books and movies from the year (13:00) They share their favorite episodes from Think Global, Do Justice(22:20) Brandon shares the state of the podcast, where we're going (if we're going), how we're doing internally and what traction we have with a competitive podcast market (30:30) Think Global, Do Justice ranks in the top 2% of podcasts globally with over 1,800 downloads each month (but that's a challenging place to be!) The challenge of keeping podcasts viable in 2024 Shout out to our 2024 Sponsors - Zoe Empowers, Child Hope International, Accord Network, Christian Alliance for Orphans and Resilient Communities Center The 2025 outlook for the podcast and keeping current on the show (40:40) Podcast Sponsor (You!) If you have been blessed, encouraged or equipped over the last 8 years of podcasting, we invite you to support the show through Venmo! Support the Show Through Venmo - Link If you want to share about your work or services to a hundreds (or even thousands) of global nonprofit practitioners and supporters. Click below. Rundown on Becoming a Sponsor - Link Get help for your organization by contracting an affordable Canopy International associate working in various global nonprofit fields. Link to Covered Services Resources and Links from the show Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys by Richard Twiss (book) Rooting for Rivals by Peter Greer and Chris Horst (book) Strong and Weak by Andy Crouch (book) Lead with Prayer by Peter Greer, Ryan Skoog and Cameron Doolittle (book) Overcoming by Dr. Nicole Wilke and Dr. Amanda Howard (book) Leading from Your Knees with Peter Greer and Ryan Skoog (podcast) What Scripture and Science Say about Resilience with Dr. Nicole Wilke (podcast) Owning Poverty with Dr. Michael Pucci (podcast) Decolonizing Theology and Integral Mission with Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst (podcast)   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The gospel is to be proclaimed and word and deed. Sometimes global practitioners easily step into the demonstration of justice and development work, but how do we make meaningful strides towards sharing the gospel's message with those we reach with critical life-saving services. Christopher Beth from The Bucket Ministry joins the show today to share with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about the simple work that their ministry undertakes in fifteen countries to both provide water access and share the good news. Podcast Sponsor The Resilient Communities Center helps you become all God intended for you to be through training and coaching within a community. Check Out All The Offerings from the Resilient Communities Center Resources and Links from the show The Bucket Ministry Online Conversation Notes Christopher's path from a car accident to the Amazon rainforest to reaching over a million people with a clean water solution The different responses that follow interacting with global poverty for the first time The World Health Organization estimates that 785 million lack access to clean drinking water Scriptures that support reaching the nations and caring for the vulnerable Water as something that everyone recognizes they need and everyone can agree on making accessible The difference between having an ultimate motive and an ulterior motive Using the water filter as an object lesson to explain salvation to new hearers Intentionally spreading the gospel while guarding against spiritual abuse or coercion The critical work of local missionaries and pastors to follow up and serve the families that are reached with clean water   Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Mercy comes in all shapes and sizes and in order to reach the 5 billion people without access to safe surgery, we need a litany of different models. Since 1978, Mercy Ships has been working to increase access to life changing surgeries in underserved areas of the world and Raeanne Newquist from their team joins the show to share about what it looks like to live and serve on a floating city. Raeanne talks with Brandon Stiver about what it's like to serve alongside your kids, collaborating with nationals and stepping out of our comfort zones to see God move in the lives of others. Podcast Sponsor The Resilient Communities Center helps you become all God intended for you to be through training and coaching within a community. Check Out All The Offerings from the Resilient Communities Center Resources and Links from the show Mercy Ships Online Conversation Notes 5:51 - Serving alongside your children in cross-cultural ministry 9:35 - “If we are followers of Jesus we are to live into the model that he showed for us” 11:00 - The specific approach of Mercy Ships and collaborating with large governments 15:43 - Working to address the 5 billion people that lack access to safe surgery 21:00 - The effects on children and adults when they have medical needs that go unaddressed 28:30 - The variety of people that can volunteer and serve on a Mercy Ship 31:00 - Safeguarding and risk management with a high volume of volunteers 35:19 - Collaboration with the local community to enhance cultural sensitivity and long term support 43:27 - Workforce development of Global South practitioners 50:27 - Focusing on all that God can do rather than just being overwhelmed by the size of the problems that we face.    Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The common adage "when you know better, you do better" makes sense. It also indicates that there is a need to transform what it is that we've been doing. When nonprofits around the world, including those working in Christian development and justice, recognize the need for organizational shifts, they may undertake the years-long process of change management. Perhaps your organization has gone through this (or perhaps it needs to!) To help us understand what change management looks like and what it says for organizations pursuing transformational development models, we have Dr. Casey Duthiers joining the show. Casey is the Director of Training and Development at Resilient Communities Center where their team supports practitioners around the world to improve their practice and increase their impact through intentional, Christ-centered professional development for development practitioners. She talks with Brandon Stiver about change management, short term missions and what it looks like to follow Jesus to the margins. Glad to have you join! Podcast Sponsor The Resilient Communities Center helps you become all God intended for you to be through training and coaching within a community. Check Out All The Offerings from the Resilient Communities Center Resources and Links from the show Integral Mission and Decolonizing Theology with Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst When Collaboration Helps Families with Dr. Brian Fikkert and Gabriel Walder Free Resources from Resilient Communities Center Conversation Notes The persistence of intractable poverty and examining the roots of it all Valuing Catholic social teaching as a theological basis for the work that we do Following Jesus to the margins of society and serving there What does it look like to change from a simple charity model to an organization that is anchored in a transformational development approach The key drivers that lead to organizations wanting to change The constraints of a shrinking donor base for nonprofits and how that can actually drive us towards better work Centering short term missions within long term relationships The need for continuing education for community development practitioners Relationships are key in every way when it comes to justice work   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License  

Trauma has the potential to cripple individuals that have experienced adversity, poverty and exclusion. There isn't an area where this is more clear than in global orphan care and there isn't a better person to walk us through what building resilience looks like than our guest today. Dr. Nicole Wilke is the Director at the CAFO Research Center where she leads a team focused on making research applicable to everyday practitioners in global child welfare. On the show, Nicole talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about what she's learned both from living in Peru as well as through the research that she has conducted in promoting better practice for orphaned and vulnerable children. We close our conversation with diving into the new book that she co-wrote with Dr. Amanda Howard called Overcoming which is out now. There's something in this conversation for everyone, so jump in with us!   Podcast Sponsor The Resilient Communities Center helps you become all God intended for you to be through training and coaching within a community. Check Out All The Offerings from the Resilient Communities Center   Resources and Links from the show Caleb Koala's Comeback Ride Overcoming: What Scripture and Science Say About Resilience (CAFO Site) Overcoming Book on Amazon CAFO's Core Elements Transitioning to Family Care Resources Conversation Notes The needed mutuality between Global North and Global South within the family of God The difference between endogenous and exogenous empowerment in cross-cultural missional work Christians in orphan care had become known with leading with their hearts rather than their heads Addressing the distrust between research and Christian orphan care practice The products and resources at the CAFO Research Center that turns research into applicable practice How scripture and science align to bolster understandings of resilience Trauma is real and at the same time use of the word 'trauma' is often watered down in the West Adversity that turns into trauma happens at an instantaneous and subconscious level and will affect people differently The keys to building resilience that can happen at any time for anyone Data-informed practices and frameworks that will promote resilience in children   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The problems surrounding poverty are wicked and complicated. Pat answers and short term solutions are never going to get us where God is calling us to be. The challenge is that nonprofits often experience constraints (either real or perceived) that keep them from innovating better approaches to meeting peoples needs. We're joined today by Abe Wright and Greg Bixler who are the co-founders of Design Outreach. As an organization that not only values innovation but actively invests and rallies donors towards research and development, they've been able to provide significant upgrades to common problems in WASH and medical care. The communities that we partner with deserve better and Abe and Greg provide us with helpful insight and direction as we iterate and innovate. Podcast Sponsor The Resilient Communities Center helps you become all God intended for you to be through training and coaching within a community. Check Out All The Offerings from the Resilient Communities Center Resources and Links from the show Design Outreach Online When Global Ministries Merge on Think Global, Do Justice (A Conversation with the Leadership from Water For Good) Conversation Notes The necessity of transforming what it means to be a humanitarian organization and the ways in which we operate 40% of water pumps are no longer in function and we need to improve that The need for collaboration and working with government partners Understanding research and development as practical problem solving Comparing the efficacy of LifePump with other water pumps or water solutions. The importance of both access to water and the durability of water pumps. Wrapping your donors into the work of innovation even as some solutions don't pan out Additional innovations in hygiene and medical care     Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Recorded live from the CCDA Conference in Portland, Oregon, we are joined by three educators equipping students globally to think biblically and pursue justice. On the show today we have Dr. Karen Fancher and Dr. Greg Burch from the Multnomah Campus of William Jessup University alongside Ernesto Duke who is the President at Eternity Bible College. They join Brandon Stiver for a conversation around the trajectory of Christian higher education, balancing ethics and philosophy with skill set development and what it looks like to prioritize spiritual formation as we develop theory and practice. Resources and Links from the show Click here to learn more and enroll in the Protective Behaviours Course Camino Quest Online Global Development and Justice Master's Program (Jessup University) Eternity Bible College Online Blessed Are The Peacemakers with Dr. Karen Fancher Conversation Notes 3:40 - The things that have been most remarkable about being at CCDA 9:20 - The complexity of teaching history where victors tell the stories 13:40 - Updates from OneAccord and the Lausanne Congress 17:20 - The model of making a biblically focused education available and affordable internationally 24:40 - The trajectory of higher education for global studies 30:00 - Balancing the development of skill sets with understanding the philosophy, ethic and theology underneath what we do 37:10 - The priority of slowing down and connecting with God before “doing” the work 40:40 - Pilgrimage as a spiritual practice to experience God

There is no lack of complex challenges when delivering health care in the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS crisis. On the show today, we have Echo VanderWal who is the Co-Founder and Executive Director at The Luke Commission in Eswatini. Echo joins Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke for a conversation about calling, the pain and loss created by the AIDS Crisis, the irreplaceable impact of PEPFAR and what it looks like to provide holistic care in rural communities. With over 20 years in the country, Echo points us to what excellence looks like as follow Christ's example of humble service. Podcast Sponsor Get support for yourself or for your team with Canopy International Resources and Links from the show The Global HIV/AIDS Conversation The Luke Commission Online Conversation Notes 4:00 - What do Jesus, Conor McGregor and Osama Bin Laden all have in common? 5:35 - The importance of having the support of your family when being called to serve God overseas 6:55 - Following Christ's example of service in loving our global neighbors 7:50 - The reality of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa during the early 2000s inc consideration of the cost of transport, lack of medicine and poor treatment 11:35 - Pursuing professional investment in the national team that is delivering life-saving support in their own country 17:00 - The reality of inner pain and the orphaned spirit when family is lost 21:30 - Seeking care at scale within rural areas of Eswatini 23:35 - Eswatini has the rate of HIV/AIDS in the world - a resounding 26% and why we don't want that number to go down 25:45 - The importance of international partners that provide anti-retrovirals 26:45 - How PEPFAR has positively impacted Eswatini, the work of the Luke Commission and what it looks like on the ground.  29:10 - The dire reality of potential extinction when HIV/AIDS first expanded in Eswatini 31:35 - The erosion of bipartisan support in US politics and how it is now undermining the delivery of life-saving HIV/AIDS support for millions of people 35:00 - The risks that face people if PEPFAR pulls out 38:30 - The importance of comprehensive healthcare and tracking trends to help an array of health issues that arise across a population 47:00 - Don't wait to take the first step when it comes to engaging or even moving overseas to pursue God's heart for justice in the nations

All is futility! Even in Christian nonprofits? We're changing it up a little for episode 265 as Brandon does a solo dive into the book of Ecclesiastes to gather wisdom from Solomon that can inform what we do and more importantly how we do the work of global justice. In an age of Big Impact, this is a word for the nonprofit leader that cares about the ethic of our approach and the opportunity for a compounding influence in a world where it seems that nothing ever changes. Get support for yourself or for your team with Canopy International Resources and Links from the show Scriptures shared: Ecclesiastes 1: 1-4; 8-11 Ecclesiastes 5: 8-10; 18 Ecclesiastes 9: 7-10 Andy Crouch Tweet 1; Tweet 2 Conversation Notes "All is futility!" - Solomon The work of oppressors and corrupt politicians ends in futility, but what about our work that counters their work? Brandon shares some of his own global nonprofit futility The grace of recognizing how the world works even in it's vanity "Eat, drink and experience good" Andy Crouch throws shade and "impact" and Brandon says "Amen" Does our work matter? Getting our priority (singular) in order   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The number of forcibly displaced people in the world are at an all-time high. On every populated continent, we are seeing conflicts and climates that lead to people fleeing their homes. Our guest today is Myal Greene, who is the CEO of World Relief and he says that the global displacement crisis is the most significant issue that we face in the world today. We look at the last eighty years of how God has used World Relief to meet needs of people from war-torn areas and look at some of the most gripping conflicts today (Ukraine, Sudan and others). Myal has worked with World Relief for nearly two decades both within the US and in Africa. He walks us through what Christians should be aware of when it comes to displacement and how we can be instruments of welcome and support to global neighbors next door and abroad. Get support for yourself or for your team with Canopy International Resources and Links from the show Good News About Injustice by Gary A. Haugen Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang Walking with the Poor by Bryant Myers Rich Christians Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ronald Sider Refuge by Alexander Betts and Paul Collier Refugee Stats from the UNHCR The Evangelical Immigration Table World Relief Online Conversation Notes 9:40 - In the west, we don't have a full conception of the level wealth and privilege that we have  12:20 - Remembering the last eighty years of what God has done through World Relief 15:25 - Finding ways to work with the church and give sacrificially to help the hurting 16:45 - A story about the need for both eternal salvation and the restoration of the present 24:40 - The impact of the 2021 Haitian earthquake and the fall of Kabul as Myal stepped into his role of CEO at World Relief  31:35 - The current displacement crisis is the greatest issue of our time 34:15 - “A smaller set of nations in the world are experiencing far greater suffering while the rest of the world is making continued and sustained progress in poverty alleviation” 36:55 - Contrasting the Ukraine case study with most other areas of poverty and ensuing conflict 38:45 - "Vulnerability is the likeliness that you will experience suffering as a result of shock" 40:50 - World Relief sets their focus on the global displacement crisis 43:00 - The church can be God's instrument of welcome to those that have been forcibly displaced 46:12 - The importance of understanding underlying issues when discussing the arrival of refugees in a host country 52:40 - Working with the church under a biblical vision of community engagement 56:00 - Being inspired by God's Word as a starting point for a life of justice    Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The Great Commission and making disciples is for all Christians, but do we really live that way? We've had a classic understanding of what missionaries ought to be doing, but is that exclusionary? In episode 263, we have Luke Perkins from Crossworld to help us sort it out. Luke served as a missionary professor in Haiti for several years and today is the President at Crossworld where they emphasize that all professions have a role in the work of the Great Commission and the imperative of making disciples throughout the globe. Podcast Sponsor No matter your role in caring for vulnerable children and families, you'll find wisdom, grace, encouragement and community for the road ahead at CAFO2024 in Nashville. It's the go-to spot for those working in Christian orphan care and global child welfare. Learn More and Register for CAFO 2024 Resources and Links from the show Crossworld Website African Friends and Money Matters by David Maranz Conversation Notes 5:25 - What would good helping even look like 8:10 - Starting from the beauty and goodness of God in pursuing mission 10:00 - Emphasizing all professions beyond the classic missions archetypes 17:11 - Defining what disciple-making is all about 18:20 - Understanding business as mission with the quadruple bottom line 29:35 - Distinguishing between disciple-making and church planting 32:20 - The North American church is not designed to make disciples 36:00 - The essence and the rhythms of making disciples 38:00 - Key questions to ask yourself for disciple making 41:00 - Discussing the current state of Haiti   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

We're heading to Kenya for episode 262 as we connect with Steve Kariithi who is the Kenya Program Director at Hope's Promise. Steve talks with Brandon Stiver about what it looks like to do kinship based family care in Kenyan communities. We cover the effects of changing child welfare policy on families and juxtapose that with actions of the government that adversely affect families living in informal settlements. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to work in a slum, this is a good conversation to jump into. Podcast Sponsor No matter your role in caring for vulnerable children and families, you'll find wisdom, grace, encouragement and community for the road ahead at CAFO2024 in Nashville. It's the go-to spot for those working in Christian orphan care and global child welfare. Learn More and Register for CAFO 2024 Resources and Links from the show What can we do about injustice? : Blog by Colleen Briggs The Star Kenya : Families in pain as houses demolished in Mathare YouTube : Residents of Mathare Lament YouTube : Over 6,000 households forcefully evicted along Mathare River Conversation Notes Understanding what life is like for families living in slum areas and what causes slums to form on the margins of urban areas Bridging impact expectations of western donors when working in severely impoverished areas Meaningful interventions that support children to grow up in families The effects of 2022 legislation in Kenya that promoted child care reform and changes for organizations serving children The Kenyan government is destroying homes and displacing families in the Mathare informal settlement of Nairobi   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

For our July news and recommendation episode, we're joined by orphan care leader Kristen Lowry of Shelter Yetu to dive into a range of topics including the recent anti-virus update that sent the Blue Screen of Death around the world, the unintended results of making education free in Zambia, the legal trials of the Nobel Laureate father of micro-finance and dive into a book on being a whistleblower amidst corruption. There's a lot going on in the world, it's not only the American election we should care about, so jump into these other stories with us! Podcast Sponsor No matter your role in caring for vulnerable children and families, you'll find wisdom, grace, encouragement and community for the road ahead at CAFO2024 in Nashville. It's the go-to spot for those working in Christian orphan care and global child welfare. Learn More and Register for CAFO 2024 Resources and Links from the show BBC : How a single IT update caused global havoc BBC : Zambia made education free, now classrooms are crammed The Guardian : Under threat of jail, microfinance pioneer vows to keep lending to poorest Bangladeshis It's Our Turn to Eat: The Story of a Kenyan Whistleblower by Michaela Wrong   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Joining the podcast for episode 260 are global child welfare leaders Christopher Muwanguzi from child's I Foundation, Elli Oswald from Faith to Action Initiative and Jared Scheppmann from Ekisa Ministries. Our guests speak with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about the status of moving people's mindsets in the west to focus on the need for children to be in families, as opposed to orphanages. We zero in specifically on the country of Uganda and juxtapose the good work being done by organizations like child's I and Ekisa with the common practice of needlessly placing kids in residential care. With the backdrop of larger cultural narratives and specific stories about orphanhood that are promoted in media. Podcast Sponsor No matter your role in caring for vulnerable children and families, you'll find wisdom, grace, encouragement and community for the road ahead at CAFO2024 in Nashville. It's the go-to spot for those working in Christian orphan care and global child welfare. Learn More and Register for CAFO 2024 Resources and Links from the show The World : American Missionary Accused of Abuse At His Organization, AidChild (First Article) Barna and Faith to Action : Study on Christian Giving to Orphanages Faith to Action : Family Care in the News Conversation Notes The deliberate work of Faith to Action and partner organizations to change the western media narrative around orphan care The environment within the UK in regards to Global South orphanages The country of Uganda has been up and down in supporting care reform, is it currently progressing or regressing The setbacks in promoting better care in the Global South when stories like Ghetto Kidz comes out on Britain's Got Talent Comparing the perceived realities for children in orphanages versus the actual realities for such children The reality of abuse and corruption within orphanages covered in the media in Uganda The role of local governments to meet the needs of the community – capacity and enforcement Continuing gaps in coverage even in media that promotes care reform   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

There is no escaping the reality that much of what we're familiar with in global missions and development has some roots in colonialism. There is no better person to help us disentangle God's work from worldly power structures than Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst. Dr. Padilla DeBorst is the Richard C. Oudersluys Associate Professor of World Christianity at Western Seminary. She describes how integral mission addresses gaps in many traditional approaches to missions and what it looks like to live out a contextualized gospel in Latin America. Podcast Sponsor The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development. Register for OneAccord 2024 Today Resources and Links from the show Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst's Work Online Good News From Latin America Book Conversation Notes An introduction to integral mission and what deficiencies it was addressing in world missions Disentangling God's work in Latin America from European colonization How neocolonialism continues to affect Christian missions and development work Ethical practices in global partnerships for missions and development organizations Contrasting Jesus' proclamation of the Gospel against the backdrop of Roman imperial rule Exiting our echo chambers to hear from Christian leaders in other global contexts   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Today on the show we are weaving in and out of various topics, largely surrounding Africa and that touch areas of malnutrition (continent-wide) and trafficking (Congo) and even some really beautiful solutions for helping babies (Uganda). We have Dr. Lauren Pinkston of Kindred Exchange on the show with us to make sense of the news and provide critical insight. We dive into questions like if the resource curse is real, the long-term effects of colonialism and the challenges of addressing corrupt supply chains. Podcast Sponsor The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development. Visit The Accord Network Online Resources and Links from the show Fox News : UN report says 27% of children under 5 live in severe food poverty, many in Africa AP News : A growing community of breast milk donors in Uganda gives mothers hope CBS News : African nation threatens Apple with legal action over alleged "blood minerals" in its gadgets King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson Upwardly Dependent Podcast Faith to Action Webinar feat. Dr. Lauren Pinkston : Caring for Orphans Conversation Notes 2:20 - An update on the Upwardly Dependent podcast 6:45 - The high propensity of kids in Africa and around the world that are experiencing food poverty 18:45 - The establishment of a breastmilk cooperative organization in Uganda and how it is saving the lives of children 33:25 - The supply chain of blood metals in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Apple's role within it 40:00 - Supply chains that shift to go through countries that don't have the same ethics that come from a Christian worldview 47:25 - Phil's recommendation of Jonathan Haidt's new book, The Anxious Generation   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In episode 257, Brandon welcomes author and nonprofit director Tiffany Bluhm back to the show. Tiffany is the Executive Director at Made for Pax, a Christian foundation which provides mentorship and vocational development for BIPOC leaders following Christ. The work is specifically employing contemplative formation for those that are engaging in peace and justice work, and that's what we talk about! Tiffany provides us with biblical insight and spiritual practices that can help us sustain the work of community development and justice leaders for the long haul. Podcast Sponsor The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development. Visit The Accord Network Online Resources and Links from the show Made for Pax Online Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys by Richard Twiss Leading from Your Knees with Peter Greer and Ryan Skoog Conversation Notes The link between contemplative formation and sustaining an action-oriented lifestyle Stories of civil rights leaders and how they remained rooted in the midst of justice The importance of intentional investment of BIPOC Christ followers Contextualization and diverse cultural expressions of Gospel embodiment The story of the Old Testament is uniquely tied to the migrant experience   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In episode 256, Brandon and Phil get a crash course in global health from Yasmine Vaughan. Yasmine has her Master's in Public Health and serves as the Technical Advisor for Global Health and Missions with Helping Children Worldwide. Beyond sharing words and conditions that we can't even pronounce, Yasmine shares about the context in West Africa in which their work is centered and we learn the commonalities and differences in public health across different global contexts. Podcast Sponsor The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development. Visit The Accord Network Online Resources and Links from the show View and Join the Together for Global Health Coalition Watch Phil's Sermon on Family Strengthening Conversation Notes Zeroing in on the history and current day realities of Sierra Leone Navigating partnerships between western organizations and their corresponding organizations in the Global South Integrating current programs and initiatives into broader partnerships at the village level Working towards sustainability and reducing outside investment or management Together for Global Health Coalition Common health conditions and healthcare gaps in the Global South, including those that are oblivious to westerners The Global South increasing in conditions that had previously been more represented in the West Innovative ways that health practitioners in the Global South meet needs   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Joining the podcast for episode 255 are nonprofit leaders Dave LeVan and Jon Allen with Water For Good. Dave and Jon speak with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about the status of worldwide access to water and what it looks like to implement Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects in the Global South. We talk through the tremendous needs as well as acknowledge some of the shortfalls of the WASH sector. Our conversation concludes around what it looks like to merge two good-sized global nonprofits as Water For Good and Lifewater International recently underwent that very process. Podcast Sponsor The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development. Visit The Accord Network Online Resources and Links from the show View Water For Good/Lifewater Merger Information Conversation Notes Taking in the big picture of water access globally and what the implications are on people's lives The similarities and the differences when implementing water, sanitation and hygiene projects in the Global South What about all the broken wells in Africa? Is sustainability even possible? The reasons that led to the decision for the two organizations to merge into one The operations and logistics of merging and integrating two different teams along with their activities The post-merger opportunities that are presented to the newly formed Water For Good The importance of staying curious and not losing heart in the work of global justice   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In this month's 3+1 episode, we're diving into conversation around the current refugee crisis being fueled by conflict and displacement worldwide, jump back into recent conversation on Haiti and the challenges that pregnant mothers are facing in the midst of tumult and also look at the controversy surrounding mass weddings in northern Nigeria that includes underage orphan girls. We've got Kelly Strong on the show with us today who is the CEO at Safe International and also an associate providing support to practitioners through the Canopy International coaching collaborative. Podcast Sponsor The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference opens soon for a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development. Visit The Accord Network Online Resources and Links from the show Check out the services and support offered by the team at Canopy International World Relief Blog : The Drivers of Mass Displacement: Ukraine and Beyond The Guardian : ‘It is simply best not to get pregnant': women left terrified as Haiti's maternity services collapse BBC News : Mass wedding for Nigeria orphans sparks outcry Book : Refugee - Rethinking Refugee Policy in a Changing World by Paul Collier and Alexander Betts 2017 Refugee Crisis Series : Welcoming the Stranger with Krish Kandiah Conversation Notes 3:50 What it looks like to change the name and rebrand an international charity 9:15 Checking in on the current state of "record breaking" forced displacement throughout the world and what to do when the world shows up on our doorstep 25:45 The reality of gang violence in Haiti that has collapsed medical clinics and hospitals that women have used to deliver their children 36:15 Evaluating a controversial story of mass wedding of orphan girls in Nigeria and what the implications are regarding child rights and international definitions 50:40 Brandon's recommendation of a page-turner book that covers modern refugee policy     Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

On the show today, we're joined by missionary Matt Rhodes who is the author of No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions. He talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about trends within missions that emphasize speed and big numbers, but often lack the depth of discipleship that characterized Jesus' ministry. Matt shares about the mission that he is engaged in a majority Muslim country Northern Africa and what he's learned from being on the field and what faithfulness (even success) can look like for those spreading the Good News abroad. Podcast Sponsor Child Hope International reunites families in Haiti by providing pathways for children in orphanages to return home with the necessary support to thrive. If you need help transitioning your orphanage or are looking for an organization to support in Haiti, reach out to Child Hope International. Visit Child Hope International Online Resources and Links from the show No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions on Amazon Conversation Notes The primary differences between how missions are approached currently as opposed to the days of William Carey and Hudson Taylor Current trends in missions work Approaching missions with professionalism and being enculturated Is professionalism opposed to being relational? The trajectory of the relatively recent phenomenon of short term missions and it's increasing share of the overall missionary force Not everyone that is a Christian is also an ambassador of Christ, or are they? The implications of the center of Christianity moving to the Global South Charting milestones for successful missions   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

We are joined today by global nonprofit leader Gaston Warner who is the Global North CEO of Zoe Empowers. Gaston talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about their work among vulnerable families, especially child and youth headed households. Over the years, our show has talked a lot about the need for kids to be raised in families and communities and in this episode we learn about a comprehensive model that emphasizes the children's agency to overcome poverty. We talk empowerment, data, promising practices and it's an episode our orphan care diehards don't want to miss. Podcast Sponsor Zoe Empowers is equipping orphaned children and youth-led families with solutions to overcome extreme poverty—for good. Visit Zoe Empowers Online Resources and Links from the show Data and Research from Zoe Empowers Conversation Notes Understanding the reality of child and youth headed households in the Global South The empowerment model started by a Rwandan practitioner - how it works and how it's applied across countries Intentionally limiting partnerships and what it looks like for both beneficiaries and donors Defining the buzzword "empowerment" within global development The importance of integrating child rights throughout programming   Theme music by Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In this 3+1 episode, we're getting into recent news about ways that Russia is getting around economic sanctions to buoy their economy during their war of aggression as well a couple Asian countries where pollution and contamination is having widespread effects on people's health and wellbeing. We've got Amanda Erne joining us for the conversation. Amanda is on staff with World Concern, is an associate with Canopy International and has a wealth of understanding around climate and sustainable agriculture. We discuss if the term "climate change" is still of use in Christian circles or if it turns too many people off and then get into a documentary recommendation focusing on a Malawian farmer advocating for change. Podcast Sponsor Child Hope International reunites families in Haiti by providing pathways for children in orphanages to return home with the necessary support to thrive. If you need help transitioning your orphanage or are looking for an organization to support in Haiti, reach out to Child Hope International. Visit Child Hope International Online Conversation Notes 8:45 Alternate economies that Russia is setting up to get around sanctions 21:00 Widespread contamination of drinking water in Bangladesh 29:45 Are we overpoliticizing terms like climate change and shutting off Christians to real stewardship issues? 35:13 A vicious cycle of pollution, cancer and economic collapse in Lebanon 48:00 The Ants and The Grasshopper documentary focuses on the story of a farmer and an advocate in Malawi Resources and Links from the show Al-Jazeera : Parallel Economy - How Russia is Defying the West's Boycott Mongabay : Beneath the surface, a toxic tide threatens Bangladesh's water lifeline The Guardian : ‘Where can you hide from pollution?': cancer rises 30% in Beirut as diesel generators poison city The Ants & The Grasshopper Documentary   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

"We stand together at the foot of the cross and we will work for peace." Dr. Karen Fancher from Multnomah University joins the show today to walk us through the profoundly Christian field of peacebuilding. In her conversation with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke, Dr. Fancher walks us through what it means to promote peace within the humanitarian space with direct application to situations in Palestine and Sudan as well as explores the biblical foundation for Christians to be actively engaged in bringing God's Kingdom of peace and justice. Podcast Sponsor Child Hope International reunites families in Haiti by providing pathways for children in orphanages to return home with the necessary support to thrive. If you need help transitioning your orphanage or are looking for an organization to support in Haiti, reach out to Child Hope International. Visit Child Hope International Online Resources and Links from the show Visit Multnomah University Online and the Graduate Peacebuilding Certificate Program Strategic Peacebuilding by Lisa Shirch Combatants for Peace Online Conversation Notes 6:20 How God intertwines our work and our passion into a life story 11:05 “Reconciliation takes place when we step across difference” 16:00 Honoring those that have been traumatized and not making assumptions as outsiders when trying to understand conflict in other countries 19:20 Understanding the biblical concept of shalom 24:15 Peace as a central theme for Jesus and his followers 29:10 The primacy of being citizens of the Kingdom of God in contested times and situations. Should we be pro-Israel or pro-Palestine? 34:00 Common drivers of violence and conflict - disparity, feelings of powerlessness, trauma and redemptive violence 43:05 Considering the history of conflict in Sudan and the impact of war trauma on the populations 51:10 The difference between peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding in the humanitarian space 56:55 Proximity, skills and posture that promote peace 1:03:10 The role that foreign bodies, international entities and INGOs should and should not play in conflict resolution 1:09:00 Organizations and stories of peace: "We stand together at the foot of the cross and we will work for peace." 1:14:10 Learning from the prejudices and hurts in our own heart towards other people and seeking to better understand the Kingdom of God

We are privileged to be joined today by a Christian leader that really embodies the ethic that we are all striving for as we pursue justice, mercy and shalom in the nations. We're grateful to have Eugene Cho join Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke on the show today talking with us about the work of Bread for the World and what it looks like to advocate for the poor and hungry both in the US and throughout the world. Eugene shares a pastoral word for those of us engaged in global justice work and offers his own reflections of how he remains grounded in Christ in the midst of busy lives of pursuing justice. Podcast Sponsor Zoe Empowers is equipping orphaned children and youth-led families with solutions to overcome extreme poverty—for good. Visit Zoe Empowers Online Resources and Links from the Show Overrated by Eugene Cho Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk by Eugene Cho Visit Bread for the World Online Conversation Notes Conversation Notes 5:20 - Finding your vocation through following the Holy Spirit and seeking first the Kingdom of God 9:30 - Living a Christian ethic and counteracting egoism, isolationism, scarcity and individualism 14:20 - "Right now, this is the worst global hunger crisis in the last fifty years" The gravity of worldwide hunger and where are we seeing the most acute hunger. 19:20 - The Five C's that drive hunger globally - COVID, Conflict, Climate Change, Cost, Corruption and how we respond with Compassion and Courage 28:30 - The difference between poverty and hunger within the US and poverty and hunger in the Global South 36:00 - What Eugene would do if he was a global dictator 41:35 - The importance of avoiding apathy and cynicism and embracing learning and praying when it comes to global issues. 52:15 - What is true advocacy and should Christians be involving themselves in politics 1:04:50 - Humanizing the struggle of families to make ends meet 1:09:20 - Staying grounded in the midst of undertaking really big global nonprofit work 1:15:55 - Reflecting on Overrated a decade later and pastoring the global nonprofit community

In this 3+1 episode, we're talking the good (malaria vaccines), the bad (slavery) and a whole lot of Haiti. We've got Mac Archer back on the show to share with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke what she's seeing on the ground in Haiti and what's getting missed in larger media outlets. We talk through the utility of violence by those running the country and look at some potentially similar dynamics in other countries. We also discuss forced labor in Asia, the rise of malaria vaccines in Africa and get a book recommendation for a book that just released in the last couple of months. Conversation Notes 3:00 - Podcast shoutouts for community members that are reviewing, sharing and sponsoring the show 8:40 - A good news story! Vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa are leading to a decline in infant/child mortalities caused by Malaria 21:00 - Looking at the situation in Haiti from someone in the country and with an article by a Haitian leader. Are these really "gangs"? In what ways is it similar to other conflict areas? Is there accountability for foreign interference? 37:55 - The exploitation of North Korean enslaved laborers in China and the nature and challenges of reporting on issues within totalitarian nations 48:58 - Understanding the context of Haiti and other majority world countries through the economic and anthropological lens of Jake Johnston Resources and Links from the Show Al-Jazeera : Could new vaccines end Malaria in Africa? NACLA : Haiti as Empire's Laboratory BBC : North Koreans working in China 'exploited like slaves' Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti by Jake Johnston   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Today, we're releasing our podcast collaboration with our friends at Theology in the Raw. Brandon had a chance to sit down with Preston Sprinkle and dive into all things global orphan care and discuss the realities of that children in orphanages face worldwide. Our conversation weaves between a theology of calling and mission and how American Christians intersect with orphans in the Global South. We discuss the reality of life within orphanages, why kids end up there and what risk factors and vulnerabilities arise when kids are raised in that environment. This is a good Ethical Orphan Care 101 type episode and we're grateful for the chance to collaborate with Theology in the Raw to raise awareness and education. For additional follow-up check out Brandon's four part orphan care blog series on Theology in the Raw. Here's the link. Resources and Links from the show When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence by Phil Darke and Keith McFarland Check out our friends at Cherish Uganda Get help to transform your orphanage with Canopy International

Global nonprofits are notorious doers, always thinking, planning and taking action. In all of our intentionality for programs and justice endeavors, are we being equally intentional to pray? Peter Greer is back on the show, along with new friend Ryan Skoog, to share about the new book that they wrote (along with Cameron Doolittle) called Lead with Prayer. This is a conversation for everyone, because without God's intervention, nothing would happen anyway. And here's the secret that our guests share with us, "even better than answered prayer, is the very presence of God." Let's think, let's do, but let's also pray. Resources and Links from the show Join us for the first ever CarePortal Conference Lead With Prayer Website (Includes Free Prayer Tools) Echo Prayer App Conversation Notes 4:25 - Ryan's background in entrepreneurship and fundraising 9:55 - Connection of themes between The Gift of Disillusionment and Lead with Prayer 13:10 - The impact of the global church on our lives and taking the Gospel locally and to the ends of the earth 17:00 - Why is prayer so overlooked within Christian nonprofits. Peter asks, “Do we think that we have more to do than Jesus?” 22:35 - Diving into the research of different leaders around the world and what their prayer lives look like 26:35 - Leaders have a friendship first approach to their prayer lives 30:03 - It requires intentionality to set up prayer rhythms both personally and as an organizational 37:50 - The importance of leaders to repent and avoid the common story of Christian leaders that fall from grace 44:20 - Stories of people's prayer lives

In honor of the World Without Orphans Global Forum and in honor of awesome work being done in the Philippines, we've got Chrina Cuna Henson joining the show. Chrina runs the Manila-based organization Generations-Home and talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about what it's like to promote foster care and adoption in the Philippines. We discuss the reality of violence against children and the pervasive online sexual exploitation of children in the country and learn how Generations-Home is promoting the care and protection of Filipino children. Resources and Links from the Show Join us for the first ever CarePortal Conference Generations-Home Website "Constance" by Mr. J Medeiros (Music Video) Conversation Notes 2:30 What's great about the World Without Orphans Global Forum 7:50 About Generations Home and their work in the Philippines 10:15 How God led Chrina from personal tragedy into running a nonprofit focused on orphans and vulnerable children 15:00 Overview of orphanhood and childhood vulnerability in the Philippines including online sexual exploitation of children 22:42 Starting a church based, family focused movement in an orphanage and exploitation heavy context 34:35 The art of being gracious with people that have good intentions that are just trying to do what they think is best 39:30 Foster care and adoption in the Philippines 46:10 Getting the local church involved with vulnerable children and families 50:35 Being an OVC organization that is based financially in Asia rather than the West 55:53 Embracing our own brokenness as we faithfully serve vulnerable communities

In this 3+1 episode, we're catching up on some global stories that you might have missed and have a recommendation of the pop variety. We're continuing last month's conversation on elections by looking at El Salvador, talking through localization efforts in global development, the scandal surrounding UNRWA-Hamas and then get Brandon's take on Bono's recent biography, Surrender. Dr. Greg Burch of Multnomah University joins Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke for the conversation. Get support for your nonprofit team or project with our team of professionals at Canopy International Resources and Links from the show Foreign Policy : What Bukele's Rise Means for the Region World Relief : Three Trends We're Seeing in Global Development in 2024 USAID : Communicating through a Localization Lens The Media Line : Hamas Sacrifices Gaza Children, and UNRWA Complicit in Crimes Bridgely The Locust Effect by Gary Haugen and Victor Boutros God of the Empty-Handed by Jayukumar Christian Conversation Notes 2:12 - Discussion on Christian Higher ed 8:23 - Considering security, freedom, violence and democracy as El Salvador goes through changes and the leadership of Nayib Bukele 22:00 - Why even bother bringing politics into the podcast conversation? 26:10 - Trends in global development, localization and the place for outsiders 40:30 - Violence against children in Israel-Palestine and the Hamas-UNRWA reports 52:34 - Surrender by Bono and reflections on the celebrity activist   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

What does it look like to meet the needs of very vulnerable people in the face of glaring global disparity? What does it look like to bring God's Kingdom through improving access to healthcare in the Global South? These are the questions we're looking at today as we dive into conversation with CEO of CURE International, Justin Narducci. Justin and his team CURE are distinctly rooted in Luke 9:2 where Jesus commissioned His disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. For them that means running hospitals in eight countries, providing over 330,000 surgeries and sharing the gospel with 1.5 million people. We get to learn from their experience in this episode of the podcast. Resources and Links from the show Cure International Website Get Support for Yourself or Your Team with Canopy International Conversation Notes 1:40 - Update on Brandon's work with CarePortal 4:05 - Think Global becoming Think Global, Do Justice 9:50 - The work of Cure Intl. and how God led Justin into the global nonprofit space 12:00 - How scripture points us towards caring for people both locally and globally regardless of ethnicity and upbringing 13:20 - The history and the founding of CURE to meet healthcare and spiritual needs of vulnerable children and communities 15:20 - The environment in which CURE is working and the harsh realities for families and children 21:20 - The feelings of a parent whose child is in need of serious medical care 25:40 - The imperative for CURE to provide healthcare to vulnerable children specifically  29:30 - Addressing the tremendous disparity when looking at healthcare in Africa versus other areas of the world 33:15 - Promoting sustainability and professional development through CURE's hospitals and partnerships 39:00 - How should we think about scaling solutions especially in the face of such tremendous needs throughout the world 45:24 - Seeing an organization grow from the founder to subsequent executives without mission creep 48:50 - Incorporating Christian ministry care with the medical care to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God 53:35 - The importance of having a specialized skill that you can transfer and train others in   Podcast music by Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

You cannot have a conversation around global issues without considering the state of the earth itself. We are talking today with educator, author and climate advocate Dr. Forrest Inslee to learn, "what on earth is happening with the earth?" Dr. Inslee brings a distinctly Christian viewpoint to the conversation as we consider the damage being done to the environment and how Christians that are engaging vulnerable communities around the world have a role to play in supporting not just people, but all of God's creation. Resources and Links from the show Earthkeepers Podcast Re-imagining Short Term Missions Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katharine Hayhoe Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Land by Norman Wirzba Conversation Notes 7:10 - Remembering that God loves all ethnicities and nationalities the same and Jesus making us into family 10:15 - Blood relation, family and adoption in Turkey 15:15 - A snapshot of climate change, extreme weather, ecosystem loss and how a Christian should think through these realities 19:45 - The link between poverty and ecological degradation  23:40 - Christians believe that people matter most, but is it the case that people are all that matters. 27:57 - The way that people divide even in the midst of having something they could agree on (and also Parks and Rec) 34:45 - Is there a role for technology to solve our problems or is that just magic thinking that won't bear enough fruit 38:40 - Urbanization is a historic long term trend and how can people do something to take action 46:15 - The need to reimagine how we do short term missions 52:00 - Promising practices in short term missions and cross-cultural ministry 57:45 - Practicing humility and learning as we engage in justice work

In our first ever 3+1 episode, we're catching up on some global stories that you might have missed. We're talking about the war going on in Sudan, elections throughout the world, USAID waste and then learn of a great recommendation from our guest on developing monitoring and evaluation. Conversation Notes 2:10 - Introduction to the 3+1 format and those that are in the conversation today 6:35 - The war in Sudan, the current situation, the history, the displacement, the genocide 11:35 - The economy of attention, why do we hear about certain problems or conflicts and not others 20:40 - Countries representing half of the world's population are heading to the polls this year.  25:10 - Legitimacy of the elections in question and walking the line between perception and reality 30:02 - What is the role of the church in civic participation? 36:10 - USAID's biggest contract in history goes a bit sour 44:50 - Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning resource for development professionals. Super helpful guide and directed course to equip you for this work. Resources and Links from the Show The Guardian : ‘Why are they forgetting about us?': Sudan watches allies turn from war to aid Ukraine and Gaza Politico : The global elections Washington should be watching in 2024 Devex : 'Too big to fail': How USAID's $9.5B supply chain vision unraveled MEAL DPro: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning for Development Professionals Sometimes in April Movie The White Man's Burden by William Easterly Think Orphan's Refugee Crisis Series Theme music : Standing in the Rain by Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Author and development educator, Dr. Michael Pucci joins the show to talk with us about the spiritual and relational dynamics of poverty and helps us understand the biblical view of the global family of God. We also dive into a fascinating conversation on the multi-billion dollar aid industry (which is nuanced by the amount of remittances sent to the Global South). Dr. Pucci is based in Kigali where he runs Transformational Initiatives and invests in women's economic empowerment alongside other transformational development initiatives. Resources and Links Owning Poverty by Michael Pucci, PhD 2023 Global Philanthropy Tracker Full Report Join our NEW Patreon Community Conversation Notes What does it mean to coach towards transformation (6:30) Applying James 1:27 to understand the powerlessness of individuals and how family is the model for Christians to interact with others (9:30) Is it okay to show preference toward certain people within a Christian's life? (11:35) Understanding the condition of poverty and how it applies to everyone (17:50) The role of spiritual disciplines to know and participate in poverty (22:35) The reactions of people that are first encountering poverty (25:55) Poverty and suffering within the global Body of Christ (30:30) Hearing how the poor describe poverty (40:20) The importance of boundaries and diversity to promote social flourishing (43:00) The laying down of power and cultural dominance (51:00) Should we be building bridges or taking bridges apart? (57:00) The global aid industry, it's big, it's not working and the mode of engagement is off (59:45) Investigating our actions to see if they align with the Kingdom of God (1:11:00)

This podcast is something like day one, while at the same time seven years strong. In this trailer episode for Think Global, Brandon Stiver speaks to the heart of the podcast and the season that God is calling our community into. You'll hear about some of the updates to the podcast as well as more ways to connect with us. Brandon also introduces Canopy International, a global community for convening, connecting and collaborating. Please support the show (seriously, we don't have backers anymore!) Here's our freshly set-up Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/canopyinternational/ Please rate and review the show as we seek to reach more globally-minded disciples that are looking for community and meaningful content.   Theme Music : Standing in the Rain by Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License.

Phil and Brandon share how God has been working through the podcast throughout 2023 as well as throughout the history since Phil started the show nearly seven years ago. As we close out the year, we share the direction that God is leading us to take the podcast in 2024 and beyond. This is a heartfelt, earnest community conversation on the podcast today. We're adjusting the scope, changing the name and stepping into the next phase of this podcast community. We're grateful to have you in this community and are looking forward to going deeper with you as he calls all of us to better serve vulnerable and marginalized communities.  Support the podcast by joining our NEW Patreon community : Link