Think Global, Do Justice

Canopy International

The podcast and community for globally minded disciples seeking God's justice, mercy and shalom throughout the world. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Dr. Karen Fancher - Blessed Are The Peacemakers
4d ago
Dr. Karen Fancher - Blessed Are The Peacemakers
"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 story11:05 “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 countries19:20 Understanding the biblical concept of shalom24:15 Peace as a central theme for Jesus and his followers29:10 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 violence43:05 Considering the history of conflict in Sudan and the impact of war trauma on the populations51:10 The difference between peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding in the humanitarian space56:55 Proximity, skills and posture that promote peace1:03:10 The role that foreign bodies, international entities and INGOs should and should not play in conflict resolution1:09:00 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
Eugene Cho - Advocating for the Hungry
09-04-2024
Eugene Cho - Advocating for the Hungry
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 God9:30 - Living a Christian ethic and counteracting egoism, isolationism, scarcity and individualism14:20 - "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 Courage28:30 - The difference between poverty and hunger within the US and poverty and hunger in the Global South36:00 - What Eugene would do if he was a global dictator41:35 - 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 politics1:04:50 - Humanizing the struggle of families to make ends meet1:09:20 - Staying grounded in the midst of undertaking really big global nonprofit work1:15:55 - Reflecting on Overrated a decade later and pastoring the global nonprofit community
Malaria, Haiti, Slavery and "Aid State" (March 3+1)
29-03-2024
Malaria, Haiti, Slavery and "Aid State" (March 3+1)
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 show8:40 - A good news story! Vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa are leading to a decline in infant/child mortalities caused by Malaria21:00 - 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 nations48:58 - 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
Peter Greer and Ryan Skoog - Leading From Your Knees
12-03-2024
Peter Greer and Ryan Skoog - Leading From Your Knees
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 fundraising9:55 - Connection of themes between The Gift of Disillusionment and Lead with Prayer13:10 - The impact of the global church on our lives and taking the Gospel locally and to the ends of the earth17:00 - 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 like26:35 - Leaders have a friendship first approach to their prayer lives30:03 - It requires intentionality to set up prayer rhythms both personally and as an organizational37:50 - The importance of leaders to repent and avoid the common story of Christian leaders that fall from grace44:20 - Stories of people’s prayer lives
Chrina Henson - Pioneering Family Care in the Philippines
27-02-2024
Chrina Henson - Pioneering Family Care in the Philippines
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 Forum7:50 About Generations Home and their work in the Philippines10:15 How God led Chrina from personal tragedy into running a nonprofit focused on orphans and vulnerable children15:00 Overview of orphanhood and childhood vulnerability in the Philippines including online sexual exploitation of children22:42 Starting a church based, family focused movement in an orphanage and exploitation heavy context34:35 The art of being gracious with people that have good intentions that are just trying to do what they think is best39:30 Foster care and adoption in the Philippines46:10 Getting the local church involved with vulnerable children and families50:35 Being an OVC organization that is based financially in Asia rather than the West55:53 Embracing our own brokenness as we faithfully serve vulnerable communities
El Salvador, Localization, UNRWA and Bono (February 3+1)
23-02-2024
El Salvador, Localization, UNRWA and Bono (February 3+1)
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 ed8:23 - Considering security, freedom, violence and democracy as El Salvador goes through changes and the leadership of Nayib Bukele22:00 - Why even bother bringing politics into the podcast conversation?26:10 - Trends in global development, localization and the place for outsiders40:30 - Violence against children in Israel-Palestine and the Hamas-UNRWA reports52:34 - Surrender by Bono and reflections on the celebrity activist   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License
Justin Narducci - Heal the Sick, Proclaim the Kingdom
13-02-2024
Justin Narducci - Heal the Sick, Proclaim the Kingdom
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 CarePortal4:05 - Think Global becoming Think Global, Do Justice9:50 - The work of Cure Intl. and how God led Justin into the global nonprofit space12:00 - How scripture points us towards caring for people both locally and globally regardless of ethnicity and upbringing13:20 - The history and the founding of CURE to meet healthcare and spiritual needs of vulnerable children and communities15:20 - The environment in which CURE is working and the harsh realities for families and children21:20 - The feelings of a parent whose child is in need of serious medical care25:40 - 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 world33:15 - Promoting sustainability and professional development through CURE’s hospitals and partnerships39:00 - How should we think about scaling solutions especially in the face of such tremendous needs throughout the world45:24 - Seeing an organization grow from the founder to subsequent executives without mission creep48:50 - Incorporating Christian ministry care with the medical care to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God53:35 - 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
Dr. Forrest Inslee - Caring for Creation
30-01-2024
Dr. Forrest Inslee - Caring for Creation
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 family10:15 - Blood relation, family and adoption in Turkey15:15 - A snapshot of climate change, extreme weather, ecosystem loss and how a Christian should think through these realities19:45 - 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 fruit38:40 - Urbanization is a historic long term trend and how can people do something to take action46:15 - The need to reimagine how we do short term missions52:00 - Promising practices in short term missions and cross-cultural ministry57:45 - Practicing humility and learning as we engage in justice work
Sudan, Elections, USAID and MEAL [January 3+1]
26-01-2024
Sudan, Elections, USAID and MEAL [January 3+1]
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 today6:35 - The war in Sudan, the current situation, the history, the displacement, the genocide11:35 - The economy of attention, why do we hear about certain problems or conflicts and not others20:40 - 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 reality30:02 - What is the role of the church in civic participation?36:10 - USAID’s biggest contract in history goes a bit sour44:50 - 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
Dr. Michael Pucci - Owning Poverty
16-01-2024
Dr. Michael Pucci - Owning Poverty
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)
Mackynzie Archer - The Emotional Labor of Care-Affected Children
07-11-2023
Mackynzie Archer - The Emotional Labor of Care-Affected Children
Mackynzie 'Mac' Archer comes with a deep love for the Haitian people and vulnerable populations. She is an anthropologist, researcher, consultant, and advocate. In this episode we dive into some of her findings in short-term missions, the orphanage system in Haiti, and her most recent doctoral research on the emotional labor of care-affected children. Podcast Sponsor Sojourn Studio Sojourn Studio empowers young women and moms on the Thailand-Myanmar border through dignified work as they handcraft beauty to rewrite stories and lift communities. Get shopping today and support families at the same time! Resources and Links from the show Most Children In Haitian Orphanages Aren’t Orphans — But US Missionaries Take Them Away From Their Families Disquieting Gifts: Humanitarianism in New Delhi Travesty in Haiti: A true account of Christian missions, orphanages, fraud, food aid, and drug trafficking The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics Conversation Notes How Mackenzie got to Haiti (6:00)The reality on the ground at an orphanage (7:30)Interviewing children in orphanage systems (10:30)Let’s talk about life in Haiti right now (12:00)The impact of instability on orphanages (15:00)An increase in malnutrition (21:00)Most organizations unable to meet basic needs (23:00)Sustaining poor child welfare practices (26:00)Good intentions (27:00)One story from a short-term missions volunteer (31:00)Accountable empathy (38:00)Are we willing to receiving from other cultures? (41:00)The emotional labor we see at orphanages (47:00)Wiping the eyes of children between groups of visitors (52:00)Emotional labor in family reunification (57:00)Building relationships instead of structures (1:12:00)
Mobilizing the Church for Care Reform
10-10-2023
Mobilizing the Church for Care Reform
In this conversation episode, we bring together leaders within different denominations to talk about care reform and the role the American church can play. Joining ust today are from Kristen Lowry from Shelter Yetu and Send Relief (Southern Baptist Convention), Laura Horvath from Helping Children Worldwide and the United Methodist Church, and Pastor Jacob Lierz from LifeMission Church. We discuss what motivates American churches to engage in global orphan care? How do we encourage them to move towards better practice? Can the church lead the movement for care reform? Podcast Sponsor Sojourn Studio Sojourn Studio empowers young women and moms on the Thailand-Myanmar border through dignified work as they handcraft beauty to rewrite stories and lift communities. Get shopping today and support families at the same time! Resources and Links from the show 1MILLIONHOME Church Resources Love Wisely course Short-Term Missions Manual by Faith to Action Barna Research Study Send Relief consultant advocates orphan care reform From the Field: How can your church help orphans? Freeing Congregational Mission Breaking Bread Series Conversation Notes What brought our guests into reforming orphan care (6:00) Advising churches on best practice (13:00) Helping the church ask questions (16:30) Bringing change in missions (21:00) Why are churches and donors reluctant to change? (31:00) Should we stop supporting orphanages? (35:00) Stories of change (42:00) Short-term mission vs. long-term missions (49:00) Improving child protection in missions (58:00) Start with education and ask the hard questions (1:05:00)
Brian Fikkert and Gabriel Walder - When Collaboration Helps Families
12-09-2023
Brian Fikkert and Gabriel Walder - When Collaboration Helps Families
In this episode, Brian Fikkert and Gabriel Walder join the show to tackle critical topics such as helping the church rediscover its identity, divisions within the American church regarding poverty, and the intricate relationship between economic empowerment and family well-being. Additionally, they delve into cross-cultural missions, the significance of community and relationships, and discuss ACE's collaboration with Chalmers Center. Tune in for insightful perspectives on poverty alleviation and community building. Podcast Sponsor Replanted Conference The Replanted Conference provides a time away for caregivers to be refreshed, equipped, and inspired! Join us October 12-14, 2023 in Chicago or at a simulcast location near you. Registration now open! Use code '1MH10' to get your Think Orphan discount! Resources and Links from the show When Helping Hurts Vulnerable Children How Soccer Explains Leadership with Graham Daniels Becoming Whole by Brian Fikkert and Kelly Kapic Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World by Andy Crouch Chalmers Center Alliance for Children Everywhere Conversation Notes What does human flourishing look like? (7:30)Helping the church to rediscover who we are (9:00)Supporting organizations to transition to family care (16:00)The division of the American church on why people are poor (22:00)The problems with economic empowerment (24:00)The Graduation Approach of economic empowerment (34:00)Family as the solution and greatest community asset (37:00)Approaching families with humility (41:00)Working cross-culturally in missions (43:00)The imperative of community and relationship (48:00)ACE’s collaboration with Chalmers Center (1:04)