Development and Justice

This special episode highlights the forum hosted by the Institute for Cultural Engagement at Multnomah University on October 27, 2021. The forum was focused on the presentation by Dr. Dave Kresta and the subject of his new book, Jesus on Main Street: Good News through Community Economic Development. Featured panelists were Mr. Rudy Carrasco, Rev. Dr. Matt Hennessee, Elder Catherine Brown and Dr. Greg Burch. Host of the forum is Dr. Paul Metzger of Multnomah Biblical Seminary. 

On this episode Greg Burch interviews Jason Fileta about his life and work. Jason is currently VP of Engagement at Tearfund after years leading the organization, Micah Challenge. Jason opens up and shares about his journey and the work he does today, what motivates him to keep going and where he finds hope. Jason shares about his vocation which has led him to lead justice movements in challenging areas, such as poverty alleviation and climate justice work.

Thanks to a recent trip back to Portland, Dr. Greg Burch was able to connect with MAGDJ alumna Shelbye Renfro in the Multnomah Studios. Shelbye works in a community in Kigali, Rwanda with the organization Word Made Flesh. In this episode of Development and Justice Shelbye talks about her work in seeking justice in her adopted community through economic and sustainable development projects that her and her team lead. She provides a timely update on how the covid-19 pandemic is impacting her and her friends in Rwanda and their work and how she stays encouraged and hopeful despite challenging circumstances at times. Have a listen!

This episode focuses specifically on leading the work of Africa New Life Ministries (ANLM) and highlights the roles and relationship of the two key leaders of the organization, Dr. Charles Mugisha (President and co-founder) and Alan Hotchkiss (U.S. Executive Director). The two share insights on mutual respect and trust in guiding both the U.S. and Rwandan sides of the organization, highlighting localization and partnership at its best.

Brandon Stiver has worn a number of different hats when it comes to working with vulnerable Kids. He has lived and worked in Tanzania, California and now is based in Tacoma, WA. Brandon started off his work with at-risk kids working in the child welfare sector in Moshi, Tanzania. After taking a hiatus in the states, he and his family returned to Moshi and setup a non-profit to care for kids, but with attention given more toward re-unifying kids with their families. Now Brandon is living in Tacoma with his own family and in the position as Director of Programs and Partnerships with the organization, 1 Million Home. What’s so remarkable about his story is the transition he made in his work and vocation …. from supporting kids through institutional care and orphanages to a strong emphasis on seeing children reunified with their families. 

On this episode we talk to Adrienne Livingston about her work with WorldVenture. Adrienne is a humanitarian and global catalyst in combating sex trafficking. She currently serves as the Director of Anti-Sex Trafficking Initiatives with WorldVenture which aims to bring positive change to underserved communities through service, partnership and advocacy. With over 20 years of working in the non-profit sector, she has devoted her career to advancing human rights, social justice issues and Christ-Centered love. She is also an adjunct professor in the Global Development and Justice program, co-teaching Non-profit Leadership and Administration with Dr. Karen Fancher! In addition to these responsibilities, Adrienne serves on the board of directors for Multnomah University and is co-coordinator for the Oregon Community Foundation. 

This is part 2 of an extensive interview that Greg Burch conducted with Rev. Dr. Leroy Barber. On this one year anniversary that marks the killing of George Floyd by a convicted Minneapolis Police Officer, the Development and Justice Podcast reflects on the role of the Church and the need for a prophetic and liberating voice in these spheres. Guest, Rev. Dr. Barber, speaks plainly about the Church's mistakes and the opportunities to lead when it comes to standing up for racial justice in our communities. 

This episode is part 1 of an extensive conversation with guest, Dr. Rev. Leroy Barber, adjunct professor in Community Development Practice at Multnomah University, co-founder of the Voices Project and Director of Innovation for an Engaged Church for the Greater Northwest Area of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Barber and host Dr. Greg Burch discuss lessons learned in the struggle for justice in community development spheres and the evolution of his own perspectives and background, covering his early years in ministry, the influence of mentors in his life and ministry engagement in the age of Covid.

This podcast seeks to highlight our unique, faith-based understanding of development and justice as seen in the lives of graduates, instructors and partners of the graduate program at Multnomah University in Global Development and Justice.

Our first episode seeks to set the stage for our podcast by looking at some key terms and perspectives that really provide the context for what we plan to focus on in this podcast in the months and years to come.

Featured are Dr. Greg Burch and Dr. Karen Fancher.