Lasting Change

Have you ever needed to step away from the noise of everyday life to hear God?

At El Refugio in Ecuador, Jim Olsen and his team create space for young people, churches, and communities to encounter Jesus through nature, adventure, discipleship, and intentional relationships. In this episode of The Lasting Change Podcast, Scott talks with Jim about the story of El Refugio, the power of experiential discipleship, and how One Collective’s work in Ecuador is growing toward deeper community transformation.

Listen in and be encouraged by what God is doing in Ecuador.

Most of us want to help, but it’s easy to step in like the hero and accidentally keep people stuck. In this episode, Scott Olson talks with Hector Chavez De La Rosa, a One Collective Catalyst, about a different kind of leadership: coming alongside in ways that help people rise up. Hector shares the idea of being a “window and a mirror”, showing others what’s possible while reflecting hope in a way that feels possible. You’ll hear how his story, shaped by hardship, military service, and good mentors, led him back home to build lasting change through local ownership. Listen in and consider what it could look like to lead without being the hero.

• How to lead without being the hero and still create real change
• Why local ownership is the goal, and what success looks like when residents lead
• How to “be a window and a mirror” so people can see what’s possible and believe they belong in it

Community development doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with one person who has a skill and a leader willing to connect the dots.

That’s what happened in northeastern India, where One Collective Catalyst Pradeep began walking alongside his community. By empowering a local beekeeper, he helped create jobs, restore dignity, and open doors for spiritual transformation.

Listen in to hear how Pradeep is using faith, entrepreneurship, and local leadership to create lasting change.

Most of us think leadership is about stepping up. But what if real impact starts when you step back?

In this episode, we talk with Emily Hooper, a former physical therapist who now leads community development work in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Emily shares how she moved from “doing the work” to empowering local leaders—and why true transformation happens when we stop trying to lead everything ourselves.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help without creating dependency, this conversation is for you.

Listen now to hear how letting go might be the most powerful leadership move you make.

What does it take to truly show up for refugees—especially when language, culture, and broken systems stand in the way?

In this episode of The Lasting Change Podcast, we explore how real change happens when we move beyond surface-level help and into long-term relationships. You’ll hear practical insight on bridging cultural gaps, collaborating across organizations, and showing up with humility in spaces where trust must be earned.

Whether you’re already involved in refugee ministry or wondering how to start, this conversation will challenge and equip you to build the kind of trust that truly transforms lives—yours included.

What does real anti-trafficking work look like? In this episode of the Lasting Change podcast, we sit down with Andrew Larson—One Collective’s catalyst in Athens, Greece—to explore the realities of sexual exploitation, the complexity of trafficking, and what it takes to make a meaningful difference.

This episode isn’t a tidy story of rescue. Instead it’s a look at what it means to break isolation, build trust over time, and embody hope in some of the darkest places. Whether you’re new to this topic or passionate about justice, Andrew’s experience will help you understand how long-term, relational work can transform lives—both overseas and in your own neighborhood.

In this Episode, you will learn:

A clear definition of human trafficking—and what makes it so complex

Why Greece is a critical hotspot in the global trafficking network

The unique challenges of anti-trafficking work in brothel districts

How outreach teams safely engage with women in crisis

Why rescue isn’t always the goal—and what true success looks like

Practical ways you can respond locally or globally

What it means to find God among the oppressed

One Collective - Athens Alephtheria Community

Polaris Project

A21

European Freedom Network

One Collective - Serve Abroad Opportunities

Description

What if the true measure of success in missions wasn’t how much you built—but what continued after you left?

In this episode of The Lasting Change Podcast, hosts Michael Proctor and Danielle Kelly sit down with Brandon Weidman, Director of Development at One Collective and the founding catalyst of the organization’s work in Nicaragua. Brandon shares how a short-term mission trip turned into a long-term commitment—and how that commitment sparked a sustainable model of ministry that continues to grow today.

From launching a chicken farm and a coffee company to empowering local leaders and navigating political unrest, Brandon walks us through the challenges and lessons of building something that lasts. Now, as the Nicaragua team prepares to expand into a neighboring city, they’re looking for the next catalyst—a leader ready to live in the community, build relationships, and help shape the next chapter of holistic, sustainable transformation.

Whether you’re in ministry, missions, or just passionate about doing good in a healthy, sustainable way, this episode offers real-world insight into how lasting change actually happens—and how you might be part of it.

In this Episode

How short-term mission trips led to long-term community transformation

The story behind the founding of One Collective Nicaragua

What it looks like to empower local leaders and avoid dependency

How a chicken farm, coffee company, and a pineapple farm became tools for change

What “kingdom calculus” is—and why 1 + 1 can equal 3

How the catalytic model works, and what it means to be a catalyst

Why Papagayo, a remote pineapple farm at the edge of a jungle, might be the perfect launching pad for the next wave of change

How YOU (or someone you know) might fit into this story of growth and lasting impact

About the Guest

Brandon Weidman is the Director of Development at One Collective, where he leads global fundraising efforts and champions sustainable, community-driven change. Before taking on this role, Brandon and his wife spent nearly seven years in Nicaragua as catalysts—helping to launch locally run initiatives like small businesses, farms, and nutrition programs. His passion is to empower leaders on the ground and ensure resources are directed where they’ll make the biggest long-term impact.

Do you desire to be generous but don’t know where to give or which organizations to trust? With so many nonprofits vying for attention, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are truly effective and aligned with your values. If you’ve ever wondered how to ensure your contributions are making a real impact, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to evaluate a nonprofit’s trustworthiness and financial accountability. Discover the key indicators of organizational integrity, how to spot red flags, and why having a robust financial strategy is critical for long-term impact. You’ll also gain practical tools to help you confidently choose organizations that align with your values and make a lasting difference. Whether you’re giving to the organization for years or just starting to look for someone to be generous, this episode will empower you to live with greater clarity and purpose.

Do you see big problems in the world and feel overwhelmed by the thought of making a difference? Maybe you’re passionate about helping others but unsure where to start or how to turn that passion into action. The idea of stepping into a role that could create real change can be daunting, especially when the path forward isn’t clear. If you’re wrestling with these feelings, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you navigate these uncertainties.

In this episode, Carley Fortosis, a leader in mobilization at One Collective, joins host Scott Olson to share her journey from corporate life to vocational ministry. Carley discusses the key questions you should ask before making the leap, the questions you should ask an organization before joining, and how One Collective supports its team members every step of the way. Whether you're exploring a new career or looking to make a greater impact, Carley’s experience and advice will provide the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

Everyone knows the struggle of finding a job that feels impactful, especially those planning to transition from school to the workforce. What could it look like to choose a job that is full of purpose and connects with the work Jesus is doing around the world?

Join us today on the Lasting Change podcast, where we are talking with Michael Proctor, One Collective’s Marketing Manager and Podcast producer. Together we talk about Michael’s journey of discovering One Collective and how he has participated in lasting change.