Tune in to the latest episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast as Neil Hart shares his inspiring story. Hear how he pivoted from a life in farming to becoming the leader of the Mergon Foundation. We dive into his faith-driven path, showcasing the power of long-term relationships and innovative philanthropy. We also explore the global impact of the 54 Collective, a collaborative platform developing organizational health worldwide. With a focus on creativity, adaptability, and divine guidance, Neil’s inspiring story offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in mission-driven work and impactful partnerships.

Listen in to learn more : 

​​(01:47) Partnering With Ministries Across the Region 

(11:21) Journey of Faith and Creativity 

(13:53) The Power of Humility and Partnership 

(17:45) Global Collaboration for Free Educational Courses 

(23:06) Ministry Learning Journeys Organization and Structure 

Bio:

Neil Hart is the head of the Mergon Foundation. Before joining in 2018, he founded and led a creative brand marketing agency, led global missions and church planting organizations, and was involved in several church planting movements. Neil holds a BA in graphic design from Nelson Mandela University.

Resources:

Mergon Foundation

54 Collective 

Spiritual First Aid

Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. Each of the three sections concludes with thought-provoking questions and a prayer. We hope this e-book informs and also guides you toward reflection, prayer, and next steps. 

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast, Kent and Jamie chat with Michael Cerna, CEO of the Accord Network, about the balance between innovation and relationships in the Christian relief sector. Michael shares his journey from Hope International to leading over 100 organizations, offering insights on how to drive progress without losing trust and collaboration.

Michael discusses the challenges of moving from a high-pressure consulting role to Christian development work, including burnout, resilience, and the importance of self-care. His candid reflections provide valuable lessons on setting boundaries and building supportive leadership for a sustainable career.

We also explore how diversity fuels innovation within the Accord Network's 120 member organizations. Michael explains how embracing different perspectives can lead to transformative change, even when consensus is challenging. This conversation highlights the beauty of collaboration across differences, reflecting the kingdom of God as we all strive to be better Samaritans in our communities.

Bio:

Michael Cerna is the CEO of Accord Network. He recently left his role as Director of Partnership Strategy with HOPE International. His journey in the Christian Relief & Development sector began with a research position in the West Bank and Palestinian territories before spending time with McKinsey & Company, a global management firm. Those experiences and the previous decade in this sector have helped Michael fulfill his passion for assisting faith-based NGOs to become more collaborative, effective ministries for God's Kingdom.

Resources:

Accord Network

Spiritual First Aid

Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. Each of the three sections concludes with thought-provoking questions and a prayer. We hope this e-book informs and guides you toward reflection, prayer, and next steps. 

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*Since the time of the recording, Jon has left SIL and begun his search for his next innovation role. Please feel free to connect with Jon here: Connect with Jon Hirst



In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast, we sit down with Jon Hirst, SIL International's Chief Innovation Officer, to dive into the fascinating world of language preservation and innovation. Jon shares how SIL is tackling the rapid loss of languages and why maintaining linguistic diversity is so important for cultural richness.

Jon breaks down how SIL's work—developing orthographies, fonts, literacy programs, and Bible translations—impacts over 1,100 language communities in 90 countries. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his role in turning big ideas into practical solutions, walking us through the innovation processes and challenges nonprofits face, like limited resources and reputation concerns.

This episode is packed with inspiring insights, from anti-human trafficking projects to cutting-edge AI and virtual reality applications in language preservation. Jon talks about the balance between technology and human connection and how curiosity and gratitude drive meaningful innovation. 

Don't miss this powerful conversation on how nonprofits can overcome barriers and make lasting change.

Bio:

Jon Hirst is the co-founder of Generous Mind, a think tank that helps thought leaders be generous with what they know. He has spent his life serving in nonprofit leadership and innovation. He supports a community of innovators via Innovation in Mission. Jon lives in Wisconsin, USA, with his wife Mindy and their three children.

Resources:

REGISTER NOW for the virtual Church Mental Health Summit taking place on October 10th. Join us, and thousands of others globally, as we work toward the common goal of equipping the church to support mental health. Engage with content from over 50 different speakers in various mental health fields. Registration is free!

Spiritual First Aid

Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. Each of the three sections concludes with thought-provoking questions and a prayer. We hope this e-book informs and also guides you toward reflection, prayer, and next steps. 

------------

This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever thought that entrepreneurship could be more than just starting businesses? Our special guest, Denise Daniels, the Hudson T. Harrison Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College, does. In this episode, she talks about how innovation and design thinking can change the game in business and why an entrepreneurial mindset thrives on curiosity and practice.

Christians in the marketplace often wonder how faith fits into work. Denise challenges the old-school idea of putting shareholder value above all else; instead, she suggests aiming for social good and human flourishing. We also dive into the concept of sphere sovereignty, debunking the myth that Christian service is just for ministry or non-profits.

Finally, Denise shares insights from her study with Elaine Howard Eklund, breaking down how we can see our jobs as vocations filled with purpose. Whether through intrinsic satisfaction, societal impact, or workplace relationships, Denise shows us how faith and work can beautifully intertwine.

Bio:

Denise is the inaugural Hudson T. Harrison Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College (IL). Previously, she was a Professor of Management at Seattle Pacific University. She earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of Washington.  Her scholarly interests include meaningful work, Sabbath, leadership, gender, and motivation.

Denise is also the co-principal Investigator on a $1.8M research project funded by the Lilly Endowment, which examines how people in the United States understand and engage their faith at work. She serves on the corporate board of a FinTech company and the board of two non-profit organizations. 

—--

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College. The institute offers an M.A. in Humanitarian and disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. Visit our website to learn more and apply.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking to harmonize your career aspirations with a soul-fulfilling mission? If so, you’ll want to listen to this latest episode featuring Neal Joseph of Mission: Leadership. 

As part of our ongoing “Vocation” series, Neal joins us to talk about the art of faith-based executive recruiting, where aligning spiritual values with the heart of an organization isn't just ideal—it's imperative. Neal, who shifted from the music industry to Christian ministry, shares valuable insights from his journey. We discuss his varied experiences—from working with famous musicians to leadership in global ministries—as well as how to align your career with your true calling.

Neal notes the importance of grabbing opportunities and mastering communication within nonprofit leadership. He also gives practical tips on thriving in your current role and preparing for future advancement, making this episode particularly helpful for anyone looking to change paths or reach their vocational goals.

Bio:

Neal Joseph brings more than 35 years of senior-level leadership experience in the corporate, church, and nonprofit worlds to his role as Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Mission: Leadership, a faith-based executive recruiting firm. 

Before this, he served as Vice President of Nonprofit Recruiting at Slingshot Group, Senior Vice President of International Partnerships at Compassion International, megachurch Executive Pastor, Chief Operating Officer at Generous Giving, Label President at Warner Bros. Records, and Vice President of A&R and Marketing at Word Records. In addition to A.C.T. International, Neal also serves on the boards of American Leprosy Missions, the Accord Network, and Free Guitars 4 Kids.

Resources:

Mission: Leadership

Spiritual First Aid

Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. Each of the three sections concludes with thought-provoking questions and a prayer. We hope this e-book informs and also guides you toward reflection, prayer, and next steps. 

------------

This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About the episode:

As part of our Innovation series, Ryan Russell, Vice President of Innovation and New Products at Compassion International, joins us in unraveling the intricacies of service-oriented innovation. Together, we discuss how innovation doesn’t have to be huge to make an impact. Each step forward is rich with opportunities to learn.

Ryan talks about the passion and humility we need towards our customers, employees, and/or clients. We also explore the intersection of creativity and connection in non-profit innovation, delving into Compassion International's multifaceted crusade against child poverty and how innovation forges new (and unconventional) pathways for connection and support. 

Ryan's wealth of diverse career experiences underscores the transformative influence of a dedicated innovation team. This episode is an invitation to embrace the spirit of innovation in our everyday actions and in companies and organizations.

Bio:

Ryan Russell is Vice President of Innovation at Compassion International. He joined Compassion in July 2023 to lead the Compassion of Tomorrow team and grow Compassion’s innovation function. Before Compassion, Ryan served as the Senior Vice President of Design and User Experience (UX) at Hinge Health and spent nine years at Amazon as the Director of Design & UX for Amazon Glow. Under his leadership, the team grew from two people to over 135 across five studios in the U.S. Before Amazon, he led McAfee’s Design Studio, launched Cohdoo Highlight, an award-winning audio recording app, and designed novel consumer computing experiences at Intel.

Resources:

Compassion International

https://www.designkit.org/index.html - This is a site full of content to help anyone innovate and work backwards from the neighbors they are serving. The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design (https://www.designkit.org/resources/1.html) available on the site offers is a great step-by-step resource to design thinking and innovation.

Get our new FREE 56-page e-book, Called to Serve: How to Navigate a Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work.

Spiritual First Aid

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this episode, Carol Bremer-Bennett, the executive director of World Renew, shares her story of navigating the confluence of vocation, heritage, and service. From the greenhouses of her youth to the global stage of community development, Carol's path offers a unique perspective on embracing life's vocational shifts. With a spirit deeply rooted in her Navajo heritage and a heart committed to prayerful guidance, she unveils the connections between her work with the Navajo people and the broader challenges communities worldwide face. In education and community resilience, Carol imparts her wisdom on the critical role of holistic approaches in healing and strengthening societies. 

The episode focuses on the virtues of communal partnerships, the teachings of mutual support found in indigenous and biblical contexts, and the rich tapestry of lessons drawn from a lifetime of empathetic service. Listeners are invited to look at success through the lens of community fortification and interconnectedness, echoed by the harmonious blend of corn, beans, and squash in traditional planting. Carol’s journey underscores the significance of mentorship on our personal and professional growth and reminds us that our work can be a profound act of worship.

Bio:

 Carol Bremer-Bennett is World Renew’s U.S. Executive Director. As director, she oversees their work in 30 countries around the globe in poverty & hunger alleviation as well as disaster response. She is born to the To’aheedliinii (Waters Flow Together) Clan and to the Todich’iinii (Bitter Water) Clan of the Navajo Nation. Bremer-Bennett is an educator by training, with a B.A. from Calvin College and an M.A. from Western New Mexico University. Her extensive experience in Christian ministry spans more than 30 years of organizational leadership, leadership development, and administration.

Resources:

World Renew’s website

Spiritual First Aid

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D, and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Better Samaritan, Leah Kral, Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation at the Mercatus Center, joins us to discuss her transition from the profit-driven marketplace to a life enriched by service and social progress. 

Our conversation with Leah explores effective leadership and the role of innovation within the nonprofit realm. Leah shares six principles from her book that—when followed—allow organizations to dream big, start small, and foster a culture where collaboration and empowerment thrive. Her stories, filled with successes and challenges, reveal the complex yet rewarding nature of sparking actual societal change.

As we discover, the journey to progress through innovation isn't without its stumbles; failure and faith often walk hand in hand. Through this candid conversation about the necessity of risk-taking and the nuanced role of faith in leadership, we're reminded that the road most worth taking is one paved with humility and curiosity.

Bio:

Leah Kral is an expert facilitator and author who helps nonprofits innovate and further social change. As senior director of strategy and innovation at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Leah Kral provides tailored workshops and consulting to internal teams and a network of nonprofit partners nationwide. For decades, she has been helping teams to break out of the busy daily routine and draw out their best creative thinking. She is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica ‘02-’04) and continues to serve as an active volunteer in her community. 

Resources:

Leah’s website

Leah’s book, Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Non-Profits Inspire and Deliver Results

HDI’s MA in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership degree

Spiritual First Aid Certification Course

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn 

Follow us on LinkedIn: /jamieaten | /kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco | @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(Note: this episode is part of both our Innovation and Vocation series.)

Unlock the transformative power of weaving faith and creativity with business as we feature a fellow member of the Wheaton family, Tommy Lee. Tommy combines a heart of service with a love for equipping leaders and fostering collaboration. The episode is filled with actionable insights and practical wisdom for anyone wanting to grow professionally.

As we trace his career evolution, our discussion sheds light on the importance of discipline, passion, and the pursuit of joy. Tommy shares the story of one woman's ingenious use of her family's ships to aid Indonesian islands—a testament to the boundless potential of innovation for the greater good. 

He also urges listeners to learn from each person they meet, remain open to new ideas (and God’s surprising detours), and be unfailingly generous with their contacts and expertise. 

Listen now to be encouraged in your vocational journey.

Bio:

Tommy Lee has extensive experience in faith and work integration, organizational development, and building networks. Currently, he leads Resource Global, the Center for Faith and Innovation (CFI) at Wheaton College, and TogetherLA. As the Executive Director of CFI, he develops initiatives that engage marketplace leaders and provide training on integrating faith and work for students. As the Founder and President of Resource Global, Tommy has successfully launched cohorts of young Christian marketplace leaders in 13 cities around the world.  He is also the President of CreatePossible, where he has developed and managed corporate visions and strategic plans for client organizations, created new companies, and implemented funding strategies. Tommy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to empower leaders to align their faith with their work, create positive change, and make a lasting impact.

Resources:

Wheaton College’s Center for Faith & Innovation

HDI’s MA in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership degree

Apply now to join our MA program

Spiritual First Aid Certification Course

------------

This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About the episode:

(Note: this episode is the second in our "Vocation" series.)

Have you ever wondered how your job could not just pay the bills but also feed your soul? Today’s conversation is for anyone who longs to make a tangible difference in the lives of others but wonders how to get started–or continue.

Kent once again welcomes Peter Greer of Hope International, and they discuss the joys and challenges of embracing a vocation with purpose. They also talk about ways to prepare for a job interview, how to find the right people to partner with, and how to stay focused when the needs in communities around the globe are overwhelming. 

Managing a large and diverse team can sometimes feel like steering a ship through a storm, but in this episode, Peter gives a masterclass in leadership and innovation. He touches on management issues and problem-solving within a large non-profit organization, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal strengths with professional roles and fostering a culture of curiosity. 

Thanks for joining us as we reflect on gratitude for our work and the community it creates. Together, let’s keep learning to “do good, better”--faithfully.

Bio:

Peter Greer is the president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered economic development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Under Peter’s leadership, HOPE has expanded from working in two to over twenty countries and served over 2.5 million families. Before joining HOPE, Peter worked in Cambodia, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda. He has co-authored 15 books, including Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, The Gift of Disillusionment, and The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good. His new book, Lead with Prayer, will be available nationwide on January 16, 2024.

Resources:

The first episode in the “Vocation” series: Navigating a Fulfilling Career in Humanitarian Spaces

Another conversation with Peter: How to Sustain Hope and Resist Disillusionment when Doing Good

HDI’s MA in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership degree

Spiritual First Aid Certification Course

------------

This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D, and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices