Think Global, Do Justice

October 10th is World Mental Health Day and we've invited Dr. Bryan Gouge who serves as the Senior Program Design Specialist for Mental Health at Compassion International. He joins Brandon Stiver to share insights on community-based mental health support for children in underserved areas, emphasizing the importance of belonging, resilience, and de-stigmatizing mental health discussions.

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The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

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Resources and Links From The Show

Compassion International Online

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• Community-based mental health support
• Role of churches and community assets
• Deprofessionalizing psychology in resource-limited settings
• Stigma around mental health and suicide
• Trauma and stress response in children
• Building resilience and emotional regulation
• The intersection of social work and psychology
• Long-term effects of trauma and chronic stress
• Listening as a tool for support

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Over the last several years, you have maybe heard Brandon speak about his Anabaptist tendencies towards culture. But what does that mean? And how does that apply to global mission? Perhaps somewhat overdue, in this episode Brandon is flying solo to share a brief vantage point around what it means to operate more as an alternate society or a Christian colony both in the states and as it pertains to transformational development. In the second segment, we're diving into Ecclesiastes 3 as Brandon shares an important update regarding the future of the podcast.

1:35 - Start of first segment on a Neoanabaptist view of global missions

27:00 - Start of the second segment on Ecclesiastes 3 and the shifting seasons

Podcast Sponsors

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

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The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

Learn More About MAGDJ

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Cyberscam Trafficking has grown into a 3 trillion dollar industry since the pandemic and has quickly become one of the most heinous forms of modern slavery. With victims on multiple sides, what is the church's response to be? Joining the show today is Amy Miller who is the Southeast Asia Director with Acts of Mercy International. Operating on the front lines of this burgeoning area of need, Amy shares with us about the organized criminal syndicates that run the cyberscam compounds, how people are trafficked in and what it looks like to help victims re-enter their own communities. We also learn just how close this issue touches each and every person, including westerners.

Podcast Sponsors

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

Learn More About MAGDJ

Resources and Links From The Show

Acts of Mercy International Online

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• Amy Miller's journey from Arizona to Thailand
• The rise of cyber scam trafficking and online child exploitation
• The prevalence of sex trafficking in Southeast Asia
• The role of the local church in combating trafficking
• The impact of technology on trafficking and exploitation
• Systemic poverty and instability as root causes of trafficking
• The evolution of trafficking from physical to online spaces
• Strategies for community-based anti-trafficking efforts
• The importance of global awareness and action
• The rise of cyber scam trafficking and regional hotspots
• The use of AI and deepfake technology in scams
• The scale and sophistication of international crime networks
• Victim rescue, reentry, and the challenges faced
• The role of governments and communities in combating trafficking
• The impact of infrastructure development on trafficking routes
• How individuals can recognize and respond to scams
• The importance of prayer and advocacy in the fight against trafficking

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

We've got our resident M&E expert back on the podcast to talk with us about the value and function of DMEAL in working on grants and of course in program development. In this episode, Brandon Stiver is joined by Jeremy Macias to discuss the importance of monitoring and evaluation in nonprofit work, including the differences in international and domestic contexts. They explore how data-driven practices enhance program effectiveness, build donor trust, and foster continuous improvement in serving vulnerable populations. Lastly, they talk about the role of grad programs in developing humanitarian professionals suited to the needs of the global poor.

Podcast Sponsors

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

Learn More About MAGDJ

Resources and Links From The Show

Check out the Earthkeepers Podcast

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• 02:23 Funding Streams for Nonprofits: Grants, Donations, and Earned Income
• 04:19 The Role of Monitoring in Grant Proposals and Program Impact
• 07:13 Building Robust Monitoring Systems in Domestic and International Contexts
• 12:18 Differences Between US Domestic and International Development Monitoring
• 17:16 Integrating Monitoring and Evaluation into Program Design
• 21:09 Using Data to Redesign and Improve Programs
• 25:20 Case Study: Hopewalks and Clubfoot Program Evaluation
• 30:05 The Impact of Faith and Theology on Development Practice
• 34:10 The Value of Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

With so many factors that lead to multidimensional poverty, what does it look like to scale family flourishing around the world? It's a core question to all of human society. In this episode, Brandon Stiver interviews Jessica Ray who oversees International Programs for the Global Orphan Project to talk commerce, tech and family strengthening. Together they explore the complex issues of global fashion supply chains, fair trade practices, and the Strong Family program and tech that is supporting communities throughout the world.

Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel

Podcast Sponsors

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

Learn More About MAGDJ

Resources and Links From The Show

Strong Family Online

GOEX Apparel

Strong Family White Paper

Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger Video

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• 02:12 Jessica Ray's Journey into International Work and Fair Trade
• 04:20 The Impact of Consumerism on Global Fashion Supply Chains
• 08:29 The Rise of Fast Fashion and Its Global Effects
• 12:20 Fair Trade Practices and Ethical Supply Chains
• 16:11 The Complexities of Global Textile Supply Chains
• 21:10 Creating a Culture of Fair Trade and Ethical Fashion
• 26:14 Family Strengthening and Orphan Prevention Strategies
• 31:12 The Strong Family Model and Community Impact
• 35:58 Scaling Solutions and Partnering with Churches
• 42:03 Technology and Data in Family and Community Programs
• 46:59 Research and Evidence Supporting Family Strengthening
• 51:18 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

When we think of people that are fleeing conflict or being displaced by natural disasters, we rightly think about food, water and shelter as critical basic needs, but do we consider the psychological trauma that these populations have just undergone? How does mental health support factor into our relief responses? In this episode, we explore the critical role of mental health in humanitarian work with Weanne Estrada from the Adventist Relief and Development Agency. We discuss how mental health support can be integrated into disaster relief, refugee assistance, and community development, emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches and sustainable strategies.

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Podcast Sponsors

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

Learn More About MAGDJ

Resources and Links From The Show

Adventist Development and Relief Agency Online

Kaya Connect

Psychological First Aid Training from NCTSN

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• 02:20 Weanne Estrada's background and motivation for humanitarian work
• 05:19 Refugee communities in the Philippines and their self-built systems
• 09:13 The importance of mental health in disaster response
• 12:22 Psychological first aid: what it is and how to do it
• 17:16 Measuring mental health in humanitarian settings
• 21:04 Sustainable mental health support and task shifting
• 25:14 Cultural sensitivity in mental health interventions
• 29:23 The role of churches in mental health support
• 37:48 ADRA's current projects and global engagement in Yemen, Myanmar, Sudan and Venezuela
• 41:00 Advice for those pursuing God's justice in nations

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Christian relief and development work continues to operate in a vastly shifting time. What do demographic shifts mean for the education of future development practitioners? Is micro-finance not "making a dent" in global poverty? Is remote work a sustainable model for teams? In this episode, Brandon Stiver is joined by Accord Network CEO Michael Cerna to explore the complexities of microfinance, responsible development, and the future of global aid. They discuss the recent Wall Street Journal critique of microfinance, the decline and consolidation of both Christian higher ed and Christian nonprofits, as well as how AI is shaping the sector.

Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel

Podcast Sponsors

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

Learn More About MAGDJ

Resources and Links From The Show

Wall Street Journal : Hundreds of Billions in Loans Didn't Make a Dent in Global Poverty

Peter Greer on Medium : A Response to the Wall Street Journal Article on Microfinance

Liz Ha from Five Talents : Savings First

Anthony Bradley on Substack : I Watched an Evangelical College Die From The Inside

Subscribe to the Thursday Three

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• Critiques of microfinance and responsible practices
• The role of loans and savings groups in development
• Impact of AI on nonprofit sector
• Leadership challenges in global development
• Mergers and consolidation in Christian higher education and nonprofits

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Children are a central focus in international development programming; both from impact in target communities as well as in our fundraising. In this episode, Brandon Stiver talks with Nicole Duciaume who is the Senior Director over Sponsorship Programming at World Vision. Nicole shares about her journey into international nonprofits, the holistic approach of World Vision's child sponsorship programs, and the integration of faith, justice, and community development. She also shares why after years already working in international development, she decided to go back and get her graduate degree. Join us to hear how cross-cultural experiences, program iteration and academic pursuits shape effective strategies for global child well-being.

Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel

Podcast Sponsor

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

Learn More About MAGDJ

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• Nicole's background and cross-cultural experiences
• The evolution of child sponsorship programs
• Holistic and multisectoral approaches to child development
• Faith-based and multi-faith collaboration in aid
• The DEV framework for understanding child poverty
• The impact of academic and faith-based education on development work
• Innovations in donor engagement and digital safety
• The importance of local context and cultural sensitivity in aid

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

There is no way to separate the plight of families experiencing poverty with the realities of climate change and ecological degradation. But what does it look like to base a Christian international development organization directly at that intersection? In this episode, Brandon Stiver is joined by Milmer Martinez Vergara from Plant with Purpose to explore the interconnections of creation care, poverty alleviation, and community development and what that all has to do with following Christ. They discuss practical approaches, theological perspectives, and instead of doom, they share hope for environmental and social justice.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel

Podcast Sponsors

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

The MA in Global Development and Justice at Multnomah Seminary (part of Jessup University) is a fully online, accredited graduate program designed for practitioners and advocates seeking meaningful, sustainable change in today's world.

Learn More About MAGDJ

Resources and Links from the Show

Plant With Purpose Online

Jump into more conversations around creation care, environmental justice and community development on the Earthkeepers Podcast - Link

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• The mission and history of Plant with Purpose
• The theological basis for creation care in Christianity
• Holistic approach to poverty, environment, and spiritual renewal
• Practical programs like agroforestry and microfinance
• Community engagement and local church involvement
• Timelines for community transformation and impact measurement
• The role of hope and faith in environmental and social change

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Summer has finally arrived and this isn't just any summer, we have the World Cup! With North America hosting the tournament this year, there are unique opportunities to spread the Gospel and share God's love as nations converge in our own communities. In celebration of sport (and in celebration of ten years of podcasting here), we've got our friend and podcast found Phil Darke back on the show, along with Roman Khripunov of Revival Sport to talk about the value of sports ministry and the unique opportunities that the World Cup presents for evangelism and discipleship.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel

Podcast Sponsor

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, D.C.! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

Resources and Links from the Show

Revival Sport Online

Nations United

Victory Beyond the Cup

How Soccer Explains Leadership Podcast

Jump into more conversations around child protection, global health, and ethical mission on the Optimistic Voices Podcast – Link

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• 03:13 Roman's Journey: From Uzbekistan Refugee to Houston Resident
• 06:28 The Impact of Sports on Community and Discipleship
• 09:21 Challenges Faced by Refugees in Sports
• 12:20 Building Relationships Through Sports Ministry
• 15:21 The Role of Sports in Evangelism and Discipleship
• 18:24 Cultural Dynamics of Faith in Uzbekistan
• 22:04 Leveraging Sports for Community Connection
• 25:11 The Power of Sports in Global Unity
• 28:19 Revival Sport: Integrating Faith and Sports
• 34:31 World Cup Opportunities for Community Engagement
• 38:41 Innovative Initiatives for Immigrant Inclusion in Sports Ministry
• 43:06 Mobilizing Christians for the World Cup
• 47:07 Predictions and Reflections on the World Cup
• 53:02 Celebrating a Decade of Podcasting

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License