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

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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

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.

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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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

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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

Over the last year and a half, immigration in the US has been completely upended. With refugee resettlement effectively closed and mass deportation instituted throughout the country, it's immigrant families that are getting the brunt of these policies. In this episode, Brandon Stiver interviews Matthew Soerens from World Relief about US immigration policies, refugee resettlement, family separation, and biblical perspectives on immigration. They explore the impact of current policies, stories of affected families, and how the church can respond biblically and practically.

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, DC! Use Code "Global" for Discount

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Resources and Links from the Show

World Relief Online

Joined Together, Torn Apart : Family Separation Report

Seeking Refuge: The Human Face of the Global Refugee Crisis (Amazon)

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

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• 02:21 Matthew Soerens' Journey with World Relief
• 04:58 The Global Refugee Crisis and Its Impact
• 07:41 World Relief's Approach to Refugee Resettlement
• 09:27 Current U.S. Immigration Policies and Their Effects
• 10:24 Reflections on Recent Immigration Challenges
• 12:27 Family Separation and Its Consequences
• 17:25 Real Stories of Affected Families
• 21:43 The Broader Implications of Family Separation
• 24:48 The Scale of Family Separation in Trump's Second Term
• 26:52 Challenges of Reuniting Families That Have Been Separated
• 29:48 The Economic Impact of Immigration Policies
• 31:10 Advocacy and Political Engagement In Modern America
• 41:11 Biblical Perspectives on Immigration

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

Are all global justice issues created equal or are certain causes worth more of our attention and funding? Is it possible to get more bang for our buck by prioritizing certain geographic areas when it comes to missions and economic development? Joining the show today is JD Bauman of Christians for Impact. He is the co-author of the new book "All the Lives You Can Change" which explores how Christian principles intersect with the modern movement of effective altruism and global impact. In this episode, JD shares insights on prioritizing charitable efforts, the importance of data-driven giving, and pursuing a life of maximum global impact.

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, DC! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

Resources and Links from the Show

All the Lives You Can Change by Bauman, Roser and Zhang (Amazon)

Christians for Impact Online

GiveWell

The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer

80,000 Hours ITN Framework

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

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• (01:22) – JD's background and the role of faith in his work
• (02:38) – Effective altruism and evidence-based good deeds
• (03:23) – JD's missions family and background
• (04:36) – Connecting faith, service, and career impact
• (08:11) – Insights into Christian impact and career advising
• (11:51) – Funding effective global health interventions
• (18:03) – Examples of cost-effectiveness in charitable work
• (23:52) – Reframing local giving and global giving
• (28:43) – Using the ITN framework for impactful careers
• (48:07) – Top global causes to prioritize through effective altruism
• (50:45) – The connection between creation care, a plant-based diet and animal welfare
• (52:21) – AI risks and opportunities for advocacy
• (56:29) – The radical opportunity when Christians donate 10%

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

There is a bit of dissonance when it comes to the trajectory of Christian support of global orphan care. More Christians are accurately understanding that kids in orphanages have families AND they are increasing the amount of financial support towards that residential care. In this episode Brandon Stiver is joined by Elli Oswald of the Faith to Action Initiative and Julie Walton of the Martin James Foundation. Together, they explores the recent Barna study on U.S. Christians' perceptions and support of orphanages and family-based care, highlighting shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors over the last five years. If you have a heart to see kids in families and Christian orphan care progress beyond putting kids in orphanages, you've gotta listen in on this important conversation.

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, DC! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Register for OneAccord 2026

Resources and Links from the show

Faith to Action Online

Martin James Foundation Online

Barna Report on Residential Care: U.S. Christian Giving and Missions (2026)

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

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• 03:19 Understanding the Barna Study and Its Goals
• 05:24 The Importance of Family-Based Care
• 09:17 Knowledge Gaps and Misconceptions
• 14:22 Support and Funding Trends in the U.S.
• 21:14 Behavior Change and Emotional Connections
• 26:09 Next Steps for Care Reform and Donor Engagement
• 34:07 The Role of Faith and Cultural Mindsets
• 41:44 Impact of Global and Political Changes
• 51:49 Practical Strategies for Application and Collaboration
• 01:01:07 Personal Stories and Case Examples
• 01:05:16 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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

The podcast is back from a break over Lent and we're diving straight in to the most relevant event happening globally right now. The war between the US/Israel and Iran is over five weeks old now and has had a profound impact regionally and around the world. Is peace possible at this point? What would it look like to negotiate and build towards a sustainable future in the Middle East? Dr. Josh Weiss joins the show to explore the complexities of international negotiation, back channel diplomacy, and the shifting landscape of global diplomacy, especially in relation to this current conflict. Dr. Weiss is a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Negotiation Project, co-founder of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University and also directs the MS in Leadership and Negotiation program at Bay Path University.

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Podcast Sponsor

Accord is a community of 165+ Christ-centered organizations committed to holistic transformation in global relief and development.

Connect With and Learn Alongside Accord Network

Resources and Links from the show

Joshua Weiss Website

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• 05:50 Dr. Josh Weiss' Background in Negotiation
• 07:49 The Role of Back Channeling in Negotiations
• 08:54 Fundamental Elements of International Negotiation
• 12:50 Shifts in International Law and Diplomacy
• 17:20 The Consequences of Power Dynamics in Diplomacy
• 18:51 Long-term Effects of Military Actions
• 21:30 The Importance of Negotiation in Conflict Resolution
• 24:22 The JCPOA: Pros and Cons
• 28:33 The Dynamics of Compromise in Negotiation
• 31:10 Challenges in U.S.-Iran Negotiations
• 33:11 Challenges of Ceasefires and Regional Dynamics
• 35:21 The Role of Gulf States and Regional Players
• 38:00 Israel's Military Calculations and U.S. Support
• 40:42 Negotiation Challenges Amidst Rhetoric
• 44:50 Economic Pressures and Their Impact on Negotiations
• 50:27 Broader Solutions for a Sustainable Peace

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

In this season of Lent, we're on a break from new episodes and are re-running a conversation from 2023 that we had with global child welfare professionals Dr. Greg Burch, Kelly Strong, and Dan Hope. We'll look at cases where westerners were given access to vulnerable children in the Global South and then abused those children. We'll explore the significance of cultivating cultures of awareness around child protection. We'll get into the importance of establishing robust policies and systems designed to mitigate the risks associated with child abuse and exploitation. By fostering environments that prioritize vigilance and the well-being of children, we can better identify and prevent abuses, ultimately ensuring their safety and welfare.

Note that all podcasts before 2024 were under our old podcast name, Think Orphan.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel

Conversation Notes

• Recurring cases of exploitation in overseas volunteerism (voluntourism) (14:00)
• The risk in naivety (17:00)
• Harming, not helping (21:30)
• The power dynamics that add to vulnerability (24:00)
• White saviors, colonialism, paternalism (27:00)
• Establishing policies and systems that mitigate risk (31:00)
• Creating cultures of awareness and protection (41:00)
• Developing national safeguarding processes (47:00)
• Risk involved with child sponsorship (57:00)
• How do we create reporting mechanisms for children (1:05:00)

Resources and Links from the show

SFAC Safeguarding Course

SFAC Homepage

Safe International Online

Jessup University Masters in Global Development and Justice

The Roys Report : Romanian Lawsuits Multiply Against Harvest Christian Fellowship and Pastor Greg Laurie

Research Paper : Child Sexual Exploitation in East African Orphanages