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.
Author Archives: Brandon Stiver
The Fastest Growing Form of Human Trafficking with Amy Miller
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.
DMEAL for Compliance and Continual Improvement with Jeremy Macias
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.
Strengthening Families through Fair Trade and Tech with Jessica Ray
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.
Mental Health in Humanitarian Spaces with Weanne Estrada
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.
Microfinance Critique, Decline of Evangelical Colleges and Remote Work Isolation with Michael Cerna
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.
A Holistic and Ecological Approach to Child Programming with Nicole Duciaume
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.
The Integration of Creation Care and Poverty Alleviation with Milmer Martinez Vergara
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.
Global Sports Ministry and the World Cup with Roman Khripunov & Phil Darke
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.
How U.S. Immigration Policies Are Separating Families with Matthew Soerens
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.
