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.
Category Archives: Poverty Alleviation
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.
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.
Effective Altruism for Christians with JD Bauman
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
A Movement to End Global Poverty with Carissa Youssef
Global poverty is ubiquitous and seemingly intractable, but what if we had a way to mobilize people and a fundraising mechanism that invites ubiquitous participation? In this episode we’re joined by Carissa Youseff who is the Executive Director at One Day’s Wages. She emphasizes the need for Christians to expand their definition of neighbor to include global awareness and responsibility. Carissa discusses the unique approach of One Day’s Wages, which encourages collective generosity by donating one day’s wage to support local leaders and address complex poverty issues. Her conversation with Brandon Stiver also touches on the importance of mutuality in partnerships, rethinking empowerment, and the future of nonprofit work in a rapidly changing world.
How Leaders Lose Their Way with Peter Greer
One out of three leaders don’t finish well in the work that they undertake. Striking, isn’t it? As our podcast celebrates 300 episodes of engaging global nonprofit leaders, we strive to be that minority that stay the course God gave us and there’s no one better to talk to than today’s guest. Making his record sixth interview on the show, we’re joined by Hope International CEO Peter Greer who sits down with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke to discuss his new book, How Leaders Lose Their Way. For whatever area that God has called you to lead in ministry, humanitarian work or even within your own family, this is a conversation for you!
Biofortified Corn, Food Security and GMOs with Curt Bowen
It’s impossible to ignore the interconnectedness of global justice issues and the complexity of systems that affect societies. Sometimes a system enables people to thrive and other times the system puts people at risk. A clear example of this is looking at food systems and malnutrition in Central America. To help us dive deeper, we have Curt Bowen of Semilla Nueva on the show today. With work that addresses malnutrition through economic development and government partnerships, Curt and his team have turned the region’s stable of corn into a driver for social change.
Change Management and Community Transformation with Dr. Casey Duthiers
The common adage “when you know better, you do better” makes sense. It also indicates that there is a need to transform what it is that we’ve been doing. When nonprofits around the world, including those working in Christian development and justice, recognize the need for organizational shifts, they may undertake the years-long process of change management. Perhaps your organization has gone through this (or perhaps it needs to!) To help us understand what change management looks like and what it says for organizations pursuing transformational development models, we have Dr. Casey Duthiers joining the show. Casey is the Director of Training and Development at Resilient Communities Center where their team supports practitioners around the world to improve their practice and increase their impact through intentional, Christ-centered professional development for development practitioners. She talks with Brandon Stiver about change management, short term missions and what it looks like to follow Jesus to the margins. Glad to have you join!
The Great Commission for All Professions with Luke Perkins
The Great Commission and making disciples is for all Christians, but do we really live that way? We’ve had a classic understanding of what missionaries ought to be doing, but is that exclusionary? In episode 263, we have Luke Perkins from Crossworld to help us sort it out. Luke served as a missionary professor in Haiti for several years and today is the President at Crossworld where they emphasize that all professions have a role in the work of the Great Commission and the imperative of making disciples throughout the globe.
Owning Poverty with Dr. Michael Pucci
Author and development educator, Dr. Michael Pucci joins the show to talk with us about the spiritual and relational dynamics of poverty and helps us understand the biblical view of the global family of God. We also dive into a fascinating conversation on the multi-billion dollar aid industry (which is nuanced by the amount of remittances sent to the Global South). Dr. Pucci is based in Kigali where he runs Transformational Initiatives and invests in women’s economic empowerment alongside other transformational development initiatives.
Canopy International 