Think Global, Do Justice

The Imperative of Global Nonprofit Innovation with Abe Wright and Dr. Greg Bixler Oct 29, 2024

The problems surrounding poverty are wicked and complicated. Pat answers and short term solutions are never going to get us where God is calling us to be. The challenge is that nonprofits often experience constraints (either real or perceived) that keep them from innovating better approaches to meeting peoples needs. We're joined today by Abe Wright and Greg Bixler who are the co-founders of Design Outreach. As an organization that not only values innovation but actively invests and rallies donors towards research and development, they've been able to provide significant upgrades to common problems in WASH and medical care. The communities that we partner with deserve better and Abe and Greg provide us with helpful insight and direction as we iterate and innovate.

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Resources and Links from the show

Design Outreach Online

When Global Ministries Merge on Think Global, Do Justice (A Conversation with the Leadership from Water For Good)

Conversation Notes

The necessity of transforming what it means to be a humanitarian organization and the ways in which we operate
40% of water pumps are no longer in function and we need to improve that
The need for collaboration and working with government partners
Understanding research and development as practical problem solving
Comparing the efficacy of LifePump with other water pumps or water solutions. The importance of both access to water and the durability of water pumps.
Wrapping your donors into the work of innovation even as some solutions don’t pan out
Additional innovations in hygiene and medical care

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

Global Education and Formation (Live From CCDA) with Ernesto Duke, Dr. Karen Fancher and Dr. Greg Burch Oct 15, 2024

Recorded live from the CCDA Conference in Portland, Oregon, we are joined by three educators equipping students globally to think biblically and pursue justice. On the show today we have Dr. Karen Fancher and Dr. Greg Burch from the Multnomah Campus of William Jessup University alongside Ernesto Duke who is the President at Eternity Bible College. They join Brandon Stiver for a conversation around the trajectory of Christian higher education, balancing ethics and philosophy with skill set development and what it looks like to prioritize spiritual formation as we develop theory and practice.

Resources and Links from the show

Click here to learn more and enroll in the Protective Behaviours Course

Camino Quest Online

Global Development and Justice Master's Program (Jessup University)

Eternity Bible College Online

Blessed Are The Peacemakers with Dr. Karen Fancher

Conversation Notes

3:40 - The things that have been most remarkable about being at CCDA
9:20 - The complexity of teaching history where victors tell the stories
13:40 - Updates from OneAccord and the Lausanne Congress
17:20 - The model of making a biblically focused education available and affordable internationally
24:40 - The trajectory of higher education for global studies
30:00 - Balancing the development of skill sets with understanding the philosophy, ethic and theology underneath what we do
37:10 - The priority of slowing down and connecting with God before “doing” the work
40:40 - Pilgrimage as a spiritual practice to experience God

Healing Hearts and Lives Amidst the AIDS Crisis with Echo VanderWal Oct 01, 2024

There is no lack of complex challenges when delivering health care in the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS crisis. On the show today, we have Echo VanderWal who is the Co-Founder and Executive Director at The Luke Commission in Eswatini. Echo joins Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke for a conversation about calling, the pain and loss created by the AIDS Crisis, the irreplaceable impact of PEPFAR and what it looks like to provide holistic care in rural communities. With over 20 years in the country, Echo points us to what excellence looks like as follow Christ's example of humble service.

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Resources and Links from the show

The Global HIV/AIDS Conversation

The Luke Commission Online

Conversation Notes

4:00 - What do Jesus, Conor McGregor and Osama Bin Laden all have in common?
5:35 - The importance of having the support of your family when being called to serve God overseas
6:55 - Following Christ’s example of service in loving our global neighbors
7:50 - The reality of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa during the early 2000s inc consideration of the cost of transport, lack of medicine and poor treatment
11:35 - Pursuing professional investment in the national team that is delivering life-saving support in their own country
17:00 - The reality of inner pain and the orphaned spirit when family is lost
21:30 - Seeking care at scale within rural areas of Eswatini
23:35 - Eswatini has the rate of HIV/AIDS in the world - a resounding 26% and why we don’t want that number to go down
25:45 - The importance of international partners that provide anti-retrovirals
26:45 - How PEPFAR has positively impacted Eswatini, the work of the Luke Commission and what it looks like on the ground.
29:10 - The dire reality of potential extinction when HIV/AIDS first expanded in Eswatini
31:35 - The erosion of bipartisan support in US politics and how it is now undermining the delivery of life-saving HIV/AIDS support for millions of people
35:00 - The risks that face people if PEPFAR pulls out
38:30 - The importance of comprehensive healthcare and tracking trends to help an array of health issues that arise across a population
47:00 - Don't wait to take the first step when it comes to engaging or even moving overseas to pursue God's heart for justice in the nations

Ecclesiastes and Impact Sep 17, 2024

All is futility! Even in Christian nonprofits? We're changing it up a little for episode 265 as Brandon does a solo dive into the book of Ecclesiastes to gather wisdom from Solomon that can inform what we do and more importantly how we do the work of global justice. In an age of Big Impact, this is a word for the nonprofit leader that cares about the ethic of our approach and the opportunity for a compounding influence in a world where it seems that nothing ever changes.

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Resources and Links from the show

Scriptures shared:

Ecclesiastes 1: 1-4; 8-11
Ecclesiastes 5: 8-10; 18
Ecclesiastes 9: 7-10

Andy Crouch Tweet 1; Tweet 2

Conversation Notes

"All is futility!" - Solomon
The work of oppressors and corrupt politicians ends in futility, but what about our work that counters their work?
Brandon shares some of his own global nonprofit futility
The grace of recognizing how the world works even in it's vanity
"Eat, drink and experience good"
Andy Crouch throws shade and "impact" and Brandon says "Amen"
Does our work matter?
Getting our priority (singular) in order

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

Eighty Years of Responding to Global Displacement with Myal Greene Sep 03, 2024

The number of forcibly displaced people in the world are at an all-time high. On every populated continent, we are seeing conflicts and climates that lead to people fleeing their homes. Our guest today is Myal Greene, who is the CEO of World Relief and he says that the global displacement crisis is the most significant issue that we face in the world today. We look at the last eighty years of how God has used World Relief to meet needs of people from war-torn areas and look at some of the most gripping conflicts today (Ukraine, Sudan and others). Myal has worked with World Relief for nearly two decades both within the US and in Africa. He walks us through what Christians should be aware of when it comes to displacement and how we can be instruments of welcome and support to global neighbors next door and abroad.

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Resources and Links from the show

Good News About Injustice by Gary A. Haugen

Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang

Walking with the Poor by Bryant Myers

Rich Christians Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ronald Sider

Refuge by Alexander Betts and Paul Collier

Refugee Stats from the UNHCR

The Evangelical Immigration Table

World Relief Online

Conversation Notes

9:40 - In the west, we don’t have a full conception of the level wealth and privilege that we have
12:20 - Remembering the last eighty years of what God has done through World Relief
15:25 - Finding ways to work with the church and give sacrificially to help the hurting
16:45 - A story about the need for both eternal salvation and the restoration of the present
24:40 - The impact of the 2021 Haitian earthquake and the fall of Kabul as Myal stepped into his role of CEO at World Relief
31:35 - The current displacement crisis is the greatest issue of our time
34:15 - “A smaller set of nations in the world are experiencing far greater suffering while the rest of the world is making continued and sustained progress in poverty alleviation”
36:55 - Contrasting the Ukraine case study with most other areas of poverty and ensuing conflict
38:45 - "Vulnerability is the likeliness that you will experience suffering as a result of shock"
40:50 - World Relief sets their focus on the global displacement crisis
43:00 - The church can be God’s instrument of welcome to those that have been forcibly displaced
46:12 - The importance of understanding underlying issues when discussing the arrival of refugees in a host country
52:40 - Working with the church under a biblical vision of community engagement
56:00 - Being inspired by God’s Word as a starting point for a life of justice

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

Luke Perkins - The Great Commission for All Professions Aug 20, 2024

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.

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No matter your role in caring for vulnerable children and families, you’ll find wisdom, grace, encouragement and community for the road ahead at CAFO2024 in Nashville. It's the go-to spot for those working in Christian orphan care and global child welfare.

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Resources and Links from the show

Crossworld Website

African Friends and Money Matters by David Maranz

Conversation Notes

5:25 - What would good helping even look like
8:10 - Starting from the beauty and goodness of God in pursuing mission
10:00 - Emphasizing all professions beyond the classic missions archetypes
17:11 - Defining what disciple-making is all about
18:20 - Understanding business as mission with the quadruple bottom line
29:35 - Distinguishing between disciple-making and church planting
32:20 - The North American church is not designed to make disciples
36:00 - The essence and the rhythms of making disciples
38:00 - Key questions to ask yourself for disciple making
41:00 - Discussing the current state of Haiti

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

Steve Kariithi - Community Care in Kenyan Slums Aug 06, 2024

We're heading to Kenya for episode 262 as we connect with Steve Kariithi who is the Kenya Program Director at Hope's Promise. Steve talks with Brandon Stiver about what it looks like to do kinship based family care in Kenyan communities. We cover the effects of changing child welfare policy on families and juxtapose that with actions of the government that adversely affect families living in informal settlements. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to work in a slum, this is a good conversation to jump into.

Podcast Sponsor

No matter your role in caring for vulnerable children and families, you’ll find wisdom, grace, encouragement and community for the road ahead at CAFO2024 in Nashville. It's the go-to spot for those working in Christian orphan care and global child welfare.

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Resources and Links from the show

What can we do about injustice? : Blog by Colleen Briggs

The Star Kenya : Families in pain as houses demolished in Mathare

YouTube : Residents of Mathare Lament

YouTube : Over 6,000 households forcefully evicted along Mathare River

Conversation Notes

Understanding what life is like for families living in slum areas and what causes slums to form on the margins of urban areas
Bridging impact expectations of western donors when working in severely impoverished areas
Meaningful interventions that support children to grow up in families
The effects of 2022 legislation in Kenya that promoted child care reform and changes for organizations serving children
The Kenyan government is destroying homes and displacing families in the Mathare informal settlement of Nairobi

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

Crowdstrike, Free Education, Muhammad Yunus and Anti-Corruption Jul 30, 2024

For our July news and recommendation episode, we're joined by orphan care leader Kristen Lowry of Shelter Yetu to dive into a range of topics including the recent anti-virus update that sent the Blue Screen of Death around the world, the unintended results of making education free in Zambia, the legal trials of the Nobel Laureate father of micro-finance and dive into a book on being a whistleblower amidst corruption. There's a lot going on in the world, it's not only the American election we should care about, so jump into these other stories with us!

Podcast Sponsor

No matter your role in caring for vulnerable children and families, you’ll find wisdom, grace, encouragement and community for the road ahead at CAFO2024 in Nashville. It's the go-to spot for those working in Christian orphan care and global child welfare.

Learn More and Register for CAFO 2024

Resources and Links from the show

BBC : How a single IT update caused global havoc

BBC : Zambia made education free, now classrooms are crammed

The Guardian : Under threat of jail, microfinance pioneer vows to keep lending to poorest Bangladeshis

It's Our Turn to Eat: The Story of a Kenyan Whistleblower by Michaela Wrong

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

Christopher Muwanguzi, Elli Oswald and Jared Scheppmann - Reforming Care in the Age of Mass Media Jul 23, 2024

Joining the podcast for episode 260 are global child welfare leaders Christopher Muwanguzi from child’s I Foundation, Elli Oswald from Faith to Action Initiative and Jared Scheppmann from Ekisa Ministries. Our guests speak with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about the status of moving people’s mindsets in the west to focus on the need for children to be in families, as opposed to orphanages. We zero in specifically on the country of Uganda and juxtapose the good work being done by organizations like child’s I and Ekisa with the common practice of needlessly placing kids in residential care. With the backdrop of larger cultural narratives and specific stories about orphanhood that are promoted in media.

Podcast Sponsor

No matter your role in caring for vulnerable children and families, you’ll find wisdom, grace, encouragement and community for the road ahead at CAFO2024 in Nashville. It’s the go-to spot for those working in Christian orphan care and global child welfare.

Learn More and Register for CAFO 2024

Resources and Links from the show

The World : American Missionary Accused of Abuse At His Organization, AidChild (First Article)

Barna and Faith to Action : Study on Christian Giving to Orphanages

Faith to Action : Family Care in the News

Conversation Notes

The deliberate work of Faith to Action and partner organizations to change the western media narrative around orphan care
The environment within the UK in regards to Global South orphanages
The country of Uganda has been up and down in supporting care reform, is it currently progressing or regressing
The setbacks in promoting better care in the Global South when stories like Ghetto Kidz comes out on Britain’s Got Talent
Comparing the perceived realities for children in orphanages versus the actual realities for such children
The reality of abuse and corruption within orphanages covered in the media in Uganda
The role of local governments to meet the needs of the community – capacity and enforcement
Continuing gaps in coverage even in media that promotes care reform

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

Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst - Integral Mission and Decolonizing Theology Jul 09, 2024

There is no escaping the reality that much of what we're familiar with in global missions and development has some roots in colonialism. There is no better person to help us disentangle God's work from worldly power structures than Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst. Dr. Padilla DeBorst is the Richard C. Oudersluys Associate Professor of World Christianity at Western Seminary. She describes how integral mission addresses gaps in many traditional approaches to missions and what it looks like to live out a contextualized gospel in Latin America.

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The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development.

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Resources and Links from the show

Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst's Work Online

Good News From Latin America Book

Conversation Notes

An introduction to integral mission and what deficiencies it was addressing in world missions
Disentangling God's work in Latin America from European colonization
How neocolonialism continues to affect Christian missions and development work
Ethical practices in global partnerships for missions and development organizations
Contrasting Jesus' proclamation of the Gospel against the backdrop of Roman imperial rule
Exiting our echo chambers to hear from Christian leaders in other global contexts

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

Food Poverty, Breastmilk and Blood Metals Jun 25, 2024

Today on the show we are weaving in and out of various topics, largely surrounding Africa and that touch areas of malnutrition (continent-wide) and trafficking (Congo) and even some really beautiful solutions for helping babies (Uganda). We have Dr. Lauren Pinkston of Kindred Exchange on the show with us to make sense of the news and provide critical insight. We dive into questions like if the resource curse is real, the long-term effects of colonialism and the challenges of addressing corrupt supply chains.

Podcast Sponsor

The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development.

Visit The Accord Network Online

Resources and Links from the show

Fox News : UN report says 27% of children under 5 live in severe food poverty, many in Africa

AP News : A growing community of breast milk donors in Uganda gives mothers hope

CBS News : African nation threatens Apple with legal action over alleged "blood minerals" in its gadgets

King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

Upwardly Dependent Podcast

Faith to Action Webinar feat. Dr. Lauren Pinkston : Caring for Orphans

Conversation Notes

2:20 - An update on the Upwardly Dependent podcast
6:45 - The high propensity of kids in Africa and around the world that are experiencing food poverty
18:45 - The establishment of a breastmilk cooperative organization in Uganda and how it is saving the lives of children
33:25 - The supply chain of blood metals in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Apple's role within it
40:00 - Supply chains that shift to go through countries that don't have the same ethics that come from a Christian worldview
47:25 - Phil's recommendation of Jonathan Haidt's new book, The Anxious Generation

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

Tiffany Bluhm - Contemplative Formation for the Life of Justice Jun 18, 2024

In episode 257, Brandon welcomes author and nonprofit director Tiffany Bluhm back to the show. Tiffany is the Executive Director at Made for Pax, a Christian foundation which provides mentorship and vocational development for BIPOC leaders following Christ. The work is specifically employing contemplative formation for those that are engaging in peace and justice work, and that's what we talk about! Tiffany provides us with biblical insight and spiritual practices that can help us sustain the work of community development and justice leaders for the long haul.

Podcast Sponsor

The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development.

Visit The Accord Network Online

Resources and Links from the show

Made for Pax Online

Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman

Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys by Richard Twiss

Leading from Your Knees with Peter Greer and Ryan Skoog

Conversation Notes

The link between contemplative formation and sustaining an action-oriented lifestyle
Stories of civil rights leaders and how they remained rooted in the midst of justice
The importance of intentional investment of BIPOC Christ followers
Contextualization and diverse cultural expressions of Gospel embodiment
The story of the Old Testament is uniquely tied to the migrant experience

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

Yasmine Vaughan - Collaborating Together for Global Health Jun 11, 2024

In episode 256, Brandon and Phil get a crash course in global health from Yasmine Vaughan. Yasmine has her Master's in Public Health and serves as the Technical Advisor for Global Health and Missions with Helping Children Worldwide. Beyond sharing words and conditions that we can't even pronounce, Yasmine shares about the context in West Africa in which their work is centered and we learn the commonalities and differences in public health across different global contexts.

Podcast Sponsor

The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development.

Visit The Accord Network Online

Resources and Links from the show

View and Join the Together for Global Health Coalition

Watch Phil's Sermon on Family Strengthening

Conversation Notes

Zeroing in on the history and current day realities of Sierra Leone
Navigating partnerships between western organizations and their corresponding organizations in the Global South
Integrating current programs and initiatives into broader partnerships at the village level
Working towards sustainability and reducing outside investment or management
Together for Global Health Coalition
Common health conditions and healthcare gaps in the Global South, including those that are oblivious to westerners
The Global South increasing in conditions that had previously been more represented in the West
Innovative ways that health practitioners in the Global South meet needs

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

Dave LeVan and Jon Allen - When Global Ministries Merge Jun 04, 2024

Joining the podcast for episode 255 are nonprofit leaders Dave LeVan and Jon Allen with Water For Good. Dave and Jon speak with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about the status of worldwide access to water and what it looks like to implement Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects in the Global South. We talk through the tremendous needs as well as acknowledge some of the shortfalls of the WASH sector. Our conversation concludes around what it looks like to merge two good-sized global nonprofits as Water For Good and Lifewater International recently underwent that very process.

Podcast Sponsor

The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development.

Visit The Accord Network Online

Resources and Links from the show

View Water For Good/Lifewater Merger Information

Conversation Notes

Taking in the big picture of water access globally and what the implications are on people's lives
The similarities and the differences when implementing water, sanitation and hygiene projects in the Global South
What about all the broken wells in Africa? Is sustainability even possible?
The reasons that led to the decision for the two organizations to merge into one
The operations and logistics of merging and integrating two different teams along with their activities
The post-merger opportunities that are presented to the newly formed Water For Good
The importance of staying curious and not losing heart in the work of global justice

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

Refugees, Maternal Health and Child Marriage May 28, 2024

In this month's 3+1 episode, we're diving into conversation around the current refugee crisis being fueled by conflict and displacement worldwide, jump back into recent conversation on Haiti and the challenges that pregnant mothers are facing in the midst of tumult and also look at the controversy surrounding mass weddings in northern Nigeria that includes underage orphan girls. We've got Kelly Strong on the show with us today who is the CEO at Safe International and also an associate providing support to practitioners through the Canopy International coaching collaborative.

Podcast Sponsor

The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference opens soon for a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development.

Visit The Accord Network Online

Resources and Links from the show

Check out the services and support offered by the team at Canopy International

World Relief Blog : The Drivers of Mass Displacement: Ukraine and Beyond

The Guardian : ‘It is simply best not to get pregnant’: women left terrified as Haiti’s maternity services collapse

BBC News : Mass wedding for Nigeria orphans sparks outcry

Book : Refugee - Rethinking Refugee Policy in a Changing World by Paul Collier and Alexander Betts

2017 Refugee Crisis Series : Welcoming the Stranger with Krish Kandiah

Conversation Notes

3:50 What it looks like to change the name and rebrand an international charity
9:15 Checking in on the current state of "record breaking" forced displacement throughout the world and what to do when the world shows up on our doorstep
25:45 The reality of gang violence in Haiti that has collapsed medical clinics and hospitals that women have used to deliver their children
36:15 Evaluating a controversial story of mass wedding of orphan girls in Nigeria and what the implications are regarding child rights and international definitions
50:40 Brandon's recommendation of a page-turner book that covers modern refugee policy

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

Matt Rhodes - A Manifesto for Modern Missions May 21, 2024

On the show today, we're joined by missionary Matt Rhodes who is the author of No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions. He talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about trends within missions that emphasize speed and big numbers, but often lack the depth of discipleship that characterized Jesus' ministry. Matt shares about the mission that he is engaged in a majority Muslim country Northern Africa and what he's learned from being on the field and what faithfulness (even success) can look like for those spreading the Good News abroad.

Podcast Sponsor

Child Hope International reunites families in Haiti by providing pathways for children in orphanages to return home with the necessary support to thrive. If you need help transitioning your orphanage or are looking for an organization to support in Haiti, reach out to Child Hope International.

Visit Child Hope International Online

Resources and Links from the show

No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions on Amazon

Conversation Notes

The primary differences between how missions are approached currently as opposed to the days of William Carey and Hudson Taylor
Current trends in missions work
Approaching missions with professionalism and being enculturated
Is professionalism opposed to being relational?
The trajectory of the relatively recent phenomenon of short term missions and it's increasing share of the overall missionary force
Not everyone that is a Christian is also an ambassador of Christ, or are they?
The implications of the center of Christianity moving to the Global South
Charting milestones for successful missions

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

Gaston Warner - This is Child Empowerment May 07, 2024

We are joined today by global nonprofit leader Gaston Warner who is the Global North CEO of Zoe Empowers. Gaston talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about their work among vulnerable families, especially child and youth headed households. Over the years, our show has talked a lot about the need for kids to be raised in families and communities and in this episode we learn about a comprehensive model that emphasizes the children's agency to overcome poverty. We talk empowerment, data, promising practices and it's an episode our orphan care diehards don't want to miss.

Podcast Sponsor

Zoe Empowers is equipping orphaned children and youth-led families with solutions to overcome extreme poverty—for good.

Visit Zoe Empowers Online

Resources and Links from the show

Data and Research from Zoe Empowers

Conversation Notes

Understanding the reality of child and youth headed households in the Global South
The empowerment model started by a Rwandan practitioner - how it works and how it's applied across countries
Intentionally limiting partnerships and what it looks like for both beneficiaries and donors
Defining the buzzword "empowerment" within global development
The importance of integrating child rights throughout programming

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

Alternate Economies and Climate Change (April 3+1) Apr 30, 2024

In this 3+1 episode, we're getting into recent news about ways that Russia is getting around economic sanctions to buoy their economy during their war of aggression as well a couple Asian countries where pollution and contamination is having widespread effects on people's health and wellbeing. We've got Amanda Erne joining us for the conversation. Amanda is on staff with World Concern, is an associate with Canopy International and has a wealth of understanding around climate and sustainable agriculture. We discuss if the term "climate change" is still of use in Christian circles or if it turns too many people off and then get into a documentary recommendation focusing on a Malawian farmer advocating for change.

Podcast Sponsor

Child Hope International reunites families in Haiti by providing pathways for children in orphanages to return home with the necessary support to thrive. If you need help transitioning your orphanage or are looking for an organization to support in Haiti, reach out to Child Hope International.

Visit Child Hope International Online

Conversation Notes

8:45 Alternate economies that Russia is setting up to get around sanctions
21:00 Widespread contamination of drinking water in Bangladesh
29:45 Are we overpoliticizing terms like climate change and shutting off Christians to real stewardship issues?
35:13 A vicious cycle of pollution, cancer and economic collapse in Lebanon
48:00 The Ants and The Grasshopper documentary focuses on the story of a farmer and an advocate in Malawi

Resources and Links from the show

Al-Jazeera : Parallel Economy - How Russia is Defying the West's Boycott

Mongabay : Beneath the surface, a toxic tide threatens Bangladesh’s water lifeline

The Guardian : ‘Where can you hide from pollution?’: cancer rises 30% in Beirut as diesel generators poison city

The Ants & The Grasshopper Documentary

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

Dr. Karen Fancher - Blessed Are The Peacemakers Apr 23, 2024

"We stand together at the foot of the cross and we will work for peace." Dr. Karen Fancher from Multnomah University joins the show today to walk us through the profoundly Christian field of peacebuilding. In her conversation with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke, Dr. Fancher walks us through what it means to promote peace within the humanitarian space with direct application to situations in Palestine and Sudan as well as explores the biblical foundation for Christians to be actively engaged in bringing God's Kingdom of peace and justice.

Podcast Sponsor

Child Hope International reunites families in Haiti by providing pathways for children in orphanages to return home with the necessary support to thrive. If you need help transitioning your orphanage or are looking for an organization to support in Haiti, reach out to Child Hope International.

Visit Child Hope International Online

Resources and Links from the show

Visit Multnomah University Online and the Graduate Peacebuilding Certificate Program

Strategic Peacebuilding by Lisa Shirch

Combatants for Peace Online

Conversation Notes

6:20 How God intertwines our work and our passion into a life story
11:05 “Reconciliation takes place when we step across difference”
16:00 Honoring those that have been traumatized and not making assumptions as outsiders when trying to understand conflict in other countries
19:20 Understanding the biblical concept of shalom
24:15 Peace as a central theme for Jesus and his followers
29:10 The primacy of being citizens of the Kingdom of God in contested times and situations. Should we be pro-Israel or pro-Palestine?
34:00 Common drivers of violence and conflict - disparity, feelings of powerlessness, trauma and redemptive violence
43:05 Considering the history of conflict in Sudan and the impact of war trauma on the populations
51:10 The difference between peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding in the humanitarian space
56:55 Proximity, skills and posture that promote peace
1:03:10 The role that foreign bodies, international entities and INGOs should and should not play in conflict resolution
1:09:00 Organizations and stories of peace: "We stand together at the foot of the cross and we will work for peace."
1:14:10 Learning from the prejudices and hurts in our own heart towards other people and seeking to better understand the Kingdom of God

Eugene Cho - Advocating for the Hungry Apr 09, 2024

We are privileged to be joined today by a Christian leader that really embodies the ethic that we are all striving for as we pursue justice, mercy and shalom in the nations. We're grateful to have Eugene Cho join Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke on the show today talking with us about the work of Bread for the World and what it looks like to advocate for the poor and hungry both in the US and throughout the world. Eugene shares a pastoral word for those of us engaged in global justice work and offers his own reflections of how he remains grounded in Christ in the midst of busy lives of pursuing justice.

Podcast Sponsor

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Resources and Links from the Show

Overrated by Eugene Cho

Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk by Eugene Cho

Visit Bread for the World Online

Conversation Notes

5:20 - Finding your vocation through following the Holy Spirit and seeking first the Kingdom of God
9:30 - Living a Christian ethic and counteracting egoism, isolationism, scarcity and individualism
14:20 - "Right now, this is the worst global hunger crisis in the last fifty years" The gravity of worldwide hunger and where are we seeing the most acute hunger.
19:20 - The Five C's that drive hunger globally - COVID, Conflict, Climate Change, Cost, Corruption and how we respond with Compassion and Courage
28:30 - The difference between poverty and hunger within the US and poverty and hunger in the Global South
36:00 - What Eugene would do if he was a global dictator
41:35 - The importance of avoiding apathy and cynicism and embracing learning and praying when it comes to global issues.
52:15 - What is true advocacy and should Christians be involving themselves in politics
1:04:50 - Humanizing the struggle of families to make ends meet
1:09:20 - Staying grounded in the midst of undertaking really big global nonprofit work
1:15:55 - Reflecting on Overrated a decade later and pastoring the global nonprofit community

Malaria, Haiti, Slavery and "Aid State" (March 3+1) Mar 29, 2024

In this 3+1 episode, we're talking the good (malaria vaccines), the bad (slavery) and a whole lot of Haiti. We've got Mac Archer back on the show to share with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke what she's seeing on the ground in Haiti and what's getting missed in larger media outlets. We talk through the utility of violence by those running the country and look at some potentially similar dynamics in other countries. We also discuss forced labor in Asia, the rise of malaria vaccines in Africa and get a book recommendation for a book that just released in the last couple of months.

Conversation Notes

3:00 - Podcast shoutouts for community members that are reviewing, sharing and sponsoring the show
8:40 - A good news story! Vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa are leading to a decline in infant/child mortalities caused by Malaria
21:00 - Looking at the situation in Haiti from someone in the country and with an article by a Haitian leader. Are these really "gangs"? In what ways is it similar to other conflict areas? Is there accountability for foreign interference?
37:55 - The exploitation of North Korean enslaved laborers in China and the nature and challenges of reporting on issues within totalitarian nations
48:58 - Understanding the context of Haiti and other majority world countries through the economic and anthropological lens of Jake Johnston

Resources and Links from the Show

Al-Jazeera : Could new vaccines end Malaria in Africa?

NACLA : Haiti as Empire's Laboratory

BBC : North Koreans working in China 'exploited like slaves'

Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti by Jake Johnston

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

Preston Sprinkle and Brandon Stiver - Rethinking Orphan Care Mar 26, 2024

Today, we're releasing our podcast collaboration with our friends at Theology in the Raw. Brandon had a chance to sit down with Preston Sprinkle and dive into all things global orphan care and discuss the realities of that children in orphanages face worldwide. Our conversation weaves between a theology of calling and mission and how American Christians intersect with orphans in the Global South. We discuss the reality of life within orphanages, why kids end up there and what risk factors and vulnerabilities arise when kids are raised in that environment. This is a good Ethical Orphan Care 101 type episode and we're grateful for the chance to collaborate with Theology in the Raw to raise awareness and education.

For additional follow-up check out Brandon's four part orphan care blog series on Theology in the Raw. Here's the link.

Resources and Links from the show

When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett

In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence by Phil Darke and Keith McFarland

Check out our friends at Cherish Uganda

Get help to transform your orphanage with Canopy International

Peter Greer and Ryan Skoog - Leading From Your Knees Mar 12, 2024

Global nonprofits are notorious doers, always thinking, planning and taking action. In all of our intentionality for programs and justice endeavors, are we being equally intentional to pray? Peter Greer is back on the show, along with new friend Ryan Skoog, to share about the new book that they wrote (along with Cameron Doolittle) called Lead with Prayer. This is a conversation for everyone, because without God's intervention, nothing would happen anyway. And here's the secret that our guests share with us, "even better than answered prayer, is the very presence of God." Let's think, let's do, but let's also pray.

Resources and Links from the show

Join us for the first ever CarePortal Conference

Lead With Prayer Website (Includes Free Prayer Tools)

Echo Prayer App

Conversation Notes

4:25 - Ryan’s background in entrepreneurship and fundraising
9:55 - Connection of themes between The Gift of Disillusionment and Lead with Prayer
13:10 - The impact of the global church on our lives and taking the Gospel locally and to the ends of the earth
17:00 - Why is prayer so overlooked within Christian nonprofits. Peter asks, “Do we think that we have more to do than Jesus?”
22:35 - Diving into the research of different leaders around the world and what their prayer lives look like
26:35 - Leaders have a friendship first approach to their prayer lives
30:03 - It requires intentionality to set up prayer rhythms both personally and as an organizational
37:50 - The importance of leaders to repent and avoid the common story of Christian leaders that fall from grace
44:20 - Stories of people’s prayer lives

Chrina Henson - Pioneering Family Care in the Philippines Feb 27, 2024

In honor of the World Without Orphans Global Forum and in honor of awesome work being done in the Philippines, we've got Chrina Cuna Henson joining the show. Chrina runs the Manila-based organization Generations-Home and talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about what it's like to promote foster care and adoption in the Philippines. We discuss the reality of violence against children and the pervasive online sexual exploitation of children in the country and learn how Generations-Home is promoting the care and protection of Filipino children.

Resources and Links from the Show

Join us for the first ever CarePortal Conference

Generations-Home Website

"Constance" by Mr. J Medeiros (Music Video)

Conversation Notes

2:30 What’s great about the World Without Orphans Global Forum
7:50 About Generations Home and their work in the Philippines
10:15 How God led Chrina from personal tragedy into running a nonprofit focused on orphans and vulnerable children
15:00 Overview of orphanhood and childhood vulnerability in the Philippines including online sexual exploitation of children
22:42 Starting a church based, family focused movement in an orphanage and exploitation heavy context
34:35 The art of being gracious with people that have good intentions that are just trying to do what they think is best
39:30 Foster care and adoption in the Philippines
46:10 Getting the local church involved with vulnerable children and families
50:35 Being an OVC organization that is based financially in Asia rather than the West
55:53 Embracing our own brokenness as we faithfully serve vulnerable communities

El Salvador, Localization, UNRWA and Bono (February 3+1) Feb 23, 2024

In this 3+1 episode, we're catching up on some global stories that you might have missed and have a recommendation of the pop variety. We're continuing last month's conversation on elections by looking at El Salvador, talking through localization efforts in global development, the scandal surrounding UNRWA-Hamas and then get Brandon's take on Bono's recent biography, Surrender. Dr. Greg Burch of Multnomah University joins Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke for the conversation.

Get support for your nonprofit team or project with our team of professionals at Canopy International

Resources and Links from the show

Foreign Policy : What Bukele's Rise Means for the Region

World Relief : Three Trends We're Seeing in Global Development in 2024

USAID : Communicating through a Localization Lens

The Media Line : Hamas Sacrifices Gaza Children, and UNRWA Complicit in Crimes

Bridgely

The Locust Effect by Gary Haugen and Victor Boutros

God of the Empty-Handed by Jayukumar Christian

Conversation Notes

2:12 - Discussion on Christian Higher ed
8:23 - Considering security, freedom, violence and democracy as El Salvador goes through changes and the leadership of Nayib Bukele
22:00 - Why even bother bringing politics into the podcast conversation?
26:10 - Trends in global development, localization and the place for outsiders
40:30 - Violence against children in Israel-Palestine and the Hamas-UNRWA reports
52:34 - Surrender by Bono and reflections on the celebrity activist

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

Justin Narducci - Heal the Sick, Proclaim the Kingdom Feb 13, 2024

What does it look like to meet the needs of very vulnerable people in the face of glaring global disparity? What does it look like to bring God's Kingdom through improving access to healthcare in the Global South? These are the questions we're looking at today as we dive into conversation with CEO of CURE International, Justin Narducci. Justin and his team CURE are distinctly rooted in Luke 9:2 where Jesus commissioned His disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. For them that means running hospitals in eight countries, providing over 330,000 surgeries and sharing the gospel with 1.5 million people. We get to learn from their experience in this episode of the podcast.

Resources and Links from the show

Cure International Website

Get Support for Yourself or Your Team with Canopy International

Conversation Notes

1:40 - Update on Brandon’s work with CarePortal
4:05 - Think Global becoming Think Global, Do Justice
9:50 - The work of Cure Intl. and how God led Justin into the global nonprofit space
12:00 - How scripture points us towards caring for people both locally and globally regardless of ethnicity and upbringing
13:20 - The history and the founding of CURE to meet healthcare and spiritual needs of vulnerable children and communities
15:20 - The environment in which CURE is working and the harsh realities for families and children
21:20 - The feelings of a parent whose child is in need of serious medical care
25:40 - The imperative for CURE to provide healthcare to vulnerable children specifically
29:30 - Addressing the tremendous disparity when looking at healthcare in Africa versus other areas of the world
33:15 - Promoting sustainability and professional development through CURE’s hospitals and partnerships
39:00 - How should we think about scaling solutions especially in the face of such tremendous needs throughout the world
45:24 - Seeing an organization grow from the founder to subsequent executives without mission creep
48:50 - Incorporating Christian ministry care with the medical care to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God
53:35 - The importance of having a specialized skill that you can transfer and train others in

Podcast music by Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Dr. Forrest Inslee - Caring for Creation Jan 30, 2024

You cannot have a conversation around global issues without considering the state of the earth itself. We are talking today with educator, author and climate advocate Dr. Forrest Inslee to learn, "what on earth is happening with the earth?" Dr. Inslee brings a distinctly Christian viewpoint to the conversation as we consider the damage being done to the environment and how Christians that are engaging vulnerable communities around the world have a role to play in supporting not just people, but all of God's creation.

Resources and Links from the show

Earthkeepers Podcast

Re-imagining Short Term Missions

Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katharine Hayhoe

Agrarian Spirit: Cultivating Faith, Community, and the Land by Norman Wirzba

Conversation Notes

7:10 - Remembering that God loves all ethnicities and nationalities the same and Jesus making us into family
10:15 - Blood relation, family and adoption in Turkey
15:15 - A snapshot of climate change, extreme weather, ecosystem loss and how a Christian should think through these realities
19:45 - The link between poverty and ecological degradation
23:40 - Christians believe that people matter most, but is it the case that people are all that matters.
27:57 - The way that people divide even in the midst of having something they could agree on (and also Parks and Rec)
34:45 - Is there a role for technology to solve our problems or is that just magic thinking that won’t bear enough fruit
38:40 - Urbanization is a historic long term trend and how can people do something to take action
46:15 - The need to reimagine how we do short term missions
52:00 - Promising practices in short term missions and cross-cultural ministry
57:45 - Practicing humility and learning as we engage in justice work

Sudan, Elections, USAID and MEAL [January 3+1] Jan 26, 2024

In our first ever 3+1 episode, we're catching up on some global stories that you might have missed. We're talking about the war going on in Sudan, elections throughout the world, USAID waste and then learn of a great recommendation from our guest on developing monitoring and evaluation.

Conversation Notes

2:10 - Introduction to the 3+1 format and those that are in the conversation today
6:35 - The war in Sudan, the current situation, the history, the displacement, the genocide
11:35 - The economy of attention, why do we hear about certain problems or conflicts and not others
20:40 - Countries representing half of the world’s population are heading to the polls this year.
25:10 - Legitimacy of the elections in question and walking the line between perception and reality
30:02 - What is the role of the church in civic participation?
36:10 - USAID’s biggest contract in history goes a bit sour
44:50 - Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning resource for development professionals. Super helpful guide and directed course to equip you for this work.

Resources and Links from the Show

The Guardian : ‘Why are they forgetting about us?’: Sudan watches allies turn from war to aid Ukraine and Gaza

Politico : The global elections Washington should be watching in 2024

Devex : 'Too big to fail': How USAID's $9.5B supply chain vision unraveled

MEAL DPro: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning for Development Professionals

Sometimes in April Movie

The White Man's Burden by William Easterly

Think Orphan's Refugee Crisis Series

Theme music : Standing in the Rain by Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Dr. Michael Pucci - Owning Poverty Jan 16, 2024

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.

Resources and Links

Owning Poverty by Michael Pucci, PhD

2023 Global Philanthropy Tracker Full Report

Join our NEW Patreon Community

Conversation Notes

What does it mean to coach towards transformation (6:30)
Applying James 1:27 to understand the powerlessness of individuals and how family is the model for Christians to interact with others (9:30)
Is it okay to show preference toward certain people within a Christian’s life? (11:35)
Understanding the condition of poverty and how it applies to everyone (17:50)
The role of spiritual disciplines to know and participate in poverty (22:35)
The reactions of people that are first encountering poverty (25:55)
Poverty and suffering within the global Body of Christ (30:30)
Hearing how the poor describe poverty (40:20)
The importance of boundaries and diversity to promote social flourishing (43:00)
The laying down of power and cultural dominance (51:00)
Should we be building bridges or taking bridges apart? (57:00)
The global aid industry, it’s big, it’s not working and the mode of engagement is off (59:45)
Investigating our actions to see if they align with the Kingdom of God (1:11:00)

Welcome to Think Global Jan 02, 2024

This podcast is something like day one, while at the same time seven years strong. In this trailer episode for Think Global, Brandon Stiver speaks to the heart of the podcast and the season that God is calling our community into. You’ll hear about some of the updates to the podcast as well as more ways to connect with us. Brandon also introduces Canopy International, a global community for convening, connecting and collaborating.

Please support the show (seriously, we don’t have backers anymore!) Here’s our freshly set-up Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/canopyinternational/

Please rate and review the show as we seek to reach more globally-minded disciples that are looking for community and meaningful content.

Theme Music : Standing in the Rain by Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License.

Transitions and a New Beginning Dec 19, 2023

Phil and Brandon share how God has been working through the podcast throughout 2023 as well as throughout the history since Phil started the show nearly seven years ago. As we close out the year, we share the direction that God is leading us to take the podcast in 2024 and beyond. This is a heartfelt, earnest community conversation on the podcast today.

We're adjusting the scope, changing the name and stepping into the next phase of this podcast community. We're grateful to have you in this community and are looking forward to going deeper with you as he calls all of us to better serve vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Support the podcast by joining our NEW Patreon community : Link

On The Ground in Ethiopia - The Anatomy of an Orphan Care Organization Dec 05, 2023

In episode 237, we have a special on the ground episode to share how one organization's journey and commitment to family based care plays out through all the people in their organization. We're featuring voices through Selamta Family Project in Addis Ababa and invite you to join us in this conversation to celebrate the family care movement taking place in Ethiopia.

Show Notes

Julia shares how she became involved in the sector (3:30)
Selamta's programs and striving for forever families (5:00)
Trust-based relational culture (10:00)
Transforming children's welfare in Ethiopia (12:00)
Tamrat shares about Selamta's model (18:30)
The reality of aging out (21:32)
Collaboration and partnership on the ground (23:30)
Connecting with love and care (25:00)
Providing consistent care (27:00)
What family can provide (35:00)
The difference that family makes (41:00)
Hearing from older youth (48:00)

Resources and Links from the show

Selamta Family Project

On the Ground in Lesotho- The Power of Family Reunification

Dr. Lauren Pinkston - Trafficking, Entrepreneurship and Orphan Care Podcasting Nov 21, 2023

This week we have dedicated academic and researcher Dr. Lauren Pinkson. Lauren is the host of the Upwardly Dependent podcast and comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in human trafficking prevention and community development through social enterprise. She has a passion for exploring creative solutions to bridging cultures and investing in communities. Join us as we challenge preconceptions surrounding human trafficking, shifting perspectives in bridging cultures, and delving into the intersection of podcasting within this sector.

Podcast Sponsor

Sojourn Studio

Sojourn Studio empowers young women and moms on the Thailand-Myanmar border through dignified work as they handcraft beauty to rewrite stories and lift communities. Get shopping today and support families at the same time!

Resources and Links from the show

Slavery Footprint

Freedom Business Alliance

Kindred Exchange

Upwardly Dependent

Human Trafficking 101

Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary L. McBride

You Should be Grateful by Angela Tucker

Conversation Notes

The intersection of trafficking and orphanage care settings (10:22)
Promoting freedom business (17:00)
How we define freedom and changing our framework (24:30)
The power of story (31:00)
Responding to what we know now about international adoption (38:00)
Upwardly Dependent podcast (43:00)
Foster care into trafficking (48:00)
Lauren's favorite recommendations (53:00)

Mackynzie Archer - The Emotional Labor of Care-Affected Children Nov 07, 2023

Mackynzie 'Mac' Archer comes with a deep love for the Haitian people and vulnerable populations. She is an anthropologist, researcher, consultant, and advocate. In this episode we dive into some of her findings in short-term missions, the orphanage system in Haiti, and her most recent doctoral research on the emotional labor of care-affected children.

Podcast Sponsor

Sojourn Studio

Sojourn Studio empowers young women and moms on the Thailand-Myanmar border through dignified work as they handcraft beauty to rewrite stories and lift communities. Get shopping today and support families at the same time!

Resources and Links from the show

Most Children In Haitian Orphanages Aren’t Orphans — But US Missionaries Take Them Away From Their Families

Disquieting Gifts: Humanitarianism in New Delhi

Travesty in Haiti: A true account of Christian missions, orphanages, fraud, food aid, and drug trafficking

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

Conversation Notes

How Mackenzie got to Haiti (6:00)
The reality on the ground at an orphanage (7:30)
Interviewing children in orphanage systems (10:30)
Let’s talk about life in Haiti right now (12:00)
The impact of instability on orphanages (15:00)
An increase in malnutrition (21:00)
Most organizations unable to meet basic needs (23:00)
Sustaining poor child welfare practices (26:00)
Good intentions (27:00)
One story from a short-term missions volunteer (31:00)
Accountable empathy (38:00)
Are we willing to receiving from other cultures? (41:00)
The emotional labor we see at orphanages (47:00)
Wiping the eyes of children between groups of visitors (52:00)
Emotional labor in family reunification (57:00)
Building relationships instead of structures (1:12:00)

The Nonprofit Leadership Conversation Oct 24, 2023

In this Conversation episode, we're joined by nonprofit leaders Leslie Beasley (Miracle Foundation), Dave LeVan (Lifewater International), and Paige Shope (Yoked Partners). We'll delve into how non-profit organizations are increasingly adopting for-profit strategies, blurring the lines between the two sectors. Our discussion will venture into valuable leadership insights from experienced leaders, strategies to creating an effective team and organizational culture, and how to lead in uncertain times.

Podcast Sponsor

Sojourn Studio

Sojourn Studio empowers young women and moms on the Thailand-Myanmar border through dignified work as they handcraft beauty to rewrite stories and lift communities. Get shopping today and support families at the same time!

Resources and Links from the show

Missions Based Management by Peter Brinkerhoff

Think Orphan Episode 219: The Uncharitable Truth about Nonprofits with Lindsey Hadley

Engine of Impact: Essentials of Strategic Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector

The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni

Uncharitable Movie

Conversation Notes

The differences between business and non-profit (14:58)
More organizations operating like for-profit entities (19:00)
Importance of clarity on impact (23:00)
Lessons learned leading (32:00)
Identifying where people will be most effective (42:00)
Staying focused on your strengths as an organization (57:00)
Best leadership advice (1:05:00)

Mobilizing the Church for Care Reform Oct 10, 2023

In this conversation episode, we bring together leaders within different denominations to talk about care reform and the role the American church can play. Joining ust today are from Kristen Lowry from Shelter Yetu and Send Relief (Southern Baptist Convention), Laura Horvath from Helping Children Worldwide and the United Methodist Church, and Pastor Jacob Lierz from LifeMission Church. We discuss what motivates American churches to engage in global orphan care? How do we encourage them to move towards better practice? Can the church lead the movement for care reform?

Podcast Sponsor

Sojourn Studio

Sojourn Studio empowers young women and moms on the Thailand-Myanmar border through dignified work as they handcraft beauty to rewrite stories and lift communities. Get shopping today and support families at the same time!

Resources and Links from the show

1MILLIONHOME Church Resources

Love Wisely course

Short-Term Missions Manual by Faith to Action

Barna Research Study

Send Relief consultant advocates orphan care reform

From the Field: How can your church help orphans?

Freeing Congregational Mission

Breaking Bread Series

Conversation Notes

What brought our guests into reforming orphan care (6:00)

Advising churches on best practice (13:00)

Helping the church ask questions (16:30)

Bringing change in missions (21:00)

Why are churches and donors reluctant to change? (31:00)

Should we stop supporting orphanages? (35:00)

Stories of change (42:00)

Short-term mission vs. long-term missions (49:00)

Improving child protection in missions (58:00)

Start with education and ask the hard questions (1:05:00)

The Westerner Abuse and Child Protection Conversation Sep 26, 2023

In this Conversation episode, we're joined by 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.

Conversation Notes

Recurring cases of exploitation in overseas volunteerism (voluntourism) (17:00)
The risk in naivety (20:00)
Harming, not helping (24:30)
The power dynamics that add to vulnerability (27:00)
White saviors, colonialism, paternalism (30:00)
Establishing policies and systems that mitigate risk (34:00)
Creating cultures of awareness and protection (44:00)
Developing national safeguarding processes (50:00)
Risk involved with child sponsorship (1:00:00)
How do we create reporting mechanisms for children (1:08:00)

Resources and Links from the show

SFAC Safeguarding Course

SFAC Homepage

Multnomah Plus Course: Protecting the Vulnerable

Research Paper : Child Sexual Exploitation in East African Orphanages

Brian Fikkert and Gabriel Walder - When Collaboration Helps Families Sep 12, 2023

In this episode, Brian Fikkert and Gabriel Walder join the show to tackle critical topics such as helping the church rediscover its identity, divisions within the American church regarding poverty, and the intricate relationship between economic empowerment and family well-being. Additionally, they delve into cross-cultural missions, the significance of community and relationships, and discuss ACE's collaboration with Chalmers Center. Tune in for insightful perspectives on poverty alleviation and community building.

Podcast Sponsor

Replanted Conference

The Replanted Conference provides a time away for caregivers to be refreshed, equipped, and inspired! Join us October 12-14, 2023 in Chicago or at a simulcast location near you. Registration now open! Use code '1MH10' to get your Think Orphan discount!

Resources and Links from the show

When Helping Hurts Vulnerable Children

How Soccer Explains Leadership with Graham Daniels

Becoming Whole by Brian Fikkert and Kelly Kapic

Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World by Andy Crouch

Chalmers Center

Alliance for Children Everywhere

Conversation Notes

What does human flourishing look like? (7:30)
Helping the church to rediscover who we are (9:00)
Supporting organizations to transition to family care (16:00)
The division of the American church on why people are poor (22:00)
The problems with economic empowerment (24:00)
The Graduation Approach of economic empowerment (34:00)
Family as the solution and greatest community asset (37:00)
Approaching families with humility (41:00)
Working cross-culturally in missions (43:00)
The imperative of community and relationship (48:00)
ACE’s collaboration with Chalmers Center (1:04)

Peter Greer - Leading Beyond Disillusionment Aug 29, 2023

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the intriguing concept of "The Gift of Disillusionment" as explored in a recent book co-authored by our guest, Peter Greer. Peter is president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered micro-enterprise development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Don't miss this captivating conversation that explores the profound perspective that disillusionment can be seen as a gift rather than a setback.

Podcast Sponsor

Replanted Conference

The Replanted Conference provides a time away for caregivers to be refreshed, equipped, and inspired! Join us October 12-14, 2023 in Chicago or at a simulcast location near you. Registration now open! Use code '1MH10' to get your Think Orphan discount!

Resources and Links from the show

The Gift of Disillusionment

Peter Greer's Website

Free Hope International Downloads

Rooting for Rivals

The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson

Where the Light Fell by Phillip Yancey

Conversation Notes

The work of Hope International (7:00)
Biggest lessons learned from the last 20 years (12:00)
The impact COVID-19 had on impoverished communities (18:00)
The impact of war on Hope's extensive work in Ukraine (24:00)
Peter shares about the Gift of Disillusionment (32:00)
Hope in a world full of cynicism (43:00)
Being fully present with others (55:00)

The Orphanage Transformation Conversation Aug 15, 2023

In this Conversation episode, we are bringing together leaders to talk about care reform and transition support services. We have Elli Oswald from Faith to Action, Jonathan Dowell from Weza Care Solutions, and Hannah Won from ACCI. These leaders come with many years experience from providing direct services in an orphanage to leading organizations committed to supporting orphanages to transition their models.

In addition to the audio podcast, you can check out the video podcast on 1MILLIONHOME's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@1MILLIONHOMEofficial

Podcast Sponsor

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit

CAFO2023 is a gathering of more than 2,000 Christian orphan care leaders, parents and practitioners coming together from over 50 countries to worship and learn together. The event is September 20th-22nd in Oklahoma City. Register today!

Resources and Links from the show

Think Orphan Episode 162: The Global Church Pledge with Elli Oswald and Karen Springs

Better Care Network: Phases of Transition

Changing Mindsets and Practice from ACCI

Transitioning Support Survey by Faith to Action

1MILLIONHOME's Youtube channel

Conversation Notes

Hannah shares about her experience with transition (6:00)
Jonathan's background in corporate to Agape (9:00)
Systems of protection and care are in reform (14:30)
External pressure towards reform (23:00)
Keeping donors engaged through transition (35:00)
Care reform in Kenya (37:00)
Giving local communities the resources they need (41:00)
Being strategic and thoughtful with all stakeholders (58:00)
Why do we need to look at policy and frameworks of organizations? (1:00:00)
Restoring relationships (1:05:02)
Resources, tools, people (1:09:00)
First step advice (1:17:50)

Dr. Hunter Farrell - Decolonizing Christian Mission Aug 01, 2023

This week we have the co-author of Freeing Congregational Mission, Dr. Hunter Farrell. He served as a long-term missionary in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru and now works as the Director of the World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Farrell brings a wealth of first hand and research knowledge about Christian Mission. After 35 years in intercultural missions, he is calling for a reframing of missions. What would it look like to approach missions with a learning posture? How can we create spaces of connection for shared learning across cultures?

Podcast Sponsor

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit

CAFO2023 is a gathering of more than 2,000 Christian orphan care leaders, parents and practitioners coming together from over 50 countries to worship and learn together. The event is September 20th-22nd in Oklahoma City. Register today!

Resources and Links from the show

Freeing Congregational Mission

Village Reach

Quiet

The Power of Introverts

Conversation Notes

Hunter brought back to faith in Congo (4:50)
Defining missions (10:00)
The three stones framework (15:00)
Cultural humility and learning posture (20:00)
Problematic attitude of giving without receiving (24:00)
Creating spaces of connection and horizontal learning (40:00)
Unintended consequences of child sponsorship (42:00)
Redeeming short-term missions (51:00)
Key differences in cultures (57:00)

The Global Foster Care Conversation Jul 18, 2023

In this Conversation episode, we're joined by four child welfare leaders to dive into the nuances, challenges and triumphs of pioneering foster care throughout the world. On the show is Ian Forber-Pratt from Children's Emergency Relief International, Tara Garcia from Identity Mission, Sebilu Bodja from Bethany Christian Services, and Martus Greyvenstein from Kin Culture. We'll dive into all the nitty-gritty of foster care including questions like "Is foster-to-adopt bad?" "How do you promote something that is completely foreign in many contexts?" and "What role does foster care play in getting kids out of orphanages?"

In addition to the audio podcast, you can check out the video podcast on 1MILLIONHOME's new YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@1MILLIONHOMEofficial

Podcast Sponsors

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit

CAFO2023 is a gathering of more than 2,000 Christian orphan care leaders, parents and practitioners coming together from over 50 countries to worship and learn together. The event is September 20th-22nd in Oklahoma City. Register today!

Resources and Links from the show

Think Orphan Episode 181: Driving Innovation in Child Welfare with Ian Forber-Pratt

Think Orphan Episode 30: Revolutionizing Orphan Care in India with Ian Forber-Pratt

1MILLIONHOME's new Youtube channel

Conversation Notes

Foster care across cultural contexts (14:00)
Building awareness for foster care (17:00)
Partnering with the local church in foster care (20:00)
The importance of defining terms (27:00)
Using what’s working culturally (43:00)
Recruiting families who root for the biological family (47:00)
Pioneering care reform in Honduras (54:00)
Collaboration between governments and organizations (59:00)
The role of the local church (1:10:00)

The Global HIV/AIDS Conversation Jul 04, 2023

In our second Conversations episode, we're joined by Anna Jackson from Montaña de Luz in Honduras, Brent Phillips from Cherish Uganda, and Dan Stoehr from Reach Ministries in the US, to discuss HIV/AIDS today. What is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the world today? What are the challenges care providers face? Find out how these leaders are working to overcome stigma and other obstacles.

Also, you can check out the video conversation on 1MILLIONHOME's new YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@1MILLIONHOMEofficial

Podcast Sponsor

Attachment and Trauma Focused Therapy by Deborah Gray

The ATFT course will prepare you to treat attachment, trauma, and loss issues in children; families. The course teaches approaches for prenatal exposure, executive dysfunction, and family maltreatment.

Resources and Links from the show

Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet

Christianity Today: When Politics Saved 25 Million Lives

Think Orphan Episode 190: HIV/AIDS, Child Sponsorships and Fundraising Excellence with Brent Phillips

Conversation Notes

Current HIV/AIDS data across the globe (4:00)
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa (6:00)
Stigma remains one of the greatest hurdles across countries (10:30)
Medicine the constant reminder (16:00)
How COVID-19 impacted HIV treatment (19:00)
Mother to child transmission in the Global South (26:00)
Medicine accessibility in Honduras (40:00)
Overcoming the stigma with stories (45:00)
The changing perception of HIV (49:00)
Overcoming stigma with skits and outreach in Central America (55:00)
One thing you want people to know (59:00)

The Central America Conversation Jun 20, 2023

In our first ever Conversations episode, we're bringing together four global care leaders to talk about Central American cultural contexts, cycles of poverty and violence, family separation and the push factors leading migrants to flee the region. Joining the show is Kara Garcia of Project RED in El Salvador, Erica Switzer of Embraced Intl. in Honduras, Levi Bareither of Story Intl. in Guatemala and long-time children's advocate Onesimo Feliz.

Podcast Sponsors

Attachment and Trauma Focused Therapy by Deborah Gray

The ATFT course will prepare you to treat attachment, trauma, and loss issues in children; families. The course teaches approaches for prenatal exposure, executive dysfunction, and family maltreatment.

Resources and Links from the show

Migration Policy - Central American Immigrants

Think Orphan Episode 183 - Strengthening Children and Families in El Salvador with Kara Wilson Garcia

Show Notes

Increasing levels of migrants and asylum seekers at US southern border (7:00)
Kara shares about the current environment in El Salvador (9:00)
Erica contrasts El Salvador with the work Embrace is doing in Honduras (13:00)
Levi shares about the situation in Guatemala (22:00)
Generational poverty paired with lack of opportunity as a driving force (28:00)
Reunifying children within violent and unpredictable environments (30:20)
Strengthening families as a preventative factor in migration (33:00)
Onesimo shares the role of pastors in Latin America (42:00)
Multiple layers of generational, historical, complex issues (58:00)
We need more empathy for asylum seekers (1:00:00)

Mohamed Emmanuel Nabieu - "My Long Journey Back Home" Jun 06, 2023

This week we have the privilege of delving deeper into the remarkable life story of Mohamed Emmanuel Nabieu. In his captivating memoir, My Long Journey Back Home, Nabs shares his resilient spirit and unwavering determination to overcome the challenges that marked his childhood and youth. In his second appearance on Think Orphan, Nabs shares more powerful insights. Discover how he is harnessing the strength of his past to forge a path of empowerment, not only for himself but for countless others who have experienced similar adversity.

Podcast Sponsors

Attachment and Trauma Focused Therapy by Deborah Gray

The ATFT course will prepare you to treat attachment, trauma, and loss issues in children; families. The course teaches approaches for prenatal exposure, executive dysfunction, and family maltreatment.

Join the Haiti Family Care Network at the Better Together Conference this July! The Better Together conference will provide a dedicated space and time to convene, share, and learn over two and half days in Nashville.

Resources and Links from the show

My Long Journey Back Home

Watch Nabs on TedxUSW

Helping Children Worldwide

Show Notes

What prompted the writing of My Long Journey Back Home (11:20)
A loss of family, community, culture, language, identity (12:00)
Cultivating resilience and being transformed (13:30)
Spreading the message about care reform and importance of families (14:00)
Reflecting on diverse childhood experiences (16:50)
Growing up with family (17:00)
Navigating life on the streets (20:00)
Family cannot be replaced (23:00)
It is better to grow up in a poor family than a rich orphanage (26:00)
The abuse in institutions is higher than in families (28:10)
It’s more expensive to run an institution to family-care (29:00)
Being taken away to the orphanage (29:30)
Care without losing identity, connection, belonging (31:00)
Creating bigger problems by removing children from families (32:00)
Ways that missionaries have undermined connections with local communities (33:00)
Changing development to ask communities, what do you need? (35:00)
Undermining cultural ethics of countries (36:00)
Understanding the cultural differences and how it can create challenges (38:00)
Transitioning to family care (40:00)
Providing hands up not hand outs (44:00)
When families get stronger, so do communities (47:00)
Years of cultivating a relationship with the government (51:00)
Nab’s recommendations (56:00)

Tiffany Bluhm - Confronting Abuse of Power and the Silencing of Victims May 23, 2023

This week we are joined by Tiffany Bluhm, the author of Prey Tell and Never Alone. She speaks at conferences, companies, and churches, and her work has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, Sojourners, Red Letter Christians, the YouVersion Bible app, Jenny McCarthy Show, and more. She serves at the intersection of faith and culture, humor and women’s issues. She lives in the PNW with her husband and two sons. In this episode, Tiffany helps us navigate hard conversations around abuse of power and what it means to create systems of accountability.

Podcast Sponsors

Faith to Action Initiative is hosting an upcoming webinar on Jun 8, 2023! Sign up today!

Beyond Selfie Missions: How Missions Became All About ‘Me’ and What to do About It.

You will learn practical ways to negate “selfie missions”, realign your missions efforts with the heart of God, and participate in transformational and reconciling missions work around the world.

Join the Haiti Family Care Network at the Better Together Conference this July! The Better Together conference will provide a dedicated space and time to convene, share, and learn over two and half days in Nashville.

Resources and Links from the show

Tiffany's Website

Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up

Speaker | Tiffany's Speaking Page

Co-Host | Why Tho Podcast

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Show Notes

Tiffany Bluhm joins and shares her background (6:40)
The importance of representation in early childhood (7:00)
Adopting from East Africa (16:00)
What you’ve learned as an adoptive parent (19:00)
Navigating complex trauma and creating safe homes (20:00)
The importance of self-care for ourselves (21:00)
The unique isolation of motherhood and not wanting to burden others (22:00)
Creating community and places families can connect (26:05)
Tiffany’s take on “Adoption is trauma” (27:00)
Trying to reconcile with family before international adoption (34:00)
Tiffany’s book ‘Prey Tell’
Discussing abuse of power (40:00)
Biblical example of serving as an ally and bystander intervention (42:00)
Demanding systematic accountability (43:00)
When we see an imbalance of power (46:00)
True accountability outside of the organization (50:00)
Conflict of interest between leaders and boards (51:00)
Pathways of reporting that are anonymous (52:00)
What Tiffany’s currently working on (55:00)
Tiffany’s personal recommendations (56:30)
Brandon and Phil’s recap (59:00)

Jason Johnson - An Honest Conversation Around Church and Foster Care May 09, 2023

This week, Jason Johnson from Christian Alliance for Orphans returns to the show. Jason is a writer and speaker who encourages families and equips church and organizational leaders on their foster care and adoption journeys. In this episode, Jason names and shares many of the struggles and challenges that foster and adoptive parents go through. He encourages us to find safe spaces and communities where we can process our emotions and have open and honest conversations.

Podcast Sponsor

Faith to Action Initiative is hosting an upcoming webinar on Jun 8, 2023! Sign up today!

Beyond Selfie Missions: How Missions Became All About ‘Me’ and What to do About It.

You will learn practical ways to negate “selfie missions”, realign your missions efforts with the heart of God, and participate in transformational and reconciling missions work around the world.

Resources and Links from the show

Jason's Blog

Reframing Foster Care

Everyone Can Do Something

Episode 167: Jason Johnson Everyone Can Do Something

Episode 216: Poverty and Family Separation in US Child Welfare with Sarah Winograd

Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Quit by Annie Duke

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Biola Missions Conference on YouTube

Show Notes

Jason catches us up on what he’s been doing (5:00)
The differences in how men and women approach fostering (8:10)
Leading and following (11:00)
Naming the struggles and grief involved in foster care(15:50)
Giving ourselves the permission to think and feel (18:30)
Being able to lean into the community around us (21:30)
Improving how we do church engagement (25:00)
Helping churches know how to care (28:00)
Making the church our audience (31:00)
Engagement as partnership (33:00)
Urgency can breed scarcity (34:00)
Focusing on family preservation and preventative measures (43:00)
Living within the tensions and the need for foster care (45:00)
Reckoning with the reality (46:00)
Gaps and the spirit of scarcity (53:00)
Gaps in the prevention space (56:00)
Strategic benevolence and investing in the lives of at-risk families (58:50)
Jason’s recommendations (1:00:00)

Kim de Blecourt - War Relief, Deported Children and the Ukrainian Church Apr 25, 2023

This week we've got Kim de Blecourt from Nourished Hearts back on the show to talk with us about their ministry in Ukraine, the effects of the war on vulnerable children and the importance of coming alongside indigenous churches. Nourished Hearts is a ministry that encourages, inspires, and creates community around those who are involved with adoption, foster care, or orphan care internationally.

Podcast Sponsor

Masters Program at Multnomah University in Global Development and Justice

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice (MAGDJ) program prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, peace building, and transformational community development work. The curriculum seeks to develop compassionate leaders, who are trauma-informed and prepared to support human flourishing in whatever context they work in.

Resources and Links from the show

BBC Article: Deportation of Ukrainian Children to Russia

Kim's Website

Nourished Hearts

I Call You Mine: Embracing Adoption

Relevant Magazine: Re-envisioning Orphan Care

Relevant Magazine: Better Way to Talk about Adoption

Think Orphan Episode 107. Be Patient with Kim de Blecourt

Show Notes

Kim shares her background (6:30)
Kim shares about her recent experience in Ukraine (10:00)
Trying to meet the needs of the internally displaced (12:30)
Rising concerns for children in Ukraine (17:00)
War crimes related to separating families (25:00)
Knowing the heart of God and identifying with the orphan (32:00)
God labels himself as the Father of the Fatherless (36:07)
Importance of translating materials to other languages (38:30)
Rick Warren as one person who has impacted Kim’s thinking (52:00)
Phil and Brandon recap the conversation (55:10)
The importance of connections and networking (57:00)
Just doing the next right thing (1:00:00)
Relevant Magazine article ‘A Better Way to Talk about Adoption’ (1:03:00)

Kimberly Quinley - Family Care Through Collective Impact Apr 11, 2023

Kimberly Quinley, a pioneer of family-based care, has spent nearly 40 years serving in Thailand. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Step Ahead, an organization committed to see all children in Thailand grow up in safe and nurturing families. Kimberly is a founding leader for Strong Families Alliance Thailand (SFAT), a Christian alliance with the same vision and goals as World Without Orphans. In episode 220, we cover everything from the core pillars of family strengthening, to collective impact, creating national roadmaps, and more.

Podcast Sponsor

JOURNEYHOME is offering online courses and practical resources for reforming models of care throughout the world. Created by seasoned frontline practitioners, the instructors in our community share field-tested and solution-based content to safely and effectively get kids home.

Reintegrating Children with Disabilities into Family: Around the world, children with disabilities are 17x more likely than typically developing children to end up living in an institution. Our hope is that this course will help your organization find a way home for children with disabilities.

Resources and Links from the show

Urban Halo by Craig Greenfield

Step Ahead Thailand

Think Orphan Episode 51 with Delia Pop

Show Notes

Introducing Kimberly Quinley (7:00)
Understanding the reality of orphanages (9:00)
Starting Step Ahead (10:30)
One mother’s dilemma (12:00)
Keeping families together is the best thing to do (15:20)
Cross cultural insights, do your homework (18:00)
Poverty is great reason children enter care (19:00)
Come listen, and learn (20:00)
Push and pull factors for children in residential care (25:00)
Children at risk of trafficking (29:00)
Strengthening families is most needed (35:00)
Defining family strengthening (39:00)
Different areas of family strengthening (40:00)
Connecting families to services (43:00)
Collective impact model (50:00)
Defining shared vision (53:00)
Monitoring and evaluation (55:00)
Creating leadership (58:30)
Drafting a national roadmap (59:00)
Kimberly’s recommendations (1:03)
Brandon and Phil recap the conversation (1:15)

Find additional shows and resources on thinkorphan.com

Lindsay Hadley - The "Uncharitable" Truth About Nonprofits Mar 28, 2023

In episode 219, Lindsay Hadley is on to discuss the upcoming release of the documentary "Uncharitable". After many years in the nonprofit sector, Lindsay has become one of the most sought-after consultants and producers. This conversation challenges us to envision an unconstrained nonprofit sector. What if the charities could attract the best leaders, talents, and ideas? What if smaller operations with less impact stopped and those resources went to the best organization solving the problem? We get into these questions and more in this episode of Think Orphan.

Podcast Sponsor

Multnomah University's Masters in Global Development and Justice

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice (MAGDJ) program prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, peacebuilding, and transformational community development work. The curriculum seeks to develop compassionate leaders, who are trauma-informed and prepared to support human flourishing in whatever context they work in.

Resources and Links from the show

Uncharitable Documentary

Dan Pallotta's Ted Talk - The Way We Think about Charity is Dead Wrong

Lindsay's Book Recommendation- Bonds that Make Us Free

Show Notes

Lindsay shares her background in nonprofit (5:05)
Her involvement working in orphan care and global poverty (7:30)
Overhead myth and a real example (17:25)
Ted Talk behind 'Uncharitable' (24:00)
Lindsay explains her role as an executive producer (33:00)
The role risk plays for non-profits (38:00)
Appreciation in the non-profit sector (49:00)
The best organizations would grow (51:00)
Lindsey’s book recommendation (55:00)
To see ourselves in the other (57:00)
Lindsey’s most influential person (59:00)
Joe Ritchie on Caring for Orphans (1:00:00)
Brandon and Phil recap their talk with Lindsey (1:02:00)
The overhead myth (1:03:00)

Elizabeth Kirk - Infant Adoption in a Post-Roe World Mar 14, 2023

In episode 218, we hear from lawyer and professor, Elizabeth Kirk. Elizabeth is the Director of the Center for Law and the Human Person, as well as a research associate at The Catholic University of America. Her work spans a variety of law in child welfare, parental rights, and adoption policy. In addition to her career, her lived experiences as an adoptee and an adoptive parent, give her a unique perspective and voice to speak into the conversation happening around adoption today. She talks with Brandon about the role that infant adoption could play following last year's Dobbs decision at the Supreme Court, misconceptions around adoption, as well as insight on the decision making process for women that have an unplanned pregnancy.

Podcast Sponsor

Masters Program at Mulnomah University in Global Development and Justice

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice (MAGDJ) program prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, peacebuilding, and transformational community development work. The curriculum develops compassionate leaders and professionals, who are trauma-informed and prepared to support human flourishing in whatever context they work in.

Resources and Links from the show

LifeMark movie

Show Notes

Elizabeth shares her background and what drew her into this work (5:20)
The role of adoption in a post Roe vs. Wade world (13:00)
Overviewing pro-choice arguments against adoption (14:52)
A view of pregnancy that includes communities (18:20)
Mothers and decision making in adoption (24:50)
A global south perspective (27:20)
Misconceptions concerning adoption (29:00)
Elizabeth’s adoption experience and a story from a birth mother (35:20)
Is adoption a viable option in a birth mother’s mind? (49:00)

On The Ground in Lesotho - The Power of Family Reunification Feb 28, 2023

In episode 217, we have a special on the ground episode to share how one organization's journey and commitment to reunifying families has inspired others. Trust for Africa's work in Lesotho has gone beyond their own organization and now supports other organizations to transition to family-based care. Naomi Schalm, Mafusi Semethe, Mbele Horoto, and Bokang Lipholo all join us in this conversation to celebrate the movement underway in Africa's "Kingdom of the Sky."

Podcast Sponsor

JOURNEYHOME is offering online courses and practical resources for reforming models of care throughout the world. Created by seasoned frontline practitioners, the instructors in our community share field-tested and solution-based content to safely and effectively get kids home.

Resources and Links from the show

Trust for Africa

On the Ground in Lesotho- The Power of Family Reunification

Show Notes

The challenges for children in residential care (4:45)
Ramping up family tracing efforts (5:48)
The hard work of individualized care plans (6:55)
Importance of follow-up after placement (7:40)
One 12 year old’s journey home (10:20)
Another story of family separation and reunification (12:40)
Are we including children in their restoration? (15:20)
Mafusi asks what can we do differently? (18:15)
The start of training other orphanages and childcare workers (19:20)
Making plans to reunify children (20:30)
Family strengthening programs (23:00)
The importance of following up with families (26:00)
Emotional and psychological challenges for children in care and building resilience (28:15)
Resolving misunderstandings (30:00)
Mbele on children aging out of the orphanage (39:00)
On influencing the country and bringing change (41:30)
Concerns about transitioning (42:10)
Director of an orphanage, Bokang, shares about kids aging out (45:30)
Addressing more than material needs (46:40)
Children visiting families during holidays (48:40)
A vision to help more children with a different model (49:30)

Visit thinkorphan.com for additional resources and stories.

Sarah Winograd - Poverty and Family Separation in Child Welfare Feb 14, 2023

In episode 216, we hear from US care reform leader, Sarah Winograd from Together for Families. Sarah speaks passionately about the complexities in child welfare and foster care as a system, how poverty contributes to family separation, and the problematic ways we've seen and judged birth families. She asks the hard questions- if most children aren't coming into foster care because of abuse, what resources and systems are we investing in to keep those families together? What are we doing to intervene and stabilize families in order to prevent separation and keep children in families? Can the church do better?

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Jenn Hook - Thriving Families Jan 31, 2023

In episode 215, we have the privilege of sitting down with Jenn Hook to glean from her experiences in the foster care system and hear about her newly released book, Thriving Families. Jenn is the Founder and Executive Director of Replanted. She's also the author of Replanted: Faith Based Support for Adoptive and Foster Families.

Attachment and Trauma Focused Therapy Course by Deborah Gray - Link

Use the Promo Code "ATFT99" at checkout to take advantage of this limited time deal

Full show notes and links can be found at thinkorphan.com

Jeff Rogers - Storytelling to Empower Jan 17, 2023

In episode 214, we've got filmmaker and justice advocate Jeff Rogers on the show. Jeff talks with us about his work over the years that has highlighted and advocated for children outside of parental care and communities that have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Jeff shares with us about the new feature documentary Beyond the Island which tells the story of HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea and highlights the work of advocates and the triumph of overcomers. Through the conversation, we learn more about the role that filmmaking plays in enacting community change and advocating for vulnerable children.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

The Annual Review/Preview Show with Phil and Brandon Jan 03, 2023

In episode 213, Brandon and Phil reflect on 2022 and look forward to 2023 for the podcast and orphan care ministries. This is our annual show to share the state of Think Orphan and what exciting things are coming down the pipe for the podcast. We want to hear from you while we do it all!

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

How to Transform Your Board and Donor Base to Family Care Dec 20, 2022

In episode 212, we've got a panel of executive directors that oversaw the transition of their orphanage to family based care. We'll be asking them the hard questions of how they worked with their board of directors and their donor bases to take the journey with them. Brandon will be interviewing past Think Orphan guests and orphan care leaders, Brent Phillips of Cherish Uganda, Ashlee Heiligman of Global Child Advocates and Spencer Reeves of Child Hope International. This panel took place live in Atlanta, Georgia at the Christian Alliance for Orphans Annual Summit.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Justin Black - Helping Foster Youth Redefine Normal Dec 06, 2022

In episode 211, we're talking with foster care alum, entrepreneur and advocate Justin Black about the new book he co-wrote with his wife Alexis called Re-Defining Normal. Justin shares with us his experience spending some of his childhood and adolescence in care and the importance of supporting foster youth as they exit care. It's a great conversation to think through family, community and what it means to help young people heal and establish their own family successes.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Adrien Lewis and Jake Barreth - Creating Circles of Care Nov 22, 2022

In episode 210, we're talking with Adrien Lewis and Jake Barreth of the Global Orphan Project to learn about their ministry and dive into the Care Portal platform. We get into conversations on youth that are aging out of care, hear about the crisis in Haiti and learn how Care Portal is changing communities throughout the US and Canada. All that, plus Brandon and Phil subject our listeners to pointless sports banter (and it's not even Phil's other podcast!)

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Craig Greenfield - Subversive Mission Nov 08, 2022

In episode 209, we've got our buddy Craig Greenfield back on the show to catch us up on the Alongsiders movement and tell us about his new book Subversive Mission. We talk with Craig about the five fold ministry framework that he adapted from Ephesians and get our questions answered about ethical cross-cultural missions. If you are doing missions work overseas, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Deborah Gray - Attachment and Trauma Focused Therapy Oct 25, 2022

In episode 208, we're in conversation with author and preeminent attachment expert Deborah Gray. Deborah shares from her decades of experience serving children and families through therapy and sets baseline understandings on trauma and attachment. In addition to the stack of books that Deborah has written, she also shares about the Attachment-Trauma Focused Therapy post-graduate course that is now available for the first time ever in an online format. All that, plus we've got our favorite Brit, movie director and podcast editor, Samuel Rich, filling in for Phil this week.

Link to Attachment-Trauma Focused Therapy online course

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Nick Runyon, Ashlee Heiligman and Julie Walton - Reimagine Orphan Care Oct 11, 2022

In episode 207, we're talking with Nick Runyon, Ashlee Heiligman and Julie Ann Walton about their new media series called Reimagine Orphan Care. Nick from The Archibald Project shares with us about storytelling and the power of media to help orphans and vulnerable children and Ashlee and Julie from Global Child Advocates share some of the misconceptions they've encountered when talking with others about orphan care. All that plus some wrap up conversation on CAFO Summit in Atlanta.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Peter Mutabazi - From Street Kid to Foster Dad Sep 27, 2022

In episode 206, we're talking with Peter Mutabazi about his childhood growing up through various challenges in Uganda and how learning from those experiences propelled him towards foster care and adoption. Peter shares with us about his new book, Now I Am Known, which really encapsulates a lot of what we talk about on Think Orphan. Not to mention, we've got Phil back in the fold after a couple of months off from the pod and we're gearing up for CAFO Summit in Atlanta this week!

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

The Foster Care Compilation Sep 13, 2022

For our final summer compilation episode, we'll be looking at foster care in the United States - an area that many of our audience members has some familiarity with. We've all heard the triumphs and the challenges of engaging in foster care and this week, we'll be hearing from three guests that are leading the way towards better practice in foster care. Each of our guests have a lot of personal experience welcoming children into their homes and will be walking us through the child's experience, the family's experience and how we can better engage the church and community more broadly to lend a hand in helping children in foster care systems. Check out their books to learn more from each of these guests.

Tori Hope Petersen, author of Fostered. Jamie Finn, author of Foster the Family. Jason Johnson, author of Reframing Foster Care and Everyone Can Do Something.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

The Orphan Care in Conflict Compilation Aug 30, 2022

Caring for orphans and vulnerable children doesn't happen in a vacuum. Throughout the world, there are certain contexts that are particularly challenging to help children and families, none more so than when there is war and conflict. For our third summer compilation, we'll be looking across three different countries in the world where conflict has made orphan care work more difficult and also all the more necessary. As we hear from Ruslan, Kara and Ashlee, let's commit to praying for peace and the protection for children.

Ruslan Maliuta - OneHope - Ukraine Kara Wilson Garcia - Project Red - El Salvador Ashlee Heiligman - Global Child Advocates - Myanmar

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

The Transition to Family Care Compilation Aug 16, 2022

We're back with our second compilation episode for August where we're learning about the transition to family care from leaders within global care reform. We'll be looking at three levels of care reform. First, Delia Pop will be walking us through the research and international movement. Second, Jonathan Dowell will be showing us what this looks like at the country level in Kenya. And last, Spencer Reeves will be sharing about their journey at the organizational level of transition. Check out each of their organizations to learn more about family care.

Delia Pop - Tanya's Dream Fund - Bulgaria Jonathan Dowell - Weza Care Solutions - Kenya Spencer Reeves - Child Hope International - Haiti

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

The Care Leader Compilation Aug 02, 2022

This week we're jumping into our first summer compilation episode and we're learning from friends and colleagues throughout the world about leaving care. Nabs, Sinet, Grace and Tamrat give us first hand accounts of growing up in orphanages in the Global South. Beyond hearing their stories, they also provide insight for moving care forward. We'd encourage you to check out their respective organizations to learn more about care reform and pursuing family care in their respective countries.

Mohamed Nabieu - Helping Children Worldwide - Sierra Leone Sinet Chan - Cambodia Children's Trust - Cambodia Grace Njeri - Weza Care Solutions - Kenya Tamrat Kebede - Selamta Family Project - Ethiopia

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Simon Njoroge - Supporting Domestic Adoption in Kenya Jul 19, 2022

In episode 201, we're talking with Simon Njoroge about his work in family based care, welfare reform and the adoption landscape in Kenya. A little change up, we gave Phil a break and recorded this episode live at the 1MILLIONHOME office in Tacoma, Washington. Apologies for slight audio issue at the start of interview, Brandon is a work in progress! We know you'll learn a lot from Simon and his experience as an adoptee, an advocate and an administrator working in orphan care.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

200th Episode Reunion! Jul 05, 2022

In this special episode of Think Orphan, we celebrate the 200th episode! What started as an idea that Phil just hoped people would listen to has turned into a resource, a movement and a community focused on loving orphaned and vulnerable children with excellence. Join us for this episode where we bring back former hosts, hear from past guests and current listeners and of course look forward to the many more episodes to come.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Jedd Medefind - Abortion and the Future of Orphan Care Jun 21, 2022

In episode 199, we're talking with old friend and President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Jedd Medefind. With his years of leadership in the OVC space, we pick Jedd's brain on what trends he's seeing and what the future might hold for advocates and practitioners alike. We then get into a longer conversation on Roe v. Wade and the practical implications if federal legislation on abortion changes.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Alycia Pinizzotto - Writing a New Story in Guatemala Jun 07, 2022

In episode 198, we're speaking with Alycia Pinizzotto of Story International in Guatemala about piloting foster care in a new context, parenting teens and ministering in the midst of tragedy. Alycia brings a lot of first-hand experience and thoughtful reflections on ministering to orphans and vulnerable children, not only in Guatemala but in the US system as well.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Brittany Salmon - Navigating Cross-Cultural Adoption May 24, 2022

In episode 197, we're speaking with author, professor and mother Brittany Salmon about the in's and out's of cross-cultural and trans-racial adoption. We learn not only from her family's experience but also research and writing that she's put together in her new book, It Takes More Than Love. After the interview, Brandon and Phil discuss race a little further and emphasize the importance of listening and building towards unity.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Tori Hope Petersen - An Insider's View of Foster Care May 10, 2022

In episode 196, we're talking with Tori Hope Petersen. Tori is an author, speaker and foster care advocate with lived experience in the system (oh, yeah, she's also Mrs. Universe). We discuss what foster care looks like from the inside, what changes ought to be made and what compelled Tori to go from being a foster youth, to now welcoming kids in to her home as a parent.

Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com

Scott Moeschberger - Addressing Violence Against Children Apr 26, 2022

In episode 195, we're talking with Dr. Scott Moeschberger. Scott is the Director of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Degree Program at Taylor University and a leading expert globally on violence against children. We discuss the program at Taylor and dig into his upcoming book "Building Cultures of Peace: Psychological Perspectives on Understanding and Addressing Violence Against Children".

Morgan Wienberg - "Not About Me" Apr 12, 2022

In episode 194, we're talking with Morgan Wienberg about her organization Little Footprints Big Steps, serving vulnerable children in Haiti and the new feature documentary Not About Me. Our conversation centers around eager volunteers, maturing into better practice and the prevalence of for-profit orphanages.

Full show notes for the episode can be found at thinkorphan.com

Ruslan Maliuta - The Effects of War on Ukrainian Children Mar 29, 2022

In episode 193 we're talking with Ruslan Maliuta about the war in Ukraine and the tragic realities for children in the country and those that are fleeing the country. Ruslan is a Ukrainian and a founding leader for World Without Orphans. He currently works for OneHope, a global ministry that helps children engage with God’s story, supporting several networks, including the 4/14 Movement and the World Evangelical Alliance.

Jamie Finn - Foster the Family Mar 15, 2022

In episode 192, we're talking with Author and Advocate, Jamie Finn about foster care, adoption and reunification. Jamie has written extensively on her blog Foster the Family about how God has been working in their family's life and we get to glean from the lessons that they've learned along the way. Jamie's new book "Foster the Family" is available on Amazon or wherever you buy your books.

Full show notes for the episode can be found at thinkorphan.com

Special Episode - Francis Chan Journeys Through Kenya Mar 01, 2022

In this special episode of Think Orphan, we're joining Pastor and Author Francis Chan as he travels through Kenya to hear about what God is doing in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children. Along the way, he talks with care leavers, organization directors and advocates for family based care. This podcast is brought in partnership with JourneyHome, the online community learning platform that is training and resourcing leaders in global child welfare. Visit 1millionhome.com/journeyhome to continue Francis Chan's discovery of orphan care in Africa.

Brent Phillips - HIV/AIDS, Child Sponsorships and Fundraising Excellence Feb 15, 2022

In episode 190, we're talking with Brent Phillips from Cherish Uganda. A long-time friend of the podcast, we get Brent on to share about the work that Cherish is doing in Uganda, what it looked like for them to transform to a family based model of care and then get into the nitty-gritty of fundraising for our missions and whether or not child sponsorships are the way to go.

Sinet Chan and Grace Njeri - Creating a Lasting Impact for Care Leavers Feb 01, 2022

In episode 189, we're talking with Sinet Chan and Grace Njeri who sit on the USAID Care Leavers Council and are recipients of Miracle Foundation's Youth for Social Impact award. They share their personal experiences of what it was like to grow up in an orphanage and the years thereafter. Hear what they are doing now to help impact future adolescents coming out of institutionalized care.

Caroline Boudreaux - Helping Children Thrive Jan 18, 2022

In episode 188, we're talking with Caroline Boudreaux, the founder of Miracle Foundation. Caroline talks with us about what led her to starting the organization, what child welfare looks like in India and some important reflections on running non-profit organizations with excellence.

Show notes for the podcast can be found at thinkorphan.com

Season 10 Preview Jan 04, 2022

In episode 187, we're recapping Season 9 of the podcast (July through December 2021) and also looking ahead to the great slate of people coming up on Season 10 of the podcast. You'll also hear Phil and Brandon's top recommendations from 2021 and how people can get behind the work of Think Orphan.

Show notes for the podcast can be found at thinkorphan.com

Mick Pease, Dan Hope and Caitlin Hope - Equipping Organizations and Protecting Children Dec 21, 2021

In this final episode of Season 9, we're talking with the crew over at SFAC (that's Strengthening Families and Children, Phil!) We get into an array of topics with Mick, Dan and Caitlin around child protection, family care services and what they've learned from years working in global child welfare.

Show notes for the podcast can be found at thinkorphan.com

The free e-course "Family Reunification and Safeguarding" can be found at 1millionhome.com/journeyhome

Tamrat Kebede - From Leaving Care to Leading Care in Ethiopia Dec 07, 2021

In episode 185, you will hear from Tamrat Kebede who is the Ethiopia Director for Selamta Family Project. Tamrat talks with Phil and Brandon about his own experience growing up in an orphanage and how that has informed his work overseeing Selamta's family and community based model of care. Tamrat also explains the current conflict unfolding in Ethiopia and how that is adversely affecting orphans and vulnerable children in the country.

Show notes for the podcast can be found at thinkorphan.com

Dr. Susan Hillis - Orphanhood in the Age of COVID-19 Nov 23, 2021

In episode 184, you'll hear from Dr. Susan Hillis who works at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and also serves on the leadership team of World Without Orphans. In this episode, Dr. Hillis shares with us her own background as an adoptive mother, the importance of a global response for orphaned and at-risk children and the far reaching implications of the millions of children left orphaned by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Show notes for the podcast can be found at thinkorphan.com

Kara Wilson Garcia - Strengthening Families and Children in El Salvador Nov 09, 2021

In episode 183, you’ll hear from Kara Wilson Garcia who serves as the Executive Director of Project RED. We talk with Kara about the effects of conflict in El Salvador, how reintegration policies can go wrong and the work Project RED is doing to strengthen families and support children.

Show notes for the podcast can be found at thinkorphan.com

Ian Forber-Pratt - Driving Innovation in Child Welfare Oct 12, 2021

In episode 181, you’ll hear from Ian Forber-Pratt who serves as the CEO of The Institute for Child Welfare Innovation, the Director of Global Advocacy at CERI, and also teaches at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. We talk with Ian about the work that he and his team are undertaking in domestic and international reform to “Protect Childhood.”

Aaron Blue - Soccer, Savings Groups and Family in Thailand Sep 28, 2021

In episode 180, you'll hear from Aaron Blue who serves as the Thailand Director for The Charis Project. We talk with Aaron about the work that he and his team are undertaking in Mae Sot, Thailand to strengthen families and develop communities.

Show notes for the podcast can be found at thinkorphan.com

Pastor Evans Baggs - Orphan Care and the American Church Sep 14, 2021

In episode 179, you'll hear from Pastor Evans Baggs who serves as the Pastor of Mobilization at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. We talk with Evans about the recent research from Barna Group, Faith to Action and Changing the Way We Care on Christian giving to orphanages. We'll also get his thoughts on the role of the American church in global ministries to orphans and vulnerable children and how to prioritize relationship and accountability with international partners.

Show notes for the episode can be found at thinkorphan.com

Anja Goertzen Gaona - On Mission for Reform in Paraguay Aug 31, 2021

In episode 178, you'll hear from Anja Goertzen Gaona of Paraguay Protects Families about collaborating across sectors in Paraguay and Latin America to promote systemic care reform and family based services.

Show notes for this episode can be found at thinkorphan.com

Ruth Wacuka - Engaging Care Leavers Beyond Their Stories Aug 17, 2021

In episode 177, you will hear from children's rights advocate and global voice for care leavers, Ruth Wacuka. She'll be talking with us about the importance of engaging care leavers beyond just hearing their stories, but collaborating on actual care programming and reforms.

Dr. Greg Burch - Episode 176 - Ministering to Street Connected Children Aug 03, 2021

In episode 176, you will hear from Dr. Greg Burch, Chair of the Global Studies Department at Multnomah University and expert on issues surrounding children at risk. He's talking with us today about issues facing street connected children, the problems with statistics when it comes to at risk children and the role education plays to equip practitioners towards caring for orphans and vulnerable children with excellence.

Ashlee Heiligman - Episode 175 - Caring in the Midst of Conflict Jul 20, 2021

In episode 175, you will hear from Ashlee Heiligman, Global Director at Global Child Advocates talking with us about their transition to family care, working with vulnerable populations and how they've adapted their ministry to serve vulnerable children in Myanmar's current conflict.

Season 9 Preview - Episode 174 Jul 06, 2021

In Episode 174, Dr. Rick, Phil and Brandon have a conversation about transitions, working in the OVC sector and preview some of the guests that you'll be hearing from in Season 9.

Episode 173 - [Recast] : Jenn Hook - The Importance of Healthy Soil, Sunlight, and Water as we Raise Up Children Jun 22, 2021

In Episode 173, you will hear from Jenn Hook, Founder and Executive Director of Replanted, and author of the book also called Replanted.

Episode 172 – [Recast] : Amanda Cox - Tackling Systemic Orphan Care Issues in Haiti and Around the World Jun 08, 2021

In this recast, Episode 172, you will hear from Amanda Cox, who has worked with Lumos, Faith to Action Initiative, and Hope and Homes for Children to help orphaned and vulnerable children around the world flourish.

Episode 171 - [Recast] : Bruce Kendrick - Working With Each Other May 25, 2021

In this recast, you will hear from Bruce Kendrick of Watermark Community Church.

Episode 170 – [Recast] : Marisa Stam – Family, Dignity, and Hope May 11, 2021

In this recast Episode 170, you will hear from Marisa Stam, Executive Director for Selamta Family Project.

Episode 169 – [Recast] – Dr. Mandy Howard – Trauma, TBRI, and the Importance of Touch Apr 28, 2021

In the recast episode 169, you will hear wisdom from Dr. Mandy Howard, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Samford University, who worked with Dr. Karyn Purvis at the TCU Institute of Child Development for several years.

Episode 168 – [Recast] Josh Shipp – Changing The Stories of Foster and Troubled Youth Apr 13, 2021

In this recast Episode 168, you will hear from Josh Shipp, author of the best-selling book, The Teen’s Guide to World Domination, global youth empowerment expert, and acclaimed speaker.

Episode 167 – [Recast] Jason Johnson – Everyone Can Do Something Mar 30, 2021

In this recast Episode 167, you will hear from Jason Johnson, Author of Everyone Can Do Something, Reframing Foster Care, and All In Orphan Care, and Director of Church Ministry Initiatives for CAFO.

Episode 166 - [Recast] Brian Fikkert - Helping Without Hurting Mar 16, 2021

In Recasted Episode 166, you will hear from Brian Fikkert, President of The Chalmers Center, Professor of Economics and Community Development at Covenant College, and co-author of When Helping Hurts.

Episode 165 [Recast] - Brian Fisher and Kira Schlesinger - Two Perspectives on Abortion, Part 2 Mar 02, 2021

[Recast] - In Episode 165 you will hear a conversation between Brian Fisher, co-founder and President of Human Coalition, and Kira Schlesinger, Episcopalian Priest and author of Pro-Choice and Christian

Episode 164 [Recast] Curt Thompson, M.D. - Anatomy of the Soul Feb 16, 2021

In this recast episode, you will hear from Curt Thompson, Psychiatrist and prolific author, including Anatomy of the Soul and The Soul of Shame.

Dr. Rick and Phil -- Episode 163 – Season 8 Review Show Feb 02, 2021

In Episode 163, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation about their favorite parts about Season 8, things we can all learn from the amazing guests we have had with us this season, a recommendation about a great show, some important news about the podcast, and an opportunity that you don’t want to miss.

Elli Oswald & Karen Springs – Episode 162 – The Global Church Pledge Jan 19, 2021

In Episode 162, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Elli Oswald, Executive Director of Faith to Action, and Karen Springs, of World Without Orphans.

Jeff Juhala – Episode 161 – The Power of Spontaneous Moments Jan 05, 2021

In Episode 161, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Jeff Juhala, National Director of Training and Ministry Programs for For the Children.

2020 Year-End Review Show Dec 22, 2020

In Episode 160, Dr. Rick and Phil look back on 2020, talk about the ups and downs of this crazy year, opportunities that have arisen because of the lockdowns and travel restrictions, a passage about eagles that has really spoken to Rick this year, and resources that have impacted them over the past 12 months. They also have a fun conversation about a TV show that most would not expect to be covered on Think Orphan.

Jared Scheppmann – Episode 159 – Addressing Root Causes and Rewriting the Story of Disability Dec 08, 2020

In Episode 159, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Jared Scheppmann, Executive Director of Ekisa Ministries in Uganda.

Lisa Qualls – Episode 158 – Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap and Becoming a Connected Parent Nov 24, 2020

In Episode 158, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Lisa Qualls, Co-author of The Connected Parent: Real Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment, and the blog, “One Thankful Mom”

Episode 157: Season 8 Mid-Season Review Nov 10, 2020

In Episode 157, Dr. Rick and Phil take a look back at the highlights from the first 8 episodes of Season 8.

Episode 156: [Recast] Caroline Leaf - Switch On Your Brain Oct 27, 2020

[ This episode is a recast from January 15, 2019 ]

In Episode 156, you will hear from Dr. Caroline Leaf, neuroscientist, author of numerous books, and global speaker, talking with Phil about:

How the mind controls the brain and why that is important
The plasticity of the brain and how it gives us great hope in our work with orphaned and vulnerable children
The importance of reconceptualizing your past, and rewiring and changing any toxicity in your brain
Examining and challenging some of the research connected to attachment theory and other orphan care principles
The importance of knowing your true identity, the science of identity, and how science points us to God and is working to catch up to the Bible.
The concept that we can’t control our circumstances but we can control how we react to our circumstances
The place of medication in the context of caring for children suffering from mental and physical disorders and/or trauma in their lives
And so much more!

Spencer Reeves – Episode 155 – Transitioning from Orphanages to Families Oct 13, 2020

In Episode 155, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Spencer Reeves, Executive Director of Child Hope International.

Robert Glover – Episode 154 – Creating Home for Over 1 Million Children Sep 29, 2020

In Episode 154, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Robert Glover OBE, Founder and Executive Director of Care for Children and author of As Many as the Stars: A Story of Change for the Children of China.

Keith McFarland – Episode 153 – Pursuing Excellence, Part 2 Sep 15, 2020

In Episode 153, Part 2 of the two-part episode with Keith McFarland, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Keith, co-author/co-editor of In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence and Director of the Institute for Gospel Transformation at New Hope Uganda.

Keith McFarland – Episode 152 – Pursuing Excellence, Part 1 Sep 01, 2020

In Episode 152, Part 1 of the two-part episode with Keith McFarland, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Keith, co-author/co-editor of In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence and Director of the Institute for Gospel Transformation at New Hope Uganda.

Todd Chipman – Episode 151 – Working Together Until Every Child is Home Aug 18, 2020

In Episode 151, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Todd Chipman, a pastor, professor, and author of Until Every Child is Home: Why the Church Can and Must Care for Orphans

DJ Jordan – Episode 150 – Building Bridges to Repair Brokenness Aug 04, 2020

In Episode 150, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with DJ Jordan, an adoptive parent and a huge advocate for orphaned and vulnerable children, who has worked on congressional staffs and has contributed on Fox News and CNN, among many other things...

Karen Springs – Episode 149 – Adoption Through the Rear View Mirror Jul 21, 2020

In Episode 149, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Karen Springs, Author of Adoption Through the Rear View Mirror: Learning from Stories of Heartache and Hope and Communications Director for World Without Orphans.

Karen Springs – Episode 149 – Adoption Through the Rear View Mirror Jul 21, 2020

In Episode 149, Dr. Rick and Phil have a conversation with Karen Springs, Author of Adoption Through the Rear View Mirror: Learning from Stories of Heartache and Hope and Communications Director for World Without Orphans.

Episode 148: Season 8 Kickoff -- Pursuing Justice Jul 07, 2020

In Episode 148, Dr. Rick and Phil discuss our pursuit of justice in connection with race relations, orphaned and vulnerable children, and other issues in our world today.

Episode 147 – Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis Apr 28, 2020

In Episode 147, Dr. Rick and Phil discuss some of the great resources we have to help us in our work to address the priority needs through and after the COVID-19 crisis so that we can love orphaned and vulnerable children with excellence.

Episode 146: Krish Kandiah & Rebecca Patterson - Creating Homecomings Apr 14, 2020

In Episode 146, you will hear from Rebecca Patterson and Krish Kandiah, who work with Home for Good.

Episode 145: Brandon Stiver - Collaborating to Bring 1 Million Children Home Mar 31, 2020

In Episode 145, you will hear from Brandon Stiver, Director of Community and Church Engagement for 1MILLIONHOME.

Episode 144: Elli Oswald -- Working to Get Children into Healthy Families Mar 17, 2020

In Episode 144 you will hear from Elli Oswald about working to Get Children into Healthy Families.

Episode 143 – Arthur C. Woods - Building Trust with Teens Mar 03, 2020

In Episode 143, you will hear from Arthur C. Woods, Speaker, Teacher, and Writer, talking with Phil about:

His incredible story and how he started working with teens from hard places
How we can love teenage young adults who come from hard places

Why discipleship and mentorship is so important in our work with teens and why it is important for us to know the difference between the two.
How mentoring teens from hard and traumatic backgrounds differs from those not coming from trauma, and how we can mentor teens from hard places with excellence
How we can build trust with teens who experienced trauma in their past
His DVD Series and Podcast, “Trusting the God of the Gospel,” and how it can help teens truly know, trust, and love God
Defining the terms, “Truth,” “Gospel,” and “God."

And so much more!

Ruby Johnston -- Episode 142 – Building Capacity In Others Feb 18, 2020

In Episode 142, you will hear from Ruby Johnston, Co-Founder and Director of International Field Operations for Lamb International, and Executive Team Member for World Without Orphans (“WWO”), talking with Phil about:

Ruby’s story to see how she got to be where she is today.
The training work that Ruby does all around the world
Why the training her and her husband do more than 300 days a year is so important for all of us to know about
Why understanding the distinction between training and capacity building is so important
The WWO Road Map and how it can help all of us love OVC with excellence
How the orphan care movement has changed over the decades that Ruby has been working to equip OVC organizations
What Ruby believes are some of the biggest issues we are facing today in connection with the care of OVC and how we can address them with excellence
And so much more!

Episode 141: Mohammed Emmanuel Nabieu- From Orphanages to Families Feb 04, 2020

In Episode 141, you will hear from Mohamed Nabieu (“Nabs”), Child Welfare Programs Liaison for Helping Children Worldwide, talking with Phil about:

His incredible story from being cared for in an orphanage to transitioning orphanages to family-based care
How he has been able to deal with his childhood trauma and now help children who have experienced similar trauma in their lives

Why he loves Mondays and his unorthodox theory about elevators
The good and bad of orphanages, and why he believes that we need to shift our mindsets from orphanages to family-based care
How his organization, Helping Children Worldwide, is working to strengthen families and get orphaned and vulnerable children into families
Why we need to coach the people and not the problems
Why collaboration with people different from us is so important
And so much more!

Episode 140 – Honestly Adoption Jan 21, 2020

In Episode 140, you will hear from Mike Berry, author of Honestly Adoption (and a bunch of other books), founder of Confessions of an Adoptive Parent, co-host of the Honestly Adoption Podcast, and adoptive father, talking with Phil about:

The why and what of Mike and Kristin’s new book, Honestly Adoption, and what Mike hopes the reader will experience as they read it  
The difficult questions we face in adoption and foster care  
What it was like for Mike to write this book with his wife  
How are personalities impact how we can work together effectively  
The importance of hearing from the voices of the adoptees  
The importance of self-care in the lives of adoptive and foster families  
Mike’s favorite part of the new book  
And much more!

Episode 139 – Season 7 Preview Show Jan 07, 2020

In Episode 139, you will hear from Phil and Dr. Rick talking about some of the cool things that have happened since the end of Season 6, what’s coming up in Season 7, and a few more things that we know you’ll want to hear.

Episode 138: Season 6 Review With Phil and Dr. Rick Apr 02, 2019

In Episode 138, you will hear from Phil and Dr. Rick talking about their thoughts on this past season and a few more things that we know you’ll want to hear. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 137: Matt Parker - Strengthening and Creating Families Mar 26, 2019

In Episode 137, you will hear from Matt Parker, Executive Director of Kids Alive International. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 136: Marisa Stam - Family, Dignity, and Hope Mar 19, 2019

In Episode 137, you will hear from Marisa Stam, Executive Director for Selamta Family Project. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 135: Corbey Dukes - Family, Faith, and Science Mar 12, 2019

In Episode 135, you will hear from Corbey Dukes, Guatemala Field Director at Kids Alive International. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 134: Jenn Hook - The Importance of Healthy Soil, Sunlight, and Water as we Raise Up Children Mar 05, 2019

In Episode 134, you will hear from Jenn Hook, Founder and Executive Director of Replanted, and author of a new book of the same name. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 133: Andy Cook - Advocating for Families Feb 26, 2019

In Episode 133, you will hear from Andy Cook, President and CEO of Promise 686. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 132: Bruce Kendrick - Working With Each Other Feb 19, 2019

In Episode 132, you will hear from Bruce Kendrick, Director of Outreach at Watermark Christian Church. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 131: Randy Daniels - Lessons Learned From the Field Feb 12, 2019

In Episode 131, you will hear from Randy Daniels, Vice President at Buckner Children and Family Services. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 130: Juan Porto - Bringing Hope to Children Feb 05, 2019

In Episode 130, you will hear from Juan Porto, Director of Back2Back’s ministry in Monterrey, Mexico. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 129: Aixa de Lopez & David McCormick Jan 29, 2019

In Episode 129, you will hear from Aixa de Lopez, pastor and speaker, and David McCormick, Director of ACH in Guatemala. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 128: Rob Martin - Effectiveness Over Efficiency Jan 22, 2019

In Episode 128, you will hear from Rob Martin, Director of the First Fruit Institute. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 127: Caroline Leaf - Switch On Your Brain Jan 15, 2019

In Episode 127, you will hear from Dr. Caroline Leaf, neuroscientist, author of numerous books, and global speaker. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 126: A Review and Preview Show Jan 08, 2019

In Episode 126, you will hear from Phil and his Season 6 Co-Host, talking about the themes and lessons they learned in Season 5 and what’s to come in Season 6. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 125: [Recast] Paul David Tripp – Powerlessness in Parenting and Marriage Dec 04, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from November 12, 2017 ]

In Episode 70, you will hear from Paul David Tripp, Pastor, Author, and Speaker. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 124: [Recast] Andy Lehman - Developing Children and Communities Nov 27, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from August 2, 2016 ]

In today’s episode, we get to hear from Andy Lehman, the President of LifeSong for Orphans (http://www.lifesongfororphans.org) which is an organization that helps mobilize the church to care for orphaned and vulnerable children. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 123: [Recast] Dr. John Sowers – Combating Fatherlessness Nov 20, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from June 21, 2016 ]

In episode 123, we hear from John Sowers, President of The Mentoring Project, as well as an author and speaker. We talk about the effects of fatherlessness on our society and the influence of mentoring on the lives of children. He is a powerful advocate for the fatherless and redeeming their story through mentoring. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 122: [Recast] - Mick Pease - Finding Families for Abandoned Children Nov 13, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from June 7, 2017 ]

In today’s episode, we get to hear from Mick Pease, the founder of Substitute Families for Abandoned Children (http://www.sfac.org.uk/index.php), which is based in Leeds, England, and works worldwide promoting de-institutionalization and assisting in family based initiatives. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 121: [Recast] - Andy Crouch – Strong & Weak | The Anatomy of Flourishing Nov 06, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from August 16, 2016 ]

In Episode 121, you will hear from Andy Crouch, author of Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing, and Executive Editor of Christianity Today. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 120: [Recast] Dr. Russell Moore – Adoption and Gospel-Driven Compassion Oct 30, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from October 18, 2016 ]

In Episode 120, Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, pastor, and adoptive father. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 119: [Recast] Kent Annan – Five Practices of Doing Justice Oct 23, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from April 25, 2017 ]

In Episode 119, you will hear from Kent Annan, author of Slow Kingdom Coming and Co-Director of Haiti Partners. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 118: Jason Johnson – Everyone Can Do Something Oct 16, 2018

In Episode 118, you will hear from Jason Johnson, Author of Everyone Can Do Something, Reframing Foster Care, and All In Orphan Care, and Director of Church Ministry Initiatives for CAFO. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 117: Brandon Stiver - Take Up the Cause of the Fatherless Oct 09, 2018

In Episode 117 you will hear from Brandon Stiver, Author, Advocate, and Director of Kingdom Families in Tanzania. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 116: Beth Woods - Hope's Promise Oct 02, 2018

In Episode 116, Phil talks to Beth Woods, Executive Director of Hope’s Promise. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 115: Mike Berry - Confessions of an Adoptive Parent Sep 25, 2018

In Episode 115 you will hear from Mike Berry, author, speaker, and host of the Honestly Adoption Podcast. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 114: Ryan North - If You Want to Go Far, Go Together Sep 18, 2018

In Episode 114, Phil talks with Ryan North, adoptive and foster parent and Empowered to Connect contributor. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com.

Episode 113: Sara Beth Fentress - eHarmony for Orphan Care Sep 11, 2018

In episode 113, Phil talks with Sara Beth Fentress, Founder of 127 Worldwide. For full show notes, please www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 112: Steve Gillis - Serving the Church With the Heartbeat of the Orphan Sep 04, 2018

In episode 111 you will hear from Steve Gillis, Founder and Executive Director of Patch our Planet. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 111: Megan Parker - Because Children Belong in Families Aug 28, 2018

In Episode 111, Dr. Karen speaks with Megan Parker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Co-Founder of Abide Family Center in Uganda. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 110: Brian Fisher and Kira Schlesinger - Two Perspectives on Abortion, Part 2 Aug 21, 2018

In Episode 110 you will hear a conversation between Brian Fisher, co-founder and President of Human Coalition, and Kira Schlesinger, Episcopalian Priest and author of Pro-Choice and Christian. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 109: Brian Fisher and Kira Schlesinger - Two Perspectives on Abortion Aug 14, 2018

In Episode 109 you will hear two separate interviews. First, Phil talks with Brian Fisher, co-founder and President of Human Coalition. In the second half of our show Phil talks with Kira Schlesinger, Episcopalian Priest and author of Pro-Choice and Christian. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com.

Episode 108: Peter Greer - Rooting for Rivals Aug 07, 2018

In Episode 108 Peter Greer, President and CEO of Hope International talks with Phil. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 107: Kim de Blecourt - Be Patient Jul 31, 2018

In Episode 107, Phil talks with Kim de Blecourt, adoptive mother and Executive Director of Nourished Hearts. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 106: Adrian Collins - Choosing Life Jul 24, 2018

In episode 106, Adrian Collins, an adoptive mother and advocate for women facing unplanned pregnancies. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 105: JT Olson - The Orphan, the Widow, and Me Jul 17, 2018

In episode 105, JT Olson, Executive Director of Both Hands, talks with Phil. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 104: Cari Armbruster - In It for the Long Haul Jul 10, 2018

In this episode, you will hear Cari Armbruster, Executive Director of Alliance for Children Everywhere. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 103: [Recast ] Krish Kandiah – Welcoming the Stranger Jul 03, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from August 15, 2017 ] In Episode 103, you will hear from Krish Kandiah, Founder of Home for Good and Author of God is Stranger. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 102: [ Recast ] Gabe Lyons -Effectively Engaging Others in a Divisive World Jun 26, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from November 8, 2016 ]

In Episode 102, you will hear from Gabe Lyons, Founder of Q and Author of Good Faith: Being a Christian When Society Thinks You’re Irrelevant and Extreme. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 101: Dr. Karen Hutcheson and Phil Darke - Thoughts from the first 100 Jun 19, 2018

In Episode 101, you will hear from Dr. Karen and Phil, talking about the themes and lessons they learned in the first 100 episodes. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 100: Curt Thompson, M.D. - Anatomy of the Soul Jun 12, 2018

In Episode 100, you will hear from Curt Thompson, Psychiatrist and prolific author, including Anatomy of the Soul and The Soul of Shame. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 99: A Conversation with Rick Morton Jun 05, 2018

In this episode, Phil sits down with Rick Morton, an author and Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Christian Services. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 98: Jephat Chifamba - The Church as the solution to the orphan crisis in Zimbabwe May 29, 2018

In Episode 98, you will hear from Dr. Jephat Chifamba. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 97: Bethany Haley Williams - Developing Hope Children and Young Peacemakers May 22, 2018

In Episode 97, you will hear from Bethany Haley Williams, Ph.D., Founder of Exile International and author of Color of Grace. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 96: Stacie Harris - Working Together to End Human Trafficking May 15, 2018

In Episode 96, you will hear from Stacie Harris, Assistant US Attorney and anti-trafficking advocate. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 95: Sarah Gesiriech - Turning Faith into Action May 08, 2018

In Episode 95, you will hear from Sarah Gesiriech, Executive Director of Faith to Action Initiative and advocate for orphaned and vulnerable children. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 94: Mark Stuart - Being the Hands and Feet in Haiti May 01, 2018

In Episode 94, you will hear from Mark Stuart, Executive Director of Hands & Feet Project and former lead singer for Audio Adrenaline. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 93: Krish Kandiah – Bringing Kids Home For Good Apr 24, 2018

In Episode 93, you will hear from Krish Kandiah, foster parent, Founder of Home for Good, speaker, professor, and Author of God is Stranger and several other books. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 92: Andrew Schneidler – Refreshing Foster and Adoptive Parents Through Lattes, Man Caves, and Road Trips Apr 17, 2018

In Episode 92, you will hear from Andrew Schneidler, adoptive dad, Co-Founder of the Refresh Conferences, and attorney. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 91: Sam Dharmapala – Fighting Against Trafficking Through Employment Apr 10, 2018

In Episode 90, you will hear from Sam Dharmapala, founder and CEO of Regenesys BPO. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 90: Jason Kovacs - Missionary Living, Trauma, and the Costs of Orphan Care Apr 03, 2018

In Episode 90, you will hear from Jason Kovacs, Adoptive Dad, Co-Founder of Together for Adoption, Author, Counselor with Austin Stone Counseling Center, and Speaker. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 89: Mark & Jan Foreman - “Never Say No” Parenting Mar 27, 2018

In Episode 89, you will hear from Mark & Jan Foreman, authors of Never Say No, and (Mark) pastor of North Coast Calvary Church. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 88: Amanda Cox - Tackling Systemic Orphan Care Issues in Haiti and Around the World Mar 20, 2018

In Episode 88, you will hear from Amanda Cox, who has worked with Lumos, Faith-to-Action Initiative, and Hope and Homes for Children to help orphaned and vulnerable children around the world flourish. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 86: Pam Parish - Opting Out of the Drama Cycle and Parenting in the Midst of Battle Mar 13, 2018

In Episode 87, you will hear from Pam Parish, mother of 7, Founder and President of Connections Homes, blogger, and author. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 86: Sandeep, Ruth, and Vanita Thomas - The Beauty and Brokenness of Adoption Mar 06, 2018

In Episode 86, you will hear from Sandeep, Ruth, and Vanita Thomas, public speakers and an adoptive family. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 85: Russell Breton - From Foster Kid to Extraordinary Entrepreneur and Motivating Millennials Feb 27, 2018

In Episode 85, you will hear from Russell Breton, Founder of Vision Launchers, Public Speaker, Former Foster Kid, and Entrepreneur. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 84: Brian Fikkert - Helping Without Hurting Feb 20, 2018

In Episode 84, you will hear from Brian Fikkert, President of The Chalmers Center, Professor of Economics and Community Development at Covenant College, and co-author of When Helping Hurts. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 83: Arturo Barrientos - Working Together to Bring Justice & Mercy to Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Feb 13, 2018

In Episode 83, you will hear from Arturo Barrientos, Director of Development for Casa Viva. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 82: Herbie Newell - The Messiness & Beauty of Loving Birth Mothers & the (Un)adopted Feb 06, 2018

In Episode 82, you will hear from Herbie Newell, Executive Director and President of Lifeline Children’s Services. For Full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 81: Propaganda – Race, Privilege, Intersectionality, Oneness, and Justice Jan 30, 2018

In Episode 81, you will hear from Propaganda, Hip-Hop Artist, Speaker, and Activist. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 80: Season 4 Preview with Phil Jan 23, 2018

In Episode 80, Phil previews what’s to come in Season 4, which will include more great interviews with experts from around the world, blog posts from Phil and others, and more. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 79: Top 10 Think Orphan Podcasts of Season 3 Jan 16, 2018

In Episode 79, we re-visit Season 3 and share with you excerpts from the Top 10 episodes of Season 3, based on downloads, comments, and feedback during 2017. The link to each episode (or episodes in the case of two-part episodes) is available below, and we hope that you continue to learn from our incredible guests after hearing the clips from their interviews. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 78: [ Recast ] Troy Livesay: Troy Livesay – Maternal Care, Male Discipleship, and Ministry in Haiti Jan 09, 2018

In Episode 78, you will hear from Troy Livesay, Co-Director of Heartline Ministries in Haiti. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 77: [ Recast ] Victor Marx – Dealing with Trauma in Prisons, Schools, Refugee Camps, ISIS Victims Jan 02, 2018

[ This episode is a recast from February 7, 2017 ]

In this two-part interview, Episodes 38 and 39, we hear from Victor Marx, Founder and President of All Things Possible Ministries, Global Speaker, and High Risk Missions Leader. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 76: [ Recast ] Victor Marx – Dealing with Trauma in Prisons, Schools, and Refugee Camps (Part 1) Dec 26, 2017

In this two-part interview, we hear from Victor Marx, Founder and President of All Things Possible Ministries, Global Speaker, and High Risk Missions Leader. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 75: Karen Springs - Learning From Adoption Experiences Dec 19, 2017

In Episode 75, you will hear from Karen Springs, Regional Project Manager for CIS and Eastern Europe and Road Tripper. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 74: [ Recast ] - Craig Greenfield - Subversive, Radical Orphan Care Dec 12, 2017

[ This episode is a recast from May 31st, 2016 ]

In this episode, we hear from Craig Greenfield, founder and international director of Alongsiders and author of Subversive Jesus. Craig is living out the upside down nature of the Kingdom of God by living amongst and serving in some of the poorest communities in Cambodia and Canada. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 73: [ Recast ] - Tara VanderWoude – Ambiguous Loss and Transracial Adoption Dec 05, 2017

[ This episode is a recast from Dec 13th, 2016 ]

In Episode 73, you will hear from Tara Vanderwoude, Social Worker, Advocate, and Educator. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 72: [ Recast ] - Ian Forber-Pratt – Revolutionizing Orphan Care in India Nov 28, 2017

[ This episode is a recast from Nov 15th, 2016 ]

In Episode 30, you will hear from Ian Forber-Pratt, Program Director of Centre of Excellence in Alternative Care of Children and Founder of Foster Care India. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com.

Episode 71: Robert Day - Overcoming Childhood Trauma and Transitioning from Institutional to Family-Based Care Nov 21, 2017

In Episode 71, you will hear from Robert Day, Author, Radio Show Host, and CEO of Patrick Henry Family Services. For full show notes, please www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 70: Paul David Tripp – Powerlessness in Parenting and Marriage Nov 14, 2017

In Episode 70, you will hear from Paul David Tripp, Pastor, Author, and Speaker. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 69: Sosamma Samuel-Burnett - G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice for Women and Children Nov 07, 2017

In Episode 69, you will hear from Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, President of Orphan Outreach. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 68: Mike Douris - Sharing Four Decades of Orphan Care Wisdom Oct 31, 2017

In Episode 68, you will hear from Mike Douris, President of Orphan Outreach. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 67: Phil & Dr. Karen – Refugee Crisis Series Wrap-Up (Episode 8 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Oct 24, 2017

In Episode 67, you will hear from Dr. Karen and Phil as they wrap up the refugee crisis series with a conversation about how the guests and conversations during this series have taught, equipped, inspired, and challenged them. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 66: Dr. Karen Hutcheson - Vicarious Resilience (Episode 7.5 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Oct 17, 2017

In Episode 66, you will hear from Dr. Karen Hutcheson talking with Phil about vicarious resilience and how it relates to the refugee crisis. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 65: Emily Gray and Durmomo Gary – Refugee Vetting and Resettlement (Episode 7 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Oct 10, 2017

In Episode 65, you will hear from Emily Gray, World Relief’s Senior Vice President of US Ministries, and Durmomo Gary, World Relief’s Support Services Coordinator. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 64: Jodi Jackson Tucker – Orphan Sunday and The Refugee Crisis (Episode 6.5 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Oct 03, 2017

In Episode 64, you will hear from Jodi Jackson Tucker, Orphan Sunday Coordinator for Orphan Sunday. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 63: Jeremy Courtney - Preemptive Love in a Scary and Divisive World (Episode 6 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Sep 26, 2017

In Episode 63, you will hear from Jeremy Courtney, Founder and Executive Director of Preemptive Love Coalition and author of Preemptive Love. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 62: Mini Episode on Complex Trauma (Episode 5.5 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Sep 19, 2017

In Episode 62, you will hear from Dr. Karen Hutcheson talking with Phil about complex trauma and how it affects children and adults, including those involved in the refugee crisis. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 61: Mark & Jan Foreman - Iraq: The Forgotten Hope (Episode 5 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Sep 12, 2017

In Episode 61, you will hear from Mark & Jan Foreman, authors of Never Say No, (Mark) pastor of North Coast Calvary Church, and producer of the film, “Iraq: The Forgotten Hope. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 60: Steve Haas - Real Hope for Refugees (Episode 4 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Sep 05, 2017

In Episode 60, you will hear from Steve Haas, Catalyst at World Vision. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 59: Khalil Sleiman – Helping Refugees Thrive (Episode 3 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Aug 29, 2017

In Episode 59, you will hear from Khalil Sleiman, World Vision’s Humanitarian Response Director in Iraq and Syria. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 58: Scott Arbeiter - Seeking Refuge (Episode 2 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Aug 22, 2017

In Episode 58, you will hear from Scott Arbeiter, President of World Relief. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 57: Krish Kandiah - Welcoming the Stranger (Episode 1 of the Refugee Crisis Series) Aug 15, 2017

In Episode 57, you will hear from Krish Kandiah, Founder of Home for Good and Author of God is Stranger. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 56: Phil and Dr. Karen - Mid-Season Thoughts and Highlights Jun 06, 2017

In Episode 56, you will hear from our very own Dr. Karen and Phil. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 55: Peter Greer -Practicing Self Care in the Midst of Busy Lives May 30, 2017

In Episode 55, you will hear from Peter Greer, President of Hope International. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 54: Jeff Sandefer - Disrupting Education Systems to Help Children Flourish, Part 2 May 23, 2017

In Episode 54, you will hear from Jeff Sandefer, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Acton Academy. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 53: Jeff Sandefer - Disrupting Education Systems to Help Children Flourish May 16, 2017

In Episode 53, you will hear from Jeff Sandefer, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Acton Academy. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 52: Dr. Delia Pop - How We Can Discover and Develop Each Child’s Uniqueness , Part 2 May 09, 2017

In Episode 52, you will hear from Delia Pop, Director of Programs and Global Advocacy for Hope and Homes for Children. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 51: Dr. Delia Pop - How We Can Discover and Develop Each Child’s Uniqueness in Cross-Cultural Situations May 02, 2017

In Episode 51, you will hear from Delia Pop, Director of Programs and Global Advocacy for Hope and Homes for Children. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 50: Kent Annan - Five Practices of Doing Justice Apr 25, 2017

In Episode 50, you will hear from Kent Annan, author of Slow Kingdom Coming and Co-Director of Haiti Partners. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 49: Dr. Sharen Ford - Working Hard So Orphaned Kids Wait No More Apr 18, 2017

In Episode 49, you will hear from Dr. Sharen Ford, Focus on the Family’s Program Director of Adoption & Orphan Care. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 48: Tom Lukasik - From Crisis Pregnancies to Aging Out of Care Apr 11, 2017

In episode 48, you will hear from Tom Lukasik, 4KIDS of South Florida’s VP of Community Engagement. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 47: Michael Miller - Curing Poverty, Part 2 Apr 04, 2017

In Episode 47, you will hear from Michael Miller, Producer of Poverty, Inc., and Poverty Cure, and Research Fellow and Director of Acton Media at the Acton Institute. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 46: Michael Miller – Curing Poverty, Part 1 Mar 28, 2017

In Episode 46, you will hear from Michael Miller, Producer of Poverty, Inc., and Poverty Cure, and Research Fellow and Director of Acton Media at the Acton Institute. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 45: [ Recast ] - Peter Greer – Preventing Orphans by Alleviating Poverty Mar 21, 2017

In Episode 3, we talk about micro-enterprise and poverty alleviation with Peter Greer, President of HOPE International, and how breaking the cycle of poverty preserves, strengthens families, and prevents children from becoming orphans. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 44: Season 2 Highlights Mar 14, 2017

In Episode 44, you will hear some of our favorite moments from Season 2, during which our guests talked with us about many topics, including:

The importance of fathers in the lives of kids from hard places and every other child in the world
Great advice to adoptive and foster parents, adoptees, prospective adoptive or foster parents, and everybody who love any of these people or wants to know how they can better love orphaned and at-risk children (so pretty much everyone)
How to really connect with kids from hard places, whether biological children, adopted children, or other children in our lives
Orphanages, short-term missions, deinstitutionalization, human trafficking, orphan prevention, family preservation, maternal care, addressing the effects of trauma, and other hot topics in orphan care
How we can really communicate and work with each other when it seems that we are so far apart in our beliefs and convictions
How we can effectively engage in all the suffering and injustice in our world
How all of these issues are interconnected and need to be addressed in concert with each other

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 43: [ Recast ] - Dr. Mandy Howard – Trauma, TBRI, and the Importance of Touch Mar 07, 2017

[ This episode is a recast from October 11th, 2016 ]

In today's episode, you will hear wisdom from Dr. Mandy Howard, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Samford University, who worked with Dr. Karyn Purvis at the TCU Institute of Child Development for several years. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 42: Season 1 Highlights Feb 28, 2017

In Episode 42, you will hear some of our favorite moments from Season 1, during which our guests talked with us about many topics, including:

How we can advocate for orphaned and vulnerable children and work together to alleviate the orphan crisis
How we can help to prevent the proliferation of orphaned and vulnerable children by working to alleviate poverty, strengthen families, and disciple young men and women
Orphanages, short-term missions, adoption, foster care, mentoring, human trafficking addressing the effects of trauma, and other hot topics in orphan care
How all of these issues are interconnected and need to be addressed in concert with each other
And much more!

For more information, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 41: [ Recast ] - Dr. Karen Hutcheson - Addressing the Effects of Trauma Feb 21, 2017

[ This episode is a recast from August 9th, 2016 ]

In today’s episode, we get to hear from Dr. Karen Hutcheson, a Trauma Informed, licensed Clinical Psychologist, Author, adoptive mom and Orphan Care Advocate. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of children from “hard places.” Karen is also the Director of Discipleship and Training at Scarlet Hope.

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 40: Jon Bergeron - The Proper Place for Expertise and Science Feb 14, 2017

In Episode 40, you will hear from Jon Bergeron, Counselor with Austin Stone Counseling Center and Speaker. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com.

Episode 39: Victor Marx - Dealing with Trauma in Prisons, Schools, Refugee Camps, ISIS Victims, and Your Own Backyard (Part 2) Feb 07, 2017

In this two-part interview, Episodes 38 and 39, we hear from Victor Marx, Founder and President of All Things Possible Ministries, Global Speaker, and High Risk Missions Leader. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Dealing with Trauma in Prisons, Schools, Refugee Camps, ISIS Victims, and Your Own Backyard (Part 1) Jan 31, 2017

In this two-part interview, Episodes 38 and 39, we hear from Victor Marx, Founder and President of All Things Possible Ministries, Global Speaker, and High Risk Missions Leader. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 37: Matt Storer - Outcome-Based Care, Collaboration, and Training Jan 24, 2017

In Episode 37, you will hear from Matt Storer, President/CEO of Vision Trust. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 36: Christa Sharpe - IJM’s Fight Against Cybersex Trafficking and Other Injustices Jan 17, 2017

In Episode 36, you will hear from Christa Sharpe, Vice-President of Aftercare for International Justice Mission (IJM). For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com.

Episode 35: Jason Weber - Foster Care Fundamentals Jan 10, 2017

In Episode 35, you will hear from Jason Weber, National Director of Foster Care Initiatives for Christian Alliance for Orphans. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkoprhan.com.

Episode 34: Tara VanderWoude – Ambiguous Loss and Transracial Adoption Dec 13, 2016

In Episode 34, you will hear from Tara Vanderwoude, Social Worker, Advocate, and Educator. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 33: Diana Prykhodko - Scars of an Orphan Dec 06, 2016

In Episode 33, you will hear from Diana Prykhodko, Ambassador for Father’s House. For full shown notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 32: Phil Tuttle - What's the Bible Got to Do With It? Nov 29, 2016

In Episode 32, you will hear from Phil Tuttle, President of Walk Thru The Bible. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 31: [ Recast ] - Ruslan Maliuta – Is a World Without Orphans Possible? Nov 22, 2016

[ This episode is a recast from May 24th, 2016 ]

In this episode, Ruslan Maliuta, International Facilitator of the World Without Orphans movement shares how an idea became a movement. He is a tireless advocate for the fatherless, devoted to making a world without orphans. What if we could live in a world without orphans? For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 30: Ian Forber-Pratt – Revolutionizing Orphan Care in India Nov 15, 2016

In Episode 30, you will hear from Ian Forber-Pratt, Program Director of Centre of Excellence in Alternative Care of Children and Founder of Foster Care India. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 29: Gabe Lyons -Effectively Engaging Others in a Divisive World Nov 08, 2016

In Episode 27, you will hear from Gabe Lyons, Founder of Q and Author of Good Faith: Being a Christian When Society Thinks You’re Irrelevant and Extreme. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 28: Troy Livesay - Maternal Care, Male Discipleship, and Ministry in Haiti Nov 01, 2016

Episode 27, you will hear from Troy Livesay, Co-Director of Heartline Ministries in Haiti, talking with Phil about:

Heartline Ministries’ incredible work in Haiti with mothers, men, and vulnerable children.
How we need to deal with the fundamental, root causes, not just the symptoms
How Heartline does its child sponsorships in connection with family preservation
How orphanages can potentially hurt orphaned and vulnerable children more than they help them
How “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” relates to Heartline’s work
How we can do short-term trips better

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 27: Dwight "Transparent" Taylor Sr. - Fatherlessness and the 3 Most Important "Hoods" Oct 25, 2016

In Episode 27, you will hear from Dwight “Transparent” Taylor, Sr., International Empowerment Speaker, Manhood Advocate, Coach, BET Music Matters Winner, and ESPN Featured Hip-Hop Artist. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 26: Dr. Russell Moore - Adoption and Gospel-Driven Compassion Oct 18, 2016

In Episode 26, Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, pastor, and adoptive father, shares with us about:

Why Dr. Moore is so passionate about adoption and loving orphaned and vulnerable children around the world with excellence
The importance of a “whole life” ministry and message to our world today
How to engage the culture and others who disagree with you in a gospel-driven manner
The importance of men’s involvement in the orphan care movement

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 25: Dr. Mandy Howard - Trauma, TBRI, and the Importance of Touch Oct 11, 2016

In Episode 25, you will hear wisdom from Dr. Mandy Howard, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Samford University, who worked with Dr. Karyn Purvis at the TCU Institute of Child Development for several years. For full show notes, please www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 24: Rebecca Nhep & Todd Guckenberger on Orphanages, Short-Term Missions, and Deinstitutionalization" Oct 04, 2016

In Episode 24, you will hear a conversation between Rebecca Nhep, ACCI’s CEO of International Programs (accimissions.org.au), and Todd Guckenberger, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries (back2back.org), about some important issues orphan care is facing today. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 23: Billiance Chondwe - The Power of Small Beginnings Sep 27, 2016

In Episode 23, you will hear from Pastor Billiance Chondwe, CEO of Together Africa Without Orphans and visionary behind the Orphan Sunday movement. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 22: Jaime Ivey - Adoption, Prison, and Empowering Women Sep 20, 2016

In Episode 22, you will hear from Jamie Ivey, host of the podcast The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. Jamie is an adoptive Mom, speaker, advocate and author. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 21: Josh Shipp - Changing The Stories of Foster and Troubled Youth Sep 13, 2016

In Episode 1 of Season 2, you will hear from Josh Shipp, author of the best-selling book, The Teen’s Guide to World Domination, global youth empowerment expert, and acclaimed speaker. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 20: Andy Crouch - Strong & Weak | The Anatomy of Flourishing Aug 16, 2016

In Episode 20, you will hear from Andy Crouch, author of Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing, and Executive Editor of Christianity Today. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 19: Dr. Karen Hutcheson - Addressing the Effects of Trauma Aug 09, 2016

In today’s episode, we get to hear from Dr. Karen Hutcheson, a Trauma Informed, licensed Clinical Psychologist, Author, adoptive mom and Orphan Care Advocate. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of children from “hard places.” Karen is also the Director of Discipleship and Training at Scarlet Hope.

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 18: Andy Lehman - Developing Children and Communities Aug 02, 2016

In today’s episode, we get to hear from Andy Lehman, the President of LifeSong for Orphans (http://www.lifesongfororphans.org) which is an organization that helps mobilize the church to care for orphaned and vulnerable children. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 17: Sarah Chhin - Why Family Matters Jul 26, 2016

In today’s episode, we get to hear from Sarah Chhin, who works with children though Cambodia Action and M’lup Russey. She has worked extensively in Cambodia, especially with children phasing out of residential care. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 16: Samuel Rich, Brittany Devries, and David Bolt - Storytelling Through Film Jul 19, 2016

In Episode 16, you will hear from three filmmakers, Brittany DeVries, Samuel Rich, and David Bolt, about their films, which advocate for orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. For full show notes, please visit: www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 15: Daniel Kaggwa - Part 2, The Impact of Belonging Jul 12, 2016

In Part 2 of this two-part Episode, Daniel Kaggwa, Pastor of Sign of the Dove Church in Kampala, Uganda, joins Phil and Kelly to share how his story has informed the work his ministry is doing in Uganda and around the world. For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 14: Daniel Kaggwa - Part 1, The Impact of Belonging Jul 05, 2016

In Part 1 of this two-part Episode, Daniel Kaggwa, Pastor of Sign of the Dove Church in Kampala, Uganda, joins Phil and Kelly to share about his difficult childhood and incredible life, which has inspired and equipped him to fight for orphaned and vulnerable children around the world.

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 13: Ashlie Bryant - Fighting Trafficking with 3 Strands Global Jun 28, 2016

In this Episode, Ashlie Bryant, Co-Founder and President of 3 Stands Global, joins Phil and Kelly to discuss issues surrounding human trafficking, prevention and educational initiatives. For Full show notes, please visit www.thinkOrphan.com

Episode 12: Dr. John Sowers - Combating Fatherlessness Jun 21, 2016

In this episode, we hear from John Sowers, President of The Mentoring Project, as well as an author and speaker. We talk about the effects of fatherlessness on our society and the influence of mentoring on the lives of children. He is a powerful advocate for the fatherless and redeeming their story through mentoring.

In this week’s episode, you will discover:

The need for showing up in the lives of children
The impact of fatherlessness
The power of a mentor
The idea of carrying your weight
The role of discipling and leading men to end the orphan crisis
The hiddenness of the fatherless
The Impact of women on fatherlessness
Core values in mentoring

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 11: Rick Morton - Orphanology 101 Jun 14, 2016

In this episode, we hear from Rick Morton, an author and Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Christian Services. Rick shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. We talk through the theology of adoption and the role of the church in orphan care around the world.

In this week’s episode, you will discover:

Discipleship in orphan care
The struggles foster and adoptive parents face and how the church needs to respond
The theology of caring for the orphan
Collaboration as a reflection of the Body of Christ
How to mobilize the church to face the orphan crisis

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 10: Mick Pease – Finding Families for Abandoned Children Jun 07, 2016

In today’s episode, we get to hear from Mick Pease, the founder of Substitute Families for Abandoned Children (http://www.sfac.org.uk/index.php), which is based in Leeds, England, and works worldwide promoting de-institutionalization and assisting in family based initiatives.

In this episode you will learn about:

The difference between orphaned and abandoned children
Family based care versus institutional care
Managing donor resources
Community resourcing to prevent orphans
The generational mindset towards abandoned children

For full show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 9: Craig Greenfield - Subversive, Radical Orphan Care May 31, 2016

In this episode, we hear from Craig Greenfield, founder and international director of Alongsiders and author of Subversive Jesus. Craig is living out the upside down nature of the Kingdom of God by living amongst and serving in some of the poorest communities in Cambodia and Canada.

In this week’s episode, you will discover:

Craig’s New Book, Subversive Jesus and the background of the title
Craig’s story of living in the slums of Cambodia and the inner city of Vancouver
The practice of exclusivity to be inclusive
How his family practices radical hospitality
Insiders leaving the charge in cross cultural work
Alongsider’s Academy
Resourcing to keep children in their communities
The need for mother and father figures

For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 8: Ruslan Maliuta - Is a World Without Orphans Possible? May 24, 2016

In this episode, Ruslan Maliuta, International Facilitator of the World Without Orphans movement shares how an idea became a movement. He is a tireless advocate for the fatherless, devoted to making a world without orphans. What if we could live in a world without orphans? For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 7: Johnston Moore - Can Foster Care Work? May 17, 2016

In Episode 7, Johnston Moore, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Home Forever, speaks with us about the need for permanency for children in foster care, the role of family preservation, the issues in foster care and assisting children aging out of the system. For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Special Edition: Johnston Moore - ICWA and the Lexi Case May 17, 2016

Special Episode with Johnston Moore, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Home Forever, on the specifics of ICWA and the Lexi Case. For show notes, please visit www.ThinkOrphan.com

Episode 6: Rebecca Nhep - Defining Deinstitutionalization May 10, 2016

We had a chance to hear from Rebecca Nhep and were astounded at the depth of understanding she shared with us in regards to the orphan crisis around the world.

Rebecca Nhep is the Joint CEO and Head of International Programs at ACC International. Rebecca runs the ACCI Kinnected program, which focuses on upholding children’s right to a family through deinstitutionalization, family based care and family preservation. Rebecca has been working with ACCIR for 16 years, 11 years field based in Cambodia working on community and family & community strengthening and family-based alternative care programs. Rebecca serves on the board of Children in Families, a Cambodian NGO providing family-based alternative care. For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 5: Chris Marlow—The Simplicity of Orphan Care May 03, 2016

In Episode 5, Chris Marlow, Founder and CEO of Help One Now, joins Phil and Kelly to discuss empowering high-capacity national leaders, poverty alleviation, family strengthening, and his new book, Doing Good is Simple. For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 4: Todd Guckenberger—Orphanages, Mission Trips, and Child Development Apr 26, 2016

In Episode 4, Todd Guckenberger, Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries, joins Phil and Kelly to discuss issues surrounding orphanages, mission trips, and a 5-Point Development Plan for every child in B2B’s care. For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 3: Peter Greer - Preventing Orphans by Alleviating Poverty Apr 19, 2016

In Episode 3, Phil and Kelly discuss micro-enterprise and poverty alleviation with Peter Greer, President of HOPE International, and how breaking the cycle of poverty preserves, strengthens families, and prevents children from becoming orphans. For show notes, please visit thinkorphan.com

Episode 2: Jedd Medefind - The Beauty and Brokenness of Orphan Care Apr 12, 2016

In Episode 2, Jedd Medefind, President of Christian Alliance for Orphans, joins us to discuss the current landscape of the orphan care crisis, the importance of clarity in caring for children, and the different stages of advocacy. Jedd and CAFO are leading a movement to unite churches and organizations and equip them for the effective care of orphans around the world.

For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

Episode 1: Kelly Stewart and Philip Darke—The Why, What, and How of ThinkOrphan Apr 05, 2016

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 1 of the Think Orphan podcast. In this episode, Philip Darke and Kelly Stewart define the Who, What, and How of Think Orphan. This week they introduce the topics they will be covering in coming episodes and what led them to their involvement in the global orphan crisis. Phil and Kelly also highlight some upcoming guests, as well as some resources that have influenced their respective journeys toward orphan care. Welcome to Think Orphan!

For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com

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