Think Global, Do Justice

Latest Episodes:

Global Mission as a Christian Colony and Revisiting Ecclesiastes Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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

The Fastest Growing Form of Human Trafficking with Amy Miller Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

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

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Resources and Links From The Show

Acts of Mercy International Online

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

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

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

DMEAL for Compliance and Continual Improvement with Jeremy Macias Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

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

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Resources and Links From The Show

Check out the Earthkeepers Podcast

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

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

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

Strengthening Families Through Fair Trade and Tech with Jessica Ray Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

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

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

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Resources and Links From The Show

Strong Family Online

GOEX Apparel

Strong Family White Paper

Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger Video

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

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

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

Mental Health in Humanitarian Spaces with Weanne Estrada Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

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

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

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Resources and Links From The Show

Adventist Development and Relief Agency Online

Kaya Connect

Psychological First Aid Training from NCTSN

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

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

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

Microfinance Critique, Decline of Evangelical Colleges and Remote Work Isolation with Michael Cerna Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

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

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Podcast Sponsors

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

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Resources and Links From The Show

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

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

Liz Ha from Five Talents : Savings First

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

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Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

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

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

A Holistic and Ecological Approach to Child Programming with Nicole Duciaume Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

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

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

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Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

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

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

The Integration of Creation Care and Poverty Alleviation with Milmer Martinez Vergara Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

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Podcast Sponsors

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

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Resources and Links from the Show

Plant With Purpose Online

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

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

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

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

Global Sports Ministry and the World Cup with Roman Khripunov & Phil Darke Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

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

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel

Podcast Sponsor

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

Resources and Links from the Show

Revival Sport Online

Nations United

Victory Beyond the Cup

How Soccer Explains Leadership Podcast

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

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

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

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

How U.S. Immigration Policies Are Separating Families with Matthew Soerens May 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel

Podcast Sponsor

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

Resources and Links from the Show

World Relief Online

Joined Together, Torn Apart : Family Separation Report

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

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

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)