Think Global, Do Justice

Latest Episodes:

Wrestling with the Problem of Evil with Dr. Chris Palmer May 06, 2025

Show notes

War. Famine. Poverty. Violence. Natural Disasters. Working in humanitarian spaces puts us up close and personal with some of the worst kinds of evil and suffering. In the face of it all, we follow a God who is both all good and all powerful. How do those two realities compute? It's a quandary that has been around a long time and we've invited Southeastern University's Dr. Chris Palmer onto the show to help us think biblically and theologically when we're faced with the problem of evil. From the killing fields in Polpot's Cambodia to earthquakes in the Middle East, we wrestle the reality of pain while clinging to God's goodness and embracing the mystery.

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Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Visit Camino Quest Online

Resources and Links from the show

Dr. Palmer's Bio at Southeastern University Online

Conversation Notes

Chris being confronted with the evil of the killing fields in Cambodia
How do we describe and define what evil is substantively
Juxtaposing suffering that takes place in the natural world with the suffering caused by human agency
The differing theodicies in seeking to understand God's justice
The imperative of prayer to have our hearts conformed to God's heart

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

Balancing Tensions in Children's Rights Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

The most effective approaches to doing justice will acknowledge nuance and there is wisdom in maintaining tensions in the work God has called us to. Central to the work of global development is how we work among at risk children and youth and there are a lot of principles to balance in that space. In this solo episode of the podcast, Brandon Stiver breaks down a number of paradigms that children's rights advocates and practitioners operate within as we hope to find the right balance that will allow children to flourish and be fully who God created them to be.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities.

Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online

Resources and Links from the show

Childhood in a Global Perspective by Karen Wells

Freeing Congregational Mission by B. Hunter Farrell and S. Balajiedlang Khyllep

Conversation Notes

Understanding the paradigms of child saving and child's rights
Child sponsorship as a child saving approach to raising funds
The irony of supporting child rights while also promoting war that takes life
Maintaining the balance between child protection and family preservation
The role of child participation in decision making and advocacy

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

The Human Impact of Closing USAID with Heather Taylor Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

There is no doubt that the international development sector has changed drastically and permanently over the last couple of months. Starting with the closure of the vast majority of USAID programming, other donor countries have also withdrawn support from the global poor. Joining the show to guide us through what it looks like for Christians to stay engaged and advocate in this spaces is the Managing Director at Bread for the World, Heather Taylor. She walks us through specific policies that are being advocated for and how Christian practitioners and organizations are collaborating and linking arms during these unprecedented times.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Visit Camino Quest Online

Resources and Links from the show

Link to Bread for the World's Website

Advocate on Behalf of the Global Poor and Urge Congress to Restore Life-Saving Aid

Conversation Notes

The effectiveness of SNAP and Medicaid in the United States
The human fallout from the closure of the majority of USAID programming
What wrapping remaining USAID functions into the State Department would look like
How changes are affecting Christians called into the global development field to serve the global poor and those hurting
The importance of persistence in advocacy when it appears that government isn't listening

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

Nutrition Security from Farm to Fork with Isabelle Kamariza Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Developing local solutions to complex issues is foundational to global change. When it comes to food insecurity and health services, we recognize the need for local solutions at scale. Joining the show today from Rwanda is Isabelle Kamariza who is the Founder and President at Solid'Africa. She comes on the show to share with us who Solid'Africa works alongside the Rwandan government to improve nutritional outcomes for hospital patients, students and others in the community. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and learn what it looks like actually achieve sustainability when doing work in challenging contexts.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Visit Camino Quest Online

Resources and Links from the show

Solid'Africa Online

Rwanda Inc. by Patricia Crisafulli and Andrea Redmond

Conversation Notes

Isabelle's journey from feeding the homeless in Belgium to feeding the masses in Rwanda
The influence of Matthew 25 and how it compels us into action
The power of prayer in starting a ministry to the sick
The intersection of healthcare and nutrition insecurity in Rwanda
Going from farm to fork (and eventually on to fertilizer!) in making sustainable change
The role of social enterprise in building sustainability
The value of government regulation and partnership in establishing a nonprofit in Rwanda (it's harder than starting a business!)
Social change through community education
The Rwandan trajectory from tragedy to case study in development

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

Ukrainian Child Data, Kenya's Tatu City and Leading Across Cultures Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

It's March and the madness extends far beyond college basketball. In this episode, we look at the ramifications of losing Ukrainian child data through recent federal budget cuts and why upholding these children's humans right should matter to American Christians. Then we look at a new city development in Kenya that has some unique aspects that give both promise and pause. Lastly, Brandon Stiver shares a book recommendation on cross-cultural leadership that can help equip us for the ministries that God has led us into.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Visit Camino Quest Online

Resources and Links from the show

NPR : Trump Administration Cuts Funding for Program that Tracked Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia

Associated Press : A startup city in Kenya tries to tackle Africa's problem of urbanizing while poor

Amazon : Leading Across Cultures - Effective Ministry and Mission in the Global Church by James E. Plueddamann

Conversation Notes

1:36 - The loss of data on Ukrainian children that have been forcibly removed from their country and taken to Russia. What human rights are being violated and what role do recent changes by the US put these children at greater risk.
14:50 - Steve Kariithi joins the show from Nairobi to discuss Tatu City - a privately funded city with thousands of people and a lot of appeal. We discuss the pro's and con's of this approach to urban development
29:50 - Brandon shares a recommendation for those that are working and leading in cross-cultural environments.

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

Deepening Discipleship Through Christian Pilgrimage with Randy Gonzales Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

We talk a lot about global action on behalf of the vulnerable, but what about global engagement that looks like deepening our discipleship and spiritual formation? We've welcomed Randy Gonzales from Camino Quest on the show today to share with us how pilgrims travel (or even travail) the Camino de Santiago in Spain and what it looks like to connect with God through Christian pilgrimage. In a world that seems a bit wild, this is a reminder of the opportunities that God provides for us to slow down, connect and get in touch with what He's doing in our lives.

Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities.

Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online

Resources and Links from the show

Camino Quest Online

Conversation Notes

Randy's journey from MK to not wanting to be a missionary, to becoming a missionary!
Defining pilgrimage to a Christian population that hasn't historically been involved in pilgrimages
The value of leaving your context and traveling to another part of the globe to carry to take a pilgrimage
The three traditional Christian pilgrimages
The story of St. James and his legacy on the Iberian peninsula
What happens on a pilgrimage and the spiritual value of the journey
Balancing lives of action with slowing down and going deep internally
The logistics of going on pilgrimage and how to prepare for such a journey

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

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

The Innovation and Coordination to Reach the Unreached with Lisa Pak Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In 2025, there are still people in the world, even entire people groups, that have never heard the Good News. What's more is that access to distant places and global migration has never been higher. Is it possible to finish the Great Commission in our life time? We've got questions on how to reach more with the Gospel in word and deed and joining us for the conversation is Lisa Pak who is a leader with Finishing the Task that is focused on mobilizing the whole church to fulfill all of Christ's commands. Lisa shares with us what it's like to grow up and worship in a diaspora church, how global coordination and new technologies can help us reach more people and what it means to be a church that is not easily shaken.

Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities.

Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online

Resources and Links from the show

Finishing the Task Online

Conversation Notes

6:30 - Lisa shares all the influences that led her into global missions
10:10 - Caring for all people everywhere ties all the way back creation covenant and stewardship entrusted to all people
13:00 - Who is really Western? Lisa speaks to the reality of second and third generation immigrants
19:30 - The link between countries that are economically developed and the spreading of the gospel.
31:25 - Taking a pulse and understanding the stats around who is unreached
34:00 - Opportunities that show up on our doorstep and seeking the unreached in our own neighborhoods
41:25 - "Prayer is the most underutilized tool in the Kingdom of God"
47:20 - Understanding diasporas and what it's like worshiping and growing up in a diaspora community
53:25 - Following God's heart and being a church that will not be a shaken

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

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

Losing USAID Support On The Ground and Cyberscam Trafficking Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

It's been a whirlwind of a month for global development practitioners. We've heard a lot of the 30,000 foot view of what the shuttering of USAID means and today we're talking with a practitioner from our community that was working on a USAID-funded project in El Salvador and what it was like to receive the stop order. After that, we'll be looking at a recent Christianity Today article that discusses the rise of cyberscam trafficking. Lastly, Brandon Stiver will be sharing a word of encouragement for all those that find themselves disheartened after recent blows to the work that so many in this podcast community are called into.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities.

Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online

Resources and Links from the show

Christianity Today: Crypto Cons, Beatings and Prayers for Deliverance by Erin Foley

Center for Global Development: Which Countries Are Most Exposed to US Aid Cuts; And What Other Providers Can Do

AP News: A comprehensive look at DOGE's firings and layoffs so far

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Conversation Notes

0:55 - Losing USAID support on the ground and organizations in this podcast community that have been effected
3:35 - Katy Luehm joins the show to share how the USAID funded project that she was a part of in El Salvador was shutdown and what effect that is having on both contractors and families alike
21:00 - Erin Foley is back to talk with us about the rapid expansion of cyberscam trafficking in Southeast Asia
41:15 - Brandon shares an encouragement for those global practitioners that are effected and discouraged after the recent closing of USAID as we point towards what the opportunity to pursue God's Kingdom in the world

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

Global Advocacy and Praying with Our Eyes Open with Dr. Krish Kandiah Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

We live in a world of tremendous conflict and as Christians, we are called to welcome those that have been forced to flee violence in their communities. For those of us called into this space, how do we mobilize Christians and advocate to the government for compassionate responses to such crises? We have long-time friend of the podcast Dr. Krish Kandiah on the show today to share what this has looked for him and the spaces God has called him into in recent years. Krish is an author, advocate and the Director of Sanctuary Foundation in the UK. We bounce around from Hong Kong and Ukraine to Sudan and Gaza to pursue God's justice for these global neighbors.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Podcast Sponsors

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding.

Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program

Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities.

Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online

Resources and Links from the show

God is Stranger by Krish Kandiah (Amazon)

Sanctuary Foundation Online

Conversation Notes

Krish catches us up on his journey from UK foster care to government work to advocacy on behalf of forcibly displaced people globally
Raising awareness and mobilizing churches to welcome refugees
The role that sports can play in building community across cultures
The plight of Sudan and Haiti and why certain conflicts receive media attention while others don't
It's easier to get support for Ukrainians that flee violence as opposed to Sudanese people fleeing violence
News is overwhelming, should we even be engaging or is it best to just tune out?
A Bible in one hand, a newspaper in the other and praying with our eyes open

The Spiritual Practice of Starting Something with Bryan Halferty Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Being an active follower of Christ will always lead us to find things that are incongruent with God's Kingdom and we'll want to do something about it. To do justice, we have to address injustice and that might require us to start something (and our community is full of people that start things). Starting something is hard though so we've invited author and pastor Bryan Halferty to walk us through the spirit and the tenacity it takes to undertake a new Kingdom venture. Bryan also shares about his upcoming book "Terrible Beauty" which is a memoir of his own journey towards starting a church in the most unchurched metropolitan area of the country.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

Podcast Sponsor

Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities.

Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online

Resources and Links from the show

Link to Bryan's Substack "Table"

Conversation Notes

Engaging other cultures as a means of learning more about God.
Discerning God's direction to start something new and how that led to a church plant.
Balancing the realities of injustice with the maintaining spiritual and relational health.
The role of risk when starting a ministry. Embracing the risk, the vulnerability and the potential of failure.
The reality of facing rejection and apathy when you've created and brought something into the world
Christ's example of compassion and suffering that guides towards ministry
The messianic ache and the cry of Maranatha as we long to be with Christ and for His Kingdom to come in full

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

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