Think Global, Do Justice

The Westerner Abuse and Child Protection Conversation (Lenten Recast)

In this season of Lent, we're on a break from new episodes and are re-running a conversation from 2023 that we had with 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. Note that all podcasts before 2024 were under our old podcast name, Think Orphan. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel Conversation Notes Recurring cases of exploitation in overseas volunteerism (voluntourism) (14:00) The risk in naivety (17:00) Harming, not helping (21:30) The power dynamics that add to vulnerability (24:00) White saviors, colonialism, paternalism (27:00) Establishing policies and systems that mitigate risk (31:00) Creating cultures of awareness and protection (41:00) Developing national safeguarding processes (47:00) Risk involved with child sponsorship (57:00) How do we create reporting mechanisms for children (1:05:00) Resources and Links from the show SFAC Safeguarding Course SFAC Homepage Safe International Online Jessup University Masters in Global Development and Justice The Roys Report : Romanian Lawsuits Multiply Against Harvest Christian Fellowship and Pastor Greg Laurie Research Paper : Child Sexual Exploitation in East African Orphanages

Decolonizing Christian Mission with Dr. Hunter Farrell (Lent Recast)

In this season of Lent, we're on a break from new episodes and are re-running a conversation from 2023 that we had 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? Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel 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) Resources and Links from the show Freeing Congregational Mission Village Reach Quiet The Power of Introverts  

A Lenten Reflection for the Justice Oriented Christian

As we head into the Lent this week, Brandon offers a reflection on the justice work that God calls us into and the opportunity to slow down, reflect and pray as we begin the approach to Easter. If you feel weary, burnt out or frustrated and are looking for a reminder of who God is and how we can connect into the everlasting grace that sustains, please join for a listen. Resources and Links from the Show Brandon's Top Worship Song for Lent : Where Would I Go? by Micah Dalton Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License  

Building a Coalition to Welcome Children Home with Tony Lewry

A multitude of orphanages in the Global South continue to be supported by well-meaning Christians throughout the world. Research and scripture both indicate that God's design for children is to grow up in a family, but what do we do when it's the church that needs to be convinced of this? Brandon Stiver is joined today by Tony Lewry who shares his experience in orphan care and cross-cultural ministry over the years as we dive into what it looks like to change mindsets and practices in these global chains of care. Tony leads The Homecoming Project and coordinates across a coalition of organizations tackling the issue of children outside of parental care. In our conversation, Tony and Brandon discuss the evolution of family-based care, the challenges and successes of implementing foster care, and the vital role of the church in advocating for vulnerable children.  Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel Resources and Links from the Show The Homecoming Project Online The Homecoming Project Instagram Conversation Notes (AI Generated) 03:00 Introduction to Tony Lewry and His Journey 05:56 The Evolution of Family-Based Care in Brazil 09:13 Challenges and Successes in Implementing Foster Care 11:57 The Role of the Church in Foster Care Advocacy 14:54 Reintegration and Community Support for Children 17:54 Navigating Reentry to the UK 20:52 The Homecoming Project: History and Vision 23:47 Collaborative Efforts in Care Reform 27:03 Addressing the Funding Dilemma in Child Care 30:05 Engaging with Orphanage Supporters 32:59 The Coalition Approach and Its Impact 36:11 Next Steps for the Homecoming Project 39:08 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The US Intervention in Venezuela with Ambassador Alejandro Martinez Ubieda and Dr. Greg Burch

This US capture of Nicolás Maduro presents a range of considerations and reflections across international law, humanitarian needs and diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere. This episode delves into the complex political landscape of Venezuela, focusing on the historical context leading to the rise of Nicolás Maduro and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Brandon Stiver is joined by a former Venezuelan Ambassador, Alejandro Martinez Ubieda and Global Studies educator Dr. Greg Burch to discuss the implications of Maduro's capture, the corruption and human rights violations under his regime, and the potential for a democratic transition in Venezuela. They also explore the role of international relations and U.S. involvement in shaping the future of the country, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and humanitarian support for Venezuelans both at home and abroad. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel Podcast Sponsors Take the free Core Elements Self-Assessment from the CAFO Research Center and tap into online courses with discount code 'TGDJ25' Take the Free Core Elements Self-Assessment Resources and Links from the show Human Rights Watch : Venezuela UN Human Rights Council : Venezuela NBC Portland : Former Venezuelan ambassador living in Oregon calls Maduro arrest a long-awaited step toward democracy Conversation Notes (AI Generated) 05:00 The Context of Venezuela's Political Landscape 08:05 Chávez's Rise and the Shift to Authoritarianism 10:42 Maduro's Ascendancy and Human Rights Violations 13:48 The Humanitarian Crisis and International Reactions 16:44 Celebration and Concerns Over Maduro's Capture 29:34 The Venezuelan Migration Crisis 35:22 The Future of Venezuela Post-Maduro 40:25 Ethics of U.S. Intervention in Venezuela 47:12 Hope for Democratic Elections in Venezuela 51:19 Final Thoughts on Venezuelan Resilience   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License