The Better Samaritan Podcast Wheaton HDI

In this episode, we talk with Preston Hill, assistant professor of integrative theology at Richmond Graduate University. Preston's insights challenge us to rethink our understanding of trauma, moving away from viewing it simply as suffering. This important, timely conversation includes a discussion of spiritual hurt and the often painful reality of trauma within church communities.

As we delve into the characteristics of trauma-informed churches, Preston emphasizes prioritizing the safety of people over protecting the church's image. Our conversation highlights the pivotal roles of listening, believing, empowering, and restoring in creating trauma-informed communities.

Join us for a thoughtful exploration of trauma, theology, and the healing process.

Preston Hill Bio- 
Preston Hill is an Assistant Professor of Integrative Theology at Richmont Graduate University. He’s also a Clinical Pastoral Therapist in private practice and an Anglican priest-in-training. As a practical theologian and practicing therapist, Preston’s research, teaching, and clinical work engages themes related to theology and mental health. His theological work has engaged the Reformed tradition, science-engaged theology, and topics including suffering, theodicy, atonement, trauma, and spirituality. He’s the author of Dawn of Sunday: The Trinity and Trauma-Safe Churches and the upcoming Christ and Trauma: Theology East of Eden. In addition, Preston has edited the volume Trauma Theology: Perspectives on Christ & Wounds That Remain, which is due to be published in 2024. 

Resources:

Preston’s website

Previous episode: Becoming a Trauma-Informed Church

Free downloadable toolkit: Becoming a Trauma-Informed Church Action Plan

Spiritual First Aid (includes a module on “Becoming a Trauma-Informed Church, Community, or Organization”)


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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative for the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter: @drjamieaten | @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco

Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction—especially in our blind spots.


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Join us on today’s episode for a deeply enriching conversation with Laura Howe of Hope Made Strong on the crucial role of the church in addressing mental health issues, particularly in the wake of the pandemic's collective trauma. 

We leave no stone unturned, covering topics such as practical ways to empower your congregation to provide solace, support, and strength to those grappling with mental health issues. We also discuss the multitude of ways the Church Mental Health Summit can serve as a catalyst for education and change. 

Each of us has a role to play in meeting the growing mental health needs in our circles. We pray this episode encourages those passionate about integrating mental health support within their churches and communities.

Laura’s Bio - 
Laura Howe is a clinical mental health social worker, addictions counselor, and project manager.  She has spent her 15-year career supporting and serving the marginalized and suffering in her local community.  In 2019, Laura launched Hope Made Strong, an organization dedicated to helping the local church care for their communities without burning out. In 4 short (and busy years), the team at Hope Made Strong has grown, and together, they are serving churches worldwide with online courses, cohort groups, training, events, and a podcast. Laura is a refreshing voice in the faith and mental health space: upbeat and practical, with a strategic lens.  If you're looking for tools to support your ministry leaders and congregation, Hope Made Strong is a go-to resource.

Resources:

Church Mental Health Summit

Hope Made Strong

Spiritual First Aid

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative for the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco

Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction—especially in our blind spots.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for a conversation about the much-needed, challenging world of disaster relief with Brent Davis, Director of Canadian Ministry Projects for Samaritan's Purse. Brent’s mantra “anytime we're not responding, we're preparing” reinforces the commitment and readiness Samaritan's Purse brings to communities ravaged by wildfires and other disasters. We'll uncover the critical role of trust-building, the logistics of post-disaster deployment, and the swift establishment of Samaritan’s Purse operations in affected communities. 

Brent takes us behind the scenes of Samaritan's Purse’s unique approach, showing us how they assess needs, manage debris, and assist in possession recovery after a disaster. At the same time, they build bridges between faith communities and local authorities, providing hope and love amid chaos. 

We also explore the stark reality of recovery extending beyond the typical 12-month news cycle, shedding light on the often-overlooked needs arising 18 to 24 months post-disaster. In addition, Brent shares volunteers' pivotal roles and what community resilience looks like after traumatic events.

Tune in now for this enlightening and thought-provoking episode.

Bio: 

Brent Davis is the Director of Canadian Ministry Projects for Samaritan’s Purse Canada and currently chairs the Alberta NGO Council. The Council coordinates post-disaster support provided by 14 NGOs within the province of Alberta. Brent also serves as past chair of the Emergency Management NGO Consortium of Canada (EMNCC). Since 2007, Brent has led disaster response operations for Samaritan’s Purse in over 25 Canadian municipalities and has coordinated Canadian resources in nine major international disasters. Brent resides in Southern Alberta with his wife and three children.

Resources:

Samaritan’s Purse Canada

Humanitarian Disaster Institute

Previous episode—War Zones and Humanitarian Values: An Inside Look

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This episode was produced by Wildfire Creative.
Theme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreative
(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. We believe learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes we'll agree, and sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.)
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In this week’s conversation, we navigate the complex terrain of foster care and adoption with our esteemed guests, Jenn Ranter Hook, founder and executive director of Replanted, and her husband, Josh Hook, a psychology professor. Jenn opens up about her personal experiences working with children in the foster care system and her realization about the Church's lack of support for families on that journey. Josh shares his research interests and how they intersect with adoption and foster care, highlighting the need for trauma-informed resources.

We also discuss the critical work of Replanted, a platform for supporting families who have experienced foster care and adoption. Jenn passionately divulges how the organization fills a gap many families face, providing much-needed resources and community connections. 

Listen as we uncover families' realities, challenges, and triumphs in foster care and adoption.

Bios: 

Joshua N. Hook (Ph.D.) is a Professor of Psychology at the University of North Texas. He is also a Licensed Clinical Psychologist whose research interests include humility, religion/spirituality, and multicultural counseling. He has written or co-written several books, including Replanted: Faith-Based Support for Adoptive and Foster Families and Thriving Families: A Trauma-Informed Guidebook for the Foster and Adoptive Journey. He lives in Texas with his family.. 

Jenn Ranter Hook (MA) is the founder and executive director of Replanted. She previously worked as a trauma therapist for children and adolescents in foster care and speaks frequently on topics related to adoption and foster care support, mental health, and trauma. She is the author of two books: Replanted: Faith-Based Support for Foster and Adoptive Families and Thriving Families: A Trauma-Informed Guidebook for the Foster and Adoptive Journey. She lives in Texas with her family.

Resources:

Replanted website

Josh’s website/blog

Previous episode: From Heartache to Hope: The Church’s Mission in Foster Care and Trauma Healing
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About the episode:

Have you ever felt that Christian practices and mindfulness are worlds apart?

Joshua Knabb, a board-certified clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, joins us to bridge that gap. We unearth the deeply meditative heritage of Christianity and explore how secularized “mindfulness” can be adapted to resonate with Christian values. 

We also discuss Lectio Divina, a reading practice rooted in the Christian monastic tradition. The findings from Joshua's research on Lectio Divina offer an intriguing scientific perspective on its power, and his studies shed light on the transformative applications of these practices. 

Listen to learn more about the potential of incorporating ancient disciplines into our busy lives.

Bio: Joshua J. Knabb, PsyD, ABPP, is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist with the American Board of Professional Psychology and Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology, specializing in individual and couples therapy. Residing in Southern California with his wife and two children, Dr. Knabb is a Tenured Professor of Psychology at California Baptist University (CBU), serving as the Associate Dean for the Psychology Division and Director of the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology Program in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. In addition to his work as an educator and psychotherapist, Dr. Knabb is the Editor of the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, and his writings and research have been published in a wide variety of academic journals, textbooks, and workbooks over the last decade. 

Resources:

Joshua’s website

Previous episode: The Anxiety Opportunity: Embracing Spiritual Growth and Transformation in Times of Distress 

Previous episode: Grounded in Grace–A Christian Technique for Relieving Stress and Strengthening Faith

Our online Spiritual First Aid Certificate Course
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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative for the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco

Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction—especially in our blind spots.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About the episode:

Step into the trenches with us as we unpack the raw truth of providing humanitarian aid in war zones. We are privileged to have as our guests Anne Reitsema, CEO of Medair, and Meghan North, former country director for Medair in Ukraine and Poland. They share insights about the initial response to the crisis in Ukraine and details about the daily reality of living and serving in areas of conflict.

During our conversation, Anne and Meghan shared the unique challenges posed by the conflict zone and the strategy adopted by Medair to meet the community's specific needs. We also discuss the indispensable role of values and principles in humanitarian work., reflecting on the power of hope during difficult times and the beauty of mutual assistance. 

Listen to learn more about the resilience and dedication needed to make a difference for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Anne's bio: Anne Reitsema became Medair’s Chief Executive Officer in 2023. Medair is a Christian International Humanitarian Organization that responds to major crises triggered by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or conflict. Its mandate is to save lives and relieve human suffering in some of the world’s most devastated and difficult-to-reach places. Anne joined Medair in 2004 and has since led Medair’s programs in Zimbabwe, Angola, Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan. Before joining Medair, she worked as a social worker. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Counseling.

Meghan’s bio: Meghan North is an experienced humanitarian aid worker with 10 years of humanitarian experience. She specializes in complex emergencies and has worked in over eight countries, including Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mozambique, Sudan, and South Sudan. She has worked with Medair for over eight years, most recently as Country Director overseeing Ukraine and Poland. Meghan holds an M.A. from Wheaton College in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership.  

Resources:

Find out more about Medair.

Previous episode: Our Life-Changing Visit to Ukraine
Previous episode: How Do You Sustain Hope and Resist Disillusionment When Doing Good?
Previous episode: Seven Crucial Steps for Soul-Care: So You Can Care for Others

Come study with us: HDI’s MA in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative for the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter: @drjamieaten | @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco

Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction—especially in our blind spots.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices