Think Global, Do Justice

Canopy International

The podcast and community for globally minded disciples seeking God's justice, mercy and shalom throughout the world.

  1. 2d ago

    Strengthening Families Through Fair Trade and Tech with Jessica Ray

    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. Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel 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 Register for OneAccord 2026 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. Learn More About MAGDJ 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

  2. Jul 28

    Mental Health in Humanitarian Spaces with Weanne Estrada

    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. Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel 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 Register for OneAccord 2026 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. Learn More About MAGDJ 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

  3. Jul 15

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

    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. Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel 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 Register for OneAccord 2026 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. Learn More About MAGDJ 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 Subscribe to the Thursday Three 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

  4. Jun 30

    A Holistic and Ecological Approach to Child Programming with Nicole Duciaume

    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. 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 Register for OneAccord 2026 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. Learn More About MAGDJ 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

  5. Jun 19

    The Integration of Creation Care and Poverty Alleviation with Milmer Martinez Vergara

    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 Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel 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 Register for OneAccord 2026 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. Learn More About MAGDJ 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

  6. Jun 2

    Global Sports Ministry and the World Cup with Roman Khripunov & Phil Darke

    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 Register for OneAccord 2026 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

  7. May 19

    How U.S. Immigration Policies Are Separating Families with Matthew Soerens

    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 Register for OneAccord 2026 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) 02:21 Matthew Soerens' Journey with World Relief 04:58 The Global Refugee Crisis and Its Impact 07:41 World Relief's Approach to Refugee Resettlement 09:27 Current U.S. Immigration Policies and Their Effects 10:24 Reflections on Recent Immigration Challenges 12:27 Family Separation and Its Consequences 17:25 Real Stories of Affected Families 21:43 The Broader Implications of Family Separation 24:48 The Scale of Family Separation in Trump's Second Term 26:52 Challenges of Reuniting Families That Have Been Separated 29:48 The Economic Impact of Immigration Policies 31:10 Advocacy and Political Engagement In Modern America 41:11 Biblical Perspectives on Immigration Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

  8. May 5

    Effective Altruism for Christians with JD Bauman

    Are all global justice issues created equal or are certain causes worth more of our attention and funding? Is it possible to get more bang for our buck by prioritizing certain geographic areas when it comes to missions and economic development? Joining the show today is JD Bauman of Christians for Impact. He is the co-author of the new book "All the Lives You Can Change" which explores how Christian principles intersect with the modern movement of effective altruism and global impact. In this episode, JD shares insights on prioritizing charitable efforts, the importance of data-driven giving, and pursuing a life of maximum global impact. 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 Register for OneAccord 2026 Resources and Links from the Show All the Lives You Can Change by Bauman, Roser and Zhang (Amazon) Christians for Impact Online GiveWell The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer 80,000 Hours ITN Framework Jump into more conversations around child protection, global health, and ethical mission on the Optimistic Voices Podcast – Link Conversation Notes (AI Generated) (01:22) – JD's background and the role of faith in his work (02:38) – Effective altruism and evidence-based good deeds (03:23) – JD's missions family and background (04:36) – Connecting faith, service, and career impact (08:11) – Insights into Christian impact and career advising (11:51) – Funding effective global health interventions (18:03) – Examples of cost-effectiveness in charitable work (23:52) – Reframing local giving and global giving (28:43) – Using the ITN framework for impactful careers (48:07) – Top global causes to prioritize through effective altruism (50:45) – The connection between creation care, a plant-based diet and animal welfare (52:21) – AI risks and opportunities for advocacy (56:29) – The radical opportunity when Christians donate 10% Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

5
out of 5
80 Ratings

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The podcast and community for globally minded disciples seeking God's justice, mercy and shalom throughout the world.