The Better Samaritan Podcast

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The Better Samaritan Podcast

The Better Samaritan is a podcast with Kent Annan & Jamie Aten where we’re learning—along with you—how to more helpfully love our neighbors, from everyday acts of kindness to navigating complex humanitarian challenges facing the church and society. Join us as we interview experts with insight on learning to do good, better.

  1. 4D AGO

    Compassion and Complexity: Evangelicals on Government and Humanitarian Aid

    What happens when churches, governments, and communities work together across differences in opinion for the common good? In this episode, Dr. Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, joins us to talk about how different parts of the evangelical church are responding to shifts in humanitarian aid and funding, and why these varied responses matter. We dig into the Biblical precedent for and history of public-private partnerships, the importance of government support, and how different Christian views of society and culture impact how churches engage with humanitarian work. Dr. Kim brings biblical insight, historical context, and practical wisdom for how the Church can stay grounded in compassion while navigating complexity. Read more from Walter Kim and the NAE: National Association of Evangelicals Calls for Renewed Commitment to Stewardship, Global Compassion Compassion for a World in Need Podcast: Difficult Conversations Bio: Walter Kim  Walter Kim is President of the National Association of Evangelicals. He earned his PhD at Harvard, was a chaplain at Yale, and has served in diverse pastoral ministries. He is on the board of World Relief, Christianity Today, and The Salvation Army, USA. He is often sought out for his theological and cultural commentary on issues facing the church and society.   —-- The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  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 @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. 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.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    31 min

  2. JUN 6

    Beyond Charity: Rev. Eugene Cho on Faith, Advocacy, and Fighting Global Hunger

    How do advocacy and policy help combat child hunger and malnutrition, both in the U.S. and around the world? In this episode, Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World, joins us to talk about what’s needed to tackle food insecurity around the world, what’s working, what’s not, and why surface-level solutions won’t cut it. We talk about how recent federal and foreign aid cuts are contributing to hunger and food insecurity for millions of children in food-insecure regions like South Sudan, and why proposals to cut SNAP could be similarly harmful for low-income American families. Reverend Cho offers the challenge to think bigger than politics and to engage with policy through the lens of faith and justice. This isn’t about charity—it’s about using our voices and influence to make lasting change. Whether you're new to advocacy or deeply involved, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Listen in to learn more :  (2:44) - check out bread.org (12:04) - Sources say 86% cut to international programs and budget (15:13) - proposed $290 billion cut to the SNAP program (36:13) - Book: Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk (36:51) - Partner with Bread for the World Read more from Eugene Cho/Bread for the World: Statement: “Skinny” Budget Would Increase Hunger and Famine and put U.S. National Security at Risk Article: My Easter Reflection on Hope and Hunger Article: Christian Leaders Hold “A Prayer Vigil for Foreign Aid” Article: I Experienced a Culture Shock Coming to the US—But It Led to an Unexpected Calling Book: Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics Book: Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World?   About Rev. Eugene Cho Rev. Eugene Cho is President/CEO of Bread for the World, a nationwide Christian advocacy organization that educates on hunger and equips people to advocate for policies to end it in the U.S. and around the world. He preaches and speaks about Bread’s mission to end hunger, justice, and leadership at the intersection of faith and public life. Eugene is Co-Chair of the U.S. Nutrition CEO Council and has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as an Outstanding American by Choice. Before joining Bread, Eugene pastored local churches for nearly thirty years. ------------ 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:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. 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.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    41 min

  3. MAY 30

    What Happens When Foreign Aid Gets Cut? Lessons from the Front Lines

    What happens when humanitarian aid gets pulled, but the needs don’t stop? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Beth Stuebing, a missionary surgeon in Malawi with the Christian Health Service Corps. She shares what it’s like on the front lines of healthcare when funding disappears—and why faith-based organizations working on the ground can’t do it alone. You’ll hear stories of courage and sacrifice, including one from a local surgeon, Dr. Mumba, who literally gave his own blood to save a patient. We also discuss how local churches are stepping up, the power of partnerships, and why global health needs more attention from governments and Christian communities alike. Beth also shares her journey from growing up in Zambia to mentoring young doctors in Malawi. It’s a conversation about hope, grit, and what it means to show up when it counts. Explore More of Beth's Writing:   Jesus fed the 5,000, but the people of God can't fill the chasm left by USAID: Jesus fed the 5,000, but the people of God can't fill the chasm left by USAID Why the World Needs Africa to Be Healthy: Why the World Needs Africa to Be Healthy | Think Global Health USAID aid freeze triggers health care crisis in Africa:  USAID aid freeze triggers health care crisis in Africa Beth’s Missions Sending Organization: Beth Stuebing & Ben Adams - Christian Health Service Corps Beth and Ben’s Ministry Facebook Page About Dr. Stuebing –  Dr. Beth Stuebing is a missionary surgeon with Christian Health Service Corps and lives in Lilongwe, Malawi, with her husband and three children. She graduated from Wheaton College in 2000. Before moving to Malawi, Beth spent 9 years as a trauma surgeon and ICU doctor in Washington.   ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  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 @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. 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.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    28 min

  4. MAY 22

    Faith in Action: How Students Are Advocating for Global Health and Justice

    What happens when college students decide to take action on global issues? In this episode, we sit down with three undergraduate students from Wheaton College - Alexis, Jonathan, and Milan - who have each been involved in a larger student-led movement advocating for Christ-like compassion and global justice. Over 150 students from Wheaton’s campus have gotten involved, driven by their faith and a shared belief that Christians are called to care for our neighbors both next door and halfway across the world.  We talk about the real impact of aid cuts, especially in places like South Africa, and why this matters for the Church. These students bring heart, honesty, and conviction as they share what it has looked like to pray, educate, and take action right where they are. From 24-hour prayer tents to writing letters to representatives, they show us how small steps can lead to big change—and how we all have a role to play in loving our neighbors around the world. Links- The Humanitarian Podcast started by Milan ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  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 @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. 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.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 min

  5. MAY 16

    Inside PEPFAR: What’s at Stake and How Churches Can Engage

    This episode, we talk with Jenny Dyer, founder of the 2030 Collaborative, about her involvement raising awareness for HIV/AIDS - from working with Bono and the ONE Campaign to championing global health in Washington and beyond. Jenny breaks down how U.S. programs like PEPFAR have saved millions of lives—and why hardly anyone talks about it anymore. We dig into what’s at risk as funding dries up and how churches can step in to advocate. If you’re curious about how faith communities can make a real impact in global health, this episode is packed with practical ways to speak up and get involved.  LINKS -  (10:08) Haunted by Hopelessness: 12 Zambians share their stories as HIV drugs run out - Haunted by hopelessness: 12 Zambians share their stories as HIV drugs run out  (15:57) Find your senators to contact - senate.gov (17:04) Contact your legislators through One.org and receive a template of what to say - one.org   Read More From Jenny Dyer: The aWAKE Project : Uniting against the African AIDS Crisis The Mother and Child Project: Raising Our Voices for Health and Hope The End of Hunger: Renewed Hope for Feeding the World     About Jenny Dyer - Jenny is the founder of The 2030 Collaborative, which focuses on promoting awareness, providing education, and encouraging advocacy for the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also directs the Faith-Based Coalition for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. She has previously worked for former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to mobilize advocacy for PEPFAR and other HIV/AIDS intervention from Christian leaders, and written many different pieces on the intersection between religion and global health. She lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband, John, and two boys, Rhys and Oliver. —-- The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  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 @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. 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 thi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    30 min

  6. MAY 9

    Inside the Struggle: Christian Humanitarian Organizations, Funding Cuts, and the Future

    In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cerna from the Accord Network and Elli Oswald from the Faith to Action Initiative to talk about what happens when faith-based nonprofits face major funding cuts.  Spoiler: it’s tough.  From staff layoffs to shifting American opinions on international engagement, Michael and Elli share the hard realities—and the hope. We get real about working with the government, why accountability matters, and how churches can step up.  Plus, Michael and Elli share their perspectives on how young leaders and global communities are sparking change in powerful ways. This episode is honest, eye-opening, and full of practical wisdom for anyone in the nonprofit or ministry world. Read more from Michael Cerna/The ACCORD network: Michael Cerna | Faith, Funding, and Foreign Aid:  https://www.nae.org/michael-cerna-relief-development-faith-government-funding-usaid-todays-conversation-podcast/ Read about how one organization in Faith to Action's network is being impacted: https://wng.org/roundups/the-usaid-closure-leaves-a-vacuum-what-will-fill-it-1740694625  Bio: Michael Cerna: Michael Cerna serves as CEO of Accord Network, a coalition of over 150 Christian organizations dedicated to global relief and development. Prior to leading the Accord Network, Cerna served in strategic and partnership roles at HOPE International, Mission: Hope, and Renew Outreach. He also previously worked at McKinsey & Company and holds a master’s degree in International Management from Kennesaw State University.   Elli Oswald: Elli Oswald is the Executive Director of the Faith to Action Initiative. Before this role, she served as Director of Mission and Outreach at Bethany Community Church in Seattle. Elli also served as the Children in Crisis Research and Communications Coordinator for World Vision International’s Child Development and Rights Technical Team, specializing in community-based care for children deprived of parental care. She has a B.A. from Pepperdine University and an M.A. in Cross Cultural Studies and International Development from Fuller Theological Seminary. —-- The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  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 @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. 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.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    41 min

  7. MAY 2

    Foreign Aid Cuts, Global Public Health, and the Christian Witness with Allison Ruark

    In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast, we’re joined by Allison Ruark, global public health professor and HIV/AIDS researcher, to talk about how global health, gender inequality, and foreign aid cuts all collide in real life. We dig into what’s really going on behind the data, how U.S. policy changes are closing clinics across Africa, and why spiritual resilience matters just as much as medical care. Allison offers both documented areas of concern and areas of hope—thanks to the next generation of passionate students stepping up. Dive deeper into the discussion: (5:04) Clarification - Dr. Ruark post-show clarified that, as of the recording of this episode, 80% of USAID/US grants have been cancelled, and 20% of grants are still operational. See here. (6:12) Groups working with USAID say the government still has not paid what it owes for their work scrippsnews.com/politics/president-trumps-first-100-days/groups-working-with-usaid-say-the-government-still-has-not-paid-what-it-owes-for-their-work   (26:08) Dr. Ruark’s research on behavioral interventions to prevent HIV   Further Reading from Dr. Allison Ruark Books: AIDS, Behavior, and Culture: Understanding Evidence-Based Prevention Articles: Increasing family planning access in Kenya through engagement of faith-based health facilities, religious leaders, and community health volunteers. Oromia Joint Assessment on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), FoodInsecurity, and Effective GBV Response  Monitoring & Evaluation for Multiple and Concurrent Partnerships (MCP) Programmes.   About Allison Ruark  Dr. Ruark is a social epidemiologist with a Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has worked at Wheaton College as an Assistant Professor since 2020 and is the theme coordinator for the Wheaton Aequitas Fellows Program in Global Public Health. She has particular expertise in behavioral HIV prevention, gender-based violence, and the impact of couple and family relationships on health.  ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  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 @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. 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.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min

  8. APR 25

    Faith, Policy, and Refugees: What’s Happening and Where Can We Find Hope?

    What happens when the very systems meant to help refugees end up hurting them instead?  And what can the Church do to help? In today’s episode, Kent Annan and Dr. Jamie Aten talk with Matthew Soerens from World Relief about the real impact of U.S. refugee policies—especially the dramatic changes under the Trump administration.  Matt pulls back the curtain on what’s happening behind the scenes: families stuck in limbo, staff furloughs at resettlement agencies, and churches stepping in to help. We also talk about how policy decisions can create ripple effects that last for years.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about justice, faith, and showing up for vulnerable communities. Plus, Matt shares ways churches can advocate, volunteer, and help cut through the noise to create real change. Explore resources mentioned in the podcast: (11:27) Christian statement on Refugee Resettlement  (14:10) Notre Dame Study on the economic benefits of refugees (15:33) Lifeway Research on Evangelical opinions towards immigration (16:48) The Heritage Foundation research on vetting refugees  (17:39) Study - Immigrant groups are less likely to commit violent crimes than US citizens  (18:03) Research on the connection between refugee resettlement and terrorist activity (25:36) I Was A Stranger Scripture Reading Challenge (26:38) 2018 Policy reversal on immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border due to the influence of Christian advocacy About Matt Soerens  Matthew Soerens is the Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief, where he provides oversight for all advocacy initiatives and policy positions of World Relief. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table, a coalition that advocates for immigration reforms consistent with biblical values. He is the co-author of Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church (2022), Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, & Truth in the Immigration Debate (2018), and Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (2016). Resources from Matt Soerens/World Relief: “Immigrants, Pets and the Sin of Slander in a Social Media Age “On the Conservative Divide Over Refugee Resettlement, Where Will Trump Fall?” State of the Golden Door report (with Open Doors US) Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  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 @wheaton_hdi The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min
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13 Ratings

About

The Better Samaritan is a podcast with Kent Annan & Jamie Aten where we’re learning—along with you—how to more helpfully love our neighbors, from everyday acts of kindness to navigating complex humanitarian challenges facing the church and society. Join us as we interview experts with insight on learning to do good, better.

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