Podcast
Think Global, Do Justice
Hosted by Canopy International · EN
The podcast and community for globally minded disciples seeking God's justice, mercy and shalom throughout the world.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Global Sports Ministry and the World Cup with Roman Khripunov & Phil Darke
2d ago00:58:45Tap to summarizeSummer 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
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How U.S. Immigration Policies Are Separating Families with Matthew Soerens
2w ago00:47:35Tap to summarizeOver 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
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Effective Altruism for Christians with JD Bauman
May 500:56:44Tap to summarizeAre 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
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The Growing (and Diminishing) Support for Orphanages with Julie Walton & Elli Oswald
Apr 2101:06:32Tap to summarizeThere is a bit of dissonance when it comes to the trajectory of Christian support of global orphan care. More Christians are accurately understanding that kids in orphanages have families AND they are increasing the amount of financial support towards that residential care. In this episode Brandon Stiver is joined by Elli Oswald of the Faith to Action Initiative and Julie Walton of the Martin James Foundation. Together, they explores the recent Barna study on U.S. Christians' perceptions and support of orphanages and family-based care, highlighting shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors over the last five years. If you have a heart to see kids in families and Christian orphan care progress beyond putting kids in orphanages, you've gotta listen in on this important conversation. 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 Faith to Action Online Martin James Foundation Online Barna Report on Residential Care: U.S. Christian Giving and Missions (2026) Jump into more conversations around child protection, global health, and ethical mission on the Optimistic Voices Podcast - Link Conversation Notes (AI Generated) 03:19 Understanding the Barna Study and Its Goals 05:24 The Importance of Family-Based Care 09:17 Knowledge Gaps and Misconceptions 14:22 Support and Funding Trends in the U.S. 21:14 Behavior Change and Emotional Connections 26:09 Next Steps for Care Reform and Donor Engagement 34:07 The Role of Faith and Cultural Mindsets 41:44 Impact of Global and Political Changes 51:49 Practical Strategies for Application and Collaboration 01:01:07 Personal Stories and Case Examples 01:05:16 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License
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What Peace Negotiations in Iran Could Look Like with Dr. Joshua Weiss
Apr 700:57:11Tap to summarizeThe podcast is back from a break over Lent and we're diving straight in to the most relevant event happening globally right now. The war between the US/Israel and Iran is over five weeks old now and has had a profound impact regionally and around the world. Is peace possible at this point? What would it look like to negotiate and build towards a sustainable future in the Middle East? Dr. Josh Weiss joins the show to explore the complexities of international negotiation, back channel diplomacy, and the shifting landscape of global diplomacy, especially in relation to this current conflict. Dr. Weiss is a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Negotiation Project, co-founder of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University and also directs the MS in Leadership and Negotiation program at Bay Path University. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Subscribe to Our New YouTube Channel Podcast Sponsor Accord is a community of 165+ Christ-centered organizations committed to holistic transformation in global relief and development. Connect With and Learn Alongside Accord Network Resources and Links from the show Joshua Weiss Website Conversation Notes (AI Generated) 05:50 Dr. Josh Weiss' Background in Negotiation 07:49 The Role of Back Channeling in Negotiations 08:54 Fundamental Elements of International Negotiation 12:50 Shifts in International Law and Diplomacy 17:20 The Consequences of Power Dynamics in Diplomacy 18:51 Long-term Effects of Military Actions 21:30 The Importance of Negotiation in Conflict Resolution 24:22 The JCPOA: Pros and Cons 28:33 The Dynamics of Compromise in Negotiation 31:10 Challenges in U.S.-Iran Negotiations 33:11 Challenges of Ceasefires and Regional Dynamics 35:21 The Role of Gulf States and Regional Players 38:00 Israel's Military Calculations and U.S. Support 40:42 Negotiation Challenges Amidst Rhetoric 44:50 Economic Pressures and Their Impact on Negotiations 50:27 Broader Solutions for a Sustainable Peace Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License
Transcribe →The Westerner Abuse and Child Protection Conversation (Lenten Recast)
Mar 2401:12:29Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Decolonizing Christian Mission with Dr. Hunter Farrell (Lent Recast)
Mar 1001:11:26Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →A Lenten Reflection for the Justice Oriented Christian
Feb 1700:23:47Tap to summarizeAs 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
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Building a Coalition to Welcome Children Home with Tony Lewry
Feb 1000:45:53Tap to summarizeA 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
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The US Intervention in Venezuela with Ambassador Alejandro Martinez Ubieda and Dr. Greg Burch
Jan 2700:56:24Tap to summarizeThis 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
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