We aren’t done quite yet! We may have said that the previous episode was the finale of the second season of Just Neighbors, but we were so inspired by today’s conversation that we decided to bring you a special bonus episode before we take a break. We’re grateful to have a renowned guest joining us to explore how we can build and maintain healthy relationships—both with the people closest to us and with the vulnerable neighbors we are called to serve.

Psychiatrist Curt Thompson is here to share practical insights that will help us fully realize our deepest longing—to be known. Drawing from his expertise in interpersonal neurobiology and a Christian view of what it means to be human, Curt uses his understanding of the brain to help people foster healthy and vibrant lives—empowering them to get unstuck and move toward the next beautiful thing they are called to make.

In this episode, you’ll discover how the family dynamics we experience growing up shape how we serve others, what Christians can do to overcome burnout on our paths to obeying God’s call to care for others, how God is actively working to bring healing and connection into our lives, and much more.

Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/curt-thompson-s2e11/

It’s a bittersweet moment—we’ve officially reached the finale of Season 2! Over the past few months, we’ve had the privilege of learning from 9 incredible guests here on Just Neighbors, and we couldn’t have picked a better guest to close out this season.

In this episode, we are talking about how we can continue to be Just Neighbors even when we’re discouraged by challenging ourselves to view disillusionment as a gift.

The truth is, many philanthropic endeavors begin with idealism. We envision bold action, steady progress, and real change, sailing swiftly toward our mission. This passion is a beautiful thing—it plants the seeds for countless ministries and initiatives. However, what many of us don’t realize until we’re deep in the work is that bumps in the road are inevitable. When disillusionment strikes, we’re faced with a choice: quit, rely on our own strength, or look upward to Christ to sustain us.

Peter Greer joins us to guide this important discussion. Peter is the president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered economic development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. As an advocate for the Church’s role in missions and alleviating extreme poverty, Peter has co-authored 15 books, including two we will discuss in this conversation: The Gift of Disillusionment and Lead with Prayer.

Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/peter-greer-s2e10/

With an estimated 153 million orphans worldwide and the costs of adoption on the rise, fulfilling the call of James 1:27 to care for orphans and widows can feel increasingly challenging. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of adopting a child in the U.S. is between $20,000-$45,000. In comparison, an international adoption can cost up to $50,000, depending on the country and the number of trips you’ll need to make.

How can we answer this call to be a Just Neighbor when financial barriers seem so daunting? What practical steps can we take to care for the vulnerable in our communities?

Joining us for this discussion is JT Olson, a man who has figured out a way to support two causes at once. His personal experience of being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings gave him a deep understanding of how crucial it is to provide loving homes for vulnerable children. Today, JT is the Founder and President of Both Hands, a faith-based nonprofit that serves both orphans and widows.

In this episode, you’ll hear the story of how JT’s community rallied around him and his siblings after their parents passed away, why real stories can be more impactful than statistics when it comes to inspiring outreach, why taking the time to help one of your neighbors is key even if you can’t help all of them, and much more.

Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/jt-olson-s2e9/