In 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

In 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

As 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

A 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

This 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

We live in a world that is in desperate need of peace and wholeness. Communities across the globe are ravaged by violence and instability, but what does it look like to be practitioners that seek to transform conflict into thriving communities. In this conversation, Brandon Stiver is joined by Prashan De Visser, the Founder and CEO of Global Unites. Prashan shares his insights on the impact of colonialism, civil war and poor governance in Sri Lanka and the role of the church can play in conflict transformation. He shares about the work of Global Unites in promoting peace and reconciliation in over 20 countries emphasizing the importance of nonviolence, grassroots movements, and youth leadership in conflict transformation. This conversation dives into the complexities and the unique hope that comes with youth movements for peace.

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

Global Unites Online

Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• The importance of creating an inclusive Sri Lankan identity and governance structure.
• The legacy of colonialism continues to affect Sri Lanka's social fabric.
• Nonviolence is a crucial principle for sustainable change in conflict situations.
• Grassroots movements are essential for effective peace building.
• Youth leadership is vital for the future of conflict transformation.
• Reconciliation involves healing, repairing, and transforming societal structures.
• Inherited prejudices can be dismantled through personal connections and experiences.
• The church has a significant role to play in promoting peace and reconciliation.
• Copy-paste solutions in conflict resolution often lead to more harm than good.
• Local expertise is invaluable in creating effective interventions for peace.

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

As we start 2026, we should be asking how to join the things that God is already doing. Where is he moving and how do we join such movements? Our old friend Craig Greenfield returns to the show to discuss the growth and impact of Alongsiders International, a movement focused on discipleship and mentorship for vulnerable children. He emphasizes the importance of contextualizing ministry in diverse cultures and how the challenges of consumerism in Western churches can inhibit true discipleship. Craig discusses the unique role that young people are playing throughout the world including with Gen Z protests that are toppling unjust countries or subverting contexts that are hostile to the Christianity. No better way to start off the new year than to have Craig encourage all of us to engage with God's heart for justice and to seek transformative relationships that reflect the teachings of Jesus.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

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

Alongsiders International Online

Craig Greenfield Online

Subversive Jesus by Craig Greenfield

Subversive Mission by Craig Greenfield

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• The Alongsiders movement has seen remarkable growth since COVID, expanding to 30 countries.
• Perspective is crucial for understanding global needs and God's work.
• Discipleship should happen in everyday life, not just in church settings.
• Contextualization is key to make culturally relevant materials.
• Success in mentorship is seen when young people become mentors themselves.
• Discipleship can thrive even in hostile environments by going under the radar and sustaining the local church.
• Affluence in the West hinders true discipleship and community connection.
• Prayer is foundational in building relationships and supporting one another.
• Learning from other movements can inspire and inform our own practices.
• Gen Z political movements for justice are important to consider.
• True movements are transformational and driven by passion, not hype.

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In this episode of Think Global, Do Justice, Brandon Stiver and Dr. Laura Horvath critically analyze the Netflix documentary 'Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within.' They discuss the portrayal of orphanages, the commodification of children, and the importance of family and community in child welfare. The conversation highlights the need for systemic change in how society addresses the needs of vulnerable children, emphasizing that the core deprivation of orphans is not just lack of resources, but lack of family connections. After the interview, Brandon shares a few podcast updates as we wrap up 2025.

Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl

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

Dr. Laura Horvath on Substack

Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within on IMDB

YouTube for Canopy International

Become a Sponsor of Think Global, Do Justice

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

• The documentary presents a rosy picture of orphanages, ignoring systemic issues.
• The film commodifies children's talents for fundraising purposes.
• Family-based care is essential for children's well-being.
• The documentary fails to interrogate the root causes of family separation.
• Dancing and performing do not address the emotional and relational needs of children.
• The focus should be on supporting families rather than institutionalizing children.
• Critical analysis of media representations is necessary for informed advocacy.
• Attention to media content can influence funding and support for orphanages.