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with guest Lindsay Machona, Executive Director at Expand Hope
Here, they ached to help in a meaningful way. There, they ached for better schools. So, when two communities—at first foreign to each other—came together with a common goal, who stood to benefit the most?
Lindsey Machona, the Executive Director of Expand Hope, shares how mutual transformation and lasting change is possible and happening today through the partnership between a community of Canadians at Expand Hope and a community in rural Guatemala.
Learn how the lives of Guatemalans and Canadians alike are changing for the better by walking together and focusing on quality education.
Recommended Resources:
Expand Hope - website
FH's work in Guatemala - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Melissa Giles of BC Rent Bank.
Rental prices are a hot topic of conversation these days. With increased cost of living and housing shortages, everyone is feeling the pressure. For those living in a low to moderate income bracket, paying the rent can be challenging at the best of times—then when a crisis hits, it can become near impossible. This is where rent banks, an eviction prevention and housing stability resource for renters, can step into the gap.
Melissa Giles, Managing Director at BC Rent Bank, explains what rent banks do, who is eligible to access them, and why they can be a critical resource for many Canadians who are struggling to pay rent due to a crisis or change in their situation. Learn how BC Rent Bank helps residents stay in their homes through an empathetic and dignifying process.
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with guest Jonathan Papoulidis, VP of External Engagement at Food for the Hungry.
Can communities in the world’s most fragile regions, despite constant challenges, not only survive but thrive? In this episode, we’re joined by Jonathan Papoulidis, Vice President of External Engagement at Food for the Hungry, to dive into the power of resilience.
Jonathan shares how resilience—through absorptive, adaptive, and transformative strategies—can turn the tide in the fight against poverty. FH partner communities facing instability are building stronger futures, even in the face of crises. Tune in to discover how resilience is the game-changer in ending poverty.
Recommended Resources:
FH and Resilience - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Kenzie Watson, Pastor of Children’s Ministries at Lambrick Park Church
Have you talked to your kids about poverty? Of all the things to teach children, this may be far down your list—too complicated, too jarring for their young minds, and too uncomfortable a topic. But poverty, in your neighbourhood or around the world, is simply unavoidable and we should not shirk helping our kids navigate what they see and hear and experience.
Kenzie Watson, Pastor of Children’s Ministries at Lambrick Park Church, shares how we adults often needlessly complicate our responses or avoid talking with kids about poverty. Rather, Kenzie pushes us to start the conversation by sharing with kids why facing poverty is important—it's rooted in our call to generously love our neighbors as Jesus does. Kids get this, and their perspectives can be powerful. You may be surprised at how a child will address solutions to poverty.
Recommended Resources:
Poverty—No Kidding - curriculum for children
Lambrick Park Church - website
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Amie Gartner, a team member of Mission to Many.
Do you think it’s better to focus on helping here at home or across borders? Maybe you know this as the “local versus global” debate. Amie Gartner believes we can do both!
Amie Gartner, a team member of Mission to Many, an interdenominational church collaboration from southern Alberta, has seen how one focus doesn’t mean ignoring the other. Through Mission to Many’s decade-long partnership with the community of Acul, Guatemala, Amie has seen its families move from being stuck in poverty to having hope for their futures. But it’s also been a reciprocal relationship! Their part in the partnership has deeply impacted herself, their Canadian team, and how they go about helping here in Canada, too.
Amie also reflects on how to better "do photography" when on a trip. She experienced the power of putting cameras and phones away while visiting the community and how this opened up opportunities for even deeper, more meaningful connections.
Recommended Resources:
Partnership with a community - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Jo Swinney of A Rocha International, and author of "A Place at the Table: Faith, Hope and Hospitality".
Talking about creation care and the state of the environment can feel heavy—we’re often left with doom and gloom and no real way forward. But fear not! Jo Swinney, Director of Communications at A Rocha International, is here to inject hope into the discussion.
Jo grew up talking about the environment, gardening, and all things green around the dinner table; her parents were the founders of A Rocha, a Christian, environmental stewardship organization. She has experienced the intricate connection between creation care and the Christian faith. In this episode, Jo shares personal stories from her childhood in Portugal, illustrating the importance of community, hospitality, and how creation care is an act of worship. Jo also touches on the pressing issue of how environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor, underscoring the need for responsible stewardship.
Join the conversation as we explore the vital connections between faith, conservation, and community through Jo's inspiring journey and insights.
Recommended Resources:
A Rocha Canada - website
A Place at the Table: Faith, Hope and Hospitality - buy the book
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Veasna Pin, Program Operation Director from FH Cambodia.
What do delicious barista-made drinks, sharp haircuts, and a finely tuned engine all have in common?
By Grade 6 or 7, many Cambodian children from vulnerable families drop out of school. While kids in Canada are learning about the solar system, too many kids in Cambodia are working in the fields or on construction sites sacrificing their education to help their families survive. But that’s not the end of their story.
In this episode, Veasna Pin, Program Operation Director from FH Cambodia, shares how a new youth vocational training program is opening up a world of possibilities for these vulnerable youth. With pivotal mentorship, lifeskills training, and business development, youth who had given up on education are now pursuing their dreams, starting their own businesses, and supporting their families in ways they never imagined.
So, what do delicious drinks, haircuts, and an engine have in common? These are just a few of the skills now expertly offered by the youth in this program! Tune in to discover the full story!
Recommended Resources:
Partnership in Cambodia - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Andrey Sawchenko, International Justice Mission (IJM)
From the shirts in our closets to the TVs in our living rooms, do you really know where these products came from? Trying to track the supply chain that produced your blender is enough to make your head spin, especially when each piece may have come from a different country. It’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed when trying to figure out if a product has been made under fair working conditions before we buy it.
In this episode, Andrey Sawchenko of International Justice Mission (IJM) delves into the harsh realities of forced labor lurking behind many consumer goods. Despite the intricacies of supply chains, Andrey poses thought-provoking questions that challenge our understanding of ethical consumerism. Join us as we explore how to become more conscious consumers in such a complex world.
Related Resources:
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with special guest, Raskey Samnang, a student and debate champion from FH partner communities in Cambodia.
While on-site in Cambodia, host Shelaine sat down with Raskey Samnang, a remarkable young woman sparking positive change in her community. As the sole female member of a debate team that has gone on to compete at the Cambodian national level, Raskey is no stranger to hard work. She also knows what it takes to succeed.
Raskey’s journey hasn’t been without adversity. At a young age, Raskey faced pressures to drop out of school and help support her family, but she knew education had the power to shape not only her future, but the futures of other young people in her community.
Meet Raskey and hear her story of resilience and self-confidence, and see her vision for how a younger generation can build a thriving future for their communities.
Recommended Resources:
FH Canada's partnerships in Cambodia - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest AHM Zaman of FH Bangladesh and Jenny Gutzmann of FH Canada
Climate change might be a loaded word, but no matter where you stand on the topic, for many areas of the world it’s a very ugly reality. Vulnerable communities on the coast of Bangladesh are being hit with rising sea levels and extreme weather events like never before, to name a few.
AHM Zaman, Senior Manager of Program Quality and Resource Development at FH Bangladesh, along with Jenny Gutzmann, Senior Program Officer at FH Canada, share how FH is helping communities prepare for shocks due to unprecedented environmental changes and increase resilience when calamity hits. Families in Bangladesh are preparing for futures where they can break away from reacting and surviving, and can instead focus on flourishing.
Recommended Resources:
FH Canada partnership in Bangladesh - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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With guest Stephan Lutz Stephan Lutz, Senior Program Consultant for World Renew.
Farming is not a light job. We link it with dirt and dust, back-breaking work, and long hours sweating in the sun. But, have you ever thought about farming as an art? Where a farmer can try new crops, experiment with techniques, build new tools, and change as they go? In fact, farmers may be some of the most resourceful, ingenious, and creative people you know!
Stephan Lutz, Senior Program Consultant at World Renew, shares the need for art and beauty within community development. It’s tempting to think that development begins when help arrives, but Stephan reminds us that every community already has a story. That’s why it’s crucial to listen and learn that story first before assigning “solutions”—to ‘walk with’ instead of ‘do for’. When dignity is upheld and people have the choice to try new things, make mistakes, and learn, they take the lead in their own development journey and create something truly beautiful.
Recommended Resources:
World Renew's programs - website
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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With guest Alice Kamau of Food for the Hungry Rwanda
We all know that access to clean water is crucial for health and hygiene, but have you ever considered the impacts clean water can also have on human dignity, empowerment, and self-esteem?
In this episode, Alice Kamau, country director of FH Rwanda, dives into the ripple effects that clean water is having in the community of Bwira. Beyond improved health, less time and energy spent fetching water also means more time and energy for shaping a thriving community. From robust harvests, to increased school attendance, to women feeling empowered in their homes, clean water is more than just a basic necessity—it’s a catalyst for change!
Recommended Resources:
FH's work in Rwanda - summary and stories - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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With Nikki Whaites, VP of International Development at Big Bad Boo Studios.
We seemingly know more about world events than ever before—conflict, disasters, hunger, climate change, to name a few. In a world flooded with sensational headlines and heart-breaking stories, how do you avoid being overwhelmed by it all? How do you cut through the noise?
Nikki Whaites, Vice President of International Development at Big Bad Boo Studios, reassures that it's actually okay to feel overwhelmed! But, amidst the media clamour and the chaos of a world in strife, we can still engage in a meaningful way. Listen in as Nikki explores media’s connection to poverty and the ways in which we can channel our focus and passions to bring about positive change in our world.
Recommended Resources
Big Bad Boo Studies - website
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with guest Abraham Somavarapha of Advisors With Purpose.
You have people and causes that are near to your heart—even ones you wish you could support more than you already do. So, did you know that with good estate planning, you can do that and more?
Abraham Somavarapha from Advisors With Purpose explores the benefits of estate planning—easing tax burdens, ensuring family is taken care of—and supporting what you care about.
Discover how you can leave a legacy of impact, even beyond your lifetime.
Recommended Resources:
Do I need a plan? - take the survey
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest David Collins, founding president of Food for the Hungry Canada. |
Did you know Food for the Hungry Canada started with just two people, a lot of risk, and a big vision? Journey to the past with us as we celebrate 30 years of FH Canada with founding President David Collins.
From humble beginnings to navigating the challenging landscape of relief and development work, David shares candidly about the early days. And yet, it is those same challenges and extreme circumstances that shine a light on human resilience, the strength of community, and God’s provision.
Join us in celebrating 30 years of history, faith, and an unwavering commitment to end poverty together—one community at a time.
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guests Wayne and Jane Dahl of Davis Meats. |
How can a local meat shop serve up global change? Wayne and Jane Dahl, the charismatic duo behind Abbotsford, B.C.’s Davis Meats are about to butcher your misconceptions about giving for community impact. To them, it was a no-brainer.
Not only have they carved a special place in their local community with Grade A cuts and quality customer service, they’re also impacting communities worldwide. By inviting customers to chip in a dollar or two, they’re beefing up community transformation by inspiring the purchase of pigs, chickens, and cows from the FH Canada Gift Guide to create their own “Davis Herd” that is helping vulnerable families thrive!
Listen in as these spunky entrepreneurs share their recipe for blending groceries with goodwill to fuel lasting impact! And stay tuned to the end for a special, meatier version of the Veggie Tales theme!
Recommended Resources:
Davis Meats, Abbotsford - website
FH Canada Gifts for Change Gift Guide - website
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Safaa Shahin for Food for the Hungry International.
Turn on the news; conflict makes the headlines—civil wars in Syria, strife in Ethiopia, disharmony closer to home, and more. Dispute is layered and complicated and hurts millions of people, and too often our external aid further exhausts those who’ve suffered enough. So, when conflict arises, how do we help without making things worse?
Safaa Shahin, originally from Syria and currently acting as Food for the Hungry’s Global Risk Resilience Lead, shares how conflict zones are especially fragile and even the best of intentions can do more harm than good. In order to promote peace and reduce conflict in any situation—in communities around the world or in our own neighbourhoods—we first need the right “lens” to understand each unique context. Safaa’s experiences will help you learn to be conflict-sensitive, and become a peacebuilder who helps foster hope.
Recommended Resources:
Fragility to Resilience - article
Our work of building Resilience at FH - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Su Min Park of Korea Food for the Hungry International.
How can your church combat global poverty while sparking transformation closer to home? Su Min Park, Senior Associate at Korea Food for the Hungry International, has an answer for you.
Travel with Su Min as he recounts his recent trip to Toronto to connect with Korean churches. Alongside celebrated Korean artists Kim Jung Hwa and Yoo Eun Sung, they shared a captivating decade-long story. It begins with sponsoring a child in Uganda and unfolds into a transformative journey spanning childhood, adulthood, marriage, and happiness on all sides.
Raised in the Philippines as the son of Korean Christian missionaries, and with over a decade of experience within international development, Su Min’s passion for change is profound. Discover how your church’s support can change not just one life, but many lives in entire communities as they journey out of poverty.
Recommended Resources:
About Korea Food for the Hungry International - website
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Brian Doerksen, Canadian song-writer, instructor, and singer.
When hard things happen, a personal response—however that looks—is inevitable. When Brian heard the First Nation Band Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc announce that the remains of 215 children were found at the former residential school in Kamloops, BC, he was deeply impacted. Like many Canadians, he wrestled with what was being uncovered, the role of religious institutions in the injustices done, and what he should do next.
Brian Doerksen is a Christian songwriter, recording artist, and songwriting instructor who is well-known for songs such as Refiner’s Fire and Hope of the Nations. Brian shares his heart for writing the song 215 and where it has led him in this ongoing, communal journey toward hope for reconciliation.
Recommended Resources:
215 - official music video, Brian Doerksen
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Musu Taylor-Lewis of Food for the Hungry (FH) Canada.
Ponder with Musu as she considers our global “family”, and shares from her own life story. Growing up and living in communities in Sierra Leone, parts of Europe, and Canada has influenced her view of culture, economics, beauty, and what a faith-led response to poverty might be.
Musu Taylor-Lewis is Food for the Hungry Canada’s newly appointed President & CEO (as of June 2023). As a self-proclaimed ‘unapologetic dreamer with her feet firmly planted on the ground’, Musu shares about her leadership style, her dreams for FH Canada, and what gives her hope in this work of poverty alleviation.
Recommended Resources:
A Presidential Chat: FH Canada Welcomes A New Leader - online article
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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