Episoder
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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. Itâs tempting to think that development begins when help arrives, but Stephan reminds us that every community already has a story. Thatâs why itâs crucial to listen and learn that story first before assigning âsolutionsââto âwalk withâ instead of âdo forâ. 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 necessityâitâs a catalyst for change!
Recommended Resources:
FH's work in Rwanda - summary and stories - webpage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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With Niki Whaites, VP of International Development at Big Bad Boo Studios.
We seemingly know more about world events than ever beforeâconflict, 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 mediaâs 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 heartâeven 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 planningâeasing tax burdens, ensuring family is taken care ofâand 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 Godâs provision.
Join us in celebrating 30 years of history, faith, and an unwavering commitment to end poverty togetherâone 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.âs 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, theyâre also impacting communities worldwide. By inviting customers to chip in a dollar or two, theyâre beefing up community transformation by inspiring the purchase of pigs, chickens, and cows from the FH Canada Gift Guide to create their own âDavis Herdâ 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 headlinesâcivil 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 whoâve 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 Hungryâs 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 situationâin communities around the world or in our own neighbourhoodsâwe first need the right âlensâ to understand each unique context. Safaaâs 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 Minâs passion for change is profound. Discover how your churchâs 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 responseâhowever that looksâis inevitable. When Brian heard the First Nation Band TkâemlĂșps te SecwĂ©pemc 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 Refinerâs 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 âfamilyâ, 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 Canadaâs newly appointed President & CEO (as of June 2023). As a self-proclaimed âunapologetic dreamer with her feet firmly planted on the groundâ, 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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with guest Carmyn Prefontaine.
When you donate, you're accustomed to hearing about the impact of your dollars, time, and commitmentâbut what about the way your gifts impact your own life? Behind every healthy organization is a family of donors who have been invited into "mutual transformation"âthey spur on change, but their own worldviews and relationships are changed by the hope they are a part of, too.
Food for the Hungry (FH) can only walk alongside communities around the world thanks to our donorsâpartners like Carmyn Prefontaine, who has been invested in FH's work for over 20 years! Child Sponsorship, Gift Guide, business partnerships, vision trips, workshopsâyou name itâCarmyn has been involved. Yet, she wants to tell you that she's received as much from this relationship as sheâs given.
Recommended Resources
Get Involved at FH Canada
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Joeline Magill of Hope Restored.
We all know what it's like to want to belongâit's an intrinsic part of what makes us human. For those who grew up in a healthy family environment, these needs are met through bedtime stories, family dinners, outings, and more. But what about people who didnât share that privilege? What are the connections between these unmet needs and exploitation and human trafficking? And don't kid yourself, this dark world lurks even within our own neighbourhoods and cities.
Hear from Joeline Magill, Executive and Founding Director at Hope Restored Canada, as she shares how this deep desire for love and belonging can easily be exploited, but also how healthy relationships can bring healing and restoration to people who have experienced sexual exploitation and trafficking. Listen in as Joeline urges us to pay attention and teaches us to recognize warning signs so we can confront exploitation before it starts.
Recommended Resources
Hope Restored - website
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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With guest Laura Solberg, Executive Director of Kentro Christian Network.
In a world that champions individuality and independence, the idea of being connected often takes a back seat. We may say âweâre all in this togetherâ, but how often do we see that truly play out? Yet, with connection comes a whole world of unexpected benefits.
Join us as Laura Solberg, executive director of Kentro Christian Network, sheds light on the true value of connection and relationship between individuals and organizations alike. Discover how being part of a network can go beyond access to resources or financial benefits and create a sense of belonging that fosters growth and impact. Because, when you really dig deep, our world doesnât just have an independence issueâwe have a disconnection issue.
Recommended Resources:
Kentro - website
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Aaron White, director for 24-7 Prayer Canada, teacher at Westminster Theological Center, podcast host of Two Wise Fools, author, and neighbourhood enthusiast.
Have you ever taken time to walk through your neighbourhood and point out the beauty you see? Itâs so easy to see the lacking, the grisly, the ugly, that all-too-often we miss the simple joy and charm all around us.
Aaron White, resident of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, shares about the incredible beauty found in his neighbourhoodâthe beauty of âfamilyâ. Not necessarily always in a nuclear family, but in a biblical family that goes beyond bloodlines and into community.
Sometimes focusing on the rough edges can leave us feeling helpless to bring about change in our own neighbourhoods, churches, and cities. But what if we started even smallerâwith our tables? What if we invited someone new and began to change the way we eat together? Such a simple and beautiful invitation has the potential to ripple beyond our wildest imagination.
Recommended Resources:
Vancouver Downtown Eastside - Vancouver City website
24-7 Prayer Canada - website
Westminster Theological Center - website
Two Wise Fools - podcast
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Andy Harrington of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank
The hunger crisisâitâs in the news a lot these days. Food prices have gone up every year since 2019. 1 in 4 are food insecure. Over 800 million go to bed hungry. 45% of child deaths globally were hunger-related. But why is hunger rising at such an alarming rate? And, in the face of such overwhelming need, can you and I really make a difference?
In this episode, Andy Harrington, Executive Director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, sheds light on the root causes driving food insecurity. Statistics inform us of the needâand can be alarming with good reasonâbut tell a limited part of the story. With personal accounts about what displaced farmers face, how conflict limits resources, and the ways climate change is devastating local harvests, Andy reminds us that behind each stat is a real human with a real story. Andyâs hope-filled perspective reveals that each one of us holds the power to ignite astonishing change by starting with just one hungry person.
The next time you see a news story about global hunger, donât dismiss it as mere statistics. Instead, remember that a person lies behind that numberâa person worthy of dignity and respect.
Recommended Resources:
Canadian Foodgrains Bank - homepage
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Amos Manirakiza of Food for the Hungry Burundi
Do you remember when you learned to read? That excitement as new worlds and stories opened up to you? Literacy is a skill that affects every aspect of life. From traffic signs to job opportunities to even reading this podcast description! Your life would probably look pretty different if you hadnât learned to read as a kid. But for too many children in Burundi, a future of illiteracy is an all-too-common reality.
In this episode, rediscover your own love of reading with Amos Manirakiza, Education Coordinator at Food for the Hungry (FH) Burundi, as he shares about the Letâs Learn to Read program. This innovative program is changing the narrative for kids struggling with literacy in Burundi. Not knowing how to read can have a real impact on self-esteem, leading many students to drop out of school. But with Letâs Learn to Read, children are turning the page on school dropout rates, unlocking a future of possibilities, and discovering a newfound love of learning.
Recommended Resources:
About the work in Burundi at FHCanada.org
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Randall Bear, from Nadleh Whutâen, Dakelh nation, of the Duntemâyoo Bear clan.
How is your story rooted in the placeâthe landâyou call home? If youâve been displaced from that place, is that another facet of poverty?
Randall Bear Barnetson, an Indigenous artist from Nadleh Whutâen in Northern BC who now resides in Vancouver, shares his personal experience with povertyânot poverty from a lack of possessions, but as a result in not living on the land heâs from. He shares about the importance of place and how wealth isnât defined by how much you own, but is rather defined by being in community with others. Randall emphasizes the power of sharing our own stories, especially as they relate to the places we call âhomeâ. For him, these stories find expression in his artwork, which is deeply shaped by his connection to his ancestral lands. Join Randall as we delve into place, poverty, and personal story.
Recommended Resources:
Randall Bear - Instagram
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Peter Roebbelen, President of the Charis Foundation.
Have you ever stared at rows upon rows of products on the grocery store shelf and felt paralyzed by the options? Donât they all do pretty much the same thing? Some could argue the same thing is happening in the charity world, where services may be duplicated because nonprofits are doing the same work, sometimes even right down the road from one another.
In this episode, Peter Roebbelen, President of the Charis Foundation, stresses that partnership and collaboration is a âhigh Kingdom valueââone of the most powerful tools we have for making a difference. He encourages organizations, charities, and businesses to look for ways to work together more closely. Itâs not about slicing out smaller pieces of the pie, but rather through collaboration we expand the size of the entire pie! And then we have more to give those weâre working to serve.
Recommended Resources:
Charis Foundation - website
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Andrea Soberg, Business Professor at Trinity Western University.
When it comes to work, we all want to be valued for who we are and for what we bring to the table. Youâd never want our potential to be out-weighed by stereotypes or inconveniences before even being given a chance. Yet, when it comes to hiring a woman, all-too-often potential employers first see the challenges rather than the unique expertise and passions she may bring to a role.
Andrea Soberg from Trinity Western University shares about what women and other minority groups face in securing good jobs. More than raising awareness, she offers tangible suggestions to employersâletâs start thinking differently about work and begin designing jobs in new, creative ways.
So the next time your company is hiring, perhaps the question needs to be asked, is there room for building this role differently? The results in your workplace may be surprising, in the best way possible!
Recommended Resources:
International Women's Day - toolkit, Gov't of Canada webpage
Interview with Andrea Soberg - article
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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with guest Kadee Smedley of Covenant House Vancouver.
Consider the people in your life and where they come fromâ we donât all get an equal âstartâ, do we? For too many youth in homelessness, the lack of a safe home, square meal, and warm bed rob them of mental health and personal belief in their future. Our teen and young adult years play a big role in the opportunities we have and how we achieve our goals.
Kadee Smedley, ordained minister and spiritual care practitioner at Covenant House Vancouver, shares about the life-changing importance of providing a safe, dignifying space for youth who have experienced trauma and homelessness. A fresh start can lead to a better future.
Recommended Resources:
Covenant House Vancouver
Episode hosted by Shelaine.
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