It Ain't That Simple Mate!

In this episode we look at Bright Hope World's Community and Agricultural Development partnerships.In the first half of the podcast, we look at how community development is done and the kinds of issues our partners in this area are grappling with, such as water and sanitation. We look at the difference that community development makes, and why it is so difficult and time consuming to do well. We also explain why Bright Hope World doesn't do buildings and how we are responding to climate change issues.In the second half of the podcast, we focus in on Foundations for Farming and agricultural development. We talk about the basic principles and strategies involved, as well as the impact and potential for sustainable agriculture and why this will be key strategic focus for us in the future.To find out more about our work, visit the Bright Hope World partnership page at ⁠https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp⁠.Send comments and feedback to ⁠podcast@brighthopeworld.comProfessor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we look at Bright Hope World's Evangelism and Church Planting partnerships.In the first half of the podcast, we talk about what evangelism looks like among the poor in the developing world and what it means to be a believer in these environments. We look at the role of persecution and suffering and how these shape evangelism.In the second half of the podcast, we look at practical strategies for communicating the Gospel, including small groups, bivocationalism and Disciple-Making Movements. We finish off by discussing the power of fearlessness!To find out more about our work, visit the Bright Hope World partnership page at https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp.Send comments and feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.comProfessor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we look at Bright Hope World's Education and Training partnerships.In the first half of the podcast, we talk about some of the real issues around traditional schooling and the challenges one faces in trying to support schools in a developing context. We also chat about some of the emerging new ways of supporting education that address the challenges and are yielding great results.In the second half of the podcast, we look at other ways of supporting families and communities, particularly through vocational training, which focuses on teaching skills that enable people to actually get jobs in their local economies.To find out more about our work, visit the Bright Hope World partnership page at https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp.Send comments and feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.comProfessor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we look at Bright Hope World's Microloans and Microenterprise partnerships.In the first half of the podcast, we look at the nature of good microloans schemes and the four big factors that help microloans programmes succeed. We also chat about table banking - an interesting alternative to microloans programmes.In the second half of the podcast, we consider how COVID has impacted microloans and microenterprise, and the benefits, dangers and challenges in pursuing business, including for those in ministry. This includes a discussion on bivocationalism which is a bit controversial!To find out more about our work, visit the Bright Hope World partnership page at https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp.Send comments and feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.comProfessor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we look at Bright Hope World's Orphans and Vulnerable Children partnerships.In the first half of the podcast, we discuss the realities and challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children, and look at why poverty impacts them even more acutely than adults. We consider the realities children face living in poverty and how it impacts their development.In the second half of the podcast, we discuss some good - and some not so good - responses to the challenges faced by these young people. We talk about how Bright Hope World supports orphans and vulnerable children and our view on orphanages and sponsorship programmes.To find out more about our work, visit the Bright Hope World partnership page at https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp.Send comments and feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.comProfessor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we look at Bright Hope World's Humanitarian and Relief partnerships. We look at the ways Bright Hope World gets involved in relief and aid around the world and how easy it is to get this space wrong! Interested to know how to respond to natural disasters and conflict in a helpful way? Well, we have some ideas.In the second half of the podcast, we take a look at the rise in the number of refugees in the world, what is causing this, and how we are responding.To find out more about our work, visit the Bright Hope World partnership page at https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp.Send comments and feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.comProfessor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we go to the Christian enclave of Yohannabad in Lahore, Pakistan.Edward Qaser talks about growing up as a Christian in a Muslim country and the discrimination this entailed. He talks about the work his organisation EGM is doing among poor Christians, with a focus on helping bright young students get further education and jobs.Edward also provides an update on COVID relief, and the challenges that many face in accessing support from the government and international community.To find out more about Edward's work, visit the Bright Hope World partnership page at https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp?pid=240.Send comments and feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.comProfessor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we return to Lebanon to connect with Bassam Haddad, who works with Syrian refugees in Beirut.Bassam talks about life in Lebanon, which has become extremely difficult, and about the challenges of sharing his faith with Muslims. To find out more about Bassam's work, visit https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp?pid=335. Send feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we talk with our partner Niranjan Adhikary who works near Kathmandu in Nepal.Niranjan is particularly entrepreneurial and has a fascinating perspective on how to simulate and promote self-sustainability in difficult circumstances. He also discusses how Nepal is recovering from the disastrous 2015 earthquake.To find out more about Niranjan's work, visit https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp?pid=129. The new partnership mentioned in the podcast can be viewed at https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp?pid=456. Send feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we talk to a wonderful partner and friend working in the Middle East. We can't share his name or even his location but we discuss the amazing ministry he and his wife lead working with disabled young people.In the interview we explore what it is like to be a person with disabilities in an honour/shame culture where a child being born with disabilities shames the family generally, and the mother and child especially. Send feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.com. Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode we talk to Mike Mann from the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF) in Thailand.ITDF works with hilltribe people in the north of Thailand by undertaking water and sanitation projects, providing microloans, running schools and medical clinics and assisting with sustainable agriculture. ITDF is also the source for La Mai coffee (www.lamai.co.nz).To find out more about ITDF visit (https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp?pid=163).Send feedback to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Season 2 kicks off a new series of conversations with Bright Hope World partners around the world.In this episode we talk to Zeeneta who works in northern India. She tells an amazing story of her family being hunted by relatives and facing incredible persecution, but showing incredible forgiveness and love towards those that sought to do them harm.Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

They're popular, they're challenging and enlightening...but are they a good idea? Short-term mission trips have become a key strategy for churches to engage in missions, and to engage thier people in missions. Yet sometimes we do not stop to ask ourselves why we're doing them and if we are doing them the right way.Fraser Scott and Bright Hope World's Southeast Asia Partnership Facilitator Emma Stokes take a long hard look at short-term mission trips and ask why we're doing them, whether they are giving us the results we're wanting and - most importantly - who we're actually doing them for. They discuss some of the key considerations in doing such trips well, and some of the key pitfalls to avoid.Resources discussed in the podcast include:When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (Amazon)Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It by Robert D Lupton (Amazon)The Next Mile: Short-Term Missions for the Long Haul by Brian J Heerwagen (Amazon)Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The church in many parts of the Majority (or developing) World is growing strongly, while in New Zealand and other countries in the west, the statistics are often a little less encouraging. Why is this? Is it just cultural factors, or are there things the church in places outside of the west is doing that we need to learn from?Fraser Scott and Kevin Honore look at five key things we can learn from what the church is doing in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America that might help us to turn things around. Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Whether you are working in the farthest corners of the world, or among the poor where you live, there are certain challenges and realities you are going to face.Fraser Scott and Kevin Honore talk about five core issues that will always present themselves when engaging with the poor. Understanding these issues and how to combat them can help avoid doing more harm than good when we're trying to be of service to the poor.Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

As 2020 comes to a close, Fraser Scott and Kevin Honore consider how COVID-19 - which has pretty much defined the year - has impacted Bright Hope World's partners around the world.They look at some of the challenges and pain that partners have faced, as well as some of the amazing things God has done through faithful people. They also ponder what the future is likely to look like when 'the dust settles' and how Bright Hope World might need to change to adjust to 'the new normal'.Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Fraser Scott talks about the history of Bright Hope World with founder and Chairman Rob Purdue.Rob talks about his background and the influences as a young man that led him towards starting Bright Hope World. He shares stories about the very first partners that he and his wife Heather met, and how the ministry expanded from its roots in Eastern Europe, immediately after the fall of communism, to South America and Africa.Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

'It Ain't That Simple Mate!' takes a slightly different tack in this episode, looking at the role of the local church in tackling poverty. With so many agencies and government departments battling poverty, Fraser Scott and Kevin Honore ask whether there is anything unique the church can bring to the table. The podcast deals in practical terms with how a church that wants to address poverty can make practical steps towards doing so in a meaningful and biblical way. Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com. Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Fraser Scott and Kevin Honore counter the last episode's list of the five worst ways to address poverty with a list of five really good ideas that are making a difference among the poor globally.Microloans and table banking are looked at, as well as agricultural development, empowerment of women and a couple of other strategies that are paying big dividends in terms of communities and lives being transformed.Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Fraser Scott and Kevin Honore list out five really bad ideas to address poverty, mostly from mistakes they've made!They consider some of the things that can drive us and that we might 'take with us' when we try to help the poor, and the damage these can do. Be prepared to feel a little bit uncomfortable!Send feedback or questions to podcast@brighthopeworld.com.Professor Umlaut Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/