World poverty is not OK with God, and it shouldn't be OK with us. 18,000 children die every day of preventable causes, but many of us wonder if we can make a difference in the face of such a grim number. Listen to this episode to learn how people like you can actually make an impact on world poverty. We'll answer: What small and simple steps can he…

In this special episode of Poverty Unlocked, we're featuring the recording of a conference call between U.S. church leaders and the President and CEO of Food for the Hungry, Gary Edmonds. During the call, Gary shared his heart for the Church and a vision for ending poverty. Gary Edmonds has come to FH with a strong background of church leadership. …

Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert’s new book, Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions, takes the ideas of When Helping Hurts and applies them to short-term missions. In this audio interview, co-author Steve Corbett discusses why short-term missions do not always have the positive impact that participants expect. He suggests ways to improve the…

Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert’s new book, Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions, takes the ideas of When Helping Hurts and applies them to short-term missions. In this audio interview, co-author Steve Corbett discusses why short-term missions do not always have the positive impact that participants expect. He suggests ways to improve the…

Today I’m going back to one of the most basic lessons about poverty--one that everyone needs to understand but very few people actually get. It’s the infamous issue of dependency. Listen to this 20-minute episode to become an instant expert on the topic—or at least to get started with what you need to know. I also took some time to address the ques…

Check out the show notes on povertyunlocked.com Subscribe in iTunesBy Wendy McMahan

Is there a positive purpose to poverty? Marty Martin shares his thoughts on the purpose of the poor, which he says is for “the elevation of all humanity.” The story of Lazarus and the rich man, told by Jesus in Luke 16:19-31, illuminates the idea that the opportunity to respond to people in poverty is actually an invitation from God. Marty also res…

An interview with Amanda Cox, coordinator for the Faith to Action Initiative. Amanda focuses on best practices in orphan care, emphasizing that God’s plan for children involves families. She discusses times when orphanage care is a necessary option, and other times when family-based options for orphans can be found. View the full show notes at pove…

When we walk with people living in poverty, communicating God’s love is one of the most important messages we bear. For those who feel forgotten by God and devalued by the world, the truth of God’s love can transform everything.By Wendy McMahan

Is clean water the solution to poverty? Or is it health care? Education, perhaps? In this audio episode, Wendy McMahan speaks from years of experience in serving vulnerable communities and observing transformational development through the work of Food for the Hungry.By Wendy McMahan

Mission trips can be unpredictable, but following a few simple guidelines can take the guesswork out of the experience. In this interview, Heidi Hatch shares seven standards that every short-term team leader needs to know. These principles apply to any Christian mission team, whether they are planning a building project, medical mission, service te…

World AIDS Day is December 1, 2010. In this audio episode, Kim Buttonow answers questions about progress made towards preventing and treating HIV/AIDS. Kim Buttonow is HIV/AIDS Programs Coordinator for Food for the Hungry.By Wendy McMahan

In Zeway, Ethiopia, over 100 orphans have lost both of their parents. With no social safety net for children, orphans are often left to care for themselves. They feel alone and forgotten. But God has not forgotten them.By Wendy McMahan

All too often, women are the face of poverty and injustice. More women and girls have been killed in the last 50 years by the hands of gender-injustice than men were killed in military battles in the last 100 years. At least one in every three women globally has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime.…

Anne Brown reveals the invisible causes of poverty: ideas. Examples from Guatemala, Zimbabwe, and India show the transformational effects that biblical ideas can have on impoverished communities—and the tragic consequences of destructive ideas.By Wendy McMahan

Why do people remain poor? This episode addresses six obstacles to positive change for people living in poverty. When all six of these obstacles are lifted, the change process can occur.By Wendy McMahan

Good intentions aren’t always enough in missions. When churches and individuals go on short-term teams to communities in developing countries, they need to think carefully about the messages they send – not just verbally, but also through their actions. In this interview, Steve Corbett shares three mistakes to avoid when participating in short-term…

World AIDS Day is December 1, 2009. In this interview, Carolyn Wetzel shares the story of 36 African women who turned away from prostitution when they were shown a way out.By Wendy McMahan

HIV/AIDS is not only a subject of global concern–it’s an issue embodied by real people every day. In this interview, Kim Buttonow tells the story of a teenager named Claire and the courageous woman who saved her life.By Wendy McMahan

There are 132 million orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America. In some parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, one of every ten children is an orphan. The need for orphan care is staggering. In this interview, Chad Mower shares about a unforgettable 13-year-old he met in Ethiopia while on an open team. It’s a story of finding hope in a tragic si…

In this interview, Bryant Myers responds to three questions… What is your definition of poverty? What is your definition of transformation? What is the biggest challenge facing development workers today?By Wendy McMahan

I had the opportunity to interview Brian Fikkert, co-author of When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor… And Yourself. In this conversation, Fikkert discusses… Diagnosing the causes of poverty How Western materialism has infected Christians’ work among the poor How Christians can use their gifts to do meaningful ministr…

In this third foundational episode, we look at the roots of poverty. If we provide food, health, and education to people living in poverty, will we solve the problem? Or does poverty run deeper?By Wendy McMahan

Our daily life is influenced by the way we understand heaven and God’s kingdom. In this interview, Beth Allen shares insight gained from reading Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright. Beth applies an understanding of the new heaven and new earth to cross-cultural work, the local church, and Christians’ circles of influence.…

Alisa Schmitz answers questions about church partnerships. When a church in the U.S. partners with a community in the developing world, life change occurs on both sides of the relationship. The overseas community can be released from poverty, and the U.S. church can also learn and grow. Ultimately, church partnerships exist to bring about the Kingd…

This episode is the second in a series called “Laying the Foundation,” an update on the introductory episodes of Poverty Unlocked. “’I just brought you the kingdom of God, and it’s a size 7 pair of shoes. But don’t thank me! Thank God…’ Does that strike anybody else as a pretty shallow kingdom?”By Wendy McMahan

The truth about H1N1 Flu, also known as Swine Flu. Carolyn Wetzel explains the pandemic threat, separating hype from real concerns, and analyzes the threat to the developing world.By Wendy McMahan

Questions and answers about gifts in kind. Are handouts ever appropriate in community development?By Wendy McMahan

This episode is the first in a series called “Laying the Foundation,” an update on the introductory episodes of Poverty Unlocked. Poverty started in Genesis. It was solved by the Christ’s work on our behalf. Because of Christ’s work, poverty can be overcome today, and it will be completely solved when God brings about a new heaven and earth. Unders…

People who live in poverty are experts on how to get through tough economic times. Here are some tips learned from people who live on less than two dollars a day.By Wendy McMahan

Three brothers – Jeremy, Justin and Jordan Willet – make up the band Willet. In this interview, Jeremy Willet shares the heart of the band, his experiences in Ethiopia, and how Christians can make a difference in the fight against poverty–no matter what their profession. Jeremy invites you to e-mail him with your comments.…

One billion people worldwide are overweight or obese, while another billion are hungry. Alisa Keeton shares her thoughts on one link between obesity and poverty.By Wendy McMahan

Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced a 20-year civil war, with millions of deaths and internally displaced people. Chris Sheach shares the reality from his experiences on the ground in Congo.By Wendy McMahan

Isaiah prophesied of a Messiah who would rescue the poor. At Christmas, we celebrate this Messiah… or do we?By Wendy McMahan

Two billion people worldwide are affected by parasitic worms. These worms keep children’s bodies from absorbing the nutrients they need from the food they consume, affecting physical and intellectual development. In this interview, Karen Neiswender discusses the combination of interventions needed for children infected by worms: treatment, educatio…

Ideas for getting past selfishness and self-absorption with our children.By Wendy McMahan

An up-to-the-minute update on relief efforts in Myanmar. Sara Sywulka of the Relief Unit at Food for the Hungry shares an insider’s perspective.By Wendy McMahan

We often hear talk about how medications and education can fight HIV/AIDS, but how much do we hear about counseling as a cure? Mitzi Hanold shares a counseling technique that is preventing HIV/AIDS in Africa.By Wendy McMahan

The story of how one missionary’s theology was forever changed by a grocery store in Africa. In this humorous and insightful story, Dwight Jackson describes how he came to embrace holistic ministry.By Wendy McMahan

Caitlin Daniel spent a semester in Africa with the Go ED semester abroad program. In this interview she shares lessons from her experience that apply to any world traveler.By Wendy McMahan

Carolyn Wetzel shares a tool called the Care Group Model, which mobilizes community members in developing communities to share health information with one another. It’s a low-cost, highly effective, far-reaching way to save children’s lives. Carolyn also discusses the biblical truths communicated by the innate structure of care groups.…

Anne McCain shares eight reasons for Christians to develop personal relationships with the poor beyond reading the newspaper and sending money.By Wendy McMahan

Dr. Amy Sherman shares “The Whole Truth, The Whole Gospel: Holistic Ministry in Your Community.” Recorded at Making All Things New 2007.By Wendy McMahan

Three New Year’s resolutions that will change the world – really.By Wendy McMahan

In this interview with Tom Davis, we learn why homes are more important than hospitals in health care. Tom discusses Barrier Analysis as a tool for helping people make healthy choices that can save their lives.By Wendy McMahan

As World AIDS Day approaches, Kim Buttonow discusses HIV/AIDS in Africa.By Wendy McMahan

Thankfulness among the poor. Are the poor thankful? For what? Listen to reports from people working with poor and marginalized people around the world.By Wendy McMahan

In Isaiah 58, God promises to bless and guide those who serve the poor.By Wendy McMahan

Local churches have the ability and responsibility to serve as agents of change in their communities. Celeste Brown of Food for the Hungry shares principles from the Church Strengthening Program in El Alto, Bolivia.By Wendy McMahan

An interview with Josh Kienzle on lessons learned from colonialism and taking the posture of a cross-cultural learner.By Wendy McMahan