Development and Justice

Recently I had the opportunity to interview John Shorack who, together with his wife Birgit and three children, lived for 20 years in one of the many barrios on the margins of Caracas, Venezuela. In a raw and open interview, John shares about their lives and work with the ministry InnerCHANGE. John also touches upon their current work in Medellin, Colombia.

We were privileged to recently have Craig Greenfield of Alongsiders International with us in the studio and on campus here at Multnomah sharing on his new book, Subversive Mission. In this episode, our first in season 2, we cover important questions from his book about the place that Westerners and others play in global mission. I believe you'll find this conversation enlightening and helpful as we seek to engage in mission work around the world in the 21st century. 

Greg Burch interviews three international development workers and graduates of the M.A. degree in Global Development and Justice (MAGDJ) about their work in international development engagement. Three distinct backgrounds and interests lead these MAGDJ alumni into critical global work and roles with World Vision International (Amanda) and World Relief (Dana and Lydia). What is remarkable about their stories is the journey and what it took for them to get where they are today. 

You don't want to miss this episode of Development and Justice! In this special episode of Development and Justice, Greg Burch interviews Dr. Craig Williford, Multnomah University's 5th President in a fascinating conversation on justice and peacebuilding in higher education. Dr. Williford provides an inside perspective on leading an academic institution like Multnomah. Challenges and opportunities in higher education are discussed with special attention given to the need to provide equitable opportunities for all students within Christian Universities. In discussing his own academic background, as a first generation college student himself, he reveals his desire to see Multnomah become a place that welcomes our students with opportunities that will lead to transformation in their lives. With transparency and vulnerability, we hear about his own family background and the transformation that took place in his own life during his first years of college. He also discusses the much needed conversations that are happening around racial justice concerns and the role that the academy must play when it comes to having a prophetic voice in society. 

Bio on Rev. Dr. Craig Williford

Before coming to Multnomah University, Dr. Williford served as a pastor for 20 years, leading a team of staff, facilitating church strategy, preaching, and pastoring a congregation through many transitions.

In 2000, Dr. Williford became the president of Denver Seminary and served them for eight years. During his time there, he also taught pastoral leadership courses on the masters and doctoral levels. To this day, Dr. Williford continues to mentor five pastoral and nonprofit leaders who serve throughout the United States. After serving at Denver Seminary, he returned to serve at Trinity International University, where he earned his doctorate in 1995, as their president from 2009 and 2014. On July 1, 2014, Rev. Dr. Craig Williford assumed his role as President of Multnomah University. With a passion for Godly, cross-cultural, innovative leadership, Dr. Williford leads Multnomah University with grace and dignity, informed by his wealth of experience in higher education leadership and pastoral ministry. Rev. Dr. Craig Williford is Multnomah University’s fifth president.

In this episode, Dr. Karen Fancher interviews our friend Grace Al Zoughbi about her work in her hometown of Bethlehem. Grace, who is a Palestinian Christian, was head of the department of Biblical Studies at Bethlehem Bible College and is now currently working on her PhD in Theology at the London School of Theology. Her dissertation is entitled, “Theological Education of Women in the Arab World: An Exploration of Religious and Cultural Assumptions Impacting Their Participation.”

Grace speaks with Dr. Karen Fancher in this episode on the possibilities and challenges of life in Palestine. In speaking of the daily challenges like crossing into Jerusalem from Palestine she says, “There are walls, and who likes walls? They are ugly and they speak of barriers between people, they build barriers in people’s minds and hearts.” Grace demonstrates the possibilities and calls upon us to imagine the prophetic possibilities of removing walls from our hearts and minds.

This special episode highlights the forum hosted by the Institute for Cultural Engagement at Multnomah University on October 27, 2021. The forum was focused on the presentation by Dr. Dave Kresta and the subject of his new book, Jesus on Main Street: Good News through Community Economic Development. Featured panelists were Mr. Rudy Carrasco, Rev. Dr. Matt Hennessee, Elder Catherine Brown and Dr. Greg Burch. Host of the forum is Dr. Paul Metzger of Multnomah Biblical Seminary. 

On this episode Greg Burch interviews Jason Fileta about his life and work. Jason is currently VP of Engagement at Tearfund after years leading the organization, Micah Challenge. Jason opens up and shares about his journey and the work he does today, what motivates him to keep going and where he finds hope. Jason shares about his vocation which has led him to lead justice movements in challenging areas, such as poverty alleviation and climate justice work.

Thanks to a recent trip back to Portland, Dr. Greg Burch was able to connect with MAGDJ alumna Shelbye Renfro in the Multnomah Studios. Shelbye works in a community in Kigali, Rwanda with the organization Word Made Flesh. In this episode of Development and Justice Shelbye talks about her work in seeking justice in her adopted community through economic and sustainable development projects that her and her team lead. She provides a timely update on how the covid-19 pandemic is impacting her and her friends in Rwanda and their work and how she stays encouraged and hopeful despite challenging circumstances at times. Have a listen!

This episode focuses specifically on leading the work of Africa New Life Ministries (ANLM) and highlights the roles and relationship of the two key leaders of the organization, Dr. Charles Mugisha (President and co-founder) and Alan Hotchkiss (U.S. Executive Director). The two share insights on mutual respect and trust in guiding both the U.S. and Rwandan sides of the organization, highlighting localization and partnership at its best.

Brandon Stiver has worn a number of different hats when it comes to working with vulnerable Kids. He has lived and worked in Tanzania, California and now is based in Tacoma, WA. Brandon started off his work with at-risk kids working in the child welfare sector in Moshi, Tanzania. After taking a hiatus in the states, he and his family returned to Moshi and setup a non-profit to care for kids, but with attention given more toward re-unifying kids with their families. Now Brandon is living in Tacoma with his own family and in the position as Director of Programs and Partnerships with the organization, 1 Million Home. What’s so remarkable about his story is the transition he made in his work and vocation …. from supporting kids through institutional care and orphanages to a strong emphasis on seeing children reunified with their families.