Poverty Unlocked

PU 056: The Healthiest Way to Give

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:38:14 +0000

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 question that everyone seems to ask: What should I do instead? It’s not hard to avoid dependency—it’s really not!—after you grasp a few basic concepts.

Let me know what you think of this episode! What else would you add?

PU 055: A Life Surrendered to God

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:16:16 +0000

Check out the show notes on povertyunlocked.com

Subscribe in iTunes

PU 054: The Purpose of the Poor

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:16:28 +0000

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 responds to these other common questions.

Can we use the story of Lazarus and the rich man to determine who is going to heaven?
Are rich people forbidden from going to heaven?
How are the poor elevated through their poverty?

Marty Martin serves with Food for the Hungry as Chief Operating Officer for the Global Service Center, Phoenix. Marty has over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, relief and development operations, and corporate management in Africa, Asia and North America. Trained as an Air Force pilot he also possesses a Masters degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Humanities degree from Colorado Christian University. Marty has been with Food for the Hungry since 2005.

In the message, Marty challenges listeners to become involved with Food for the Hungry. Check out some of the opportunities for involvement: church partnerships, sponsoring a child, running with FH World Sports, Hunger Corps (long-term service), and careers.

Subscribe in iTunes.

PU 053: Best Practices in Orphan Care

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:39:52 +0000

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 povertyunlocked.com

PU 052: How to Say "I Love You"

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 051: God’s Surprising Solution to Poverty

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 050: Planning Your Mission Trip

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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 team, or vision trip.

PU 049: World AIDS Day 2010

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 048: Orphan Care

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 047: Violence Against Women

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 046: Why Ideas Matter

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 045: Six Steps to End Poverty (Laying the Foundation #4)

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 044: Three Mistakes to Avoid in Short-term Missions

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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 missions.

PU 043: Preventing AIDS Among Women

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 042: Overcoming AIDS

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 041: Child Headed Households

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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 situation.

PU 040: Walking With The Poor

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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?

PU 039: When Helping Hurts

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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 ministry
Ministering out of brokenness

PU 038: Ideas Matter (Laying the Foundation #3)

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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?

PU 037: New Heaven and New Earth

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 036: Church Partnerships

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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 Kingdom of God.

PU 035: No Shortcuts (Laying the Foundation #2)

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 14 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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?”

PU 034: The Next Pandemic

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 033: Why We Ship Goods Overseas

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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

PU 032: The Birth of Poverty (Laying the Foundation #1)

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0000

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. Understanding the Biblical story of poverty helps us to understand how Christians should respond to injustice and worldwide needs.

PU 031: Surviving an Economic Downturn

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 030: Recording Artist Jeremy Willet on Poverty

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 029: The Poverty of Abundance

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 028: Conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 027: Do Not Miss Christmas

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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

PU 026: Worms

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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, education and prevention.

PU 025: Raising Children with God’s Heart for the Poor

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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

PU 024: Myanmar Cyclone

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Sat, 10 May 2008 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 023: Thinking about HIV/AIDS

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 022: The Pastor and the Grocery Store

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 021: Studying Abroad in Africa

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 020: A Place Where Children Do Not Die

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 019: Eight Reasons to Get Personally Involved with the Poor

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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

PU 018: The Whole Truth, The Whole Gospel with Amy Sherman

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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

PU 017: New Year’s Resolutions

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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

PU 015: Choices that Save Lives

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 014: HIV/AIDS in Africa

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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

PU 013: Thanksgiving in the Hard Places

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Thankfulness among the poor.

Are the poor thankful? For what? Listen to reports from people working with poor and marginalized people around the world.

PU 012: How to Secure God’s Blessing

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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

PU 011: Equipping the Local Church

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:00:00 +0000

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.

PU 010: Insights from a Short-term Team

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0000

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

PU 009: Learning from the Life of Christ

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0000

Five ways we can learn from Jesus’ posture in caring for the poor.

PU 008: Dependency

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0000

Today we look at how we can minister to the poor without taking over their lives, their communities, and their goals.

PU 007: Made in the Image of God

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0000

The poor are image-bearers of God, but well-meaning Christians sometimes send a different message.

PU 006: Why People Stay Poor

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0000

Why is it so hard for people to pull themselves out of poverty? In this episode we consider how people change and what keeps them from changing. Conclusions are drawn for charitable giving.

PU 005: The Transformation Toolkit

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0000

Four simple tools that facilitate wholistic development.

PU 004: Ideas Have Consequences

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0000

Worldview is the key for solving poverty.

PU 003: The Tragedy of Taking Shortcuts

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0000

Converts or disciples? What’s the difference?

PU 001: Introduction

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:06:00 +0000

Welcome to our first episode! Today we share statistics on global poverty and what to expect from this podcast.

PU 002: Poverty Started Somewhere

povertyunlocked@fh.org (Wendy McMahan) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode we ask, “Where did poverty start?”