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 [email protected]

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]. 

In this episode we hear from Izdihar Kassis who works with poor and refugee families near the Syrian border in Lebanon. Izdihar works particularly with new mothers and their babies, who are particularly vulnerable in such a hostile environment. In the podcast she shares about the struggles that refugees face and the extreme issues facing Lebanon. To find out more about Izdihar's organisation Together for the Family (TFF), visit (https://www.brighthopeworld.com/partnerships.asp?pid=440). Send feedback to [email protected].

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 [email protected].

In this episode Fraser Scott and Kevin Honore interview a couple working among the poor in Cairo, Egypt. For security reasons, we are not able to give their names or details. The story starts with an amazing account of a young boy that sees his father gunned down in front of him, and swears revenge on those responsible. Where the story goes from there, and where he and his wife end up, is deeply encouraging and challenging. If you are interested in reading "Love Casts Out Fear: A Jihad Survivor's Journey from Revenge to Redemption", the book about his life (written under a nom de plume) you can find it here - https://www.amazon.com/Love-Casts-Out-Fear-Redemption-ebook/dp/B00XNJGR20. Send feedback to [email protected]. 

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

How long does it take to alleviate poverty and what kind of things should you focus on? Well, not surprisingly, the answer is not straightforward! It depends what stage of poverty you're actually talking about. Fraser Scott and Kevin Honore talk about the four stages of poverty, from relief after a disaster to intergenerational cultural reform. They discuss the timeframes that each stage involves and explore the things people wanting to get involved to help need to know. Send feedback or questions to [email protected].