Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

When I first learned about Medical Ambassadors International, the scale of their ministry relative to their budget seemed so crazy that it was almost too good to be true. In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Ravi Jayakaran, the current President, to explore this incredible Christ-centered, grassroots organization. Their holistic approach beautifully intertwines physical and spiritual care, creating lasting change in communities. We’ll also discuss their recent capital campaign, which has dramatically transformed their work.

Medical Ambassadors International has 231 staff members in 76 countries and utilize a robust number of volunteers. They combine medical help with the gospel's good news, impacting 3,007 communities and 3.4 million people! 

Website: https://www.medicalambassadors.org/

Healing Lives Magazine: https://www.medicalambassadors.org/publications/

Ravi’s book list:

"Best Things in the Worst Times: An Insider’s View of World Vision” by Graeme Irvine

Flamin' Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Man's Rise from Janitor to Top Executive Hardcover – by Richard Montanez

Subversive Jesus: An Adventure in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in a Broken World by Craig Warren Greenfield

Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change by Paul G. Hiebert

Playing two truths and a lie with Trinidad-born Dr. Wintley Phipps would be tricky. It’s hard to fathom the number of famous people whose paths he has crossed—whether singing for Mother Theresa or for one of six different U.S. Presidents, or at Diana Ross’s wedding, or a divine appointment with a young and not-yet-famous Oprah Winfrey. However, one such “chance” meeting on an Amtrak commute with Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship founder, eventually led to his passion for youth and the founding of the U.S. Dream Academy. Dr. Phipps entreats us to consider, “Imagine how much greater America would be today if we invested in character building for the kids who need it most?”

https://www.usdreamacademy.org/

Dr. Calvin Troup, President of Geneva College opens up about his personal journey into higher ed and shares invaluable insights he's gleaned along the way that will benefit any fundraising professional. Delve into Geneva College's strategic planning process, feasibility studies and pivotal elements in their successful capital campaign. But beyond strategies, discover the profound significance of fostering real relationships and pursuing transparency throughout the fundraising process.

Mentioned in the podcast:

A Spirituality of Fundraising: The Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series

by Henri J. M. Nouwen and John S. Mogabgab

Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

Confronts Controversial Topics Including Sexuality, Faith, Feminism, Gender Roles, and Modesty

by Rosaria Butterfield and Kevin DeYoung

The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes

by Nancy R. Pearcey

“Meditation on the Third Commandment” by C.S. Lewis (Found in the book "God in the Dock")

Here’s the story of Ben Homan, President of Langham Partnership US, finishing his 14-year career with them. When it comes to fundraising, Brad says, “Follow Ben!” He has had a remarkable ministry as a leader and has seen the ministry multiply three times over this past capital campaign. He has used strategic planning, feasibility studies, capital campaigns, and team training in his fund-raising efforts. Perhaps the more important thing is how Ben sees his work with donors as a ministry. How he cares about them and cares for them. Not to mention the excellent fruit in the work of the Kingdom by Langham Partnership.

Ben mentions the book, “A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn - the Last Great Battle of the American West” from his reading list.

Listen to Beth Greco explain to Brad how she became the President and CEO of the Hoving Home, what has happened along the way, and how she manages to get the work done.

Brad Layland interviews Dave Owens, Executive Director of the Harbor Network. Learn about this church planting network and how Dave carries out his fundraising to help it all happen.

What do Punta Gorda, Florida, Australia, and Macedonia have in common? Brooke Filipovski! This remarkable young woman has raised support and ministered to young people in some interesting places. Enjoy her story!

Brad Layland interviews Tom Lin, the president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship since 2016.

Brad Layland interviews David Brickner of Jews For Jesus.

Today on The Taking Donors Seriously Podcast Brad Layland and Dan Kennedy discuss year-end appeals, the good the bad, and the ugly.