The Better Samaritan Podcast Why Lament Matters in Humanitarian Work (And What We’re Getting Wrong)
What if grief could actually help us do better humanitarian work? In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast, Dr. Jamie Aten and Kent Annan explore the idea of lament—or as Jamie calls it, “faithful grief”—and how it can reshape how we approach global challenges and humanitarian aid.
Drawing from Kent’s book Slow Kingdom Coming, personal stories, and research with Biola and the University of Connecticut, they break down how lament isn’t just about sadness—it’s about being honest with God through complaint, praise, and asking for help.
They also share powerful moments from places like post-earthquake Haiti and the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, where leaders model resilience and generosity in the face of scarcity. This episode offers a fresh take on grief, healing, and hope—and how small, faithful actions can lead to significant change in a hurting world. Jamie and Kent conclude with a preview of upcoming conversations on TBS with leaders in different humanitarian sectors, who will be discussing how federal and foreign aid cuts are impacting their area of focus and what may be next.
Want to explore the books, articles, and research mentioned in this podcast?
(2:08) Book: Slow Kingdom Coming - https://www.ivpress.com/slow-kingdom-coming
(3:39) Studies: Biola University & University of Connecticut on lament for Christians - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388450256_Lament_Measuring_a_Christian_Meaning-Making_Coping_Practice https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361353087_Lament_and_Well-Being_Measuring_a_Christian_Meaning-Making_Practice
(5:16) Book: Aftershock - https://www.ivpress.com/after-shock
(8:35) Study: Research strategies on lament and why lament matters - https://www.spiritualfirstaid.org/why-lament-matters-study-slides
(9:48) Workshop: Spiritual Self-Aid - SpiritualfirstaidFree Spiritual First Aid Course Preview
(11:20) Study: On community as a source of hope and resilience among black female cancer survivors - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378169783_Spiritual_Surrender_Initial_Appraisals_of_Cancer_Diagnoses_in_Black_Christian_Women
Resources:
Pick up a copy of Kent’s book - https://www.amazon.com/Slow-Kingdom-Coming-Practices-Justice/dp/0830844554
Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. Each of the three sections concludes with thought-provoking questions and a prayer. We hope this e-book informs and guides you toward reflection, prayer, and next steps.
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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
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(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25.
J
amie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
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