Faith, Resilience, and the Realities of Humanitarian Work

What happens when humanitarian work collides with political upheaval and shifting policies?

In this episode, Rebekah Teuscher and Michaela Dowen, graduates of the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership program, share what it’s like to navigate being young humanitarian professionals in this time of uncertainty. They offer honest insight into the challenges and realities humanitarian workers face, and share what’s kept them going.

We talk about the importance of clear communication, collaboration across organizations, and staying grounded when things feel chaotic. Rebekah and Michaela also reflect on finding purpose in unexpected roles and the need for good support systems to sustain their work. Their reflections are honest, practical, and rooted in the real-world complexity of an ever-changing work sector.

Listen in to learn more :

 

(11:24) Overview article of refugee resettlement history in the US:

Why does Trump’s executive order about refugees matter?

Read More from Rebekah

“Lord, but When Did We See You?”

Harrisburg area refugees share their stories, perspectives amidst shifting immigration landscape

 

 

Bios:

Over the past six years, Rebekah Teuscher has worked with refugees in various contexts in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to her work for refugees and migrant populations, she is passionate about trauma-informed care and community development. She now lives and serves in Lithuania, working with international university student populations.

 

Michaela Dowen is a humanitarian professional who has spent the last four years in the field of forced migration. With experience in local, national, and international spaces, she is passionate about advocating for this especially vulnerable demographic through storytelling and public education.

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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.

Jamie 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.

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.)

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