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In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Dr. Rick Morton, SVP of Engagement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 12:1-25.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell, President and Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 11:1-18.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
DESCRIPTIONIs international adoption still a viable path for Christian families? In Episode 2 of the Defender Podcast, host Ken Norwood sits down with Herbie Newell (President & Executive Director, Lifeline Children's Services), Carla Thrasher (VP of International Programs), and Ford Reasons to unpack the real story behind international adoption — the challenges, the changes, the calling, and the hope.They discuss how Lifeline views adoption through the lens of the gospel, why a "defender posture" matters for vulnerable children, how international adoption has shifted over 25 years, and what keeps families from taking the first step. Plus, Carla shares details on Lifeline's HOPE Adoption Scholarship — $2,500 off your first agency fee for qualifying families.Whether you're curious, called, or just starting to pray about it, this episode will equip and encourage you.CHAPTERS0:00 — Welcome and introductions 0:45 — Why international adoption matters to Lifeline 2:37 — What it means to have a "defender posture" 4:52 — What sets Lifeline apart in international adoption 7:13 — Post-adoption care and support 9:31 — Overcoming the two biggest barriers: finances and the unknown 11:55 — How international adoption has changed over 25 years 14:11 — A word to younger families considering adoption 16:37 — Walking with families through the process 18:49 — The HOPE Adoption Scholarship and how to applyTAKE THE NEXT STEPFill out an interest form: https://www.lifelinechild.org HOPE Adoption Scholarship — $2,500 off your first agency fee (limited to 10 families, applications open through May) Already on the journey? Consider giving to the HOPE Scholarship so others can follow.CONNECT WITH LIFELINEWebsite: https://www.lifelinechild.org Instagram: @lifelinechildren Facebook: Lifeline Children's ServicesSubscribe, like, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Defender Podcast. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who might be curious about international adoption.
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Blake Wilson, Executive Vice President of Operations of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 10:1-33.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Dr. Rick Morton, Senior Vice President of Engagement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 10:1-33.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Miguel Zayas, Senior Director of Global Orphan Care of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 9:32-43.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
Pastor Nate Bruns - LifelineThis week, we'll hear from Pastor Nate Bruns, the Kansas and Missouri State Director of Lifeline Children's Services. Lifeline helps churches reach vulnerable children through adoption services and pregnancy support. Hearing from Pastor Nate will be a great way tokick off our Make a Change campaign supporting Lifeline that begins May 10!
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Chris Johnson, VP of Church Engagement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 9:23-31.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
“Abide in me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” -John 15:4 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Melanie Villalta. Melanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Lifeline Children's Services in Athens, Georgia. She has over a decade of experience working with the adoption constellation, including birth families, foster families, and adoptive families. Melanie is trauma informed and enjoys walking alongside each member of the adoption constellation as they heal from the pain of their past. She works from an attachment framework and strives to meet clients where they are in their current season of life. Melanie recognizes that in order to live the life we hope to live, we must heal from past hurts and unmet needs while also taking responsibility for the choices we make today. She is passionate about helping parents create the “felt-safety” their children need in order to heal and thrive. Melanie is also certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), has completed training to become an Adoption Competent Therapist and has received training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and Theraplay. Melanie specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults dealing with trauma, complex trauma, dissociative disorders, depression, anxiety and attachment needs. Listen in to Sandra's conversation with Melanie Villalta on Episode 529 wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: lifelinechild.org The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon ReNew Retreat in NC
Child Welfare is broken worldwide. Is there hope? We say yes, and it's found right in our communities in the form of the Church of the Lord Jesus ChristIn this inaugural episode of The Table, host Rick Morton (SVP of Engagement, Lifeline Children's Services) gathers three of the most respected voices in Christian child welfare for a conversation that's honest, warm, and theologically grounded.Guests:Emily Richards — Ambassador & Advisor for Show Hope (founded by Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman); foster parent, adoptive sibling, and master's-level theologianChelsea Sobolik — Child welfare policy expert, Capitol Hill veteran, adult adoptee from Romania, and adoptive momHerbie Newell — President & CEO, Lifeline Children's Services (23 years); author and advocate for a whole-life pro-life ethicIn this episode:How the Church is uniquely called to care for vulnerable children and familiesWhy James 1:27 is more than a memory verse — it's a mandateThe intersection of adoption theology and public policyWhat a "whole-life pro-life" ethic looks like in practiceTrinitarian theology and what it means for how we engage orphan careWhy community and relationship are at the core of this work — and why isolation is the enemyWhether you're a pastor, adoptive parent, foster parent, social worker, policymaker, or anyone who cares about vulnerable children — pull up a chair.
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Jeff Kunard, VP of Advancement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 9:1-22.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Bucky Rogers, GOC Senior Manager-Partnership Development of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 4:1-22.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Josh Lassiter, Georgia State Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 4:23-27.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Rick Morton, Senior Vice President of Engagement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 6:1-15.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 5:17-42.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Jeff Kunard, Vice President of Advancement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 5:1-16.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 1:1-11.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Blake Wilson, Vice President of Operations of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 3:11-26.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Miguel Zayas, Senior Director of Global Orphan Care of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 3:1-10.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Rick Morton, Senior Vice President of Engagement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 2:14-47.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Chris Johnson, Vice President of Church Engagement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 2:1-13.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Jeff Kunard, Vice President of Advancement of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 1:12-26.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Blake Wilson, Vice President of Operations of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 8:1-8.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Miguel Zayas, Senior Director of Global Orphan Care of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 7:1-60.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 8:9-25.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Josh Lassiter, Georgia State Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares Acts 8:26-40.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
Thriving Adoptees - Inspiration For Adoptive Parents & Adoptees
What if discovering and sharing our uniqueness drives our thriving? How does that help us tough times. Chris is dad to 10 including 7 through adoption from foster care. Listen as we dive deep into our diamond nature how his beliefs power his thriving. Chris Johnson serves as the Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline Children's Services. With over two decades of pastoral experience and a background as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor's Office of Faith and Community Based Initiatives, Chris is a seasoned leader and advocate for vulnerable children and families. As a consultant and frequent speaker, Chris has inspired audiences at conferences, churches, and community gatherings across the nation. He passionately shares his family's journey and challenges others to respond to the gospel call to care for the most vulnerable in society. A native of metro Atlanta, Georgia, Chris now resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Alicia. Together, they have 10 children, seven of whom were adopted from foster care, and are proud grandparents, including two grandchildren adopted through foster care. Their commitment to serving children extends to fostering over 40 children throughout the years, embodying their dedication to family and community. Chris holds a B.A. in Church Ministries from Trinity Baptist College and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Regent University. His passion for equipping churches and individuals to make a lasting impact continues to shape his ministry and advocacy efforts. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjohnsondoz/ https://www.facebook.com/lifelinechild https://lifelinechild.org/ https://www.instagram.com/lifelinechild/ https://twitter.com/lifelinechild https://vimeo.com/lifelinechild Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.
In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson discusses international adoption with the Dowey family and representatives from Lifeline Children's Services. They explore the challenges and joys of the adoption process, the impact of political decisions on international adoptions, and the importance of advocacy for families looking to adopt. The Dowey family's personal journey highlights the emotional and logistical complexities of adoption, while Lifeline provides insights into their mission and the current state of adoption in Haiti.TakeawaysInternational adoption can be a long and complex journey.Lifeline Children's Services focuses on gospel-driven child welfare.The Dowey family has been on their adoption journey since 2012.Political decisions can significantly impact international adoptions.Families should be prepared for potential delays in the adoption process.Advocacy is crucial for families navigating adoption challenges.Children in need of adoption often come from difficult backgrounds.The Dowey family emphasizes the importance of faith during their journey.There are differences between domestic and international adoption processes.Support from the community can make a difference in adoption outcomes.Important LinksLifeline Children's ServicesPresidential Proclamation 10998 on Restricting and Limiting Entry of Foreign NationalsBaptist Press Article on the Dowey's JourneyThe South Carolina Foster Parent AssociationChapters00:00Introduction to International Adoption03:07The Dowey Family's Adoption Journey05:29Understanding Lifeline Children's Services08:39Challenges in the Adoption Process11:32The Impact of Political Decisions on Adoption14:22The Dowey's Match and Waiting Period17:45Current Political Realities Affecting Adoption20:43Advocacy and Support for Adoption23:43Differences Between Domestic and International Adoption26:31Conclusion and Resources for Interested FamiliesAI show notes are experimental. Did you find them useful?
November is Adoption Awareness Month! This month specifically is meant to raise awareness about adoption, celebrate families formed through adoption, and highlight the need for permanent homes for children in foster care.On this episode of the podcast, Sammie's friend and coworker, Johnston Moore, sits down and has a conversation with Chris Johnson, a pastor and adoptive dad who works with church engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.The two discuss Chris's background, family life, and testimony - which inevitably dives into a conversation related to God's call to the Church, and to individual Christians, to care for vulnerable children and their families, whether biological, adoptive, or foster. Johnston Moore serves as the Adoption/Orphan Care Consultant for Anglicans for Life and has been featured on the You Were Made for More podcast before - the perfect reason to invite him in to host an episode! Johnston is charismatic, generous, and has a heart for all of God's children.Chris Johnson serves as the Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline Children's Services. With over two decades of pastoral experience and a background as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor's Office of Faith and Community Based Initiatives, Chris is a seasoned leader and advocate for vulnerable children and families.A native of metro Atlanta, Georgia, Chris now resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Alicia. Together, they have 10 children, seven of whom were adopted from foster care, and are proud grandparents, including two grandchildren adopted through foster care. Their commitment to serving children extends to fostering over 40 children throughout the years, embodying their dedication to family and community.Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares John 21:15:25.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Chris Johnson, Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline Children's Services, shares John 21:1-15.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Blake Wilson, Vice President of Operations, shares John 19:1-16 .LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares John 19:1-16 .LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
Guest: Herbie NewellMinistry: Lifeline Children's ServicesPosition: President and Executive DirectorTopic: comments and suggested responses by pro-life Christians to the Medina decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, saying that states have the right to determine whether or not to fund abortion through their Medicaid programsWebsite: lifelinechild.org
Guest: Herbie NewellMinistry: Lifeline Children's ServicesPosition: President and Executive DirectorTopic: comments and suggested responses by pro-life Christians to the Medina decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, saying that states have the right to determine whether or not to fund abortion through their Medicaid programsWebsite: lifelinechild.org
Dr. Rick Morton, Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services, leads a study on John 16:4b-15.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
Senior Director of Church Partnerships and External Advocacy at Lifeline Children's Services, leads a study on John 12:12-36.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
*A note on our content. We advise listener discretion as this episode references abortion. Erica Spivey, from our community group in Raleigh, North Carolina, grew up with a Jewish heritage, thinking her value rested in her actions and accomplishments - an untruth that left her empty, depressed, and ultimately alone when she found herself in the middle of an abortion clinic. But God, in His unconditional love and faithfulness, used her most guilt-ridden and shameful moment to pursue her heart. Listen in as Erica recounts the ways in which God brought her from religion to relationship and how He is still taking the darkness of her past and using it for redeeming Kingdom purposes. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: - No matter what your past holds, God chose you and appointed you to go and bear His fruit. (John 15:16) - When you open your heart to God, He will meet you right where you are. - You were created in God's image and because of that alone, you have worth and value. Links: Crisis pregnancy and post-pregnancy care ministries: Sav-A-Life and Lifeline Children's Services Listen to similar stories: Ep. 107- Carol Bevil: “A Jewish Heritage” and Ep. 321- Beth Mull: “Be Brave: A Story of Finding Purpose from the Past” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Erica and our past storytellers Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered in-person on June 18th; 6:00-8:30 PM CST *Future dates- Online on July 8th; 9:30-11:30 AM CST and August 20th; 9:15-11:15 AM CST Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!
"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service…" -Timothy 1:12 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach features her conversation with Chris Johnson. Chris serves as Sr. Dir. of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline Children's Services. With over 2 decades of pastoral experience and a background as the Exec. Dir. of the Kentucky Governor's Office of Faith & Community Based Initiatives, he's a seasoned leader and advocate for vulnerable children and families. Chris and his wife Alicia reside in Birmingham, AL. Together, they have 10 children, 7 of whom were adopted from foster care, and they are proud grandparents—including 2 grandchildren also adopted through foster care. Their commitment to serving children extends to fostering over 40 children throughout the years, embodying their dedication to family and community Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com Lifeline Children's Services
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares John 14:15-31. LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Blake Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Lifeline Children's Services, shares John 14:1-14LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
Guest: Herbie NewellMinistry: Lifeline Children's ServicesPosition: President and Executive DirectorTopic: In a conversation during May, which is National Foster Care Month, he provided insight into the foster care system overall and how the Church can get involved.Website: lifelinechild.org
Guest: Herbie NewellMinistry: Lifeline Children's ServicesPosition: President and Executive DirectorTopic: In a conversation during May, which is National Foster Care Month, he provided insight into the foster care system overall and how the Church can get involved.Website: lifelinechild.org
In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell, President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services, shares John 13:1-30. LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.FOLLOW US Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
Monday, March 31, 2025 Today Point of View‘s host is our own Kerby Anderson! During the first hour, his guest is Herbie Newell. Kerby and Mr. Newell will discuss Lifeline Children's Services and Herbie's new book, Image Bearers. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just the Highlights? […]
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Kirti Pickard—adoptee, advocate, and podcast host—who shares her powerful adoption journey and how it fuels her passion for serving vulnerable children. Adopted from India at the age of four, Kirti has a deep, firsthand understanding of the lifelong impact of adoption. She discusses the challenges adoptees face, how faith shapes her work, and the importance of churches and communities walking alongside adoptive families. Through her podcast, When I Grow Up, and her leadership of Mission 143, she is dedicated to sharing stories of God's faithfulness and raising support for children in need.
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss the heartbreaking impact of China's five-year suspension of international adoptions, which left 400 children—many with special needs—waiting for families. Recent developments, including China's September 2024 decision to end all international adoptions, have deepened the uncertainty for children and the 300 U.S. families still committed to them. Herbie and Karla explore the emotional toll on families, the long-term effects on children, and Lifeline's ongoing advocacy at the highest levels, providing hope through prayer, support, and action. GUESTKarla Thrasher is a licensed social worker with a degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a certified TBRI® Practitioner through the TCU Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development. Since joining Lifeline Children's Services in 2001, she has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable children and families as Senior Director of International Adoption. Her leadership role allows her to fiercely advocate for the children and families she serves through quality assurance and excellent service.Thrasher brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, which has been instrumental in developing Lifeline's partnerships with international agencies, governments, and ministries. Through her work, she has seen God's hand at work in placing children in loving, Christ-centered homes and providing support for families who adopt from around the globe.Her greatest joy is sharing the gospel through the ministry of adoption. She lives in Birmingham with her husband, and they have three grown children who champion her ministry work at Lifeline.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services and its ministry arms.ADOPTION COUNSELING COURSEAt Lifeline Children's Services, we are reminded daily of the global orphan crisis — a crisis affecting over 140 million vulnerable children worldwide. These children, many of whom are social orphans, need more than just temporary aid; they need the hope, love, and security that only a family can provide. While adoption is a beautiful way to answer this call, less than 0.5% of these children will ever be adopted. That's why Lifeline is committed to walking alongside families on this faith-filled journey of international adoption, equipping them to step forward in obedience and care for the vulnerable. If you feel God stirring your heart to learn more, visit LifelineChild.org/Adoption to explore how you can get started in making an eternal impact.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. FOLLOW USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Christy Mack Segars, Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children's Services, introduces the new Design Adoption Counseling Certificate, a free online resource created in partnership with Stand For Life. This course equips counselors, church leaders, and pregnancy center staff to compassionately guide women facing unplanned pregnancies, presenting adoption as a life-affirming option without coercion. Christy discusses the importance of accurate adoption education, addressing misconceptions, and supporting informed decision-making while highlighting the growing role of adoption advocacy within the pro-life movement. GUESTChristie Mac Segars, LICSW serves as the Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children's Services. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Samford University and a Master's in Social Work from The University of Alabama. Since joining Lifeline in March 2013, Christie Mac has been dedicated to delivering the gospel to families in need and advancing the ministry of reconciliation and redemption through Lifeline's diverse domestic programs.Segars led the creation of the Designed Adoption Counseling Certificate Program in partnership with Stand for Life and is a frequent national speaker on adoption, family preservation, and the church's role in pro-life advocacy.Segars resides in Alabama with her husband, Croft, and their daughters.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services and its ministry arms.ADOPTION COUNSELING COURSEDo you wonder if you're having the right conversation about adoption with women in unexpected pregnancies? Research shows that women want information on all their options before they make an informed choice for their baby.Through the Stand For Life and Lifeline Children's Services Adoption Counseling Certification, you can become equipped on what to say—and what not to say—to a woman deciding between parenting, adoption, and abortion. Learn more and register at LifelineChild.org/AdoptionPartner.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe mission of Lifeline Children's Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. FOLLOW USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify
In April, the Biden-Harris administration finalized a rule requiring foster parents to affirm a child's gender ideology. “The provider must commit to establishing an environment that supports the child's LGBTQI+ status or identity,” according to the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. The policy, according to Herbie Newell, president and executive director of Lifeline Children's Services, “made people of faith into a different category of foster and adoptive parent, saying that because they didn't give in to this pro-radical LGBTQ+ agenda, that they couldn't foster any child with gender dysphoria or any child that might be having any questions about their LGBTQ status.” “Faith-based Christian people were put on the sidelines and not able to participate in our foster care and adoption system in the same way,” according to Newell. With over 350,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, and over 100,000 of whom are waiting to be adopted, Newell says he is hopeful the incoming Trump administration will roll back these “oppressive administrative rulings.” During Trump's first administration, there was a sense that “the problem is way too big for us to exclude anyone from the table,” Newell said, noting that he was invited to “West Wing of the White House three times during [Trump's] presidency.” During the Biden administration, Newell said neither he nor any other faith-based adoption leaders that he knows of were extended such an invitation. Newell joins “The Daily Signal Podcast” to discuss the adoption and foster care policy changes he hopes to see under a second Trump administration. He also explains the ramifications of China's decision to end international adoptions to the U.S.