The Defender Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Casey Stevens on Family, Faith, and Making a Difference with Stand for Orphans Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we sit down with Casey Stevens, who shares his family's inspiring journey from facing infertility to adopting their first son, Alek, from Kyrgyzstan in 2016 through Lifeline Children's Services. Blessed with three more sons, Micah, Jude, and Elijah, Casey's lively and love-filled home is a testament to resilience and faith. Casey discusses how his family actively participates in Stand for Orphans, an initiative that teaches kids the importance of caring for others and community service. Listen in as Casey talks about the roles his children played in their stand, memorable moments, and the rewarding experiences of working together as a family for a greater cause. Plus, get valuable advice for families looking to host their own Stand for Orphans.

GUEST: Casey Stevens and his wife, Chesney, met at Mississippi College and married in 2013. After facing infertility, they adopted their first son, Alek, from Kyrgyzstan in 2016 through Lifeline Children's Services. They were later blessed with three biological sons: Micah, Jude, and Elijah. Their home is lively and filled with love. Committed to helping others, Casey's family actively participates in Stand for Orphans, teaching their kids the importance of caring for others and community service.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCE

Have you heard about Stand for Orphans? It's an incredible initiative created by kids, for kids, allowing them to make a difference in the lives of others. This program shows that you don't have to be an adult to make a big difference. Stand for Orphans empowers children to use their resources and abilities to impact the world. Since its start, kids across multiple states have joined in, raising significant funds for vulnerable children. Whether it's a lemonade stand or another creative idea, any child can host a stand. Want to get involved? Visit LifelineChild.org/Stand to learn more and sign up.

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.

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Operation Patriots for Children Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode of the Defender podcast, join us for an inspiring conversation with Scott and Lynne Watson, a devoted couple with a heart for philanthropy and family. Married for over 40 years, they've embarked on incredible cycling adventures, including a 3,400-mile journey across the USA, raising $700,000 for charity. Now, they're gearing up for the BamaRama500, a 500-mile ride benefiting causes, including Lifeline. With Scott's military background, their mission takes on a deeply personal meaning as they support veterans' families pursuing adoption and post-adoption services. Tune in to hear their story of love, dedication, and community, and discover how you can join them in making a meaningful impact.

GUESTS

Scott and Lynne Watson are dedicated followers of Jesus, have been married for over 40 years, are parents of five, and grandparents to nine. Two of their children were adopted from China, and five of their grandchildren were adopted.

In 2022, Scott and Lynne embarked on a remarkable journey, cycling 3,400 miles across the USA with Scott's USNA '83 classmates to raise funds for various causes. Their efforts have raised over $700,000 to date. This year, their team is set to embark on the BamaRama500 —a 500-mile ride from Huntsville to Orange Beach, Alabama, starting on October 4. The ride will benefit several veteran causes, including Lifeline's Operation Patriots for Children. Scott will be participating in the ride, while Lynne will lead the support team.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

OPERATION PATRIOTS FOR CHILDREN

On today’s episode, you will hear from Scott Watson, a U.S. military veteran who continues to make a significant impact in the lives of others. Scott dedicates his life to raising funds for charities through long-distance cycling. This year, he has chosen Lifeline Children’s Services to be his charity partner for his upcoming ride, the BamaRama500 Scott’s goal is to raise $125,000 to support Lifeline’s Operation Patriots for Children, a fund that assists veterans' families in pursuing adoption and post-adoption services.

Visit lifelinechild.org/veteran to make a donation to Scott’s cycling efforts and bring hope to vulnerable children today.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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Biblical Faithfulness and Caring for Vulnerable Children: A Conversation with Jonathan Leeman Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Defender podcast, Herbie Newell and Rick Morton are joined by Jonathan Leeman from 9 Marks to discuss the importance of biblical faithfulness and caring for vulnerable children in the church. Leeman shares his insights on what it means to be a New Testament church, emphasizing the role of Christians in demonstrating justice and righteousness. The conversation covers various topics, including the need for the church to recover a commitment to good works, the significance of pastoral leadership in fostering a caring church culture, and the theological implications of caring for orphans and the needy. Leeman also highlights the example of Spurgeon and the impact of preaching and pastoral prayers in encouraging congregational involvement in ministries for the vulnerable. The episode concludes with an encouragement for pastors to remain true to God's word and faithful in their pastoral calling.

GUEST

Jonathan Leeman is the editorial director for 9Marks. With a background in political science and journalism, he transitioned to ministry, earning a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. in theology. He edits the 9Marks series, the 9Marks Journal, and co-hosts Pastors Talk. Jonathan, an author and interim pastor, lives near Washington, D.C. with his family and serves as an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church. He also teaches at several theological seminaries.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

We're thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity for families considering international adoption. This week, Lifeline is offering a $1,000 scholarship towards any new applications for their international adoption programs! This scholarship will be applied directly to your first agency fee, making it a little easier to start your adoption journey. But hurry, this special offer ends this week!

Don’t let finances stand in the way of building your family. Apply today and take the first step towards a life-changing journey. If you or someone you know is considering adoption, now is the perfect time! Visit our website for more details and apply now.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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Faith, Foster Care, and Filmmaking: A Conversation with Jeremy Carlson Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, recorded last year at the 2023 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, host Rick Morton interviews Jeremy Carlson of WTA Media, exploring his journey in faith-based media and his family's involvement in foster care and adoption. Their connection, rooted in their collaboration on the movie "Lifemark," has evolved into a meaningful friendship. Jeremy shares the emotional and spiritual lessons learned from his parents' dedication to being foster parents, which saw them welcome 13 children over seven and a half years, eventually adopting one of them, Matthew. The conversation underscores the transformative power and the church's crucial role in foster care. Jeremy also discusses his transition from youth ministry to faith-based media, aiming to influence a broader audience through his work.

GUEST

Jeremy Carlson, a seasoned professional at Arrow Marketing, embodies a passionate commitment to faith-driven storytelling, rooted in his personal journey and family's dedication to fostering and adoption. Inspired by his parents' fostering of 13 children and eventual adoption of Matthew, Jeremy's career trajectory reflects a strategic blend of analytical prowess and creative vision, transitioning from youth ministry to a leadership role in faith-based media. His work on projects like "Unsung Hero" and "Lifemark" highlights his ability to craft narratives that resonate emotionally and spiritually, fostering connections and inspiring change.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCE

Dear friends, mark your calendars! Lifeline's Giving Day is fast approaching—a 24-hour period dedicated to raising crucial funds to support more vulnerable children and families. The orphan care crisis never takes a break, so neither can we. Together, we can make a lasting impact and change lives for the better.

But here's the exciting part: you have the chance to double your impact! We're thrilled to announce a generous donor who will match donations up to $100,000, amplifying the reach of your contribution. Join us on Friday, June 21, 2024, and let's work hand in hand to bring hope and transformation to those who need it most. Learn more and pledge your support at LifelineChild.org/donate. Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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From the Heart of a Father Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

In celebration of Father's Day, join us for an episode featuring Chip McKenzie, whose life underscores the profound impact of fatherhood through domestic adoption. Chip's journey has seen him navigate the twists of marriage, career transitions, and the joys of raising five children with his high school sweetheart, Melissa. Their family expanded through domestic adoption, culminating in the recent addition of their youngest, Carson. Chip's story is a testament to the transformative power of parenthood and the enduring love that binds families together, offering poignant insights and heartfelt reflections on faith, community, and the profound joys of fatherhood.

Guest: Chip McKenzie's life is a whirlwind of adventure and fulfillment, encapsulating a decade marked by marriage, career shifts, parenthood, and domestic adoption. He married his high school sweetheart, Melissa, and together they've navigated the joys of raising five children, including twins, and recently welcomed their youngest, Carson, through domestic adoption.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

Make An Impact

On today’s podcast episode, we will hear from a dad whose view of fatherhood was transformed by special needs domestic adoption. Last year, 85 children joined their families through domestic adoption. Partnering with Lifeline enables more families to transform their lives by the adoption journey.

Join us for Giving Day on June 21st (or even now!) to make hope possible for more children and families. Visit lifelinechild.org/giving.

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The Blessing of Adoption: A Conversation with the Hart Family Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, host Rick Morton sets the stage for a heartwarming conversation between Lifeline's Senior Director of International Adoption, Karla Thrasher, and special guests Amy and Jillian Hart. Listeners are invited into the intimate world of the Hart family's adoption journey, where Amy reflects on the decision to pursue international adoption and Jillian shares her experiences growing up as an adoptee from China. From insights into cultural heritage to invaluable advice for prospective adoptive families, this episode encapsulates the transformative power of love and resilience in the adoption journey. Amy and Jillian offer words of encouragement, inspiring families to trust in God's guidance and embrace the blessings of adoption.

GUESTS

Amy Hart is a devoted mother who made the life-changing decision, alongside her husband and children, to pursue international adoption. They have adopted twice from China, bringing home their daughter Jillian and son Joseph. Amy's experiences offer invaluable insights and advice for prospective adoptive families.

Jillian Hart is a Master of Physician Assistant Studies student at Samford University, passionate about an active lifestyle and finding the best iced latte in Birmingham. Profoundly impacted by her adoption through Lifeline Adoption Agency, Jillian shares her heartfelt experiences growing up as an adoptee from China.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

Finances can be one of the largest barriers to moving forward with adoption. That’s why we are grateful for the Hope Adoption Fund, which provides financial help to families.

Because of generous donors, we are offering $1000 scholarships to families applying for a full international adoption program by June 30.

Families can begin the adoption process by visiting lifelinechild.org/begin.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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Adoption, Redemption, Identity: The Story Behind 'Whose Am I? May 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Defender podcast, we share an interview with children's book authors Jackie Darby and Aixa de López, creators of "Whose Am I? /¿De quién soy?" In this heartwarming episode, the authors share insights into their collaborative work, a captivating narrative that delves into adoption, redemption, and the quest for identity in Christ. The book introduces us to Darly, a pre-adolescent girl navigating the complexities of her adoption story, and Jackie, her mentor and friend with a powerful testimony. Jackie's journey from being abandoned in a dump to finding a loving family unfolds, offering a touching exploration of the adoption experience. "Whose Am I?" is a must-read for adoptive or foster children, parents in similar situations, those hoping to adopt, and children seeking to understand the nuances of adoption. Join us for a discussion on this impactful book that provides a platform for difficult yet essential family conversations.

GUESTS

Aixa de López is a graphic designer, writer, and speaker. She is wife of Alex and mother of four children, two of whom came through the miracle of adoption. She is a spokesperson for the Christian Alliance for Orphans in Latin America and a board member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

In 1963, Jackie Darby was a newborn abandoned in the garbage dump of Seoul, Korea, until one day a missionary nurse found her. Today she is a mother of two adult children, and a full-time missionary with her husband of 35 years, Randall. Together they founded the ministry Start with One Global in Guatemala, where they focus on encouraging and training leaders in various ways to generate auto sustainable resources so they’re able to impact their communities with the Gospel.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

We wanted to highlight a new resource for families that helps open up conversation about our identity in Christ. Whose Am I? is a bilingual (Spanish/English) children’s book that shares true life experiences about adoption, redemption, and finding our identity in Christ. Because it is written for children and parents together, this book provides opportunities to discuss difficult topics, such as abandonment and identity.

We believe this book could be an excellent resource for any foster or adoptive families as well as those who would like more insight into helping others find their identity in Christ. Visit our Amazon store at LifelineChild.org/Amazon to purchase a book for yourself or more as gifts.

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Building Legacies: Empowering Older Youth in Foster Care with Sean and Jenny Miller May 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Defender Podcast,we explore Lifeline Children's Services' Heritage Builders program alongside guests Sean and Jenny Miller. The Millers share their inspiring journey with Heritage Builders, shedding light on their personal connection and commitment to serving the foster care community. Through engaging dialogue, we uncover the holistic approach of Heritage Builders, which emphasizes providing both practical life skills and spiritual guidance to older youth in foster care. Sean and Jenny discuss the challenges faced by these individuals as they transition to independence and how the collaborative partnership between Lifeline Children's Services and local churches is integral in supporting older youth in foster care.

GUESTS

Sean and Jenny Miller are US Missionary Chaplains to foster care through the Assemblies of God. They have five amazing children: Jordan, Eli, Arianna, Avianna, and Thomas. As U.S. Missionaries, their mission is to resource and equip local churches to care for foster children, as well as their birth, foster, and adoptive families. They believe the church is the answer to the orphan care crisis in America.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

Older youth in foster care face challenges as they get close to living independently. Without intervention, these youth often leave the foster care system with little or no positive adult support, limited knowledge of basic life skills, and limited resources. These situations often result in high percentages of unplanned pregnancies, school dropouts, becoming victims of child trafficking, abuse of their future children, and chronic homelessness.

Through Heritage Builders, Lifeline equips churches to invest in the lives of these youth, both practically and spiritually. Your church can be part of changing the life trajectory of their lives. Visit LifelineChild.org/Heritage for more information.

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Opening Hearts and Homes: A Journey into Foster Care with Makyna and Matthew Hart May 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode ofThe Defender Podcast, we are joined by foster parents Matthew and Makyna Hart. They share their heartfelt journey of opening their hearts and home to vulnerable children. Against the backdrop of National Foster Care Month, we delve into Lifeline's mission to mobilize the Body of Christ to support foster families, birth families, and state caseworkers. Join us as we uncover the realities, challenges, and triumphs of fostering, while offering encouragement and practical insights for those considering this meaningful calling.

GUESTS

Matthew and Makyna Hart have been together for 13 years, serving in full-time ministry on staff at Movement Church in Madison, AL. Matthew serves as a worship pastor, while Makyna serves as a Family Pastor. They are both bio, adoptive, and foster parents. Over the past year, they have been actively fostering, having already cared for 10 children. Their passion lies in facilitating family reunification and nurturing enduring relationships with the bio families of the children under their care.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

Children enter foster care through no fault of their own and are in need of a safe, stable place to land while their parents work towards reunification. Lifeline’s hope is that the Body of Christ would be the hands and feet of Jesus to children in foster care, their birth families, and other professionals that serve them. We provide holistic, Gospel centered pre- and post-licensure training to foster families to equip you to enter into the mission field of foster care.

Lifeline also offers training for local churches to equip the Body of Christ to care for these children and families. While every person may not be called to foster, everyone can play a significant role in supporting and caring for foster families, birth families, and state caseworkers. Visit LifelineChild.org/Foster-Care for more information about how you and your church can get involved in foster care.

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Mothering with Scarlet Hiltibidal May 08, 2024

Show notes

In this special re-aired episode of The Defender Podcast, we delve into the depths of motherhood with Scarlet Hiltibidal, an international adoptive mom. As we approach Mother's Day and Birth Mother's Day, Scarlet shares her poignant journey of motherhood, offering insights into both its biological and adoptive forms.

GUEST

Scarlet Hiltibidal has three daughters, one brought home through international adoption. She is also an author of several books, including "Afraid of All the Things," "You're the Worst Person in the World," and the "Anxious" bible study, and many other books. She writes regularly for Parent Life magazine, Home Life magazine, and "She Reads Truth." She, her husband, and family live in southern California.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

CO-HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

The ministries carried out through Lifeline are only possible because of partnerships with the Body of Christ. When others give their time, knowledge, and resources, we can continue working together to live out God’s call to care for the vulnerable. Vessels of Hope is our faithful community of monthly donors. We would love for you to join this incredible group that helps provide stable ministry month in and month out.

Visit https://lifelinechild.org/monthly-giving/ to impact lives and spread the gospel around the world.

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