The Defender Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Hope for the Journey Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

In our latest episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Justin Myers, the Director of Programs at Show Hope discussing the Hope for the Journey Conference. Justin passionately shares insights into this annual event, shedding light on its focus on addressing the unique needs of children, parents, and families navigating adoption and foster care. Discover how churches can actively engage with the Hope for the Journey Conference to provide practical support within and beyond their congregation. Justin explores the training opportunities for adoptive and foster care parents, emphasizing the conference's practicality in serving communities. Learn about the advantages of the fully digital conference with a three-month viewing window, offering flexibility and customization for participants. This episode is your guide to the transformative and empowering world of the Hope for the Journey Conference, available for online viewing from April 5 to June 30, 2024.

GUEST

Justin serves as the Director of Programs at Show Hope. He grew up in Arkansas, but has spent time in China, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Justin has many passions—the local church, international missions, refugees—but is most excited about investing his working hours in others navigating adoption. He and his wife, Bonnie, are the adoptive parents of two kiddos, Hosanna and Asher. Justin has a Masters of Divinity in Missions and a Masters in Business Administration, which he has used in retail, nonprofit, and church settings over the past 10 years. Justin’s favorite part of Nashville life right now is following along with its stellar MLS team, Nashville SC, and welcoming new neighbors from all walks of life.

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

At Lifeline, we know that families walking with children from hard places often need support and encouragement in unique ways. That's why we are excited for our friends at Show Hope to offer a digital conference for your family or church called Hope for the Journey.

Hope for the Journey is designed to provide tools and hope for adoptive and foster care families. The conference will be available for viewing Friday, April 5 through June 30, 2024, so you can choose a convenient time for your family or church to participate. Visit showhope.org to register for this digital conference.

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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Love, Marriage, and Family: A Biblical Perspective for Stronger Homes Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

In this insightful episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton explore the significance of Valentine's Day through the lens of Christian values, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the sanctity of marriage and life. As advocates for God's word, they discuss how embracing love in the Biblically prescribed manner contributes to the strength of marriages and, subsequently, forms a foundation for providing strong, stable homes for children. The conversation extends to the profound impact of these principles on caring for vulnerable children, stressing the role of a godly marriage in demonstrating love and stability. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the broader implications of their relationships, recognizing the responsibility to create a nurturing environment based on God's word, ultimately contributing to a better, more stable world for children and those committed to caring for them.

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

Obedience to God's call to care for those who are vulnerable means that our churches will have members who are walking the paths of foster care or adoption. Is your church equipped to love these families well?

Equipped to Love is a training resource to help the church, as well as family and friends, support the adoptive and foster families in their lives.

Visit our website for more details on how you can learn to understand the needs of these families and love them with practical support.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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Finding Strength in Our Call Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Join Dr. Rick and Kara Clark in this follow-up episode as they expand on the "Coping with Emotional Exhaustion" episode from last year. They delve into the intersection of parenthood, faith, and recognizing our limitations, finding strength in our "call" and faith amidst life's trials. They tackle questions about balancing roles as caregivers, acknowledging dependency on Jesus, and the impact on emotional well-being. The episode also addresses recognizing and accepting limitations without succumbing to guilt, integrating faith into parenting decisions, and the role of community support in caring for those experiencing trauma.

GUEST

Kara Clark, LCSW, serves as the Louisiana Casework Supervisor and as a family therapist in Crowley, Louisiana. Kara holds a BA in Sociology from Howard Payne University, a master's in social work from the University of Texas in Arlington, Texas, and a master's in ministry-Based Evangelism from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. Kara is happily married to her college best friend, Dr. Cullen T. Clark, who serves as the pastor at FBC Crowley and also teaches church history at Howard Payne University. Together, they are blessed with three wonderful children: Elizabeth, William, and Jakob.

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES
As parents walk through days and years of caring for someone who has experienced trauma, they may find themselves feeling like they have nothing left to give. Our Parent Coaching and Counseling teams provide support to parents and families who are walking these difficult paths toward healing. Visit lifelinechild.org/child-and-family-support to learn more about our services and to request an appointment.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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The Landscape of International Adoption in 2024 Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Lifeline's very own Karla Thrasher and Jana Lombardo join the podcast to talk about the landscape of international adoption. Listen in as they reflect on the highlights of Lifeline's international adoption program in 2023, celebrating the impactful stories of waiting children whose lives were touched by Lifeline's ministry. Karla and Jana share the evolving landscape of international adoption as we enter 2024, delving into changes over the past five to six years and addressing factors contributing to the overall decline in adoption numbers worldwide. Looking forward, they discuss what's on the horizon for Lifeline in 2024, as well as provide valuable advice for families considering international adoption and offers insights for those who feel a calling to care for waiting children without adopting. The episode concludes with a focus on the power of prayer, inviting listeners to join in praying for the success and impact of Lifeline's international adoption ministry.

GUESTS

Karla Thrasher has served as Lifeline's Director of International Adoption since 2001. As a TBRI® Practitioner certified by the TCU Karen Purvis Institute, she manages daily operations, provides leadership, and coordinates with other departments to enhance services for waiting children and families. Karla's role includes government compliance, customer service, and quality assurance. She finds great honor in sharing the gospel through adoption. Karla is a graduate of the University of Alabama Birmingham and a licensed social worker. Karla is supported by her husband Jamie and three adult children. They are her biggest cheerleaders in her ministry at Lifeline.

Jana Lombardo serves as the Senior Program Director at Lifeline Children’s Services. A graduate of Aubree University, she oversees international adoption programs and provides leadership and coaching to her team. Jana's journey at Lifeline began in domestic adoption, birth mother counseling, and foster care. From 2002 to 2019, she served as the Eurasia Program Director, developing and managing international adoption programs for various countries. In addition to her current role, Jana is a certified TBRI practitioner, teaching subjects such as attachment styles and caregiving. She has shared her teaching skills domestically and internationally. Jana and her husband Luke have two sons.

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

For those embarking on the adoption journey in the new year, today marks the final opportunity to avail the $1,000 Hope Adoption Fund scholarship for families applying for international adoption. To initiate the adoption process and apply for the scholarship, please visit lifelinechild.org/begin-your-adoption-journey-today or check our show notes for the direct link.

In addition, we have crafted an informative eBook to assist families in financial preparation for this significant journey. Packed with tips, resources, contact information for grant organizations, and more, this eBook is available for free. To access your copy, visit lifelinechild.org/international-adoption/ for more information.

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Overcoming Winter Blues Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode we are joined by Lynn Becket, a seasoned professional with a background in social work and extensive experience in foster care and adoption. Listen as Lynn and Dr. Rick explore the phenomenon of the "winter blues," unraveling its impact during colder, darker months. Lynn sheds light on how these seasonal changes specifically affect children from challenging backgrounds and offers practical strategies for parents to equip their children in navigating and overcoming these feelings. The episode also provides valuable advice on combating winter blues, offering proactive steps and coping mechanisms for both parents and children. Discover engaging activities for families to make the most of their time during the winter months, fostering connection and creating memorable moments.

GUEST

Lynn, a compassionate and dedicated professional, holds a degree in social work from the University of Georgia. With a rich background in foster care and adoption in both Georgia and Virginia, Lynn's journey led her to Lifeline in 1989, where she currently serves as the Manager of Parent Coaching Services. In 2016, she earned the title of TBRI® Practitioner, and in 2021, Lynn became a certified Parent Coach with Connected Families.

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES
As Lifeline walks with families through hard days from the winter blues to significant trauma, our counseling staff is trained, equipped, and ready to empower families for healthy thriving. Parent Coaching takes a relationship-focused approach to helping parents develop tools and techniques to parent more effectively. Our Counseling Team provides child, teen, or adult marriage and family therapy in a variety of approaches to support individuals and families, specializing in attachment, trauma, and other similar areas like anxiety and depression. Visit our website to learn more about our services and to request an appointment.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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Journey of Healing: A Pregnancy Counselor's Path Through Abortion Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode of the Defender podcast, Dr. Rick Morton engages in a deeply moving conversation with Alexis Morris, a pregnancy counselor at Lifeline Children's Services. Alexis shares her personal journey through abortion, highlighting how her faith in Christ became a source of redemption and healing. This episode offers a beacon of hope and understanding, emphasizing the options and support available for women who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy.

GUEST

Alexis Morris is a pregnancy counselor at Lifeline Children's Services, bringing her expertise and compassion to support individuals facing unexpected pregnancy. Holding a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of South Alabama, she combines her seasoned professionalism with a strong commitment to the principles outlined in Philippians 2:3-4. Alexis is driven by a desire to harmonize family, career, and her passion for helping others discover order and purpose in their lives.

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES
Because we believe in the sanctity of human life, we believe in caring for and showing dignity to women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy. We want them to know their worth in Christ and to hear the hope of the gospel. With this goal, we have developed Worthy, a church mentorship program that connects local churches with women who have experienced unexpected pregnancy. Worthy church partners offer loving support through one-on-one mentoring relationships that are guided by a 10-week, biblical study. Find more information at lifelinechild.org/worthy.

Are you pregnancy and considering adoption? Lifeline pregnancy counseling offers free, confidential, and no-pressure services to help YOU decide if adoption is right for you and your baby. Click here to connect with our staff.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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Chelsea Sobolik Update and New Book Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

In 2023 Chelsea Sobolik shared of her family's adoption journey. Now home from India, she joins today sharing the exciting changes that have happened since last year. Also, in the midst of this, she published a new book, "Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work". Listen along as we sit down with a colleague and sister in Christ to hear these updates and more.

GUEST
Chelsea Patterson Sobolik serves as Director of Government Relations at World Relief, a global Christian humanitarian organization and the largest Evangelical refugee resettlement in the U.S. She is also the former Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at Lifeline Children's Services. She has worked on Capitol Hill on pro-life policies, domestic and international religious freedom, adoption, and foster care issues. Chelsea has been published at the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, and others. She is the author of Longing for Motherhood – Holding onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness, and Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work. She has a B.A. in International Relations from Liberty University, and lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband Michael. She and Michael became parents through international adoption, welcoming home their son this past year.

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

Lifeline wants to help remove barriers so that families can say yes to God’s call to adoption. Finances can be one of the largest barriers, but we are grateful for the Hope Adoption Fund, which provides financial help to families. Because of generous donors, we are able to offer an extension on $1,000 scholarships to families applying for international adoption by January 31st. Families can begin the adoption process and apply for the scholarship by visiting our website.

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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Best of 2023: Chelsea Sobolik and Adoption's Impact on her Life Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

For the first episode of 2024, we are taking a look back at one of our most-listened to episodes of 2023. Chelsea Patterson Sobolik joins the podcast today to talk about how adoption has deeply impacted her life. She shares about her personal adoption story, her and husband's pursuit of adopting a child internationally, and her book "Longing for Motherhood: Holding Onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness."

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

This year’s Sanctity of Human Life is January 21st. As abortion laws are changing across the nation, we must continue to stand for the lives of women and children with conviction and compassion.

Your church can use this day for focused prayer and discussion about the need to stand for all human life. Visit our website to find free resources for your church, including practical ways to care for life.

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Best of 2023: The Power of Play Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

As we approach the end of 2023, we are sharing one the most popular episodes this year. Ann Maura Hinton, Program Director of Bridge Educational Services at Lifeline, joins the podcast to talk about the power of play in kids' lives and how it affects their ability to learn and grow.

GUEST
Ann Maura is the Program Director of Bridge Educational Services at Lifeline. She loves to learn and is constantly looking to build a bridge from frustration to hope alongside families in need. She brings with her over 25 years of teaching experience in a variety of different settings with a variety of different abilities.

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES
When your children from hard places struggle to reach their potential in learning, it can be really difficult. But we’re here to support you as you help them learn in public, private, or homeschooling settings.

Bridge Educational Services is ready to help children in public, private, and home school environments to maximize their God-given potential. Bridge Educational Services provides support to families with tools and techniques to equip, empower, and shepherd children academically, relationally, and emotionally. This is achieved through educational screenings, one-on-one educational therapy, and educational consulting. We strive to come alongside families so children get the best education possible.

GET INVOLVED

In January, churches across our nation will come together for prayer, focus, observance, and discussion to highlight the need to stand for all human life. Join us on January 21 or on another Sunday that works for your church.

Lifeline has created free resources and to help your church stand for life. We can also provide a free speaker or table hosting for your day.

Click here to download free resources or to request a speaker for your church or small group.

And remember that you still have a few more days to donate to Lifeline and receive a tax deduction for 2023. Thanks to the generosity of a donor, your gift today will be doubled!

LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES

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The Gift of Advent Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Today on the podcast, we have a special holiday episode! Herbie and Dr. Rick reflect on the goodness and grace bestowed upon us by the Lord throughout the year. Christmas isn't just a celebration; it's a time for deep gratitude. Hear of the Lord's hand at work through His people, caring for orphans and vulnerable children. It's a testament to the true spirit of Christmas.

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

CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

RESOURCES

As believers, we know the hope of Christmas gives us hope for our lives, no matter what each day holds. Even in a world full of pain and suffering, we know that the God of the universe humbled Himself to be born as a baby to take our pain and pay the price for our sin.

Now, as image bearers of God, we live with the hope of Christmas, and we live out gospel-centered justice to defend life, bring restoration, and seek redemption for all that sin has broken.

We invite you to live out the gospel through the ministry of Lifeline and change lives around the world by partnering with us. https://lifelinechild.org/change-one-life

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