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The Defender Podcast is a ministry of Lifeline Children's Services where we seek to equip the body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children and families. We hope this podcast will provide encouragement, inspiration, and ways to connect with others who have a heart for the orphan.
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The Defender Bible Study is a weekly study of God’s Word as we seek to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to orphans and vulnerable children. This podcast is a ministry of Lifeline Children's Services.
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More than 40,000 children and youth experience homelessness in Pennsylvania, posing a significant barrier to succeed in school. In partnership with Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH), join Center for Schools and Communities staff Melissa Turnpaugh and Matthew Butensky as they interview state and national experts, homeless liaisons, service providers, and those experiencing homelessness. These conversations will dive deeper into resources, partners ...
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In this special episode of The Defender Podcast, host Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton are joined by Pastor Chris Johnson, Lifeline’s Senior Director of Church Partnerships and External Advocacy. Pastor Chris shares the inspiring story behind Orphan Sunday, a movement that started in Zambia and has become a global call for the church to care for o…
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In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Rick Morton, Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children’s Services, leads a deep dive into John 3:1-21. This well-known passage captures Jesus’ profound conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, about the essential need to be "born again." Rick explores the timeless truth of John 3:16, explaining h…
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In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Dr. Rick Morton and Angela Mains, Lifeline's Director of Clinical Services, dive into the complex issue of bullying. With the school year underway, families are facing challenges as their children navigate difficult social interactions. Angela and Rick clarify what truly constitutes bullying, distinguishing …
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In this week's Defender Bible Study, Chris Johnson, Senior Director of Church Partnerships and External Advocacy, continues our journey through the Gospel of John, focusing on John 2:13-25. Chris unpacks Jesus' cleansing of the temple during Passover, highlighting His concern for holiness and His claim of divine authority as the Son of God. Through…
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In this heartfelt episode of The Defender Podcast, host Dr. Rick Morton sits down with his longtime friend, Dr. Casey Williams, pastor of North Trenholm Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Together, they recount Casey’s incredible adoption journey, from initial financial concerns to stepping out in faith for international adoption. Casey sh…
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In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell leads us through John 2:1-12, where Jesus performs His first public miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This miracle reveals the compassionate heart of Christ and His divine authority over creation. Herbie emphasizes how Christ cares for even the smallest, most ordinary…
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In today's episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss a devastating announcement from the People's Republic of China regarding the suspension of intercountry adoptions. Together, they explore the profound impact this news has on hundreds of waiting chi…
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In this episode of The Defender Bible Study, Blake Wilson, Lifeline’s Vice President of Operations, delves into John 1:35-51, where we explore the calling of the first disciples. Blake reflects on how Jesus’ open invitation to “come and see” invites us into a deep, abiding relationship with Him. As we examine the journey of Andrew, Peter, Philip, a…
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As the new school year begins, many parents feel overwhelmed by changes and new routines. In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Lynne Jackson, co-founder of Connected Families and a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience. Lynne shares how the Connected Families Framework can help parents navigate th…
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In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Rick Morton continues our journey through the Gospel of John, focusing on John 1:19-28 and the testimony of John the Baptist. As we explore John’s identity and his role in proclaiming the coming Messiah, Rick delves into the expectations the people of Israel had for a king and the significance of Jesus' …
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In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Sandra Flach, a devoted mom of eight, including five adopted children—one through kinship and four internationally. With over 30 years of parenting experience, Sandra shares her journey of raising children with trauma histories, particularly her two youngest who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorde…
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In this special Labor Day edition of the Defender Bible Study, Rick Morton steps outside the usual format to explore the biblical view of work and its significance in the life of a believer. As we celebrate Labor Day, Rick reminds us that work is not just a means to an end, but a divine calling ordained by God. Join us as we delve into how we can w…
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Join us on this episode of The Defender Podcast as we dive into Lifeline Children Services' annual event, the R(un) for One. Host Rick Morton is joined by special guests Heather Olivett and Donte' Hardy from The Ōnin Group, a longtime partner in this impactful event. They share the story behind Onin’s involvement and commitment to raising awareness…
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Episode 16 - Introducing The Bridge Project in PA: Online Mental Health Services for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
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In partnership with Move Forward Counseling and eLuma, The Bridge Project in PA facilitates FREE access to mental health services for PA children and youth experiencing homelessness. Learn the benefits of teletherapy; how schools, students, and families access services; how the program is addressing technological challenges; and the impact of menta…
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In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Herbie Newell introduces a new study series on the Gospel of John, exploring the first 18 verses of John chapter 1. 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 …
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In this episode of the Defender Podcast, Rick Morton sits down with Rick Young, Family Pastor, and Matt Lawson, Executive Pastor, from First Baptist Church Woodstock, at the Lifeline booth during SBC 2024. They discuss the church's deep commitment to orphan care and ministry to vulnerable families, rooted in a theological conviction centered on the…
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Chris Johnson, Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy, leads the discussion and conclusion of our study through 2 Corinthians covering 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:14. 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 vu…
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In this episode of The Defender Podcast, hosts Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton provide a mid-year update on Lifeline Children's Services' ministry efforts in 2024, celebrating the impact and stories behind the statistics. They discuss nearly 100 children finding forever families through adoption and the ongoing need for more missional families, e…
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Rick Morton, Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 12:1-19. 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 …
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In this episode of the Defender Podcast, host Dr. Rick Morton discuss back-to-school challenges and the importance of education with guests Ann Maura Hinton, Director of Bridge Educational Services, and her husband, Robbie Hinton, from Cary Christian School in North Carolina. They emphasize the significance of a holistic approach to education that …
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Blake Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 11:16-33. 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 t…
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In this episode, Dr. Rick Morton interviews Dr. David Dockery at the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Dockery, a member of Lifeline’s pastoral advisory board, shares his appreciation for Lifeline Children’s Services and their mission to support vulnerable children and families. Dr. Dockery highlights his involvement with the International Alliance …
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Chris Johnson, Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 11:1-15. 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 tran…
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Can a community rally together to keep families united during their toughest times? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Matt Wagner from Family Promise as we explore the often misunderstood realities of homelessness and how their community partnerships take a holistic approach to providing services. Discover their collaborative efforts with l…
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Herbie Newell, Executive Director & President at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 9:6-10:18. 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 a…
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In this episode of the Defender Podcast, hosts Rick Morton and Herbie Newell engage in a heartfelt discussion with Pastor Greg Matte of Houston’s First Baptist Church about the church’s adoption and foster care ministry. Pastor Matte shares his journey from being vocal about anti-abortion stances to actively supporting adoption as a proactive measu…
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Blake Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5. 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 t…
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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 discuss…
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Rick Morton, Sr. VP of Engagement at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 8: 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 dis…
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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 f…
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Chris Johnson, Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy, leads the discussion of 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16 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 b…
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Walter Harris and Emma Grimm join us to shed light on their poignant journeys through homelessness. Through bouts with the juvenile justice system, foster care, and relentless searches for stable housing, their stories are powerful testimonies of how these experiences fueled their passion for youth homelessness advocacy, restorative justice and men…
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Biblical Faithfulness and Caring for Vulnerable Children: A Conversation with Jonathan Leeman
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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 a…
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Herbie Newell, Executive Director & President at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. 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 …
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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…
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Blake Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 2:5-17. 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 …
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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 thr…
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Jeremy Simpson, Global Orphan Care Director, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 4. 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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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 pur…
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Nate Bruns, Kansas & Missouri State Director, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 3. 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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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 Chr…
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Maryama's story is one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Born and raised in Niger, she embarked on a journey to America with her family at the age of 15 to join her father. However, life took an unexpected turn when she found herself homeless at 18 years old, during her senior year at Central Dauphin East High School. Despit…
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Chris Johnson, Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy, explores the significance of Memorial Day in this special Defender Bible study podcast episode. 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 ch…
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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 t…
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Blake Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 2:5-17. 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 …
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In this episode of The 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, …
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Herbie Newell, Executive Director & President at Lifeline, leads a discussion on 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4. 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 an…
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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 th…
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Chris Johnson, Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy, leads the introduction of 2 Corinthians and a discussion on 2 Corinthians 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 the…
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In this episode of the Defender podcast, we honor Birth Mother's Day. Dr. Rick Morton welcome listeners into a special conversation featuring one of Lifeline's Pregnancy Counselors, Lauren Eddie, along with two remarkable birth mothers. Together, they discuss the significance of Birth Mother's Day, sharing personal insights, emotions, and reflectio…
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