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 nurtures both the mind and soul, aligning with a biblical worldview. Robbie highlights the role of Christian education in shaping children's character...
Aug 07, 2024•42 min
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 for Christian Education (IACE), which aims to unify and strengthen Christian education from pre-K to PhD levels. The conversation touches on the need ...
Jul 31, 2024•34 min
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 measure. He recounts the pivotal moment when his church raised substantial funds to support adoptive families, which led to the creation of a holistic mini...
Jul 17, 2024•30 min
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 servic...
Jul 10, 2024•36 min
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 ...
Jul 03, 2024•25 min
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...
Jun 26, 2024•30 min
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,...
Jun 19, 2024•30 min
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 paren...
Jun 12, 2024•33 min
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 ...
Jun 05, 2024•31 min
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 ...
May 29, 2024•51 min
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....
May 22, 2024•39 min
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, and state caseworkers. Join us as we uncover the realities, challenges, and triumphs of fostering, while offering encouragement and practical insight...
May 15, 2024•51 min
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 ...
May 08, 2024•33 min
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 reflections on the courageous decision these two women made to choose adoption. Join us as we celebrate their love, strength, and the profound impact of their ...
May 01, 2024•40 min
In this episode of "The Defender Podcast," we explore the synergy of therapeutic integration. Lifeline's very own, Angela Mains, talks with host Dr. Rick Morton to uncover how blending modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing fosters holistic healing. Join us as we navigate the pathways to wellness, revealing the transformative power of integrated therapeutic approaches. GUEST Angela Mains, MA, LPC-S, TBRI® Practitioner, Registered Play Therapist, joine...
Apr 22, 2024•39 min
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, hosts Herbie Newell and Rick Morton engage in a discussion on Child Abuse Prevention with guest Julie Lowe, a highly experienced author, speaker, and counselor. With over two decades of expertise in counseling and advocacy for vulnerable children, Julie offers invaluable insights into the nuanced understanding of child abuse, highlighting lesser-known forms that often evade detection. As April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, the conversation pivots to...
Apr 17, 2024•39 min
In this episode, host Rick Morton is joined by Ann Maura Hinton to delve into the transformative power of Camp Empower, Lifeline's trauma-informed day camp designed to serve children with academic, relational, and emotional differences. With Camp Empower's focus on equipping children with social, emotional, and cognitive development skills, Ann Maura shares insights into its evolution and impact over the past six years. Through heartfelt anecdotes and testimonials, they illuminate the profound c...
Apr 10, 2024•30 min
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, host Rick Morton delves into the transformative power of play in parenting with guest, Ann Maura Hinton. They explore how playful engagement with children not only fosters joy and connection but also aids in cognitive development and emotional well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and scientific insights, they discuss the importance of mirroring and adapting to children's preferred modes of play, even when it diverges from our own inclinations. Th...
Apr 03, 2024•47 min
In this special Easter episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of Holy Week amidst their own family traditions and memories. Through these anecdotes, they underscore the central message of Easter—the sacrificial love of Christ and the hope it brings. Amidst laughter and cherished memories, they emphasize the daily importance of remembering the gospel and its transformative power in their lives and the lives of those around them. Join them as...
Mar 27, 2024•37 min
Join hosts Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton in this special episode of The Defender Podcast as they express gratitude to the unsung heroes of Lifeline Children's Services during Social Work Appreciation Month. Featuring inspiring conversations with Jessica Cumbers, a dedicated caseworker on the South Carolina team, and McKenzie Bussman, an International Social Worker on the Asia team, the episode delves into their journeys, motivations, and the impactful stories that fuel their passion for maki...
Mar 20, 2024•31 min
The latest episode of the Defender podcast delves into the celebration of International Women's Day by highlighting the work of Global Orphan Care Partner in Pakistan. The episode sheds light on Christina and her husband Hanoch's incredible journey, where they answered God's call to serve in Pakistan and set up a comprehensive ministry that caters to the needs of the vulnerable in the country. GUEST Christina, alongside her husband Hanoch, answered God's call to serve in Pakistan, transitioning ...
Mar 13, 2024•31 min
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, join us in an inspiring conversation with Beau Sides, the founder and president of Global Partners In Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting orphans, widows, and individuals with special needs globally. Beau shares his personal journey and the inception of Global Partners In Life, emphasizing the profound impact these experiences have had on his life. As the author of "Lessons from China" and "Unseen Tears," Beau provides unique insights i...
Mar 06, 2024•31 min
In today's episode of The Defender podcast, we sit down with Rev. Zach Coffin, whose incredible journey began with a miraculous encounter with God at the age of 5 when faced with a fatal kidney disease. Zach, alongside his wife Becca and their two daughters, embraced a full-time RV lifestyle in 2022, responding to a clear whisper from the Lord. As a former kids and youth pastor, Zach brings a unique perspective to the table as we delve into the challenging topic of "Gender & Sexuality". List...
Feb 28, 2024•53 min
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. J...
Feb 21, 2024•34 min
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 th...
Feb 14, 2024•50 min
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 succ...
Feb 07, 2024•46 min
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 f...
Jan 31, 2024•37 min
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 feelin...
Jan 24, 2024•36 min
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 pregnan...
Jan 16, 2024•35 min
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 humanitaria...
Jan 10, 2024•40 min
