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 Christ

In 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 theologian

Chelsea Sobolik — Child welfare policy expert, Capitol Hill veteran, adult adoptee from Romania, and adoptive mom

Herbie Newell — President & CEO, Lifeline Children's Services (23 years); author and advocate for a whole-life pro-life ethic

In this episode:
How the Church is uniquely called to care for vulnerable children and families

Why James 1:27 is more than a memory verse — it's a mandate

The intersection of adoption theology and public policy

What a "whole-life pro-life" ethic looks like in practice

Trinitarian theology and what it means for how we engage orphan care

Why community and relationship are at the core of this work — and why isolation is the enemy

Whether you're a pastor, adoptive parent, foster parent, social worker, policymaker, or anyone who cares about vulnerable children — pull up a chair.
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes and email podcast@lifelinechild.org with topics you want us to cover.

After eight incredible years, the Defender Podcast is taking a short sabbatical. In this episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the journey so far, share exciting plans for the future, and discuss how the podcast will continue to equip and encourage the body of Christ in orphan care and adoption. Tune in to hear what’s ahead, when to expect new episodes, and how you can stay engaged during the break!

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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.

🎧 Tune in to hear:
✅ Kirti’s personal adoption story and how it shaped her faith
✅ The unseen challenges adoptees often experience
✅ How adoptive families can help children navigate identity and belonging
✅ Practical ways churches and communities can support adoptees
✅ How Mission 143 is making a tangible impact

Guest: Kirti Pickard
Kirti Pickard was born in India and adopted at the age of four, giving her a deep understanding of the profound impact of adoption. She is the host of When I Grow Up, a podcast sharing extraordinary stories of everyday people. Kirti also leads Mission 143, a fundraiser that donates 100% of its proceeds to Lifeline Children’s Services, helping to support vulnerable children and families.

🔗 Follow Kirti:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Host: Dr. Rick Morton
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children’s Services.

Resources & Next Steps:
💙 Support Adoption & Advocacy
At Lifeline Children’s Services, we equip families with gospel-centered training and resources to care for vulnerable children. If you’re considering adoption or looking for ways to support adoptive families, we are here to help.

🔗 Learn more: LifelineChild.org/Adoption

🛍️ Shop & Support:
Mission 143 donates 100% of its proceeds to Lifeline Children’s Services. Every purchase helps support adoption and orphan care.
🔗 Shop Mission 143: Mission143Store.com

📖 About Lifeline Children’s Services:
Our mission is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for children and communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.

📲 Follow Lifeline: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe to The Defender Podcast:
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📖 Join The Defender Bible Study:
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