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Is international adoption still a viable path for Christian families? In Episode 2 of the Defender Podcast, host Ken Norwood sits down with Herbie Newell (President & Executive Director, Lifeline Children's Services), Carla Thrasher (VP of International Programs), and Ford Reasons to unpack the real story behind international adoption — the challenges, the changes, the calling, and the hope.

They discuss how Lifeline views adoption through the lens of the gospel, why a "defender posture" matters for vulnerable children, how international adoption has shifted over 25 years, and what keeps families from taking the first step. Plus, Carla shares details on Lifeline's HOPE Adoption Scholarship — $2,500 off your first agency fee for qualifying families.

Whether you're curious, called, or just starting to pray about it, this episode will equip and encourage you.

CHAPTERS

0:00 — Welcome and introductions 0:45 — Why international adoption matters to Lifeline 2:37 — What it means to have a "defender posture" 4:52 — What sets Lifeline apart in international adoption 7:13 — Post-adoption care and support 9:31 — Overcoming the two biggest barriers: finances and the unknown 11:55 — How international adoption has changed over 25 years 14:11 — A word to younger families considering adoption 16:37 — Walking with families through the process 18:49 — The HOPE Adoption Scholarship and how to apply

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Fill out an interest form: https://www.lifelinechild.org HOPE Adoption Scholarship — $2,500 off your first agency fee (limited to 10 families, applications open through May) Already on the journey? Consider giving to the HOPE Scholarship so others can follow.

CONNECT WITH LIFELINE

Website: https://www.lifelinechild.org Instagram: @lifelinechildren Facebook: Lifeline Children's Services

Subscribe, like, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Defender Podcast. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who might be curious about international adoption.

The Defender Podcast is officially rebooted. Hosted by Rob Ingram, Ken Norwood, Herbie Newell, and Ford Reasons, we're back with a simple mission: give you practical, gospel-rooted tools to defend the fatherless in about 10 minutes a week.

In Episode 1, we introduce the new crew, unpack the biblical vision behind this podcast rooted in Isaiah 1:17, and give you a first look at Lifeline's biggest initiative of the year, the 19 in 19 road trip, 19 states in 19 days starting June 8th.

Whether you're a pastor, a donor, a foster or adoptive parent, or just someone who wants to do something for vulnerable children, this podcast is for you.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. New episodes every Wednesday.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome and Meet the Hosts 02:27 What to Expect from the Defender Podcast 04:00 Who Is This Podcast For? 04:45 The Biblical Vision: Isaiah 1:17 and Defending the Fatherless 06:50 Lifeline's 19-State Ministry Presence 08:45 Introducing the 19 in 19 Road Trip 11:00 PRC Partnerships and the Giving Day Campaign 13:09 Pulling Back the Curtain on Lifeline 15:35 Ford Recites All 19 States (and the Final Challenge

In this episode of The Table, Rick Morton is joined by Chelsea Sobolik and Emily Richards to discuss the nuanced and often messy realities of child welfare, foster care, reunification, and community engagement. They explore how relational poverty and community connections impact vulnerable children and families, emphasizing the importance of humility, creativity, and long-term thinking for the church and advocates.

Key topics covered:

The emotional and trauma-related complexities of reunification after foster care

The gap in formalizing respite care and kinship connections at the systemic level

The importance of community involvement and church engagement in supporting child welfare

How relational poverty contributes to family instability and the power of positive community bonds

The role of faith and the church in fostering relational healing and providing long-term support

Practical ways to mobilize local communities, including micro-nurturing hope and forming intervention networks

The danger of systems and policies that focus only on immediate needs versus long-term relationship building

The significance of long-term, ongoing relationships and the power of small, consistent acts of kindness

The ongoing tension between hope in the gospel and the brokenness of the human systems in place

Encouragement for believers to embrace hard, relational work as part of living out their faith

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: The importance of community and relational solutions in child welfare

02:21 - Challenges around formal respite care and systemic gaps

04:50 - The messiness of reunification and attachment trauma

09:02 - The power of positive interactions and community connections

15:00 - The church's role in fostering relational flourishing

20:00 - Long-term perspective in foster care and the importance of community over projects

25:00 - Handling trauma post-adoption and systemic barriers

33:00 - The significance of long obedience and faithfulness in the work of child welfare

38:00 - The church as the long-term community sustaining vulnerable families

43:00 - The importance of honesty about the brokenness and reliance on God's grace

48:00 - Inviting action: How everyday believers can make a difference
Resources & Links:

This episode challenges believers and child welfare advocates alike to consider how they can leverage relational work, systemic humility, and faithfulness to transform broken systems and seed long-lasting hope in their communities.

Most conversations about transracial and transcultural adoption miss one vital piece: the heart of every child is made in God's image—and that's where the true starting point lies. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about whether to adopt across cultures or felt overwhelmed by the complexity of identity and ethnicity, this episode is for you.

Join host Rick Morton as he tackles the difficult, often polarizing issues surrounding international adoption, family support, family dynamics, blending personal stories, biblical truth, and expert insights. Chelsea Sobolik shares her journey growing up being adopted internationally, adopting from India herself, and her commitment to seeing every child’s worth through God's eyes. Herbie Newell reflects on the importance of loving children well amid the brokenness of our world, emphasizing that love does not mean acceptance at the expense of truth, but rather a willingness to grow, learn, and serve with humility.

You'll discover practical wisdom on preparing your heart and home for trans cultural adoption, the danger of elevating cultural differences above biblical unity, and how to foster a love that respects every child's dignity. We break down the importance of understanding trauma-informed care, embracing diversity as a reflection of God's creative intent, and creating a safe, loving environment where children can thrive—including those who will never be adopted but are deeply loved by the Father.

This episode matters because overlooking the complexity risks parenting out of fear or cultural distortion, rather than biblical truth. The opportunity is vast—families can reflect Christ’s love more fully when they approach adoption with humility, wisdom, and gospel-centered love. For Christian parents, mentors, or anyone caring for children, this conversation is an essential guide to navigating the tensions without losing sight of God's sovereignty and grace.

Whether you’re considering adoption or simply want to better love children from every tribe and tongue, this episode offers encouragement, challenge, and hope. Pull up a seat at the table—you’ll leave with your heart and mind better equipped to love like Jesus.

[00:00:07] - Welcome & Introduction to Transcultural Adoption
[00:01:45] - Chelsea's Story: Adopted from Romania, Now Adopting from India
[00:04:10] - International Adoption at an All-Time Low: What Changed
[00:06:30] - Every Child Made in God's Image: The Biblical Starting Point
[00:09:15] - Have Christians Elevated Race & Culture Too Much?
[00:12:00] - The Pendulum Has Swung Too Far: Finding the Truth in the Middle
[00:14:30] - Trauma-Informed Care: What Parents Didn't Have 30 Years Ago
[00:17:45] - Raising Transcultural Kids: Be Approachable, Not Just Available
[00:21:00] - Love Does Not Equal Acceptance: Parenting Through Hard Conversations
[00:25:30] - Chelsea: Being a Christian Supersedes Every Other Part of My Story
[00:30:15] - Rick's Daughter & the Moon Landing: A Transcultural Moment
[00:33:45] - Parenting With the Holy Spirit: Praying for Wisdom Daily
[00:36:00] - Herby's Challenge: Prepare, Stay Humble, Keep Learning

We're glad you are joining our discussion on the hidden complexities of kinship care and discover how faith, community, and wisdom can transform the way we care for children through the foster care system. We're exploring critical aspects family support in complex situations involving kinship care including the pressures on CPS, the need for equipping kinship caregivers to care for kids from hard places.

As child welfare systems evolve, so do the tensions between maintaining biological bonds and seeking the best for the child's safety and well-being. Herbie Newell, Chelsea Sobolik, and Rick Morton delve into the realities of kinship care—uncovering the heartbreaking stories of children caught in systemic challenges, while emphasizing the importance of preparation, humility, and the church’s role in restoring hope. You'll discover how courts are rethinking placement priorities, the importance of culturally sensitive parenting, and how community and faith-based solutions can fill critical gaps.

We break down practical ways to support kinship families—from resource provision to advocating for policies that prioritize the child’s best interest. You'll gain insight into the moral and biblical foundations that compel us to see every child as made in God's image and to foster a church that advocates and cares across cultural and racial lines. This episode reveals why common sense, prayer, and active compassion are the most powerful tools in transforming child welfare from the inside out.

Whether you're a foster parent, church leader, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this conversation challenges you to examine your role in transforming a broken system into a network of love, support, and justice. If you believe every child deserves a safe, loving family—and that the Church has a vital part to play—then this episode is a must-listen.

Join us around the table as we explore the intersections of faith, policy, and compassion in fostering resilient, healthy families. Because caring for vulnerable children isn’t just a system—it’s a calling.

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Kinship Care
02:09 - How Faith Shapes Our View of Family & Child Welfare
03:30 - Defining Family: Truth, Flourishing, and Broken Systems
05:08 - Why One-Size-Fits-All Policy Fails Vulnerable Children
08:29 - The Preparation Gap in Kinship vs. Foster Care
09:32 - How the Church Can Resource Kinship Families
10:40 - Real Story: When Kinship Care Goes Wrong
14:18 - Policy Perspective: Best Interest of the Child
16:30 - HHS "A Home for Every Child" Initiative Explained
19:29 - Why the Church Reaches Where Government Cannot
21:42 - NY Appeals Court Case: Kinship Placement Rights
24:46 - Foster Care vs. Kinship: A False Either/Or Choice
27:51 - Closing Takeaway: Prayer as the First Response
30:21 - 3 Practical Ways to Advocate for Kids in Care
32:47 - Final Challenge: Open Your Eyes to Families Around You

Welcome back to The Table! In this second episode, Rick Morton gathers with Emily Richards and Herbie Newell to continue our vital discussions on child welfare. We explore various aspects of the child protection system and the critical role of family support in these complex situations. Join us as we dive deeper into the world of foster care and adoption.

In this episode, the group discusses the complexities of the child welfare system, the role of faith-based organizations, and the importance of community engagement. They explore the challenges faced by vulnerable children and families, the need for hope and transformation, and the church's responsibility to advocate for change. The conversation also touches on the legacy of Ben Sasse and the call to live purposefully in a chaotic world.

Takeaways:

The child welfare system faces significant challenges that require community engagement.

Microdosing hope can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable families.

The church has a vital role in advocating for children and families in need.

Navigating the tension between children's rights and parental rights is crucial.

Engaging with policy can help shape a better future for child welfare.

Ben Sasse's legacy serves as a reminder to live purposefully and engage in public life.

Every interaction with a vulnerable child is an opportunity for transformation.

The church must not retreat in the face of societal challenges.

Finding community and support is essential in the work of child welfare.

Living with intention and purpose is vital in today's chaotic culture.

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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