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 the back-to-school transition more effectively. We explore common challenges parents may face, such as academic stress and social anxieties, and discuss trauma-sensitive approaches for families with children who have experienced trauma or have insecure attachments. Lynne also offers practical advice for being more intentional in parenting and explains how parent coaching can assist families in managing the complexities of the school year.

GUEST

Lynne Jackson​ has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God’s grace in the midst of family life.

HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

Parent Coaching

Are you facing parenting challenges and looking for effective strategies to create positive change?

Lifeline’s Parent Coaching program offers personalized, relationship-focused guidance for any family, whether you're an adoptive, foster, or biological parent. Our sessions, based on Trust-Based Relational Intervention and the Connected Families framework, provide proven tools to help strengthen your connection with your child. Sessions are 45 to 60 minutes long and can be conducted via telehealth. To learn more and schedule your first session today visit our LifelineChild.org/coaching.

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 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 Disorder (FASD). As the co-founder of Justice For Orphans and host of the Adoption & Foster Care Journey podcast, Sandra offers valuable insights into the challenges of FASD, the importance of awareness, and practical strategies for parents and caregivers. Tune in to hear Sandra's story of faith, resilience, and her mission to support vulnerable children and families.

GUEST
Sandra Flach is a mom of eight, with five adopted children—one through kinship and four internationally. With over 30 years of parenting experience, she understands the challenges of raising children with trauma histories, especially her two youngest who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

In 2011, Sandra co-founded Justice For Orphans, a nonprofit ministry supporting orphans and foster children. She hosts the Adoption & Foster Care Journey podcast, offering encouragement and insights to foster and adoptive parents.

Her book, Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father, shares her family's story and her spiritual journey as an adoptive parent. Sandra lives in upstate New York with her husband, Wayne, where they continue to parent their teenage sons and enjoy time with their grandchildren.

HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

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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The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

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 and support for global orphan care. Whether you're running in Birmingham or joining virtually from anywhere in the world, the R(un) for One is an opportunity to unite and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Learn more about how you can participate, the spirit of the event, and the powerful community partnerships that make it all possible.

GUESTS

Heather Olivet is a devoted wife and mother to five amazing children, ranging in age from 16 to 27, and a proud mother-in-law to one wonderful daughter-in-law. She serves as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and a partner at The Ōnin Group, which she considers the best company in Alabama. In her free time, Heather is an avid traveler, often exploring the world and following her favorite band on tour.

Donte’ Hardy is a man of faith, a proud husband, and a father. He balances multiple roles in life, including being a mentor, business owner, and serving Ōninites and their families as the Manager of Total Rewards at The Ōnin Group. A passionate sports fan, Donte' supports Alabama’s Crimson Tide, Dallas Cowboys and Troy Trojans. He has been married for almost eight years to his wife Erika, a fellow former collegiate athlete, coach, and educator. Together, they have a vibrant 6-year-old daughter, Brooklynn. Through life's ups and downs, Donte' remains committed to growth and learning, always seeking to inspire others while embracing new ways to thrive and lead.

HOST

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.

R(UN) FOR ONE

Join us on Saturday, September 7th for the R(un) for One 5K, whether you're in Birmingham or anywhere else. By participating, you'll be supporting vulnerable children around the world, ensuring they receive the love, care, and education they deserve through Lifeline's (un)adopted® ministry.

Can't make it to Birmingham? No worries! Sign up for our virtual run, and we'll send you a race t-shirt by mail. Gather your friends and family to run in your local park, neighborhood, or even at your church. Run where you are and be part of this incredible cause!

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.

FOLLOW US

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

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 gospel. Rick and Matt share insights into their church's journey over the past 15 years, highlighting how their work, including involvement with Families Count and ministries for birth parents, is a practical expression of the gospel's call to care for the vulnerable. They emphasize the importance of keeping the gospel at the heart of all they do, pointing to a future where brokenness is healed and all things are made new in Christ.

GUESTS

Matt Lawson is the Executive Pastor at First Baptist Church Woodstock, and Rick Young serves as the Family Pastor.

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.

FAMILIES COUNT

Families Count is one of Lifeline Children’s Services’ impactful ministries. Families Count is a 6-week, biblically based parenting class that helps parents restore and preserve their families. With support from churches like First Baptist Woodstock, this ministry equips parents to rebuild their lives and create a stable, faith-filled home for their children. If your church wants to get involved or learn more, visit LifelineChild.org/Families-Count.

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.

FOLLOW US

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

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, especially in the face of stricter abortion laws leading to increased foster care needs. The conversation highlights Lifeline's unique mission to uphold the gospel while caring for vulnerable children, the evolving landscape of adoption and foster care, and the church's crucial role in advocating for these children and supporting women in unplanned pregnancies.

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.

R(un) FOR ONE

Hey everyone, we're excited to announce Lifeline's upcoming R(un) for One 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The run brings together Lifeline alumni families, friends, advocates, and community partners to raise awareness and funding for our international orphan care ministry, (un)adopted®.

Can’t make it to Alabama? No problem! You can also RUN WHERE YOU ARE! Gather your friends and family to run in your local area.

To sign up and find more information visit LifelineChild.org/Run or see our show notes.

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.

FOLLOW US

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

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 and spiritual growth, urging parents to prepare their hearts and their children's hearts for the school year. The conversation touches on the importance of community, relationships, and the responsibility of parents to guide their children in interpreting and internalizing truth from a Christian perspective. Robbie also offers advice for parents whose children are in non-Christian schools, emphasizing prayer, preparation, and fostering resilience and joy in their children's learning journeys.

GUEST
Robbie Hinton is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a degree in Marketing and holds a master's degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He served as a pastor with the Presbyterian Church of America for 10 years and has been a headmaster in classical Christian education for the past 20 years. Currently, Robbie is the headmaster at Cary Christian School in Cary, NC. The best thing about Robbie is that he is married to Ann Maura Hinton, who serves on the Bridge team at Lifeline.

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.

BRIDGE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

When children struggle to reach their potential in learning, it can be really difficult. Bridge Educational Services is here to support you in public, private, or homeschooling settings. Our services provide resources and tutoring built on God’s design and modern brain science, creating a learning environment that values the whole child.

As the new school year begins, you might be seeking additional help or support for your child.We offer educational screenings, one-on-one therapy, and consulting to help families navigate their child’s educational journey. To learn more, visit LifelineChild.org/Bridge.

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.

FOLLOW US

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

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 to integrate a biblical worldview into all aspects of education, countering the fragmentation and compartmentalization seen in higher education. Dr. Morton and Dr. Dockery discuss the challenges faced by Christian social workers and the importance of maintaining a gospel-centered approach in their work. They emphasize the need for theological education to equip church leaders to connect their faith with social justice and mercy ministries, ultimately fostering a holistic Christian approach to addressing the world’s brokenness.

GUEST

David S. Dockery has served as the 10th President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary since September 27, 2022. He also serves as distinguished Professor of Theology, Executive Editor of the Southwestern Journal of Theology, and Director of the Dockery Center for Global Evangelical Theology. He is regarded as one of the most recognized leaders and senior statesmen in the world of Christian higher education.

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.

MID YEAR UPDATE
We’re past the mid-way point of the year, and what a journey it has been. We’ve seen incredible growth, inspiring stories, and countless lives touched by our mission to provide love and care to vulnerable children and families. As we reflect on the first half of the year, we are reminded that our work is far from over. There are still so many children who need our help, and we cannot do it without your support.

Today, we’re asking for your partnership to continue this vital work. Your donations enable us to provide critical services, from adoption and foster care to family preservation and orphan care. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Join us in making the second half of this year even more impactful than the first. Visit LifelineChild.org/Donate to give today. Together, we can continue to bring gospel hope and transformation to children and families in need.

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.

FOLLOW US

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

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 ministry known as Legacy 68:5. This ministry offers comprehensive support, including counseling, therapy, and legal aid, all under one roof. Pastor Matte emphasizes the importance of taking incremental steps in faith and involving passionate church members in ministry leadership. The episode highlights the transformative impact of such ministries on both the families involved and the church community, showcasing how dedicated efforts can make significant differences in the lives of vulnerable children.

GUEST

Gregg Matte is the senior pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church, leading the congregation since 2004. He founded Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M University, the largest college Bible study in the nation. Gregg is an accomplished author of books like "Salvation Has Come" (2023) and "Capture the Moment" (2021). He holds degrees from Texas A&M University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gregg also serves on the boards of Houston Christian High School and Houston Christian University. He and his wife Kelly have two children.

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.

R(un) for One 2024
Join us on September 7th for Lifeline Children's Services' R(un) for One 5K! This family-friendly event raises funds for vulnerable children worldwide through Lifeline’s (un)adopted® international orphan care ministry.

Whether in Birmingham or virtually, lace up and run for a cause that changes lives. The Birmingham race starts at Dawson Church's Recreation Center, with a 1-mile Fun Run for kids!

Can’t join in Birmingham? Sign up for our virtual run and receive a run packet to participate anywhere.

Every step supports children finding love, education, and hope. Click here to register and learn more. Let’s make a difference together!

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.

FOLLOW US

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify