Host Sandra Flach is a mom of 8 children, 5 through adoption—one kinship and 4 international. Her youngest 2 are teens diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With over 30 years of parenting experience and 20 plus years as an adoptive and kinship parent, she’s made mountains of mistakes and learned loads of lessons. She understands the difficult road of parenting children with trauma histories—and she is still in the trenches! The Adoption & Foster Care Journey is a podcast ...
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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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Rediscover the confident and connected parent you long to be. We’ll show you how.
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From Frustration to Hope: Helping Kids Thrive in Learning
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On today's episode of the Defender Podcast, Rick Morton sits down with Ann Maura Hinton, Director of Bridge Educational Services, to discuss how families can move from frustration to hope when it comes to their children's learning challenges. Ann Maura shares insights from her years of experience in education and cognitive development therapy, prov…
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Episode 449 - Wherever You Go with Ryan North
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"Wherever you go, I will go." -Ruth 1:16 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with Ryan North. Ryan is the co-founder of One Big Happy Home and creator of the Empowered Parent …
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Orphan Sunday: A Call to Action for the Church with Pastor Chris Johnson
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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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Episode 448 - Caring For Kids From Hard Places with Jayne Schooler
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"When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, It was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by 4 men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, They removed the…
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Understanding Bullying: Equipping Families for Tough Conversations
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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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Episode 447 - Accommodate & Advocate with Debbie Raymond & Wyatt York
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"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" -Micah 6:8 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this final F…
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Adoption, Faith, and God's Perfect Timing
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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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Episode 446 - Chosen Parents with Adoptive Mom, Barrett Brackett
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"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be giv…
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Heartbreaking News: The Future of China Adoptions
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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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Episode 445 - Talking FASD with Dr. Jacqueline Pei, Ph.D
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"Are not 5 sparrows sold for 2 pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." -Luke 12:6-7 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster …
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Parenting Through Back-to-School Stress
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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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Episode 444 - FASDtastic Families with JJ Dunham Reed
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"There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." -Romans 3:22-24 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adopt…
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Understanding FASD: Navigating Challenges and Building Awareness with Sandra Flach
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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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Episode 443 - FASD Change Maker, Maggie Mae
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"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. September is…
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Lifeline's R(un) for One and The Ōnin Group
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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 442 - Back to School with Sandra Flach
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"For the LORD gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints.Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; For wisdom will come into your he…
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Faith in Action: How First Baptist Woodstock is Caring for Vulnerable Families
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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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Episode 441 - Investing in Kids From Hard Places with Darrin Jahnel
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"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode host Sandra Flach talks with…
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2024 Mid-Year Ministry Update: Celebrating Lifeline’s Impact
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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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Episode 440 - Hope on the FASD Journey with Kim Sheagren
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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this e…
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Episode 439 - From Foster to Forever with Andrea Bowling
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“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:2 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Andrea Bowling. Andrea is a US Army veteran and licen…
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Back-to-School: Nurturing Minds and Souls with Christian Education
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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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Integrating Faith and Education: A Conversation with Dr. David Dockery
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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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Episode 438 - Hormonal Dysfunction: What All Foster & Adoptive Parents Need to Know w/ Dr. Jerrod Brown
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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” -Colossians 3:12 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host …
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Episode 437 - Hope for Children & Families with Dr. Kimberly Offutt
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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sa…
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Pastor Greg Matte on Adoption and Community Impact
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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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Episode 436 - Lessons from FASD Parent & Consultant, Barb Clark
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"But He knows the way that I take; When He has tried me, I shall come out as gold." -Job 23:10 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Barb Clark. Barb is the Director of t…
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Casey Stevens on Family, Faith, and Making a Difference with Stand for Orphans
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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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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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Episode 434 - Mending Families with Melissa Pemberton
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"Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” -John 8:10-11 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adopt…
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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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Episode 434 - Finding the Light with Marina Carrier
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"Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." Psalm 27:10 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Marina Carrier. Marina lived through early trauma as…
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Faith, Foster Care, and Filmmaking: A Conversation with Jeremy Carlson
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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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Episode 433 - Saying Yes to Foster Care & Adoption with Adam Southerland
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"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." -Isaiah 26:3 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. Throughout the month of June, we’re focusing on dads! This week we’re talking w…
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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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Episode 432 - Neuro-Parenting with Dr. Jerrod Brown
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"For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." -1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis throu…
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The Blessing of Adoption: A Conversation with the Hart Family
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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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Episode 431 - Love in the Midst of the Mess with Joshua Legg
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"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." -Galatians 2:20 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foste…
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Adoption, Redemption, Identity: The Story Behind 'Whose Am I?
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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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#245: The Science of Caring with Dr. Jon Baylin and Jessica Sinarski
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We often get questions about whether teachers or other folks who interact with our kids can have blocked care. Or what about siblings? Also, can you have blocked care towards a spouse? Since we weren’t the first ones to name blocked care, we went to the source. We are thrilled to bring you this conversation with Dr. Jonathan Baylin, author of Brain…
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Episode 430 - Marriage & Disability Parenting with Todd and Kristin Evans
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"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this week’s episode host Sandra Flach talks with Todd an…
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Building Legacies: Empowering Older Youth in Foster Care with Sean and Jenny Miller
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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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Episode 429 - Reclaimed for Good with Jennifer Kritner
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"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content, with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am stron…
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Opening Hearts and Homes: A Journey into Foster Care with Makyna and Matthew Hart
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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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#244 When Blocked Care Affects Your Marriage
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Marriage is already hard, but add in parenting children with significant needs and blocked care, and staying married may seem impossible. In this episode, Lisa and Melissa answer two listener questions about marriage and blocked care with personal stories and practical tips. If you’re not married, you’ll still find insights you can apply to your cl…
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Episode 428 - Keep Showing Up with Dr. Melody Aguayo
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"In You, LORD my God, I put my trust.” -Psalm 25:1 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this week’s episode host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Dr. Melody Aguayo. Dr Aguayo is a parent consultant for overwh…
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Episode 427 - Mother's Day Bonus Episode: Blessed in the Mess with Sandra Flach
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“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but YOU surpass them all.” -Proverbs 31:28-29 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you to care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this week’s ep…
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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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Episode 426 - Navigating Advocacy in the Public School System with Sandra Flach
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"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of…
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Embracing Courage: Honoring Birth Mother's Day
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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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