Empowering Churches to Care: A Conversation with Andy Cook of Promise 686

In this special Best of 2024 episode, originally aired on May 15, 2024, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with Matthew and Makenya Hart, ministry leaders from Movement Church in Madison, Alabama. Together for 13 years and serving as Worship Pastor and Family Pastor, respectively, the Harts are biological, adoptive, and foster parents. Their passion for family reunification and building enduring relationships with biological families exemplifies the mission of foster care rooted in the gospel. Against the backdrop of National Foster Care Month, this episode dives deep into the challenges, triumphs, and profound impact of fostering.GUESTSMatthew and Makyna Hart have been together for 13 years, serving in full-time ministry on staff at Movement Church in Madison, AL. Matthew serves as a worship pastor, while Makyna serves as a Family Pastor. They are both bio, adoptive, and foster parents. Over the past year, they have been actively fostering, having already cared for 10 children. Their passion lies in facilitating family reunification and nurturing enduring relationships with the bio families of the children under their care.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.CO-HOSTDr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.CHANGE ONE LIFEAs 2024 comes to a close, you have the opportunity to change the life of a vulnerable child through the gift of adoption. Every day, thousands of children face the heartbreak of being orphaned, abandoned, or neglected. These children long for the love and stability that only a family—and the gospel—can provide. Your support enables Lifeline to walk alongside families answering the call to adopt, equipping them to welcome these children into loving, Christ-centered homes. Your gift today can help make that dream a reality for one more child. Click here to give and help change one life.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this second week of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the theme of preparation. As we enter the busy holiday season, he challenges us to pause amidst the chaos and make room in our hearts for the coming of Christ. Drawing from the example of Mary and the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth, Herbie explores how we can prepare spiritually by simplifying our lives, practicing humility, and prioritizing time with God. Through reflection on passages from Isaiah and Luke, he encourages us to prepare not just during Advent but every day, creating sacred moments of worship and service. Join us as we learn how to clear the distractions and prepare for the arrival of our Savior.ADVENT ACTIVITY GUIDEYou can enhance your experience with this podcast episode by downloading Lifeline Children's Services' Advent Activity Guide. Designed to complement the themes discussed in the podcast, this guide provides meaningful scripture reflections, discussion questions, and family-friendly activities. Each week's section helps deepen your understanding and celebration of Advent through interactive exercises like creating a "Hope Wall," preparing an "Advent Path," and more. Access the guide to make the season even more impactful for you and your loved ones!LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this rebroadcast of one of the best episodes from 2024, The Defender Podcast revisits a powerful conversation between Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Adoption, about the devastating announcement from the People's Republic of China regarding the suspension of intercountry adoptions. In this episode, Herbie and Karla delve into the profound impact of this decision on hundreds of waiting children and families, many of whom have been in the process for over five years. They reflect on the heartbreak faced by families who have formed bonds with these children and discuss the advocacy efforts Lifeline is undertaking in response. This episode remains a poignant and insightful exploration of the challenges and complexities of international adoption, reminding us of the vital importance of fighting for vulnerable children even in the face of immense obstacles.GUEST: Karla Thrasher is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a licensed social worker. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner, certified by the TCU Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development. Karla has been on staff at Lifeline since 2001 and currently serves as the Director of International Adoption. In her role, Karla is privileged to manage the day to day of Lifeline’s International Department and provide leadership to the international team. She coordinates with other Lifeline departments and outside ministry partners to better serve waiting children and families. Some of the specific focuses in Karla’s role at Lifeline are government compliance, customer service and quality assurance. She considers it a great honor to share the gospel through the gift of adoption! Karla lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband Jamie. They have three adult children. Karla’s family are her biggest cheerleaders in her ministry at Lifeline.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.CHANGE ONE LIFEAs 2024 comes to a close, you have the opportunity to change the life of a vulnerable child through the gift of adoption. Every day, thousands of children face the heartbreak of being orphaned, abandoned, or neglected. These children long for the love and stability that only a family—and the gospel—can provide. Your support enables Lifeline to walk alongside families answering the call to adopt, equipping them to welcome these children into loving, Christ-centered homes. Your gift today can help make that dream a reality for one more child. Click here to give and help change one life.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this special Advent edition of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell explores the theme of waiting as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Reflecting on the promises of God throughout scripture—from the Israelites' longing for deliverance to the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus—this episode reminds us that waiting is not passive but an active expression of trust and worship. Herbie shares a touching adoption story and encourages us to find hope and peace in Christ, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.Discover how Advent mirrors the tension between God’s fulfilled promises and the anticipation of Christ’s return. Join us as we worship, pray, and live in obedience during this season of waiting.ADVENT ACTIVITY GUIDEYou can enhance your experience with this podcast episode by downloading Lifeline Children's Services' Advent Activity Guide. Designed to complement the themes discussed in the podcast, this guide provides meaningful scripture reflections, discussion questions, and family-friendly activities. Each week's section helps deepen your understanding and celebration of Advent through interactive exercises like creating a "Hope Wall," preparing an "Advent Path," and more. Access the guide to make the season even more impactful for you and your loved ones!LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

As 2024 draws to a close, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of cultivating gratitude, even amidst life’s challenges. Drawing from Scripture, they explore themes of God’s enduring goodness, the joy of community, and the peace that comes from Christ. Join this heartfelt conversation as they discuss how thankfulness can transform our perspective, bolster our faith, and remind us of the profound impact of God’s provision through Lifeline’s ministry.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.CO-HOSTDr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.CHANGE ONE LIFEAs we close out 2024, we’re inviting you to join us in making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families through Lifeline’s year-end campaign. The need is great - millions of orphans and families in crisis need stability, love, and the hope of Christ. In light of this, we’re excited to share that thanks to a generous donor, if you give now, your donation will be matched, up to $250,000, doubling the impact of your support. We invite you to join us in this opportunity to change one more life this year. LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton welcome Andy Cook, President and CEO of Promise 686, a ministry dedicated to equipping churches to serve vulnerable children and families. Andy shares his journey of starting Promise 686, rooted in the biblical mandate of Psalm 68:6, and the organization’s model, Family Advocacy Ministries (FAM), which helps churches launch sustainable ministries for foster, adoptive, and biological families in crisis. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration in orphan care, particularly through partnerships like the one between Promise 686 and Lifeline Children Services. Herbie and Andy reflect on their journey to work together, emphasizing value alignment, humility, and the shared vision of seeing families supported and children placed in loving homes.GUESTAndy Cook | President and CEO - Andy began his leadership of Promise686 in 2013 after serving as a founding board member for the previous five years. He attended Washington and Lee University receiving a Bachelor of Art in English, and he received a Master of Arts in Religion from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, with a concentration in Ethics. Before coming to Promise686, Andy served in various leadership roles at Wesleyan School, a K-12 independent Christian school. During his ten years at Wesleyan he was the Director of Development and the Director of Admissions. He and his wife, Martha, have ten children and have adopted both domestically and internationally.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.EQUIPPING CHURCHES FOR MINISTRY TO VULNERABLE CHILDRENWe’re excited to announce that Lifeline Children's Services has teamed up with Promise686 to empower churches to serve vulnerable children and families. Ministry to at-risk kids and families requires faith, commitment, and resources, and we are deeply grateful for every church willing to take on this mission.Through this partnership, Promise686 provides a structured model called Family Advocacy Ministries (FAMs) to guide churches in building and sustaining ministries that make a lasting impact. FAMs equips church volunteers to come alongside foster families, adoptive families, and biological families in crisis, ensuring children find safety and love within their communities.If your church is interested in getting involved, visit LifelineChild.org/FAMLIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

Join Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher on this special National Adoption Month episode of The Defender Podcast as they explore the profound impact of adoption on vulnerable children around the world. Karla, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Programs, shares insights on the evolving landscape of international adoption, including the unique challenges and rewards families experience. They discuss the realities of waiting children, highlight emerging adoption programs, and reveal a new $1,000 scholarship for families beginning their adoption journey this month.GUESTKarla Thrasher is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a licensed social worker. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner, certified by the TCU Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development. Karla has been on staff at Lifeline since 2001 and currently serves as the Sr. Director of International Adoption. In her role, Karla is privileged to manage the day to day of Lifeline’s International Department and provide leadership to the international team. She coordinates with other Lifeline departments and outside ministry partners to better serve waiting children and families. Some of the specific focuses in Karla’s role at Lifeline are government compliance, customer service and quality assurance. She considers it a great honor to share the gospel through the gift of adoption! Karla lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband Jamie. They have three adult children. Karla’s family are her biggest cheerleaders in her ministry at Lifeline.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SCHOLARSHIPReady to start your adoption journey? Lifeline Children's Services is excited to offer a $1,000 scholarship toward the first agency fee for families applying to our full international adoption program from November 1–30, 2024. With the support of the Hope Adoption Fund, we’re helping families overcome financial barriers, providing guidance and support at every stage of the adoption process. Take this step with us, and let’s bring hope and a forever family to a waiting child. Visit LifelineChild.org/Begin to learn more.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, co-host Dr. Rick Morton sits down with David E. Prince at this year’s 2024 Southern Baptist Convention to discuss the importance of staying grounded in faith by reflecting God's love through action. Together, they explore the call to care for vulnerable children, underscoring how living out the gospel means embodying values like adoption and compassion that mirror God’s character and mission. Amid cultural pressures challenging foundational beliefs on family and marriage, they highlight the church's role in supporting and serving others. Through acts of love and grace, Christians can stay rooted in truth and boldly engage with the world around them.GUESTDavid E. Prince is pastor of preaching and vision at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky and assistant professor of Christian preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of In the Arena and Church with Jesus as the Hero. He frequently writes for The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, For the Church,  the BGEA and Preaching Today.He received his M.Div from Southwestern Theological Seminary and his Ph.D from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.He is married to Judi and they have eight children (three boys and five girls). He is a baseball aficionado and an avid Atlanta Braves fan, but he also enjoys football (#rolltide) and basketball. When he isn’t spending time with his family, or playing sports with his kids, he can usually be found reading. His list of influential authors include: Edmund Clowney, Andrew Fuller, George Eldon Ladd, Graeme Goldsworthy, Irenaeus, John MacArthur, John Piper, Tom Schreiner, and Russell Moore.CO-HOSTDr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.ORPHAN SUNDAYLifeline Children's Services invites churches, pastors, and families to participate in Orphan Sunday, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of the fatherless. Each year, hundreds of churches partner with Lifeline to speak up for orphans and vulnerable children around the world. With resources like videos, prayer cards, sample sermons, and small group guides, Lifeline equips churches to share God's call to care for the fatherless and find practical ways to respond. Though we may not all be able to adopt or foster, Orphan Sunday encourages everyone to take action and support these precious children. Learn more at LifelineChild.org/Orphan-Sunday.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Dr. Rick Morton and Herbie Newell sit down with Josh Benton, National Vice President of Send Relief, recorded live at the Southern Baptist Convention in June. Josh shares his insights on the work of Send Relief, a collaborative platform that provides support to vulnerable people worldwide, focusing on disaster relief, crisis ministry, adoption, and foster care. He also highlights the growth in church engagement and volunteer mobilization within the Southern Baptist community, emphasizing the importance of partnership and cooperation.GUEST Josh Benton is the National Vice President of Send Relief, overseeing North American ministry efforts, including operating U.S. ministry centers and coordinating disaster response with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. He also partners with organizations like Lifeline Children’s Services to support vulnerable families. Prior to Send Relief, Josh worked in Kentucky’s economic and workforce development and served in bi-vocational student ministry. He holds degrees in Public Administration and Christian Missions. Josh and his wife, Emily, live near Atlanta with their four children.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.CO-HOSTDr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.ORPHAN SUNDAYLifeline Children's Services invites churches, pastors, and families to participate in Orphan Sunday, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of the fatherless. Each year, hundreds of churches partner with Lifeline to speak up for orphans and vulnerable children around the world. With resources like videos, prayer cards, sample sermons, and small group guides, Lifeline equips churches to share God's call to care for the fatherless and find practical ways to respond. Though we may not all be able to adopt or foster, Orphan Sunday encourages everyone to take action and support these precious children. Learn more at LifelineChild.org/Orphan-Sunday.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

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, providing practical steps for parents who may feel stuck in the complexities of navigating their children's academic and emotional growth. Together, they explore the impact of trauma on learning and how Bridge Educational Services is supporting kids to reach their full potential. Tune in to discover how families can find hope in the midst of challenging situations.GUESTAnn Maura serves as the Director of Bridge Educational Services at Lifeline Children's Services, joining the team in August 2017. With over 25 years of teaching experience across diverse settings and disabilities, she is dedicated to facilitating positive outcomes for families in need. Certified as a Cognitive Developmental Therapist, Ann Maura holds both a master's and undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee. Her passion for learning drives her constant exploration of innovative approaches to support individuals facing challenges, striving to bridge the gap from frustration to hope. Residing in Madisonville, TN, Ann Maura is a devoted wife and mother of three, cherishing quality time spent with her family.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.CO-HOSTDr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.BRIDGE EDUCATIONAL SERVICESBridge Educational Services is a program at Lifeline that supports kids from hard places who are struggling in school—whether they’re in public, private, or homeschool settings.Bridge offers one-on-one tutoring, educational therapy, and consulting to help kids reach their full potential, not just academically but emotionally and cognitively too. If you want to learn more, head over to LifelineChild.org/Bridge.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe 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 USFacebook, Instagram, TwitterThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | SpotifyThe Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify