How an epic road trip is helping 153 million orphans!

Thats what happens when 3 guys try to visit all 19 states where Lifeline has a physical office in just 19 days!

On this episode of the Defender Podcast, Herbie and the team pull back the curtain on the most ambitious road trip in Lifeline's history.

It all kicks off June 7th at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, the very church where Lifeline's ministry was first birthed. From there the team flies to Washington State (Lifeline's second-ever licensed state back in 2004), then on through Wyoming and South Dakota before picking up a van and driving across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan, landing back home in Birmingham for Giving Day on June 26th.

Along the way you'll hear about the partnership with EveryLife to bless a pregnancy resource center in each of the 19 states with free diapers, a key to the city in South Dakota, a clean stand-up comedy night in Kansas, and a Braves game in Atlanta with more than 200 alumni families. The team also shares the heart behind it all: growing Lifeline's following so more people learn about the ministry, more funding flows in, and more of the world's vulnerable children find their way home.

This is real life on the road, nothing staged, as the team trusts the Lord to open doors with new and existing church partners across the country.
In this episode:

How "19 in 19" came together and why these specific states - The EveryLife diaper partnership and what a pregnancy resource center actually does
Event highlights from South Dakota to Atlanta

The Giving Day goal of $700,000 to $1 million and how you can be part of it

A special scavenger hunt for pastors at the SBC in Orlando and the PCA General Assembly in Louisville on June 23rd

Follow the journey:
Visit 19in19.org to see what day we will be in your city or state

Text the word LIFE to 79819 for all the updates

Mark your calendar for Giving Day on June 26th and the Run for One on August 29th

Lifeline Children's Services is a Christ-centered ministry serving orphans, vulnerable children, vulnerable families, and vulnerable women across all 50 states and in 47 countries.

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Summer is here, and Lifeline has a full lineup of ways to engage, serve, and celebrate what God is doing on behalf of orphans and vulnerable children. In this episode, host Ken Norwood is joined by Lifeline President Herbie Newell, Ford Reasons, and Rob Ingram to walk through everything you need to know to make this the most meaningful summer yet.

They cover the China Reunion on June 27th in Birmingham, a celebration of the thousands of children placed in missional Christian homes since 1999; the Colombia Orphan Hosting program bringing 18 children to the Southeast starting June 29th; summer teen support groups for adoptees ages 12-16, including the online Anchor Group and an in-person therapy cohort; the 19 in 19 road trip, visiting all 19 Lifeline-licensed states in 19 days leading up to Giving Day on June 26th, with a goal of raising $700,000 in matched funds; the Run for One 5K on August 29th at Veterans Park in Birmingham (and Run Where You Are for supporters across the country); and how to join Lifeline Frontline, the on-ramp for volunteers, givers, and advocates.

Whether you're an adoptive family, a church partner, a supporter, or simply someone who wants to engage this summer, this episode is your guide.
Register for the China Reunion, Colombia Hosting, and Run for One at lifelinechild.org.

Follow the 19 in 19 road trip and give at www.19in19.org.

Join Lifeline Frontline at lifelinechild.org/serve.

Chapters:
0:00 — Introduction & Welcome
0:38 — China Adoption Reunion (June 27, Birmingham)
3:00 — Colombia Orphan Hosting (June 29)
5:07 — Teen Summer Support Groups (Anchor Group & In-Person Cohort)
7:26 — Run for One 5K (August 29, Veterans Park)
9:44 — 19 in 19 Road Trip & Giving Day (June 7–26)
12:00 — Fundraising Goal & Matching Gifts
14:17 — Closing Reflection with Herbie Newell

DESCRIPTION

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.