In this special Easter episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of Holy Week amidst their own family traditions and memories. Through these anecdotes, they underscore the central message of Easter—the sacrificial love of Christ and the hope it brings. Amidst laughter and cherished memories, they emphasize the daily importance of remembering the gospel and its transformative power in their lives and the lives of those around them. Join them as they celebrate the resurrected Lord and invite listeners to embrace the hope of the gospel in their own lives.

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.

RESOURCES
With Easter approaching this weekend, we wanted to highlight a new resource for families that help open up conversation about our identity in Christ.

Whose Am I? is a bilingual (Spanish/English) children’s book that shares true life experiences about adoption, redemption, and finding our identity in Christ.Because it is written for children and parents together, this book provides opportunities to discuss difficult topics, such as abandonment and identity.

We believe this book could be an excellent resource for any foster or adoptive families as well as those who would like more insight into helping others find their identity in Christ. Visit our Amazon store to purchase a book for yourself or more as gifts.

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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Creators and Guests

Herbie Newell
Host
Herbie Newell
Herbie Newell serves as the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, holds an MBA in Accounting from Samford University and brings years of experience from his work as an independent auditor at WAKM Companies, LLC. Serving as Lifeline's Executive Director since 2003, Herbie has significantly expanded international outreach, obtained licensure in 17 states, and led the establishment of the foster care arm. A passionate advocate, he co-founded (un)adopted in 2009, focusing on equipping orphaned children with life skills for community transformation. Herbie, also the author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-birth to Pro-Life," emphasizes that being pro-life extends beyond opposing abortion, urging a broader ethic that includes fighting for racial equality and embracing every individual with the love of Christ. Herbie and his wife, Ashley, reside in Birmingham, Alabama, and are the parents to three children.
Rick Morton
Host
Rick Morton
As Senior Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter!