Eurasia Adoptions through a Pandemic
The Eurasia team discusses how God continues to be at work in Eurasia during a pandemic.
GUEST
Jana Lombardo is the Senior Program Director of International Programs. She has been with Lifeline since 1992 after she graduated from Auburn with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She worked for six and a half years as a domestic social worker/ birthmother counselor until the birth of her first son Eli. She became a TBRI Practitioner in 2017. Jana and her husband, Luke, are also proud parents of another son, Gideon. Jana has been serving Lifeline for over twenty-two years and serves Lifeline as the program coordinator for Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Kyrgyzstan. She helps to oversee the Bulgaria and Hungary programs as well. This encompasses all of Lifeline’s Eastern European Countries and Kyrgyzstan.
Jana Lombardo is the Senior Program Director of International Programs. She has been with Lifeline since 1992 after she graduated from Auburn with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She worked for six and a half years as a domestic social worker/ birthmother counselor until the birth of her first son Eli. She became a TBRI Practitioner in 2017. Jana and her husband, Luke, are also proud parents of another son, Gideon. Jana has been serving Lifeline for over twenty-two years and serves Lifeline as the program coordinator for Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Kyrgyzstan. She helps to oversee the Bulgaria and Hungary programs as well. This encompasses all of Lifeline’s Eastern European Countries and Kyrgyzstan.
Brianna Thomas works as a social worker on Lifeline’s Eurasia team. Brianna graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and received her Master’s in Social Work form The University of Alabama in May of 2018. She has always had a connection to Lifeline and was excited to join the team in January of 2016. Six years ago, the Lord confirmed her outlook on caring for orphans around the world and international adoption when close family friends adopted from Uganda and brought home a very special little boy that changed her life and heart forever. Brianna is thankful to be a part of the Eurasia team to serve families throughout their adoption journey! She is grateful for Lifeline and the opportunity to work for a gospel centered ministry who cares for vulnerable children all over the world.
Jackie Francis joined Lifeline’s staff in October of 2019. In 2010 she was an intern at Lifeline. She is from Birmingham, Alabama. She serves on our International team completing home studies and post placements. Jackie received her degree from University of Alabama- Masters in Social Work. She is married to John and they have two children: Avery who is full of spunk and sass and Eli who is always on the move. Jackie is one of 3 sisters and has 3 nieces. Her family is very close and see each other often. She has a niece who was adopted domestically and that process sparked her passion for adoption. Jackie and her husband like to spend their free time with their kids, doing whatever makes them smile. This usually includes playing at the park or spending time with family.
RESOURCES
For those seeking to adopt, we have recently produced an eBook to help you as you financially prepare for the journey. Filled with tips, resources, contact information for grant organizations, and more. To receive this free eBook or to learn more click the link in the notes below. Contact info@lifelinechild.org for the ebook.
HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.
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.
Creators and Guests
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.
Host
Rick Morton
As 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!