Every Child Made in God's Image: Why This Changes Everything in Adoption
Most conversations about transracial and transcultural adoption miss one vital piece: the heart of every child is made in God's image—and that's where the true starting point lies. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about whether to adopt across cultures or felt overwhelmed by the complexity of identity and ethnicity, this episode is for you.
Join host Rick Morton as he tackles the difficult, often polarizing issues surrounding international adoption, family support, family dynamics, blending personal stories, biblical truth, and expert insights. Chelsea Sobolik shares her journey growing up being adopted internationally, adopting from India herself, and her commitment to seeing every child’s worth through God's eyes. Herbie Newell reflects on the importance of loving children well amid the brokenness of our world, emphasizing that love does not mean acceptance at the expense of truth, but rather a willingness to grow, learn, and serve with humility.
You'll discover practical wisdom on preparing your heart and home for trans cultural adoption, the danger of elevating cultural differences above biblical unity, and how to foster a love that respects every child's dignity. We break down the importance of understanding trauma-informed care, embracing diversity as a reflection of God's creative intent, and creating a safe, loving environment where children can thrive—including those who will never be adopted but are deeply loved by the Father.
This episode matters because overlooking the complexity risks parenting out of fear or cultural distortion, rather than biblical truth. The opportunity is vast—families can reflect Christ’s love more fully when they approach adoption with humility, wisdom, and gospel-centered love. For Christian parents, mentors, or anyone caring for children, this conversation is an essential guide to navigating the tensions without losing sight of God's sovereignty and grace.
Whether you’re considering adoption or simply want to better love children from every tribe and tongue, this episode offers encouragement, challenge, and hope. Pull up a seat at the table—you’ll leave with your heart and mind better equipped to love like Jesus.
[00:00:07] - Welcome & Introduction to Transcultural Adoption
[00:01:45] - Chelsea's Story: Adopted from Romania, Now Adopting from India
[00:04:10] - International Adoption at an All-Time Low: What Changed
[00:06:30] - Every Child Made in God's Image: The Biblical Starting Point
[00:09:15] - Have Christians Elevated Race & Culture Too Much?
[00:12:00] - The Pendulum Has Swung Too Far: Finding the Truth in the Middle
[00:14:30] - Trauma-Informed Care: What Parents Didn't Have 30 Years Ago
[00:17:45] - Raising Transcultural Kids: Be Approachable, Not Just Available
[00:21:00] - Love Does Not Equal Acceptance: Parenting Through Hard Conversations
[00:25:30] - Chelsea: Being a Christian Supersedes Every Other Part of My Story
[00:30:15] - Rick's Daughter & the Moon Landing: A Transcultural Moment
[00:33:45] - Parenting With the Holy Spirit: Praying for Wisdom Daily
[00:36:00] - Herby's Challenge: Prepare, Stay Humble, Keep Learning
Join host Rick Morton as he tackles the difficult, often polarizing issues surrounding international adoption, family support, family dynamics, blending personal stories, biblical truth, and expert insights. Chelsea Sobolik shares her journey growing up being adopted internationally, adopting from India herself, and her commitment to seeing every child’s worth through God's eyes. Herbie Newell reflects on the importance of loving children well amid the brokenness of our world, emphasizing that love does not mean acceptance at the expense of truth, but rather a willingness to grow, learn, and serve with humility.
You'll discover practical wisdom on preparing your heart and home for trans cultural adoption, the danger of elevating cultural differences above biblical unity, and how to foster a love that respects every child's dignity. We break down the importance of understanding trauma-informed care, embracing diversity as a reflection of God's creative intent, and creating a safe, loving environment where children can thrive—including those who will never be adopted but are deeply loved by the Father.
This episode matters because overlooking the complexity risks parenting out of fear or cultural distortion, rather than biblical truth. The opportunity is vast—families can reflect Christ’s love more fully when they approach adoption with humility, wisdom, and gospel-centered love. For Christian parents, mentors, or anyone caring for children, this conversation is an essential guide to navigating the tensions without losing sight of God's sovereignty and grace.
Whether you’re considering adoption or simply want to better love children from every tribe and tongue, this episode offers encouragement, challenge, and hope. Pull up a seat at the table—you’ll leave with your heart and mind better equipped to love like Jesus.
[00:00:07] - Welcome & Introduction to Transcultural Adoption
[00:01:45] - Chelsea's Story: Adopted from Romania, Now Adopting from India
[00:04:10] - International Adoption at an All-Time Low: What Changed
[00:06:30] - Every Child Made in God's Image: The Biblical Starting Point
[00:09:15] - Have Christians Elevated Race & Culture Too Much?
[00:12:00] - The Pendulum Has Swung Too Far: Finding the Truth in the Middle
[00:14:30] - Trauma-Informed Care: What Parents Didn't Have 30 Years Ago
[00:17:45] - Raising Transcultural Kids: Be Approachable, Not Just Available
[00:21:00] - Love Does Not Equal Acceptance: Parenting Through Hard Conversations
[00:25:30] - Chelsea: Being a Christian Supersedes Every Other Part of My Story
[00:30:15] - Rick's Daughter & the Moon Landing: A Transcultural Moment
[00:33:45] - Parenting With the Holy Spirit: Praying for Wisdom Daily
[00:36:00] - Herby's Challenge: Prepare, Stay Humble, Keep Learning
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!
Guest
Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
Chelsea Patterson Sobolik serves as Director of Government Relations at World Relief, a global Christian humanitarian organization and the largest Evangelical refugee resettlement in the U.S. She is also the former Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at Lifeline Children's Services. She has worked on Capitol Hill on pro-life policies, domestic and international religious freedom, adoption, and foster care issues. Chelsea has been published at the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, and others. She is the author of Longing for Motherhood – Holding onto Hope in the Midst of Childlessness, and Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work. She has a B.A. in International Relations from Liberty University, and lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband Michael. She and Michael became parents through international adoption, welcoming home their son this past year.