Faith, Foster Care, and Filmmaking: A Conversation with Jeremy Carlson
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, recorded last year at the 2023 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, host Rick Morton interviews Jeremy Carlson of WTA Media, exploring his journey in faith-based media and his family's involvement in foster care and adoption. Their connection, rooted in their collaboration on the movie "Lifemark," has evolved into a meaningful friendship. Jeremy shares the emotional and spiritual lessons learned from his parents' dedication to being foster parents, which saw them welcome 13 children over seven and a half years, eventually adopting one of them, Matthew. The conversation underscores the transformative power and the church's crucial role in foster care. Jeremy also discusses his transition from youth ministry to faith-based media, aiming to influence a broader audience through his work.
GUEST
Jeremy Carlson, a seasoned professional at Arrow Marketing, embodies a passionate commitment to faith-driven storytelling, rooted in his personal journey and family's dedication to fostering and adoption. Inspired by his parents' fostering of 13 children and eventual adoption of Matthew, Jeremy's career trajectory reflects a strategic blend of analytical prowess and creative vision, transitioning from youth ministry to a leadership role in faith-based media. His work on projects like "Unsung Hero" and "Lifemark" highlights his ability to craft narratives that resonate emotionally and spiritually, fostering connections and inspiring change.
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.
RESOURCE
Dear friends, mark your calendars! Lifeline's Giving Day is fast approaching—a 24-hour period dedicated to raising crucial funds to support more vulnerable children and families. The orphan care crisis never takes a break, so neither can we. Together, we can make a lasting impact and change lives for the better.
But here's the exciting part: you have the chance to double your impact! We're thrilled to announce a generous donor who will match donations up to $100,000, amplifying the reach of your contribution. Join us on Friday, June 21, 2024, and let's work hand in hand to bring hope and transformation to those who need it most. Learn more and pledge your support at LifelineChild.org/donate. Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
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
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
Jeremy Carlson
Jeremy Carlson, a seasoned professional at Arrow Marketing, embodies a passionate commitment to faith-driven storytelling, rooted in his personal journey and family's dedication to fostering and adoption. Inspired by his parents' fostering of 13 children and eventual adoption of Matthew, Jeremy's career trajectory reflects a strategic blend of analytical prowess and creative vision, transitioning from youth ministry to a leadership role in faith-based media. His work on projects like "Lifemark" highlights his ability to craft narratives that resonate emotionally and spiritually, fostering connections and inspiring change. With a pragmatic leadership style focused on maximizing organizational success, Jeremy is recognized for his ability to distill complex challenges into actionable plans, driving brand visibility and audience engagement. His journey underscores the transformative power of compassion, resilience, and faith-driven storytelling, positioning him as a leading figure in the realm of media and beyond.