In our latest episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Justin Myers, the Director of Programs at Show Hope discussing the Hope for the Journey Conference. Justin passionately shares insights into this annual event, shedding light on its focus on addressing the unique needs of children, parents, and families navigating adoption and foster care. Discover how churches can actively engage with the Hope for the Journey Conference to provide practical support within and beyond their congregation. Justin explores the training opportunities for adoptive and foster care parents, emphasizing the conference's practicality in serving communities. Learn about the advantages of the fully digital conference with a three-month viewing window, offering flexibility and customization for participants. This episode is your guide to the transformative and empowering world of the Hope for the Journey Conference, available for online viewing from April 5 to June 30, 2024.

GUEST
Justin serves as the Director of Programs at Show Hope. He grew up in Arkansas, but has spent time in China, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Justin has many passions—the local church, international missions, refugees—but is most excited about investing his working hours in others navigating adoption. He and his wife, Bonnie, are the adoptive parents of two kiddos, Hosanna and Asher. Justin has a Masters of Divinity in Missions and a Masters in Business Administration, which he has used in retail, nonprofit, and church settings over the past 10 years. Justin’s favorite part of Nashville life right now is following along with its stellar MLS team, Nashville SC, and welcoming new neighbors from all walks of life.

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
At Lifeline, we know that families walking with children from hard places often need support and encouragement in unique ways. That's why we are excited for our friends at Show Hope to offer a digital conference for your family or church called Hope for the Journey.

Hope for the Journey is designed to provide tools and hope for adoptive and foster care families. The conference will be available for viewing Friday, April 5 through June 30, 2024, so you can choose a convenient time for your family or church to participate. Visit showhope.org to register for this digital conference. 

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!
Justin Myers
Guest
Justin Myers
Justin serves as the Director of Programs at Show Hope. He grew up in Arkansas (go Hogs!), but has spent time in China, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Justin has many passions—the local church, international missions, refugees—but is most excited about investing his working hours in others navigating adoption. He and his wife, Bonnie, are the adoptive parents of two kiddos, Hosanna and Asher. Justin has a Masters of Divinity in Missions and a Masters in Business Administration, which he has used in retail, nonprofit, and church settings over the past 10 years. Justin’s favorite part of Nashville life right now is following along with its stellar MLS team, Nashville SC, and welcoming new neighbors from all walks of life.