Sam Collier's Adoption Journey, "A Greater Story."

Learn more about God's transformative power in rewriting Sam's story through adoption. "A Greater Story," shares Sam and his twin sister's adoption experience and His continuous work in their lives. "God really is in the miracle business through people. We overcame the odds by the power of God and our parents," said Collier.

GUESTS
Sam Collier is a pastor, speaker, writer, and host of the “A Greater Story with Sam Collier” TV show and radio podcast. He is a speaker and host at North Point Ministries, founded by Andy Stanley, and he also communicates nationally and internationally as a speaker and contributor to the ReThink Group, Orange Network, Orange Tour, Alpha International Leadership Conference, Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, Culture Conference, and more. He has also been interviewed on numerous TV shows, podcasts, and radio programs. Collier lives with his wife, Toni, and daughter in Atlanta, GA.

Short summary of "A Greater Story"
 He was adopted by a black mom and dad at birth along with his twin sister (Sara). At 24 Steve Harvey helped find their birthmother who had 3 kids before she found out she was having twins and decided to make an adoption plan for them. They met their birthmother and siblings on the show. She had tried to get them back when they were 12 months old. Grew up near the Sweet Auburn district of ATL. Adoptive father owned a barber shop. Talented musician got suspended from school which ultimately the Lord used to save him. He had some opportunities, a record deal and the opportunity to become a big-time musician, but it never worked out, but he had to remember that God was in control. Struggled through losing his dream, depressed but then became choir director at a church. 2 years trained MLK’s niece’s daughter traveling the country with their family. Then had a nonprofit that worked in inner city schools to promote the gospel. Worked with Bernice King for 3 years to carry this “No Losing” message. Started attending Northpoint at invitation of his first white friend who worked there. Adoption said he and sister would never amount to anything. She was a straight A scholarship student and he played 6 instruments with a record deal at 16, I could go on. He is so thankful for all of the selfless choices that so many people in his life made. He seeks to help people “find their purpose, to surrender to that thing they can do day in and day out that will bring the most glory to God.” I do this work because I have seen what happens when we depart from that course, when we go our own way instead of Gods.”

RESOURCES
Did you know we have hundreds of helpful articles, activity ideas, and other materials on our Resources Page? Topics covered include: adoption, attachment, siblings, medical needs, children’s behavioral challenges, birth parents, how to address grief and trauma, and more. Visit www.lifelinechild.org/resources

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

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!