Creators and Guests

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.

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!

Aixa de López is a graphic designer, writer, and speaker. She is wife of Alex and mother of four children, two of whom came through the miracle of adoption. She is a spokesperson for the Christian Alliance for Orphans in Latin America and a board member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

Alexis Morris is a pregnancy counselor at Lifeline Children's Services, bringing her expertise and compassion to support individuals facing unexpected pregnancy. Holding a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of South Alabama, she combines her seasoned professionalism with a strong commitment to the principles outlined in Philippians 2:3-4. Alexis is driven by a desire to harmonize family, career, and her passion for helping others discover order and purpose in their lives.

Amy Hart is a devoted mother who made the life-changing decision, alongside her husband and children, to pursue international adoption, bringing her daughter Jillian into their family. Her experiences offer invaluable insights and advice for prospective adoptive families.

Andy Cook | President and CEO - Andy began his leadership of Promise686 in 2013 after serving as a founding board member for the previous five years. He attended Washington and Lee University receiving a Bachelor of Art in English, and he received a Master of Arts in Religion from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, with a concentration in Ethics. Before coming to Promise686, Andy served in various leadership roles at Wesleyan School, a K-12 independent Christian school. During his ten years at Wesleyan he was the Director of Development and the Director of Admissions. He and his wife, Martha, have ten children and have adopted both domestically and internationally.

Angela Mains, MA, LPC-S, TBRI® Practitioner, Registered Play Therapist, joined Lifeline’s team in December 2012. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Family Science from Anderson University, a Master’s Degree in Licensed Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and a certificate in Play Therapy from Capella University. Angela primarily works with attachment and trauma in children, adolescents, and adults, as well as helping people with anxiety, grief, depression, anger, marriage and parenting support. She is a fully certified Theraplay® Therapist, utilizes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), is a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained, Certified Theraplay® Trainer, and a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and Seminar Director. Angela has also been blessed to be able to train in Corrective Attachment Therapy (CAT) with Dr. Terry Levy of the Evergreen Psychotherapy Center. Angela is passionate about attachment and is excited to work with families who have welcomed adopted and foster children into their homes with the hope that God will use her as a vessel of healing in their lives.

Ann Maura joined the Lifeline team in August of 2017 and serves as the Director of Bridge Educational Services. She brings with her over 25 years teaching experiences in a variety of different settings and with a variety of different disabilities. She loves to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to help build a bridge from frustration to hope alongside families in need. She is a certified Cognitive Developmental Therapist and has earned her master’s and undergraduate degree in Special Education. Originally from Madisonville, TN, she headed to the University of Tennessee and earned her master’s degree in special education. Ann Maura is a wife and mom of three, and she loves spending time with them.

Beau Sides is the founder and president of Global Partners In Life, a non-profit organization that excels in assisting orphans, widows, and those with special needs, globally with their humanitarian, educational, and medical needs. Beau considers the children he has served and gotten to know as his friends, and is honored to be a small part of their lives. He is amazed by how abandoned children with medical issues remain happy, and considers those children his teachers. Beau is the author of two books, Lessons from China: A Westerner’s Cultural Education and Unseen Tears: The Challenges of Orphans and Orphanages in China, which share the fictional journeys of international traveler Jan Cross. The first book provides unique insights into current Chinese culture, etiquette, and economic development; and the second book describes the challenges and joys of her involvement with China’s special needs orphans and orphanages.

Casey Stevens and his wife, Chesney, met at Mississippi College and married in 2013. After facing infertility, they adopted their first son, Alek, from Kyrgyzstan in 2016 through Lifeline Children's Services. They were later blessed with three biological sons: Micah, Jude, and Elijah. Their home is lively and filled with love. Committed to helping others, Casey's family actively participates in Stand for Orphans, teaching their kids the importance of caring for others and community service.

In June of 2017, Casey Williams began serving as the Senior Pastor of North Trenholm Baptist Church. Casey is passionate about boldly and faithfully preaching The Word of God, equipping believers to make disciples, and empowering the Church to engage the world through Gospel missions. Casey has been married to Kate since 2005, and they are blessed with four amazing kids: Ayla, Chandler, Caden, and Bear. The Williams Family are devoted advocates for orphan care and consistently open their home to foster unaccompanied children, demonstrating their commitment to their faith through everyday life. Casey has earned a bachelor’s in religion from William Carey College, a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary.

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.

Chip McKenzie's life is a whirlwind of adventure and fulfillment, encapsulating a decade marked by marriage, career shifts, parenthood, and domestic adoption. He married his high school sweetheart, Melissa, and together they've navigated the joys of raising five children, including twins, and recently welcomed their youngest, Carson, through domestic adoption.

David E. Prince is pastor of preaching and vision at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky and assistant professor of Christian preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of In the Arena and Church with Jesus as the Hero. He frequently writes for The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, For the Church, the BGEA and Preaching Today. He received his M.Div from Southwestern Theological Seminary and his Ph.D from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Judi and they have eight children (three boys and five girls). He is a baseball aficionado and an avid Atlanta Braves fan, but he also enjoys football (#rolltide) and basketball. When he isn’t spending time with his family, or playing sports with his kids, he can usually be found reading. His list of influential authors include: Edmund Clowney, Andrew Fuller, George Eldon Ladd, Graeme Goldsworthy, Irenaeus, John MacArthur, John Piper, Tom Schreiner, and Russell Moore.

Donte’ Hardy is a man of faith, a proud husband, and a father. He balances multiple roles in life, including being a mentor, business owner, and serving Ōninites and their families as the Manager of Total Rewards at The Ōnin Group. A passionate sports fan, Donte' supports Alabama’s Crimson Tide, Dallas Cowboys and Troy Trojans. He has been married for almost eight years to his wife Erika, a fellow former collegiate athlete, coach, and educator. Together, they have a vibrant 6-year-old daughter, Brooklynn. Through life's ups and downs, Donte' remains committed to growth and learning, always seeking to inspire others while embracing new ways to thrive and lead.

David S. Dockery has served as the 10th President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary since September 27, 2022. He also serves as distinguished Professor of Theology, Executive Editor of the Southwestern Journal of Theology, and Director of the Dockery Center for Global Evangelical Theology. He is regarded as one of the most recognized leaders and senior statesmen in the world of Christian higher education.

Gregg Matte is the senior pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church. Under his leadership, this historic church founded in 1841 has moved to the cutting edge of ministry and experienced tremendous growth, including the addition of four campuses in the greater Houston area. Before coming to Houston in 2004, Gregg founded Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M University — the largest college Bible study in the nation. What started with 12 participants in his apartment grew to a weekly gathering of more than 4,000 students each Tuesday night under his leadership. He continues to serve on Breakaway’s Board of Directors. Gregg is the author of: Salvation Has Come: 25 Christmas Devotions in Luke (2023) Capture the Moment: 365-Day Devotional (2021) Difference Makers (2019) Unstoppable Gospel (2015) I AM Changes Who i Am (2012) Birds and Bees: A Conversation about God, Sex, and Sexuality (2012) - Bible study guide Finding God’s Will (2010) The Highest Education: Becoming a Godly Man (2000) - Bible study guide In addition to his role as senior pastor at Houston's First, Gregg serves on the Boards of Houston Christian High School and Breakaway Ministries. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at Houston Christian University, and has served as Chairman of the Board, as well. Gregg holds a Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Texas A&M and a Master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2011, Gregg received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M. He was the first pastor to receive the honor in the history of the award. Gregg married Kelly in 1997 and together they have a son and a daughter, Greyson (2001) and Valerie (2008).

Heather Olivet is a devoted wife and mother to five amazing children, ranging in age from 16 to 27, and a proud mother-in-law to one wonderful daughter-in-law. She serves as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and a partner at The Ōnin Group, which she considers the best company in Alabama. In her free time, Heather is an avid traveler, often exploring the world and following her favorite band on tour.

In 1963, Jackie Darby was a newborn abandoned in the garbage dump of Seoul, Korea, until one day a missionary nurse found her. Today she is a mother of two adult children, and a full-time missionary with her husband of 35 years, Randall. Together they founded the ministry Start with One Global in Guatemala, where they focus on encouraging and training leaders in various ways to generate auto sustainable resources so they’re able to impact their communities with the Gospel.

Jana is a Licensed Social Worker who has served at Lifeline Children’s Services since she graduated from Auburn University in 1996. She currently serves as the Director of International Adoption for Lifeline and embraces overseeing international adoption programs and leading and coaching her teammates. Jana began her time at Lifeline working in domestic adoption, birth mother counseling, and foster care. From 2002 to 2019, Jana was the Eurasia Program Director. While serving as Eurasia program director, she developed and facilitated international adoption programs for Bulgaria, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. In addition to her current role, Jana is certified by the TCU Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development as a TBRI practitioner. She has taught many subjects including attachment styles, caregiving, and behavior response. Jana has been honored to use her teaching skills domestically and internationally with families, teammates, and the countries she serves. She and her husband Luke have two boys and a beautiful daughter-in-law. Their oldest son graduated from the Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama in May of 2021 and is recently married. Their youngest son is currently studying Aerospace Engineering at The University of Alabama.

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.

Jessica Cumbers serves as a caseworker on the South Carolina team. She is originally from South Carolina and attended the University of South Carolina, where she received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. She also holds her social work license (LMSW) through the state of South Carolina.

Jillian Hart is currently pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Samford University. Outside of her academic commitments, she is passionate about maintaining an active lifestyle and enjoys socializing with friends. She is also on a quest to discover the best iced latte in Birmingham. Jillian has been profoundly and joyfully influenced by her experience with adoption through Lifeline Adoption Agency, for which she is immensely grateful.

Jonathan Leeman is the editorial director for 9Marks. After doing undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science, Jonathan began his career in journalism where he worked as an editor for an international economics magazine in Washington, D.C. Since his call to ministry, Jonathan has earned a master of divinity and a Ph.D. in theology and worked as an interim pastor. Today he edits the 9Marks series of books as well as the 9Marks Journal and is the co-host of Pastors Talk. He has written for a number of publications and is the author or editor of a number of books. Jonathan lives with his wife and four daughters in a suburb of Washington, DC and serves as an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church. He teaches adjunctively at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Reformed Theological Seminary. You can follow him on Twitter at @Jonathan Leeman.

Josh Benton serves as Send Relief’s national vice president. Send Relief is a collaboration between the International and North American Mission Boards and serves as a unified platform for Southern Baptists to offer help and hope to the most vulnerable through compassion ministries worldwide. In his role, Josh leads Send Relief’s North American ministry efforts, which includes operating and expanding ministry centers in cities across the U.S., and partnering with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief to respond crisis and disasters. Prior to joining Send Relief, Josh was an economic and workforce development professional with the Commonwealth of Kentucky for over fifteen years. During that time, he served in a variety of roles, including executive director of workforce and community development as well as the deputy secretary of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. In addition to a career of public service, Josh served in bi-vocational student ministry for eight years. He is a graduate of Cumberland College in Williamsburg, KY and holds master’s degrees in both Public Administration and Christian Missions. Josh and his wife, Emily, live in a suburb of Atlanta with their four children.

Julie Lowe is an author, speaker, and counselor. She holds an MA in counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary, is a licensed professional counselor with over twenty-five years of counseling experience, and is a registered play therapist supervisor. Julie served as a faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) for over 20 years and has lectured and taught at Missio Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary. Julie and her husband, Greg, live in the Philadelphia, PA area and have five children. They have served for over 20 years as foster and adoptive parents.

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.

Kara Clark, LCSW, serves as the Louisiana Casework Supervisor and as a family therapist in Crowley, Louisiana. Kara holds a BA in Sociology from Howard Payne University, a master's in social work from the University of Texas in Arlington, Texas, and a master's in ministry-Based Evangelism from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. Kara is happily married to her college best friend, Dr. Cullen T. Clark, who serves as the pastor at FBC Crowley and also teaches church history at Howard Payne University. Together, they are blessed with three wonderful children: Elizabeth, William, and Jakob.

Karla Thrasher is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a licensed social worker. She is also a TBRI® Practitioner, certified by the TCU Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development. Karla has been on staff at Lifeline since 2001 and currently serves as the Director of International Adoption. In her role, Karla is privileged to manage the day to day of Lifeline’s International Department and provide leadership to the international team. She coordinates with other Lifeline departments and outside ministry partners to better serve waiting children and families. Some of the specific focuses in Karla’s role at Lifeline are government compliance, customer service and quality assurance.  She considers it a great honor to share the gospel through the gift of adoption! Karla lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband Jamie. They have three adult children. Karla’s family are her biggest cheerleaders in her ministry at Lifeline.

Lauren joined the Lifeline team in January of 2018, where she serves as Pregnancy Counselor Supervisor. Hailing originally from New Orleans, LA, she pursued her undergraduate studies in social work at Mississippi College before furthering her education at The University of Alabama for graduate school. Lauren's views her work as both a calling and a ministry, relishing the opportunity to express love and care for clients, inspired by the love of Christ.

Lynn graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in social work. She worked in the area of foster care and adoption in Georgia and Virginia before joining Lifeline staff in 1989. She became a TBRI® Practitioner in 2016 and a certified Parent Coach with Connected Families in 2021. She is the manager of the Parent Coaching Services for Lifeline. Lynn feels that it is a privilege to be a part of Lifeline and to support families in their parenting journey. She is married to Brian and they have two daughters, two sons in law and three grandchildren.

Lynne Jackson​ has over 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist. As a speaker, certified life coach, podcaster, and author, Lynne has helped thousands of parents learn to be peaceful, purposeful, and confident. In 2002, she and her husband, Jim founded Connected Families, a ministry that helps parents learn to embody God’s grace in the midst of family life.

Matthew and Makyna Hart have been together for 13 years, serving in full-time ministry on staff at Movement Church in Madison, AL. Matthew serves as a worship pastor, while Makyna serves as a Family Pastor. They are both bio, adoptive, and foster parents. Over the past year, they have been actively fostering, having already cared for 10 children. Their passion lies in facilitating family reunification and nurturing enduring relationships with the bio families of the children under their care.

Matt Lawson is the Executive Pastor at First Baptist Church Woodstock in Woodstock, Georgia.

McKenzie Bussman serves as an International Social Worker on the Asia team. McKenzie graduated in 2017 from Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and from the University of Alabama with her master's in social work.

Chris joined Lifeline in March, 2020, and serves as the Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy. He previously served as a pastor for 24 years and as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Faith and Community Based Initiatives. Chris has also served as a consultant and has been a frequent speaker at local, state, and national conferences, churches, and community gatherings, sharing his family’s story and challenging others to answer the gospel call to care for vulnerable children and families. He was born and raised in metro Atlanta, GA, and currently lives in Birmingham. Chris studied Church Ministries (B.A.) at Trinity Baptist College and Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) at Regent University. He and his amazing wife, Alicia, have 10 children (7 adopted from foster care) and 3 grandchildren (2 adopted from foster care). They have also served as foster parents to more than 40 children.

Rev. Zach Coffin has been pastoring since he was 19 years old and preaching since he was 16 years old. With an extensive background in ministry and leadership, Zach has served in various capacities, including children's pastor, youth pastor, and next-gen pastor, in churches of all sizes. Most recently, Zach served as the Director of Next Generation Ministries for The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters. His commitment to empowering individuals and churches to embrace a Holy Spirit-led life and ministry is evident through his passionate preaching, thought-provoking teachings, and presence-driven coaching. Zach coaches and trains churches, organizations, and their leadership how to embrace a presence-driven approach to life and leadership. He has two bachelor's degrees in Christian Ministry and Christian Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. A master's degree in Pastoral Theology from Kingswood University, with his final project focusing on "Living for Revival." In 2022, Zach received the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from Indiana Wesleyan University for his contribution to the next generation and ministry. Zach and his wife, Becca, have been married for 16 years, love teaching people how to live presence-driven lives, and love to pray over people. Florida is now home and they spend most of their summers traveling in their RV preaching at churches and camps. They have two strong daughters.

Rick Young serves as the Family Pastor at First Baptist Woodstock in Woodstock, Georgia.

Robbie Hinton is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a degree in Marketing and holds a master's degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He served as a pastor with the Presbyterian Church of America for 10 years and has been a headmaster in classical Christian education for the past 20 years. Currently, Robbie is the headmaster at Cary Christian School in Cary, NC. The best thing about Robbie is that he is married to Ann Maura Hinton, who serves on the Bridge team at Lifeline.

Sandra is a mom of eight, with five adopted children—one through kinship and four internationally. With over 30 years of parenting experience, she understands the challenges of raising children with trauma histories, especially her two youngest who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In 2011, Sandra co-founded Justice For Orphans, a nonprofit ministry supporting orphans and foster children. She hosts the Adoption & Foster Care Journey podcast, offering encouragement and insights to foster and adoptive parents. Sandra is also a certified facilitator of the FASCETS neuro-behavioral model, leading workshops and support communities for those navigating FASD. Her book, Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father, shares her family's story and her spiritual journey as an adoptive parent. Sandra lives in upstate New York with her husband, Wayne, where they continue to parent their teenage sons and enjoy time with their grandchildren.

Scarlet Hiltibidal has three daughters, one brought home through international adoption. She is also an author of several books, including "Afraid of All the Things," "You're the Worst Person in the World," and the "Anxious" bible study, and many other books. She writes regularly for Parent Life magazine, Home Life magazine, and "She Reads Truth." She, her husband, and family live in southern California.

Scott and Lynne Watson are followers of Jesus and parents of 5 and grandparents of 9. Two of the five children were adopted from China and 5 of the 9 grandchildren were adopted. Scott and Lynne have been married for more than 40 years and became High School sweethearts in band. Lynne's careers including being a Navy wife, raising 5 children and being loved as "Ms. Lynne" at God's House Kindergarten for more than 10 years. Lynne is active in community bible study and in the lives of her growing family. After serving in the Navy on submarines, Scott has had a varied career in private industry in various business development and leadership roles. His company, the C=C Bond Group has provided business consulting services since 2014. In 2022, Scott and Lynne began an adventure which culminated with a 3400 mile bike ride across the USA with USNA 83 classmates to raise funds for various causes. The team has raised over $700,000 to date and this year the team is coming to Alabama. The BamaRama500! will start in Huntsville on Oct 4 and culminate 500 miles later in Orange Beach. Several veteran causes, including 2 ministries are benefitting from the ride include Samaritan's Purse Operation Heal our Patriots and Lifeline's Operation Patriots for Children. Scott will be riding and Lynne is leading the support team.

Sean and Jenny Miller are US Missionary Chaplains to foster care through the Assemblies of God. They have five amazing children: Jordan, Eli, Arianna, Avianna, and Thomas. As U.S. Missionaries, their mission is to resource and equip local churches to care for foster children, as well as their birth, foster, and adoptive families. They believe the church is the answer to the orphan care crisis in America.