The Defender Podcast

  • Today, we are joined by Katie and Taylor Summers who adopted their son, Jonas, from Hungary. They talk about the gift of adoption and the blessings and challenges of being parents. They share their experiences raising and caring for a child with autism. Join us next week for part two of this series! 
GUEST
  • Taylor and Katie Summers adopted their son Jonas from Hungary in 2022 at the age of 2. They matched with Jonas in July of 2022, and he was home in October. They stayed in Hungary for roughly six weeks where they bonded and connected with their son prior to coming home. Katie is a Nurse Practitioner and Taylor runs a Nonprofit in Kenya called Zoe Ministries. They have a heart for overseas mission work and carrying out the call of adoption.
HOST
  • Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.
CO-HOST
  • Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.
RESOURCES
  • At Lifeline, we know that growing as a healthy family can be challenging, especially in light of trauma. 
  • We’ve created an online video library for you to find helpful information, insight, and resources that can help you on your family’s journey. 
  • Register for free at https://lifelinechild.org/online-learning-experience/ to access available resources. 
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. 
  • Web: lifelinechild.org
  • Email: info@lifelinechild.org
  • Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @lifelinechild
  • The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify
  • The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify

Creators & 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!

What is The Defender Podcast?

The Defender Podcast is a ministry of Lifeline Children's Services where we seek to equip the body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children and families. We hope this podcast will provide encouragement, inspiration, and ways to connect with others who have a heart for the orphan.