By Jenny Riddle On the November 11, 2020 episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell talked with Boyd Christenberry, son of Kim and Bill Christenberry. Boyd gave his perspective on adoption as a biological child whose family was completed through adoption. Completion, Not Addition Boyd is the oldest of eight children. Five of his siblings

:: Arkansas :: Provides supervision and on-going support, consultation, direction, instruction and advice for the social work and case management staff assigned under the supervision of the State Director.

By Neisha Roberts When people first hear, “It will cost between $35-$50,000 to adopt,” there’s a quick gut response that usually follows — “How in the world could we ever afford that?” We completely understand. Your heart is willing and you’re ready to take the next step in faith, but your head is stuck running

By Neisha Roberts A little girl from China. A 12-year-old boy from Colombia. A baby girl from Louisiana. Three siblings from Bulgaria. God’s beautiful children across the world find their way home to their forever families through adoption. The process, although at times long and arduous, ends in a wonderfully woven tapestry of details that

More than a Photograph By Jessica Roberts, Lifeline Mom Our family’s journey toward adoption doesn’t begin like many of the stories we know. When my husband, Rhodes, and I were married, we didn’t have any intentional discussions about how we would like to grow our family. We weren’t like those couples that both happened to

Written by Vickye Schultz, Texas State Director Submitted by Anna Pawley, International Social Worker Edited by Neisha Roberts, Written Content Coordinator It’s amazing how God’s hand watches over children that are matched with adoptive families. This story is one that no one has told nor read about until now. I had the privilege of watching

:: Topeka, KS :: Establishes initial contact with birth parents, and prospective adoptive families for the Domestic and International programs. Counsels clients concerning the options they have regarding an unplanned pregnancy, including factual information about each option, helping to develop an adoption plan if desired, preparing for the adoption process, and connecting with resources if no longer desiring to choose adoption. Networks in the community with potential referral sources by building relationships and conducting trainings.

:: Birmingham, AL :: Oversees projects and initiatives to make the pregnancy counseling program consistently more gospel centered, efficient, and effective as we care for those considering adoption and those who have placed their child for adoption.

By Jenny Riddle We are praising the Lord for His continued providence for children and families in our international adoption programs in the middle of this pandemic. Although travel has slowed significantly for everyone, we have seen God at work in bringing children home. Processes are progressing, and borders are continuing to open.  Celebrate with

By Jenny Riddle International adoption is always filled with the unexpected. Surprises, detours, and bumps in the road are all quite normal and expected. A global pandemic, however, has far exceeded the usual unexpected. Families whose bags were packed to bring their children home were banned from travel by government authorities. Families who were awaiting

By Brooke Rowan and Jenny Riddle In a time of collective struggling, hearing about the redemptive work of the Lord is hope to a weary soul. Although COVID-19 has created many challenges to the international adoption process for many families, the Lord has been faithfully working. Through Lifeline’s Haiti program, two families experienced inexpressible joy

By Neisha Roberts Our friends at Show Hope say it well: “Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to do something.” Maybe you’re at the point where you’ve prayed earnestly about adoption and felt the Holy Spirit’s urging to “find out more.” You probably have many more questions than answers at this

Developed by Lynn Beckett, LBSW Adapted for blog by Neisha Roberts It’s the age-old conundrum for those named “mom” or “dad” — how do you keep up with all the essential (and some fun) tasks as a parent and still have time to take care of yourself? Research shows that taking a break, rest, or

Compiled by Jenny Riddle from contributions by Lynn Beckett and Angela Mains In the middle of this pandemic, almost every decision feels like the weight of the world. Lifeline Children’s Services understands that parents across the country are dealing with a myriad of feelings over schooling options this fall. Some parents have no options; some

Excerpt from Image Bearers by Herbie Newell In 2008, on a trip to Zaporizhia, Ukraine, the Lord awoke my heart to the fact that adoption alone could not answer the cry of the orphan. It was in Ukraine that I first met a young girl named Kataya; she was reportedly 15 and desperately wanted a family.

:: Tuscaloosa, AL :: Responsible for operation and management of Lifeline Village home during evening shift and under the direction of the Program Coordinator.

By Neisha Roberts One would think you’d need a lot of effort in a small amount of time to make things happen in the middle of a global pandemic. But God shows us over and over that the tiny mustard seeds we plant along the way are what make a difference. Since 2016, Lifeline Children’s

By Melissa, Pregnancy Counselor Many years ago, God branded upon my heart the truth in Ephesians 3:20 (ESV), “to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.”  There are so many great things in this verse. God is able!  He goes above and beyond anything that we

Each year, hundreds of churches dedicate one Sunday to advocate and raise awareness for the plight of the fatherless on Orphan Sunday. Lifeline Children’s Services wants to help challenge and equip churches, pastors, lay leaders, and families to share the reality, communicate God’s call, and find practical ways to respond. Will you partner with us

All Orphan Sunday 2020 resources can be accessed through the Dropbox share folder or through the links below.  Dropbox Share Folder Orphan Sunday Video Download Video   Be an Orphan Sunday Coordinator Coordinator Description 60 Ideas for Celebrating Orphan Sunday Lifeline Ministry Overview Lesson Plans Adult Lesson Student Lesson Kids Lesson Prayer Guide 7 Days