After eight incredible years, the Defender Podcast is taking a short sabbatical. In this episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the journey so far, share exciting plans for the future, and discuss how the podcast will continue to equip and encourage the body of Christ in orphan care and adoption. Tune in to hear what’s ahead, when to expect new episodes, and how you can stay engaged during the break!

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In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Kirti Pickard—adoptee, advocate, and podcast host—who shares her powerful adoption journey and how it fuels her passion for serving vulnerable children. Adopted from India at the age of four, Kirti has a deep, firsthand understanding of the lifelong impact of adoption. She discusses the challenges adoptees face, how faith shapes her work, and the importance of churches and communities walking alongside adoptive families. Through her podcast, When I Grow Up, and her leadership of Mission 143, she is dedicated to sharing stories of God’s faithfulness and raising support for children in need.

🎧 Tune in to hear:
✅ Kirti’s personal adoption story and how it shaped her faith
✅ The unseen challenges adoptees often experience
✅ How adoptive families can help children navigate identity and belonging
✅ Practical ways churches and communities can support adoptees
✅ How Mission 143 is making a tangible impact

Guest: Kirti Pickard
Kirti Pickard was born in India and adopted at the age of four, giving her a deep understanding of the profound impact of adoption. She is the host of When I Grow Up, a podcast sharing extraordinary stories of everyday people. Kirti also leads Mission 143, a fundraiser that donates 100% of its proceeds to Lifeline Children’s Services, helping to support vulnerable children and families.

🔗 Follow Kirti:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Host: Dr. Rick Morton
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children’s Services.

Resources & Next Steps:
💙 Support Adoption & Advocacy
At Lifeline Children’s Services, we equip families with gospel-centered training and resources to care for vulnerable children. If you’re considering adoption or looking for ways to support adoptive families, we are here to help.

🔗 Learn more: LifelineChild.org/Adoption

🛍️ Shop & Support:
Mission 143 donates 100% of its proceeds to Lifeline Children’s Services. Every purchase helps support adoption and orphan care.
🔗 Shop Mission 143: Mission143Store.com

📖 About Lifeline Children’s Services:
Our mission is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for children and communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.

📲 Follow Lifeline: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe to The Defender Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transistor
📖 Join The Defender Bible Study:
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🎙️In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Jamie Finn—author, nonprofit leader, and advocate for vulnerable children. As a foster and adoptive mom, she shares her journey, the biggest challenges foster families face, and how the Church can offer meaningful support. Jamie and her husband, Alan, have been foster parents for over 11 years, welcoming more than 30 children into their home while parenting seven children through birth, adoption, and foster care. She discusses how faith sustains her, the heart behind her work, and how she equips and encourages families through writing, speaking, and ministry.

🎧 Tune in to hear:
✅ Jamie’s personal fostering journey & challenges
✅ The biggest needs of foster families today
✅ How churches can truly support foster parents
✅ How faith sustains families through the highs and lows of fostering

Guest: Jamie Finn

Jamie is the author of Foster the Family, founder and president of Foster the Family, host of The Real Mom Podcast, and owner of Goods & Better. She is a sought-after speaker for foster and adoptive parent events and offers encouragement through her popular social media accounts. Jamie and her husband, Alan, live in New Jersey with their seven children.

🔗 Follow Jamie:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Host: Dr. Rick Morton

Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children’s Services.

Resources & Next Steps:

💙 Interested in Foster Care? At Lifeline Children’s Services, we equip families with gospel-centered training to make a lasting impact in the foster care system. Whether you're considering fostering or supporting foster families, we have resources, training, and support to guide you.

🔗 Learn more: LifelineChild.org/Foster

📖 About Lifeline Children’s Services:
Our mission is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for children and communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.

Follow & Subscribe

📲 Follow Lifeline: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

🎙️ Listen & Subscribe to The Defender Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transistor

📖 Join The Defender Bible Study:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transistor