In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline’s Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss the heartbreaking impact of China’s five-year suspension of international adoptions, which left 400 children—many with special needs—waiting for families. Recent developments, including China’s September 2024 decision to end all international adoptions, have deepened the uncertainty for children and the 300 U.S. families still committed to them. Herbie and Karla explore the emotional toll on families, the long-term effects on children, and Lifeline’s ongoing advocacy at the highest levels, providing hope through prayer, support, and action.

GUEST

Karla Thrasher is a licensed social worker with a degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a certified TBRI® Practitioner through the TCU Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development. Since joining Lifeline Children’s Services in 2001, she has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable children and families as Senior Director of International Adoption. Her leadership role allows her to fiercely advocate for the children and families she serves through quality assurance and excellent service.

Thrasher brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, which has been instrumental in developing Lifeline’s partnerships with international agencies, governments, and ministries. Through her work, she has seen God’s hand at work in placing children in loving, Christ-centered homes and providing support for families who adopt from around the globe.

Her greatest joy is sharing the gospel through the ministry of adoption. She lives in Birmingham with her husband, and they have three grown children who champion her ministry work at Lifeline.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

ADOPTION COUNSELING COURSE

At Lifeline Children’s Services, we are reminded daily of the global orphan crisis — a crisis affecting over 140 million vulnerable children worldwide. These children, many of whom are social orphans, need more than just temporary aid; they need the hope, love, and security that only a family can provide. While adoption is a beautiful way to answer this call, less than 0.5% of these children will ever be adopted. That’s why Lifeline is committed to walking alongside families on this faith-filled journey of international adoption, equipping them to step forward in obedience and care for the vulnerable. If you feel God stirring your heart to learn more, visit LifelineChild.org/Adoption to explore how you can get started in making an eternal impact.

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.

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In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Christy Mack Segars, Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services, introduces the new Design Adoption Counseling Certificate, a free online resource created in partnership with Stand For Life. This course equips counselors, church leaders, and pregnancy center staff to compassionately guide women facing unplanned pregnancies, presenting adoption as a life-affirming option without coercion. Christy discusses the importance of accurate adoption education, addressing misconceptions, and supporting informed decision-making while highlighting the growing role of adoption advocacy within the pro-life movement.

GUEST

Christie Mac Segars, LICSW serves as the Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a Master’s in Social Work from The University of Alabama. Since joining Lifeline in March 2013, Christie Mac has been dedicated to delivering the gospel to families in need and advancing the ministry of reconciliation and redemption through Lifeline’s diverse domestic programs.

Segars led the creation of the Designed Adoption Counseling Certificate Program in partnership with Stand for Life and is a frequent national speaker on adoption, family preservation, and the church’s role in pro-life advocacy.

Segars resides in Alabama with her husband, Croft, and their daughters.

HOST

Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.

ADOPTION COUNSELING COURSE

Do you wonder if you’re having the right conversation about adoption with women in unexpected pregnancies? Research shows that women want information on all their options before they make an informed choice for their baby.

Through the Stand For Life and Lifeline Children’s Services Adoption Counseling Certification, you can become equipped on what to say—and what not to say—to a woman deciding between parenting, adoption, and abortion. Learn more and register at LifelineChild.org/AdoptionPartner.

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.

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In today's episode of The Defender Podcast, Rick Morton welcomes Sarah Gable Seifert, co-founder of EveryLife—the first pro-life diaper and wipe company in America. Sarah shares her journey from life-changing experiences at JH Ranch to pivotal roles at Public Square and a pregnancy resource center in San Clemente. She reveals how her faith and passion for the pro-life movement led to the creation of EveryLife, meeting a crucial need for families and advocating for the value of every child. Sarah’s story is a testament to listening to God’s calling, stepping into bold ventures, and making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.

GUEST

Sarah Gabel Seifert, President and Co-Founder of EveryLife, is a proud wife to Michael Seifert and a new mother to Lily Gabel.

Previously, Sarah Gabel served as the Director of Sales at PublicSquare, where she spearheaded the development of a new advertising platform that resulted in $1 million annual recurring revenue within the first year of launching.

From 2020 to 2021, Sarah Gabel held the position of Client Services Director at the Pregnancy Resource Center in San Clemente. In this role, she managed and trained a team of over 80 volunteers while providing essential support to hundreds of vulnerable women facing unplanned pregnancies. Prior to that, she held various leadership positions at JH Ranch, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening and restoring the family unit.

With a heart for the pro-life community, Sarah Gabel has a passion for saving the unborn and investing in the next generation.

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

EVERYLIFE
Save 10% on your order from EveryLife when you use the code LIFELINE10 at checkout! Not only will you receive a discount, but Lifeline Children's Services will also receive a 10% donation of the cost of your diapers and wipes purchase. It’s a win-win! Shop now at EveryLife.

SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE

Today, we’re honored to welcome Sarah Gabel to The Defender Podcast. Her organization was founded with the belief that every child is a miracle from God, deserving of love, protection, and support—values that align deeply with our mission at Lifeline. At Lifeline, we are committed to advocating for the sanctity of life and equipping individuals and churches to stand boldly for the voiceless. We believe every life matters, and we are here to walk alongside you as you champion the cause of life in your community. If you’re looking for ways to engage during Sanctity of Human Life Month, visit LifelineChild.org/Sanctity for resources to inspire and equip you or your church.

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.

FOLLOW US

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

The Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify

The Defender Bible Study: Subscribe on iTunes | Transistor | Spotify