Join Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher on this special National Adoption Month episode of The Defender Podcast as they explore the profound impact of adoption on vulnerable children around the world. Karla, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Programs, shares insights on the evolving landscape of international adoption, including the unique challenges and rewards families experience. They discuss the realities of waiting children, highlight emerging adoption programs, and reveal a new $1,000 scholarship for families beginning their adoption journey this month. GUESTKarla 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 Sr. 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. HOST Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SCHOLARSHIP Ready to start your adoption journey? Lifeline Children's Services is excited to offer a $1,000 scholarship toward the first agency fee for families applying to our full international adoption program from November 1–30, 2024. With the support of the Hope Adoption Fund, we’re helping families overcome financial barriers, providing guidance and support at every stage of the adoption process. Take this step with us, and let’s bring hope and a forever family to a waiting child. Visit LifelineChild.org/Begin to learn more. 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