Journey
issue no. 14 | Fall 2021
an alumni publication of Lifeline Children’s Ser vices
T HA N K Y O U F O R Y O UR S UP P O RT
Wou ld y o u p r a y fo r us a s we c o n tin u e to s tan d fir m in ou r mis sion an d vi si son?
A Letter from Herbie PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Looking back on the last year and a half spent amidst unknown and unplanned times, we have seen the Lord work in incredible ways. As I reflect on this season, I think about how the Lord continues to weave together the gospel narrative as more and more are adopted into the family of God through Christ and His work of salvation. This truth is at the heart of Lifeline’s ministry. We want to see vulnerable children and their communities transformed by the gospel and going forth to make more disciples for generations to come. Psalm 145:3-5 says, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” This issue of Journey reflects upon what it means to leave a legacy by proclaiming the gospel to future generations. Here are just a few of the many ways God is building a legacy through the ministry of Lifeline: • Through Lifeline’s birth parent ministry, we are not only able to counsel on choosing life but are able to proclaim Christ, the Author of life. • Through our Families Count ministry, we are seeing broken families restored through the work of the local church. • Our gospel-centered foster parents are ministering to children through Christ-honoring temporary care. • Through international and domestic adoption, we are seeing children brought into gospel-centered homes, committed to teaching their children about Christ. • The Lord is raising up a network of local pastors around the world to care for the vulnerable in their communities through (un)adopted®. Fall 2021
• Lifeline’s counseling and education services allow us to serve and minister to families in difficult situations. In this issue of Journey, we want to focus on a few stories that show how God is using us all to leave a legacy of faith. Inside these pages, you’ll meet the Holtz family, who adopted a sibling group from Costa Rica. The Holtzes are proclaiming Christ to their kids and working to leave a legacy of faith and generosity to their children. You will also meet a 17-year-old whose family has been called to foster. Her parents have instilled in her a value for life that is continuing to the next generation. Finally, you will find an article on leaving a legacy through planned giving and learn how one thoughtful man is looking to continue his legacy even after death to support Kingdom work that will reach future generations with the gospel. As we continue to stand firm in our mission and vision would you pray for us? Pray that we will remain committed to the gospel for generations to come. As we see others succumbing to the pressures of society, pray that Lifeline would remain steadfast. Finally, please know we are praying for you—as you train up your children in the gospel of Jesus. We pray that their hearts will be receptive to the truth and that the Lord would do a great work in their lives.
In Him,
Herbert M. Newell IV President/Executive Director
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Journey L I F E L I N E C H I L D R E N ’ S S E RV I C E S 100 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, Alabama 35242 Phone: 205.967.0811 Website: lifelinechild.org
EDITORIAL JENNY RIDDLE Editor
MEMORY SMITH Layout & Design
SHANE ETHEREDGE Art Director
DR. RICK MORTON Vice President of Engagement
CONTRIBUTORS Jenny Riddle, Malinda Nichols, & Ann Maura Hinton
PHOTOGRAPHY Anna Conn, Memory Smith, Malinda Nichols, & Adam Winger
W H AT I S J O U R N E Y ? Journey is an alumni publication dedicated to our families who have been through the adoption or foster care process. This is a way to stay in touch with Lifeline’s ministry, to celebrate along with other families through milestones and stories, and to encourage your walk with Christ and the well-being of your family in the days ahead!
W H AT WO U L D YO U L I K E T O S E E I N YO U R N E X T I S S U E ? We love hearing from you! Send us what you would love to read about in the next issue of Journey to milestones@lifelinechild.org.
S H A R E YO U R S T O R I E S F RO M T H E PA S T Do you have a Lifeline story to share to help celebrate our 40th anniversary? Send your stories, photos, or fun memories to us using this website: lifelinechild.tfaforms.net/252.
I S S U E N O. 1 4 C OV E R FA M I LY The Holtz family lives in Huntsville, Alabama, where they run Holtz Leather Co. Rick and Coleen have 11 children: Madison, Faith, Kelsey, Jacob, Vivian, Levi, Joseph, Evelyn, Judah, Gabriella, and Benjamin. Five of their children were adopted as a sibling group from Costa Rica in 2020.
Contents FA L L 2 0 2 1
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BEARD’S BEES: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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FAITH, FAMILY, & LEATHER
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FOSTERING LEGACY
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GROWING OPPORTUNITIES
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CAN I “FIX” MY CHILD’S LEARNING DIFFERENCES?
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A PRESENT LEGACY & A FUTURE LEGACY
Welcome Home
WARD FAMILY India
LAWRENCE FAMILY India
MURPHY FAMILY India
POGUE FAMILY Costa Rica
JEFFRIES FAMILY Costa Rica Fall 2021
STEWART FAMILY Taiwan
BENAK FAMILY India -4-
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BEARD’S BEES Maki n g a D i fferenc e For Jeff and Carinda Beard, growing their family through adoption has been always been a whole family affair. On their first of three adoption trips, the Beards took their five children with them to China. Traveling together as a family not only gave their children a special perspective on their adoption story, it also gave them a much bigger view of the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. Orphans halfway around the world were no longer nameless and faceless to the Beard kids. These precious image bearers of God were children that they knew personally. Knowing that most orphaned children will never know the love of a family or of the gospel of Christ, the Beard children developed a passion for helping orphaned and vulnerable children. Now as a family of 13, Stand for Orphans® has become a way for the Beards to make a difference to vulnerable children, and the Beards are a great example of how families can be creative in how they participate. They do not live in a neighborhood conducive to a lemonade stand, so they considered ideas that would work for their family. “We have a few small beehives that we maintain throughout the year. Every summer, the bees provide our family with hundreds of pounds of honey, so it is a perfect opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Lifeline by hosting a virtual Stand for Orphans honey sale.” Their three oldest boys get together with a few friends once or twice a summer to pull, extract, bottle, and label the honey themselves. They sell each bottle for $10-$15 at a local feed store and to friends and family through a virtual honey stand. The proceeds of their sales are donated to Lifeline’s Stand for Orphans Initiative. Through their efforts, the Beard kids are taking a stand for orphans and using their platform to give a voice to voiceless kids around the world. The Beard’s story illustrates that there is no one right way to participate in Stand for Orphans. Like Carinda says, making a stand “doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just focus on whatever are your family’s unique gifts or creations-[anything] that you could allow your children to sell to raise funds and awareness for the amazing work Lifeline is doing around the world. In our family, the biggest reward in participating in Stand for Orphans hasn’t been the money raised but seeing God work in our children’s hearts.” Stand for Orphans is a ministry by kids, for kids to raise needed funds and awareness to care for orphaned and vulnerable children here and around the world. Now is the perfect time for your kids to “make a stand to take a stand.” To learn more about Stand for Orphans and to download your free printable Stand for Orphans kit visit lifelinechild.org/stand.
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THE BEARD FAMILY (Above) With 11 children in the family, the Beards enjoy working together as a large family to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
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Written By Jenny Riddle
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“A
T HOLTZ LEATHER WE . . . WANT TO CREATE PRODUCTS THAT REFLECT OUR STORY AND WILL CARRY YOURS FOR YEARS TO COME.” A SMALL CARD CONTAINING THESE TEXT LINES ACCOMPANIES EVERY LEATHER ITEM SOLD FROM HOLTZ LEATHER CO. THE HOLTZ FAMILY STORY MIRRORS THE SAME MESSAGE. LIKE THE LEATHER USED IN THEIR PRODUCTS, THE SCARS AND MARKS LEFT BY TOUGH TIMES IN THEIR LIVES TELL A STORY OF GOD’S PROVIDENCE AND REDEMPTION—A STORY THAT WILL LAST FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Companions since childhood and sweethearts since high school, Rick and Coleen Holtz held the ideas of heritage and legacy close to their hearts. As an extension of those values, they always dreamed of having a large family and owning a business. Rick has an entrepreneur’s heart and drive, undertaking various endeavors from running a paper route as a young child to a small engine repair business. At 22 years old, three years after they were married, Rick and Coleen had a successful e-commerce computer parts business and were parents to three children: their dreams were becoming a reality. However, success turned elusive almost ten years later, in 2008. During the next five years, the Holtzes experienced four miscarriages and lost their business. With a lack of income, they also lost their home, had their cars repossessed, and were struggling to survive. Rick was losing all hope for living. The legacy he wanted to create seemed entirely out of reach. However, God was drawing their hearts to Him in a way that success could not. Rick began to grasp the reality of the gospel profoundly and came to a life-changing understanding of his adoption in Christ. “You don’t get the gospel without getting adoption,” Rick explains. As a result, during this period of incredible loss, God opened Rick’s heart to adopting children. Coleen had wanted to adopt since she was young; now that God had moved Rick’s heart, they both had the calling and desire—but not the ability. They were in desperate circumstances. The Holtz family was facing homelessness, now with six kids, donkeys, horses, chickens, and other farm animals in their care. Yet, in 2014, they saw God’s hand visibly working in their lives. Providentially, a friend connected them with a home that provided ample space for their family and animals. They moved, and Rick took a job at a business he didn’t own for the first time in his life. At the same time, Coleen had the idea to try their hand at selling embroidered bridal party robes. They borrowed an old embroidery machine that Rick’s father had stored in his basement. With all the money they could spare, they bought four robes to make samples, uploaded them to Etsy, and waited. They did not wait long. God blessed their efforts, and sales were immediate. The Etsy app on their phone began to fill their ears with cash register sounds each time a sale came through. Bulk orders Fall 2021
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for personalized robes came pouring in, and the Holtzes became entrepreneurs again with their company, Heritage Wedding. The business grew, filling up every corner of their basement. Rick’s desire for a family-based business was coming to fruition. He explains what that meant to him and Coleen, “Thinking about legacy and heritage, we wanted to think multi-generational. We really wanted to do something that our hands touch and that our family could be a part of. We saw that opportunity as our whole family was working in the basement together.” However, the growth was not simply in dollars or return on investments. Their relationship with Christ and reliance upon each other had been nurtured through the pain of the previous years. Rick and Coleen had been transparent with their children about their circumstances, and as a family, they were able to work together and give glory where it was due for the success of their efforts. Rick explained that though their children “knew there was some financial difficulty, they also knew the source of our hope was Christ and that’s where we put everything.” The legacy created by the Holtz family now had solid roots in Christ—roots that will not fail, no matter how dire the circumstances. The family’s financial situation turned from dire to stable because of their reliance on God’s leading and a rapidly growing business. They were able to set the goal of adoption at the forefront of their efforts. To further that goal, they expanded their company into leather, an idea that had been percolating in their minds. Through the success of Heritage Weddings, they were able to invest in equipment, books, and supplies to teach themselves how to make quality leather products. Once again, God gave a bountiful return on their efforts. They experienced more substantial growth, seeing their business multiply every year. After just two years, the Holtz’s ability to adopt became a reality, and they applied to Lifeline. They entered into the Costa Rica program and sought out a sibling group. A couple of years later, they committed to a sibling group of five, and their entire family traveled to meet the children and bring them home. They also brought a Holtz employee (and friend) on the trip to film and document the entire process of becoming a family of 13. This video resides on their company’s website to share about adoption with people from all over the world. As a result, the Holtzes receive questions about adoption regularly from people who visit their online store. Rick and Coleen answer questions, share their story, and communicate the purpose of adoption with people they meet through their business. Their adoption story impacted their immediate family and became a family legacy that draws others to adoption through their business. This kind of impact would not have been possible without the years of struggle in their lives, but God used their scars and bruises to extend the legacy of their family farther than Rick and Coleen could have imagined. Rick and Coleen’s business was always about family and investing in what would come after them. Through years of heartache and then adoption, their family legacy grew—in size and impact. Each Holtz child of working age is involved Fall 2021
in the business in some way. Madison, the oldest, lives out of state with her husband but still maintains the financial books for the company. She is also skilled in painting art pieces, which are printed and sold on stationery packs. Faith, the second oldest, does various tasks like inventory management and working retail. Kelsey, the third oldest, runs social media for the company. During Christmas, most of the children get a turn working retail and earning money. However, many of them are also learning to take raw goods, like leather or wood, and turn them into sellable art pieces. Jacob and Levi are learning how to turn wood from their grandfather, Rick’s dad. They eagerly find scrap wood pieces from the production facility and take them home to work on new projects with the lathe. As their children get older and develop interests, Rick and Coleen seek to set them up for success. For example, Kelsey makes cheese, butter, and yogurt from the milk cow she asked for and received last Christmas. Evelyn likes to work with animals and has been rehabilitating a kitten who could not walk. Joseph likes to play the piano and wants to play in a church one day. He’s also the one who always carries a tool with him and is known as the “fix-it” man. Vivian loves to write encouraging notes and wants to write a book about her family one day. For now, one of Benjamin’s favorite activities is riding the scooter through the spacious parts of the warehouse, and he’s allowed to do so safely. No matter what part they play in Holtz Leather Co., together, they are part of a company that bears their family
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name and their legacy for generations to come. Each Holtz leather good is stamped with the Holtz logo, a small castle with “The Lord’s Vineyard” written in Hebrew inside. Rick describes the logo as “a reminder that everything He establishes is not ours. We are just a steward of the vineyard—a worker to be faithful with a task that He puts before us.” Rick reflects on his role as a steward in a remarkable business, “All of this can be taken away in a moment, and I know that full well. God gives, and God takes away, but He is still good. No matter what happens, it’s just to bring glory to Him.” Bringing God glory is at the heart of the Holtz family legacy, and the Holtz family is at the heart of Holtz Leather Co. That truth not only means that their family imbues each aspect of their company but that they also leverage their business for the values their family hold, like the gospel, adoption, hard work, stewardship, and heritage. The gospel is a thread through all they do, from helping employees heal broken marriages to physical products that call to the Lordship of God. They use their website, social media, and physical products to advocate for adoption. They have also used their success to financially contribute to organizations like Lifeline, which take the gospel to orphaned and vulnerable children. This past July, they also hosted a Stand for Orphans® lemonade and popcorn stand in front of the Holtz Leather Co. retail store in Huntsville, Alabama. Through all of these efforts, they are shepherding the hearts of their children to be diligent stewards of the skills, giftedness, and resources that God has given them. Even if all eleven children do not become employees (or future owners) of the Holtz company, Rick and Coleen’s “goal is to prepare them to be good stewards and to realize that God created work to be used by Him. Everything from packaging boxes to customer service—do it as if you’re doing it for the Lord.”
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THAT TRUTH NOT ONLY MEANS THAT THEIR FAMILY IMBUES EACH ASPECT OF THEIR COMPANY BUT THAT THEY ALSO LEVERAGE THEIR BUSINESS FOR THE VALUES THEIR FAMILY HOLD, LIKE THE GOSPEL, ADOPTION, HARD WORK, STEWARDSHIP, AND HERITAGE.”
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What is done for the Lord will be a heritage that lasts. Heritage—a word that was part of their embroidery business name and is currently painted on their Holtz Leather Co. storefront window. It’s a word that carries intentionality in the Holtz family and their business. Their story, like their leather, will last throughout generations because they have been faithful to steward the hard times, the prosperous times, and the opportunities to impact others for eternity—all for the glory of God. As Rick says, “That’s the whole purpose in this business.”
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KID-FRIENDLY GULAB JAMUN-INSPIRED DESSERT By Malinda Nichols, Lifeline India Mom Gulab jamun is a traditional Indian dessert often enjoyed during India’s big autumn holiday of Diwali. Essentially a deep-fried donut hole, Gulab jamun are traditionally made with paneer cheese and soaked in rose simple syrup for that signature South Asian flavor. Although my family often enjoys authentic Indian food at our favorite local restaurants and with our Indian friends, we have found that substituting more familiar ingredients and methods makes mealtime a little less hectic! For this recipe, we used ricotta instead of paneer, and because it’s fall, swapped the rose flavor with salted caramel. As an added bonus, it’s made in one bowl and is easy enough for my young kids to lend a helping hand.
INGREDIENTS • 10 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese • 2 eggs • 1 1/2 cups flour • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1/4 tsp salt • 3 tbsp. white granulated sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla • Oil for frying • Powder sugar or caramel for topping PREPARATION: Preheat vegetable oil in a medium sauce pan to 315°F. Set out a wire rack (for cooling), placing paper towels on top. Also, lay a piece of parchment on your work surface to hold the dough holes before frying.
(Left t o Ri ght ) Dhanya S ri an d E v i e N i cho l s INSTRUCTIONS: Combine ricotta, eggs, sugar, and vanilla by whisking. Add in flour, baking soda, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to combine all ingredients. With lightly floured hands, make a roundish blob of dough, about the size of a doughnut hole. Place the dough balls on the parchment paper and continue until you’ve used all of the dough. They won’t look great and will be sticky, but they’ll come together in the fryer! When the oil is at temperature, place about four at a time in the oil. Turn to cook evenly, until they are golden in color. Lay them on the wire rack to cool. Serve with powdered sugar or your favorite caramel sauce. Eat while still warm.
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FOSTERING LEGACY
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Written By Jenny Riddle with Tier nan Courtney (Pictured Left)
hen Tiernan Courtney was ten years old, her parents became aware of the need for more foster families in their area. Both sensing the Lord’s leading, they began gathering information, including exploring their two daughters’ feelings about being a foster family. “We both said we would love to have that opportunity to open our heart and home to children in need,” Tiernan recalls. Her family began the process to be licensed, and one year later, they received their first placement. That day began a life-changing experience for Tiernan. Now, 17 years old, she would tell you that her life isn’t the same: “Since then, my family has had 12 sweet girls in our home all at different times . . . I knew that it was going to be something special; however, I didn’t truly understand how being a foster sister would change my view on life and other children/families. Every child who has come and will come through our home has a special place in my heart. I tell people that I’ve been a sister to 12 girls. Each of them has her different story, but each of them will always be part of my story.” Over the last six years, Tiernan’s experiences with her foster sisters expanded her worldview outside of the safe home in which she had lived. She bonded with her foster sisters as she helped care for them, such as when a new placement had to receive medical care as a toddler. Although this situation was one in which no child should have to experience or witness, these challenging circumstances have softened Tiernan’s heart to the needs of others. She has incredible empathy for others and a desire to serve them because she has seen the needs of others in a first-hand way. She explains, “Foster care has opened my eyes in many ways. It has taught me that I always need to keep my heart open to other people’s situations.” Tiernan learned to listen to those who come from different backgrounds. She is not under the illusion that she is a rescuer or the only one who has something to offer. She bonded with her foster sisters as she listened to them share their hearts. One teenage sister helped her understand the love between a parent and child, even when situations were complicated. Although she has seen some of the complex parts of the world, Tiernan has seen the redemptive role that foster care has played in the lives of her foster sisters. Instead of a lifetime of hardship, they now have a legacy of hope. One of her foster sisters “came into foster care confused and wishing things were different. Upon going back home, she graduated high school, moved out, has been in a loving relationship for over two years, and has a job that she loves. Her story went from living in disparity and being unsure of when she was going home to having hope and completely changing her life.” Seeing the way foster care has impacted the lives of the sisters who have come into their home and how it has changed her own heart, Tiernan wants to continue with the ministry of foster care in her own life. She shares, “I want to continue the legacy of foster care when I grow up and have my own family. I want to open up my home to be a safe place for not only my children but also for other children who don’t have a safe place. I want to pour into the lives of others and continue the legacy of foster care.” If your family would like more information on leaving a legacy through investment in the lives of vulnerable children and families in the foster care system, please visit lifelinechild.org/family-restoration.
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GROWING OPPOR TUNITIES T
his year, Lifeline celebrates our 40th anniversary. In those 40 years, Lifeline has grown from a pregnancy counseling and domestic adoption ministry to a ministry organization that seeks to disciple and bring gospel hope through international and domestic adoption, pregnancy counseling, global orphan care, and education and counseling. As the Lord’s ministry through Lifeline has grown, we have had the opportunity for more family partnerships, more children to be given a hope and a future, more women to know lifegiving options, and more avenues to bring gospel hope to children and families worldwide. God’s hand on Lifeline’s growth has been gracious and abundant. Recently several Christian ministries serving in areas similar to Lifeline shifted direction for their organizations by abandoning a biblical definition of marriage for their ministry partners and stepping away from providing adoption and pregnancy counseling services in many areas. Lifeline was able to come alongside some of the offices that sought to remain active in those areas and wanted to connect their work with gospel-driven ministry. As a result, we are excited to now be licensed and operating in the following new locations: Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville/Spartanburg, SC; Pensacola, FL; Little Rock and Fayetteville, AR; Rapid City and Sioux Fall 2021
Falls, SD; and Cheyenne, WY. We are looking forward to the opportunity to develop relationships with our new staff members and to provide even more children and families with the hope of the gospel.
Lord” is her favorite part of working for Lifeline so far. She cannot wait to see “how God grows the number of churches we partner with here in the Gulf Coast as lives are transformed and His Kingdom is increased.”
One of our new staff members is Sheila White. Sheila works on our Gulf Coast team, engaging churches and partners in God’s ministry through Lifeline. She describes her excitement about joining the Lifeline family, concluding that “it’s difficult for me to believe how God blessed me with the opportunity to serve Him here at Lifeline.” She saw God’s hand in her transition to Lifeline and praises the Lord’s faithfulness for providing more abundantly for her than she could imagine: “I had no idea how happy I would be here at Lifeline,” she says.
Sheila’s impact, as well as that of our other new staff and locations, will be an indelible part of God’s expanding ministry through Lifeline. Over the last 40 years, God has created a strong legacy in Lifeline, as we faithfully follow His word and His leading. We remain excited for what God has done, is doing, and will do as we seek to bring gospel hope across the U.S. and around the world.
Sheila explains that working at Lifeline provides her with an avenue through which she can live out her faith and conviction to the Word of God through Lifeline’s vision and mission. She views her job as one that extends beyond the dayto-day. “I view my job as one that isn’t just focused on the here but is about making a difference in other’s lives for eternity,” she explains. Working alongside others who “exude authenticity and love for the - 15 -
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CAN I
“FIX” MY CHILD’S
LEARNING DIFFERENCES?
By Ann Maura Hinton, Lifeline Education Specialist Ann Maura Hinton serves as Lifeline’s Education Specialist. She has 25 years of teaching experience in various classroom settings. She is a certified Cognitive Developmental Therapist and has earned her master’s and an undergraduate degree in Special Education.
The words “back to school” can evoke strong feelings in both parents and children. Parents and students may feel excitement or relief to get back to the routine of school, but they may also feel an impending sense of dread and frustration. As a teacher, I loved preparing for the first day of school; however, as the mom of a child who struggled, I was fearful. I would spend the summer praying for the “right” teacher, for my daughter to have confidence and grit, and for direction for all of us. As a parent who loves learning, I also prayed that she would somehow find joy in the learning process. Try as I might to get off on the right foot, inevitably, each new school year brought trepidation as we would start a new round of efforts to help our daughter. Year after year, we would spend time and money attempting to understand how to “fix” our daughter’s learning differences. As a special
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A S A PA R E N T W H O LOVES LEARNING, I ALSO P R AY E D T H AT S H E W O U L D SOMEHOW FIND JOY IN THE LEARNING PROCESS. T RY A S I M I G H T T O G E T O F F O N T H E R I G H T F O O T, I N E V I TA B LY, E A C H N E W SCHOOL YEAR BROUGHT T R E P I D AT I O N A S W E W O U L D S TA RT A N E W R O U N D O F E F F O RT S T O HELP OUR DAUGHTER.”
educator, I was cautious of labels and testing and wondered at times how they could help my child’s challenges. I came to realize that most parents of kids with cognitive challenges share these same fearful and curious thoughts yet without the insight that my job afforded. My training and experience helped me understand how testing can help dissipate some fear by assisting parents in making sense of how to advocate for their children to receive appropriate help. Still, I also realized that “the system” was not structured in a way to give parents what they need to fill this role for their children.
Third, assessments are tools to collect helpful information, but their results don’t define our kids. As an image-bearer of God, I wanted my daughter to be the person God created her to be. Specific assessments helped me see how my daughter’s brain worked. With that knowledge, we were able to create a plan to strengthen our daughter’s cognitive skills. We can use the information from evaluations as a guide to build programs and equip teachers, children, and families with tools and strategies to strengthen the cognitive skills that impact a child’s development. The ability to gain these insights and make plans around them led Lifeline to begin Bridge Educational Services. Bridge Educational Services can provide an informal educational screening to help you navigate your child’s educational journey and offer your child tailored cognitive development opportunities and tutoring. We will walk beside you to interpret the assessments and make plans that empower you to advocate for goals and objectives in your child’s education plan at school. Most of all, we want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. We are here to help you cross the bridge from frustration to hope. For more information about how Bridge can serve your family, please reach out to Bridge Educational Services at lifelinechild.org/bridge.
So, as you launch into another school year, here are a few things to keep in mind as you seek an educational evaluation for your child: First, there are many reasons why an educational evaluation may be appropriate for your child. School systems use some evaluations to determine eligibility for special services for students. An evaluation is the first step to getting your child specialized services that contribute to better learning outcomes. Individual teachers use other evaluations to determine academic placement. Other specialists may use assessments to diagnose a particular disability that may be hindering your child’s learning. As a parent, knowing the reason behind an evaluation will help you determine if the evaluation is necessary and if it will be helpful to your child. Merely knowing the “why” will go a long way toward giving you the ability to be your child’s advocate. Second, testing falls into two broad categories: formal evaluations and informal screenings. Formal evaluations are standardized measures that assess what and how a child has learned and a child’s capacity to function. In contrast, informal assessments are based on observation and performance rather than data-driven measures. They can assist families and educators in identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the end goal of an evaluation will help you and your support team determine what kind of assessments your child needs. Fall 2021
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A PRESENT LEGACY When adoption or foster care touches friends and family, it sheds light on the needs of vulnerable children around the world and the opportunity to be part of bringing gospel hope into their lives. As a result, some of Lifeline’s most significant partners are grandparents who have been touched by adoption. One such grandmother is a woman that we will call Barb. Barb’s story began when her daughter and son-in-law first decided to adopt a child from China. As the process progressed, this grandmother’s heart was opened to the connection between adoption and the gospel. She explains, “I became aware of how adoption was a mirror of the redemption we have received by becoming adopted into the family of our Creator. I realized how much this is the essence of Christianity: caring for the helpless and . . . gladly doing what the Father describes in James 1:27 as pure religion. . . ” She traveled with her daughter for two adoptions in China and was able to witness real-life needs on the
faces of numerous children she encountered. With her eyes opened to the needs of vulnerable children and first-hand experience seeing the difference a family can make in their lives, this grandmother knows what it’s like to invest in the lives of others. Barb understands that she is leaving a legacy by pouring herself into her children and grandchildren, but she wants to do even more. In response to how the Lord has worked in her family through adoption, this Lifeline grandmother wished to invest in the lives of other children through giving monthly to the ministry of Lifeline. Barb’s financial contribution helps to make grants available to adopting families. Just like Barb, your monthly gift of any size makes an immediate difference for vulnerable children here and around the world. With your gift, Lifeline will continue to be able to reach children who need to hear and see the hope of the gospel. To learn more about how you can give regularly to support the ministry of Lifeline, visit p2p.onecause.com/vesselsofhope.
A FUTURE LEGACY Adam Rhoades and his wife Heather are parents to five children, all of whom came home through international adoption. The Rhoades came to know Lifeline during their third adoption, from Ukraine. Throughout that adoption process, Adam, a business owner, developed a relationship with Lifeline and came to have a “tremendous love” for the organization. As Adam’s business continued to grow and bring financial success, he recognized a desire to utilize those financial resources for Kingdom growth even after his and Heather’s lives on earth are over. As a result, they decided to plan for the donation of their financial resources after death through trusts and their wills. For Adam, setting up planned giving to include Lifeline was an easy decision. Two of the contributing factors for the decision to give to Lifeline are what he considers a “vigilant adherence to the gospel” and “a tremendous respect for how it’s run, administered, supervised, and audited.” And, he should know. As a member of Lifeline’s National Board of Directors, Adam has seen firsthand how Lifeline goes the extra mile to steward every gift well.
By planning their future giving in this way, the Rhoades are able to live out their core values of good stewardship and Great Commission work, even when their lives on earth are over. Adam noted that a wise man once told him, “A regret is only a core value not lived out.” He did not want to live with the regret of not preparing his family’s resources to be part of God’s work, so he set up a plan now for future stewardship. Adam recognizes that planned giving is not only for those whom God has blessed with extensive resources. He explains, “Planned giving applies to everyone. God was just as excited about the widow who gave a penny as the bazillionare who can give 100 million dollars. If you don’t have a net worth, you probably have life insurance or something to pass on. The question we can ask is ‘What do I want to steward for the Kingdom, no matter if it’s $5 or $50 million.’” Adam knows many people who have made charities like Lifeline the beneficiary of their life insurance policies. Planned giving, as Adam says, is not about the amount as much as it is about planning your stewardship.
Learn more about leaving a legacy through planned giving by contacting Clifton Sellers at clifton.sellers@lifelinechild.org or 205-967-0811. Fall 2021
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WHEN CONSISTENCY AND COMPASSION COME TOGETHER, THEY OPEN THE DOORS FOR EXPANDED IMPACT. VESSELS OF HOPE CHANGES LIVES IN A COMPOUNDING WAY THROUGH MONTHLY GIVING.
When you join Vessels of Hope, you become part of a community of faithful and like-minded donors who are passionate about changed lives and seeing the gospel spread. You can be assured that as a Vessel, you’re a part of the bigger story — taking gospel hope to vulnerable children. Visit p2p.onecause.com/vesselsofhope to join Vessels of Hope.
You can change lives with as little as $25 a month! Fall 2021
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lifelinechild.org
Each year, churches around the world observe Orphan Sunday. Orphan Sunday is a day that your church can bring focused awareness to the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children in your community and around the world. Lifeline would like to partner with you by providing free resources that will share the biblical call to meet these needs as well as practical ways your church family can bring gospel hope to those who need it most. Visit lifelinechild.org/orphansunday to download these free resources and connect with our Church Partnerships Lifeline team, who is also available for speaking, preaching, or hosting an information table for your church.
Thank You to Our Partners Douglas and Gail Acton W.P. and Sharon Ainsworth Steve and Lisa Aller Ethan Allison Gino and Mary Anacleto John and Cathy Anderson Booth and Laura Armstrong Ashley Brooke Arnold Matthew Atkins Becca Aydelott Sara Baggett Michael and Jenny Bailey Gabriel and Callie Bailie David and Shelley Balik Genevieve Barbour Christy Barkhuizen Jonatham Barnell Todd and Rebecca Barnes Grant and Morgan Barry Randy and Katie Barth Sara Bass Patricia Bass John Bastian Bruce and Tricia Baugus Richard and Tara Baxter William and Caroline Beard Jeffrey and Carinda Beard Christopher and Jamie Beckett Jonathan and Brandi Belcher Bobby and Jennifer Bender Jeremy and Amy Bettis Scott and Nanette Bickel Lauren Bishop Kevin Bismack Gary Blackburn Greg and Don Blevins Phillip and Eileen Blume Michael and Caroline Bobo Mark and Lisa Bond Alan and Amy Botkin Dimitri Boubas Dawnette Bowers Bradley and Brittany Bowman Heidi Brachle Beau Bradley Jacob and Stephanie Bradley Stephen and Lynne Brandt Corey and Ruth Braun Mallory Breed Alvin Brent Mark Bridgeman Kathy Brill Andrew Brock Leland and Sara Brown Monica Brown Philip and Jennifer Brown Nate and Julia Bruns Keighlee Buchanan Christopher and Christa Burbank Mary Buri Samuel and Savannah Burleson John Burnam Tracey Burns Beau and Lexie Burton Madison Butler Ryan and Heather Cain Josh and Staci Caldwell Brian and Marie Calhoun Steven Campora Florence Cannon Ling Cao Scott and Sara Carey Megan Carson Floyd and Georgia Kay Carter Michael and Amy Catania Samuel and Beth Chang Linda Cheatwood James and April Cheek John Mark and Catherine Chestnut Jeff and Dianne Chinery William and Kim Christenberry Sara Christison-Rino Nita Christopher Dan and Stefanie Cinadr David and Julie Clark Suzanne Clay Cameron and Jamie Clayton Christopher and Rachel Clayton Patrick and Alyson Clemons Caitlin Clinard Mark and Jennifer Cobbs Jordan and Candace Coggin Douglas Cole David and Suzanne Collipp Jason Connor Helen Cook Janice Cooper Andrew and Laura Cooper James and Sidney Crews Tyler and Allison Crow Mike and Kari Cuenin Ronald and Mary Ann Cuenin Miles Cunningham Dylan and Karin Curtis Randy and Randahl Daniel Marcie Davant Kyle and Janie Davidson
Michael Davis Paul and Jane DeGrood Justin and Emily Anne Dean Sharon Deaton Alicia Denbeste Micah and Amanda Dickey Ken and Laura Difatta Richard and Krystal Dodd Heidi Drake Keith Connor and Brooke Dryden Randall Duncan Lisa Dunlevy Sean Dutton Nathan and Katie Dutzmann Steve Earnest Franklin and Stacy Eaton Robert and Jo Echols Michael and Susan Edwards Mark and Julie Edwards Rohan Edwards Gary and Suzy Edwards Joseph Elliot Parker Ellison Shannon Emert Ryan Evans Erin Evans Wanda Fay David Felce Robby and Angie Fink Michelle Fitton Drew and Emily Fletcher Sean and Erin Floeter Mayo Flynt Stephen and Jana Foster Nicholas Franz Erman and Andrea Frazier III Ken Friday Gerald and Sally Friesen Melanie Fuller Jessica Galaska Paul and Libby Galloway Malachi and Dana Gandy David Garlich Chris and Carol Garner Larry Gay Stacy Gay Katherine Gay Jacob and Molly Gaydosh Jason Gegner Jane Gillespie Carter and Ellison Glenn Carl and Lee Ann Glidewell Joseph and Linday Gosnell James and Leigh Anne Grant Jerry and Connie Green Jason and Sol Greene Greg Grell Jon and Natalie Gresh Dan and Renee Griffin Sherrid Griffin Jonathan and Amy Griffith Thomas and Ashley Grooms Lauren Grotte Kevin and Ansley Gwyn Randy and Robin Hall Emmett Hall Justin and Elizabeth Ann Hall Chris Hammonds Barbara Hancock Geoffrey and Anna Hancy Scott Hanson Corine Harding Etoria Harris Wes and Ashley Harrison Dondald Harrison Jonathan and Katie Hartzog Bill Hauck Eddie and Sarah Hedrick Cecil and Carolyn Heidelberg Samuel Helberg James and Kelsie Helton Edward and Amanda Henderlong Joel and Susan Herring Gregory and Mary Slate Heston Brian and Rhonda Hill Alison Hodges Jason and Jessica Holland Stacey and Stephanie Holt Ricky and Coleen Holtz Matt and Grace Houser Bruce Houston Joseph Howie Dustin Hughes Anthony and Cristy Humphries Robert and Virginia Jackson Daniel and Stacie Jackson Wesley James Caterina Jaun Stephen and Sabrina Johnson Kurt and Vicki Johnson Adrian and Belinda Johnson Greyson Johnston Tyler Jones Sara Jones B. Bryan Jones Stephanie Jones Aaron and Megan Jones
February 2021- August 2021
Walter and Alese Jones Adam and Carolina Jordan Thomas Jung John and Tona Justice Justin and Brianna Kaldenbach Greg and Vicki Kelley Renee Kessel Philip and Julianna Kiecker Tanya Kiefer Scott and Emily Koenig John and Whitney Kohles Anton Korotchuk Mark and Susan Kosko Gabriel Kovatch Amy Krebbs Mike and Carolyn Krisko Mary and Ron Langford Mark and Joy Larson Mark Laurent Autumn Lee Jonathon and Catherine Leeke Michael Leonard Elizabeth Logue Seamus and Laura Loman Andrew Long Alan and Dina Long Brigette Lopez Rob and Courtney Love Max and Susan Manack Eric Mann John and Linda Marchetti John Marra Terry and Lauren Marsh Robert and Casey Martin Wendy Martin James and April Martin Jeffrey and Annette Martin Mareena Mathai Greg and Carol Matheny Mel Mathisen Tj and Taylor Mauldin William and Lydia McBryde Mark and Whitney McCutcheon Timothy McDonald Woodie and Ann McDuffie Martin and Kristine McGee Neil McGraw Seawell and Anna McKee Keith and Peggy McKey Jeremiah and Monique McLean David McPhail Maureen McWilliams Amanda Medina Diane Melvin Jeffrey and Rita Meyers Carol Anne Miconi Christopher Steve and Kimberlie Miller Brian Miller Connie Minish Tommy Miskelly Robert Montgomery Elish Moon Arnold Mooney David Scott and Julia Moore Matthew Morris Aaron and Mandi Mowery Don Murphy Clayton and Leslie Nelson David Nelson Emily Newell Caleb Newell Tammy Nichols Zachary and Malinda Nichols Nicole Nieman John and Keavy Noblin Carnley Norman Stephen and Helen Orosz David and Erin Orr Mike Osborne Jennifer Pacienza Gerald Padmore Jacob and Laura Parham Matt and Cayce Parker Neil Parks John and Lynn Parrish Doug Patton Thomas Peaster Todd Perkins Michael Petersen Michael J. Petrunic John Phillips Naveen Pinapati Jennifer Piper Randy Pittman Linday Pizzuto David and Heather Platt Barry and Tracy Pomeroy Carter Posner Doug Presley Stephanie Prevost Joseph Raya Joe and Mari Elena Raya Sharron Raynor Matt and Lisa Reagan Marilyn Rendle Troy Rhone Anna Richards
Lifeline Children’s Services, Inc., is an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountablity.
Sean Richards Ryan Richardson Donald and Wendy Richardson Christopher and Kimberly Rickman Daniel and Ashley Riherd James and Betty Roberson Jason Roberts Carey Rodas Paul and Leanne Rogers Ronnie Rogers Travis and Tiffany Rogers Andrew Rose Stephanie Ross Jorge Enrique Ruiz Lynn and Linda Saathoff Stephen and Alison Sanders Christopher and Leslie Sanders Brad and Heidi Sapp Kathy Schlotterbeck Aaron and Tabitha Schmitt Steven and Christie Mac Segars Vikash Raja Samuel Selvin Matthew and Jessica Sheets Paul and Laurie Sheffield John Simmons Jerod and Allison Sinclair Linda Sly Levacy and Sophie Smith Linda Smith Sean and Angela Smith Bob and Sherri Snell Angela Sone Leslie Southwick Catherine Spears Robert Spencer Daniel Spivey Olga Spivey Erica Spivey James and Marcia Splichal Richard D. Spurlin Michelle Staab John and Skip Stallings Josua and Rachel Steed Micah and Jamie Steele Lindsey Straits Amelia Strauss Crista Strickland Larry and Tricia Stuart Andrew and Laura Lynn Stubbs Sandra Stutts John Susairathinam Arden and Rebekah Swenson Helen Taunga Jameson Taylor Walter and Candace Teem Michael and Lois Temple Michael and Andrea Thaggard Richard Thompson William and Becky Thompson Ryan and Hannah Grace Thorn George and Dianna Thornley Linda Timmons David Triplett Joshua and Katherine Ungerecht Mark VanDriel Jeremy and Bridget Vanover Padmarani Varadarajan John and Jo Neel Vickery Volk and Abbey Vinall Patti Vincent Martin and Mary Jean Vogt David Wade Samantha Walker Darell Wallace Justin Walters Mitch and Laura Watkins Joshua and Theresa Watson James and Aimee Weaver Chris and Brittany Welsh James and Elizabeth Wessel Adam And Whitney White Larry and Rebecca White Ramsey and Kendall White Kim Whitener William and Sandy Whitten Sandy Whittle Josh Wientge Aren Williams Judith Williamson Jeffrey Wilson Bradley and Vicki Wilson Robert Wise Stewart Witt Clark and Karen Womble Simeon Wright Les and Kelli Wright James Wylly Richard and Carolyn Wylly Roger Yanko David Zomeren
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