The Adopting and Fostering Home: Recent Episodes
Send Relief
Whether your family has been on this journey for years, or you’re just getting started, The Adopting and Fostering Home is here to support and encourage you along the way.
As millions of children are housed in orphanages around the world, it’s imperative that we ask ourselves, is there a better way? Kristen Lowry, Send Relief’s Consultant for International Orphan Care says, “We cannot adopt our way out of this.” Kristen shares with Lynette Ezell the surprising lessons she and her team at Shelter Yetu in Kenya learned that have now helped them see more than 600 kids reunified with family.
November 12th is Orphans and Widows Sunday. To learn more about how you and your church can meet needs and share Christ with children all over the world, go to SendRelief.org/orphan.
Contact Kristen through the International Orphan Care Interest form.
For this Foster Care Awareness Month episode, Michelle Chitwood joins Lynette Ezell in hosting Fostering Champions Founder Bobby Canipe. After Canipe lost his mother to a heart attack and his father to alcoholism, he and his sister were placed in Virginia’s foster care system. Canipe used this childhood experience to inform his work at Fostering Champions, where staff provide housing, resources and a much-needed steppingstone to children who are aging out of the system and entering the real world.
Learn more about Fostering Champions here.
Find more resources for your foster care and adoption journey at SendRelief.org.
Kelley and Randall Nichols from We Are the ECHO join Lynette this week to unpack the familiar statement, “I could never do what you do.” The Nichols emphasize the vital role of community support and candidly share the enemy’s resistance to caring for vulnerable people.
Find resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
The National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC) is a life-affirming, Christian non-profit dedicated to treating surplus frozen IVF embryos with dignity and finding forever homes for their young lives. NEDC’s Marketing and Development Director Mark Mellinger joins the podcast this week, along with adoptive parents, Josh and Jenn Schouten, to discuss the journey of embryo adoption.
For further information on the ethics of embryo adoption:
https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/what-you-should-know-about-frozen-embryo-adoption/
https://www.russellmoore.com/2012/09/20/should-christians-adopt-embryos/
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Although abuse and childhood adversity filled the early chapters of Kristen Thomas’ life, her trust in Christ and the investment of a caring community has enabled her to write a new story. Be encouraged as Kristen shares with Lynette how God is directing her path and redefining her journey.
Find resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Josh Benton, Vice President at Send Relief, joins Lynette on the podcast this week to share their family’s adoption story and the invaluable role of the local church. Through Family Advocacy Ministry, Josh provides a clear, concise blueprint for ministering to vulnerable children and families.
Here are easy steps to get started:
· Praying diligently and consistently
· Raising awareness about the needs of vulnerable children
· Recruiting families to consider adopting or fostering
· Providing support to serve foster and adoptive families, and biological families in crisis
· Helping to meet physical and financial needs
· Supporting and encouraging local child welfare workers
· Ministering to families and meeting emotional and spiritual needs
Get more info at https://www.sendrelief.org/projects/family-advocacy-ministry/
Lindsey Martin joins the podcast again to continue the conversation of prenatal trauma and creating a home that promotes healing. Join Lynette and Lindsey as they discuss small attainable goals to build relationship and felt safety.
Lindsey Martin joins the podcast again to continue the conversation of prenatal trauma and creating a home that promotes healing. Join Lynette and Lindsey as they discuss small attainable goals to build relationship and felt safety.
Back from our summer sabbatical, host Lynette Ezell and social worker Lindsey Martin discuss prenatal trauma and its potential effects.
Back from our summer sabbatical, host Lynette Ezell and social worker Lindsey Martin discuss prenatal trauma and its potential effects.
Occupational therapist Savannah Alderman joins the podcast this week to discuss proven tools and activities that we can incorporate into everyday living that help children build relationships and trust with their new family unit.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Adoption is a lifelong journey of faith, a call that Robbie and Savannah Alderman answered as newlyweds. Despite a world-wide pandemic, the Aldermans trusted the Lord’s timing to bring home their three daughters.
Find resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
While serving in their children’s ministry, Terri Raynes and Tia Harwood realized they share a passion to help children in the Arizona foster care system. Soon, the two friends put their crafty skills to work and began Creation Awaits. Their mission is that the names of children in foster care would be prayed over and known.
Find more resources to help raise awareness for Foster Care at Sendrelief.org
Military wife and mom of 6, Cayela Moody, joins the podcast this week to share her family’s “yes” to foster care and adoption. Learn how her organization, Hope Multiplies, is equipping the Church to embrace and support vulnerable children and families.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Brittany Salmon joins Lynette on the podcast this week to discuss her new book, It Takes More Than Love: A Christian Guide to Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Cultural Adoption. Brittany shares her personal story of transracial adoption and the work required to ensure that every child is seen, known and deeply loved.
Learn more about Brittany’s book here.
Find more resources for foster care and adoption at Sendrelief.org.
Adoptive mom, Terri Marcroft, shares her family’s open adoption journey and the healing it can provide. At a time when open adoption provoked fear and uncertainty, the Marcrofts chose to build a strong relationship with the birth mom of their child and use their experience to encourage others.
Find more resources for your foster care and adoption journey at SendRelief.org.
Laura Peal joins the podcast again this week to share her family’s journey of adoption and ministry. No matter how hopeless the situation appeared, the Peals realize that Christ is King and His love for us is immeasurable.
Find resources for your adoption or foster care journey at sendrelief.org.
On this week’s episode, Lynette welcomes Laura Peal, an adoptive mom she met while visiting Send Relief’s Ministry Center in Puerto Rico. When the Peal family was asked to pray for a young life that was vulnerable to abortion, they had no idea how the Lord was moving in lives to build their family. Peal shares how every challenge and disappointment can equip us for future opportunities in the kingdom of God.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission’s Director of Public Policy, Chelsea Patterson, joins the podcast this week to share her passion of advocating for vulnerable children and the importance of trauma-informed counseling. Adopted from Romania as a baby, Patterson shares her personal journey of infertility and building her family through international adoption.
Learn more about her book, A Longing for Motherhood.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Sherwood Baptist Church’s former pastor, Michael Catt, and his wife, Terri, join Lynette to discuss how the Holy Spirit softened their hearts to the ministry of adoption and foster care. From the midlife discovery of his own adoption to supporting their grown daughter in single parent fostering, the Catts emphasize the need for all to serve and support vulnerable children in every season of life.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Reuben Watson joins Lynette to share part two of his personal foster care story. After a childhood of neglect, 13 foster placements and failed suicide attempts, Reuben is introduced to Jesus and discipled at Sunrise Children’s Homes in Kentucky. As Reuben is growing in his walk with the Lord, He learns that his new life in Christ is the foundation for healthy, thriving relationships.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Between navigating 13 different foster placements, suffering physical and verbal abuse and coping with his mother’s illness, Reuben Watson endured a childhood filled with trauma. After battling feelings of worthlessness throughout his adolescence, Reuben found hope in the gospel. He now works in family services for adoptive and fostering families in Kentucky. Listen to his inspiring testimony on this week’s episode of the Adopting and Fostering Home!
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
This week, Larry and Beth Robertson join Lynette and continue their story of foster care, adoption and ministry. The Robertsons discuss their temporary foster placement moving to adoption and navigating the court system during COVID-19. The couple candidly shares the importance of respecting a vulnerable child’s boundaries and the daily work of connection.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Pastor Larry and Beth Robertson join us this week to discuss the lifestyle pivot of going from empty nesters to a full home again. Join in to hear how the Robertsons navigated a sudden foster placement and how to encourage new family members to form emotional healthy attachments.
NorthRoad Community Church’s lead Pastor, Matt Bartig, joins Lynette on the podcast this week to share his family’s unexpected Foster Care journey and the resulting creation of Divine Nest Ministries. Pastor Matt brings along directors Tim Height and Dani James for further wisdom in navigating the Foster Care System within the Body of Christ.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to support adoptive and foster families. Callie Rich joins us for a second episode to discuss creative ways churches can support the fostering and adoptive communities! Listen to this week’s episode to discover new ways you can empower and uplift the adoptive families in your life.
Follow Callie on Instagram here.
Find more tools for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
This week’s guest, Callie Rich, discusses the unexpected twists and turns of the adoption journey and how God’s call to the everyday tasks of parenting is truly a call to invaluable kingdom work.
For more resources on your fostering and adopting journey, visit SendRelief.org.
On this week’s episode of Adopting and Fostering Home with Lynette Ezell, Clint and Jennifer Clinton return to the podcast to share the second part of their challenging journey with a failed adoption, as well as an almost decade-long successful international adoption process.
Clint and Jennifer Clifton, 16-year-veteran church planting missionaries, are proud parents of five children and are in the process of adopting their sixth from Puerto Rico. Join Lynette Ezell on this week’s episode to hear their discussion about the hardships of navigating years-long adoption processes and tools for navigating the in-between.
Find more resources for your foster care and adoption journey at SendRelief.org.
Just as Jesus taught, parables are a healing tool for rebuilding healthy relationships and fractured personal beliefs. Melissa Nichols, lead counselor of Minnesota’s Family Attachment and Counseling Center, explains the power of Story Narratives for children and teens who have experienced complex trauma.
Find more resources for your foster care and adoption journey at SendRelief.org.
Foster and Adoptive mom, Mandie Summers, shares misconceptions that many parents may face on the unpredictable journey of adoption and foster care. Having walked through family reunifications and adoption placements, Mandie shares how the Holy Spirit has provided the wisdom and strength for the next faithful step.
Find more resources for your foster care and adoption journey at SendRelief.org.
Georgia’s 2019 Foster Caregiver of the Year, Jennifer Nolder, has fostered nearly 40 children and recently officially adopted her first child. She joins host Lynette Ezell this week to discuss how to come alongside a family of origin while fostering their child. She also shares how her own experiences led to forming an organization called Hope Revisited that helps disconnected families build towards reunification.
Find more tools for your foster care and adoption journey at SendRelief.org.
In a special National Foster Care Month edition of the podcast, foster mom Ronda Paulson joins host Lynette Ezell to discuss their shared prayer that every child will one day know the love of a family. Paulson’s passion for foster care eventually took shape in the form of a nonprofit—Isaiah 117 House—that helps children cope with the traumatic day they are removed from their homes.
If you want to hear the unpredictably remarkable origin story of Isaiah 117 Homes, listen to “What if…” on the Stories of Hope podcast. You can find that podcast at SendRelief.org/podcasts/
Find more tools for your foster care and adoption journey at SendRelief.org.
Dr. Bob Montes, from Trinity Psychological Services, joins us this week to discuss a new, non-medical trauma treatment method called “neurofeedback.” Dr. Bob explains the amazing benefits of neurofeedback and how it can be a helpful alternative to medication for children, teens and adults who are dealing with past traumas. For additional tools and free online webinars visit DrBobMontes.com.
Find more tools for your foster care and adoption journey at SendRelief.org.
Melissa Stevenson is a Send Network church planting missionary and mother of five. She shares how the faithfulness of God guided their adoption process through a difficult country and government. Be encouraged as Melissa resonates the promise of eternity despite developmental challenges and deep loss.
For more tools in your foster care and adoption journey, visit SendRelief.org.
Dr. Christy Montes returns to the show with practical tools to help parents nourish their own souls, so they are better equipped to nurture children from hard places. Learn three easy steps you can take today to combat nutritional deficits for better learning and emotional health in children and teens.
For further help with nutritional supplements and healthy living visit Dr Christy Montes’, Trinity Psychological Services at DrBobMontes.com.
Dr. Christy Montes joins host Lynette Ezell in discussing naturopathic remedies and the role they play in the complicated healing process for children with backgrounds of trauma and neglect.
Learn more about Trinity Psychological Services here.
Find more resources for your adoption and foster care journey at SendRelief.org.
NY parents Steve & Julie Rosati share their story of marrying later in life then embracing foster care and adoption. And when COVID began shutting down services, the Rosati family found innovative ways to meet needs and further the gospel in their community.
Find more resources for your fostering and adopting journey at SendRelief.org.
Social worker Carol Lozier and host Lynette Ezell discuss the intricacies of coaching adoptive and foster families to parent children who have experienced severe trauma. Discover therapeutic activity ideas for children through Lozier’s recently published activity book!
Download Carol’s STOP Skill and Self Soothe handouts here:
- STOP Skill
- Self Soothe
Co-founder of Embrace Grace Inc., Amy Ford shares her moving testimony of how God redeemed her teenage pregnancy and near-abortion experience to prompt her ministry to women navigating unexpected pregnancies. Delve into this week’s episode for an understanding of how caring well for women experiencing crisis pregnancies can preemptively prevent at-risk children from being put into the precarious foster care system.
Read Amy’s devotional Help Her Be Brave.
Order Help Her Be Brave by Amy Ford.
Find more resources for your fostering and adopting journey at SendRelief.org.
Host Lynette Ezell is joined by Michelle Chitwood to interview Krista Grigg about how the Chitwoods inspired her family’s transformation from a unit of three to one of nine! Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about the value of attending adopting and fostering trainings, the role of senior adults in your support system and the various ways your church can support families along this journey.
Find more resources for your fostering and adopting journey at SendRelief.org.
Delving into their 20 year friendship, host Lynette Ezell and guest, Kristin Scroggins, discuss the challenge of navigating closed doors and the importance of entering foster care as a united family team. With the help of their local church, Kristin shares how her large tribe worked together to graft 3 more children into their busy lives and how the Lord used them as a middle family.
Subscribe to The Mom Village podcast with Kristin for encouragement in all seasons of life.
Find more resources for your fostering and adopting journey at SendRelief.org.
We miss so many opportunities to serve vulnerable women when we fail to empathize with and educate ourselves about crisis pregnancy situations. This week, experts from Lifeline Children’s Services join host Lynette Ezell in discussing their new curriculum “Worthy” which they hope will revolutionize the way churches engage with women struggling with unexpected pregnancies.
Get the Worthy Curriculum here.
When Shane, National Director of Next Gen Evangelism for the North American Mission Board, and Kasi Pruitt’s family answered God’s call to international adoption, they weren’t aware of all the challenges their new infant son would be facing in life. Upon their arrival in Uganda, they quickly realized he would need extensive, lifelong medical treatments. Kasi shares the beauty of unexpected blessings and the strength the Lord has provided her family through their supportive community.
Follow Kasi Pruitt on Instagram: @pruittkasi
For helpful resources for foster and adoptive families through Lakepointe Church, where Kasi serves, visit lakepointe.church/adoption.
As the Lord uses us to take the gospel to the nations and across the street, we see things we can never unsee and we are eternally changed. In this Part 2 recording, Michelle Chitwood from the International Mission Board and Host, Lynette Ezell, discuss the ripple effect of our “yes” and how it changes our preplanned lives. From sharing our families through adoption to opening our homes to the vulnerable during Christmas, a life of love and obedience proves to bring the greatest joys.
Find more adoption and foster care resources at SendRelief.org
This week on The Adopting and Fostering Home podcast, Michelle Chitwood with the International Mission Board, shares about her unconventional family of four. With ages ranging from 24 to 8, the Chitwoods have two biological children, one adopted daughter who was adopted internationally and one daughter adopted from the Kentucky foster care system. Listen to their unusual path to adoption later in life.
Get more fostering and adopting resources at SendRelief.org.
This week’s episode features an informative discussion with Christie Mac Segars and Karla Thrasher of Lifeline Children’s Services. With Host Lynette Ezell, they dive into the topic of Open Adoption and what it looks like for Domestic and International adoptions. Listen to find out how the calling to adoption or foster care are an invitation to step into family reconciliation.
For more information to begin an adoption go to Lifelinechild.org.
Join us at SendRelief.org for further Adoption and Foster Care resources.
For National Adoption Awareness Month, host Lynette Ezell interviews high school sweethearts Montana and Amanda Jones about their experience as a mixed family, with one biological daughter and one adopted son, and the beginnings of their pursuit of open adoption.
Find more resources for foster and adoptive families at SendRelief.org.
On this week’s episode of The Adopting and Fostering Home podcast, host Lynette Ezell interviews pastor Shaq Hardy about his childhood and what it was like being in the foster care system until the age of ten.
Open adoptions may be confusing or daunting when you’re growing your family. On this week’s episode, AFH host Lynette Ezell interviews mother and adopted daughter, Karen LaBarr and Christy Harmon, about their relationship with Christy’s birth mother and how it has shaped their family.
Corey Taylor is a 23-year-old foster parent who has been on the adoption and fostering journey for 10 months now. Each week brings him closer to officially being able to adopt the 6-year-old boy he has grown to love. This week on the Adopting and Fostering Home podcast, Taylor shares with host Lynette Ezell how God prompted him to become a single foster parent when he was 21 and the practical steps he took to prepare his heart and home on this journey of obedience.
For a free, downloadable guide on how to care well for foster families amid the pandemic, go to sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Host Lynette Ezell interviews author Adrian C. Collins about being both a “brave and blemished” parent as she re-adopted her daughter, whom she surrendered custody of as a newborn. Collins discusses overcoming shame and the hurdles of mother-daughter relationships in this in-depth interview.
To stay updated on Adrian’s honest and inspiring journey, subscribe to her blog at adrianccollins.com.
For a free downloadable guide on how to care well for foster families amid the pandemic, go to sendrelief.org/covid.
Helping a child or teen see the need for Jesus is one of the chief goals of a Christian adoptive or fostering home. In this episode, host, Lynette Ezell invites Arthur Woods to to share his vast experience as an adoptive and fostering parent. That experience includes walking teens through the process of overcoming trauma to accept Jesus. Arthur shares some valuable tips on how parents can help their children and teens from trauma-filled backgrounds navigate those challenges to be more receptive to the gospel.
Learn more about Arthur Woods at arthurcwoods.com.
Find out how to give to the Adoption Fund for Ministers by visiting namb.net/give/adoption-fund/.
Host Lynette Ezell welcomes Cheri Williams, senior vice president of domestic programs at Bethany Christian Services, and Kimberly Offutt, national director of foster care adoption at Bethany Christian Services, to discuss ways the coronavirus pandemic has affected the fostering and adoption processes. The trio provides insight on how to best handle the changes COVID-19 has brought.
Find out how to give to the Adoption Fund for Ministers by visiting namb.net/give/adoption-fund/.
Resources:
- Bethany Christian Services
- They Need You Now: A Mother’s Plea for the Church to Embrace Adoption, by Kimberly M. Offutt
As co-host Tera Melber makes her last podcast appearance with Lynette Ezell, she shares a bit about her newly expanded role with Chosen. Both hosts also provide insight on how to help children navigate severe trauma while also discipling them in the process.
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
The life of an adoptive or foster parent is anything but easy. Rewarding, yes, but often difficult. Sometimes, the best form of encouragement is the simple, straightforward kind.
That’s what hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber provide for those listening to this episode. They charge adoptive and foster parents to be relentlessly consistent in loving on the children in their homes, especially during the hard times, while also trusting God for the best outcomes.
Resources:
- Suffering Is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliott
- Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow
- Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund—to help families like the Browns— by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber draw upon their multiple years of experience in fostering and adoption as they share a list of things formal training alone could not prepare them for on their fostering and adoption journey.
Resources:
- Keep the Doors Open: Lessons Learned from a Year of Foster Parenting
- Equipping Minds
- Bridge Educational Services
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
We can go straight to the gospels and the words of Jesus to see how the power of story can inform us, inspire us and connect us. In this episode, Dr. Lee Ann Dickerson joins hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber to discuss how using the power of story can strengthen a child’s personal narrative and the parent-child relationship.
Find out how to give to the Adoption Fund for Ministers by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
For individuals and families who feel God’s call toward adoption, there is more than one way to live that out. In this episode, hosts, Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber have a chat with Bethany Hall, who defines and discusses best practices on how to navigate open or domestic adoption. She gives helpful tips on setting boundaries with the birth parents from the beginning of the process and on how to be spiritually refreshed and encouraged during the most difficult times.
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund—to help families like the Browns— by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
In part two, guest Jason Johnson talks about what it means to reframe foster care through the gospel. He also shares best practices for preparing a family to realistically engage fostering with passion. He reinforces the title of his first book, Everyone Can Do Something, by sharing three practical ways families and individuals can find their “something” in fostering.
Resources: Check out Jason’s blog, http://jasonjohnsonblog.com/reframing-foster-care, where you can find helpful information about fostering and purchase his books, Reframing Foster Care — Filtering Your Foster Parenting Journey Through the Lens of the Gospel” and, Everyone Can Do Something — A Field Guide for Strategically Rallying Your Church Around the Orphaned and Vulnerable.
Find out how to give to the Adoption Fund for Ministers by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
When Sandra Viena, age 72, showed up to a church in her hometown of Detroit looking for a little help, she had absolutely no idea how much she was about to receive. This special Stories of Hope podcast reinforces the fact that, when it comes to adoption and fostering, everybody, regardless of age or position in life, truly can do something.
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/. Also, subscribe to Stories of Hope podcast for more inspiration.
Jason Johnson joins co-hosts, Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber, to share how God shaped his fostering journey from being a church planter to becoming director of the National Church Ministry Initiative for the Christian Alliance for Orphans. His transparency encourages listeners to frame foster care through lenses of the gospel instead of broad, sweeping judgments about best practices.
Resources: Check out Jason’s blog, http://jasonjohnsonblog.com/reframing-foster-care, where you can find helpful information about fostering, and purchase his books, Reframing Foster Care — Filtering Your Foster Parenting Journey Through the Lens of the Gospel” and, Everyone Can Do Something — A Field Guide for Strategically Rallying Your Church Around the Orphaned and Vulnerable.
When it comes to the vast challenges of parenting—regardless of the context—author Pam Parish shares the power of prayer and how God often uses unexpected ways of providing guidance and answers to those prayers. In this episode, she draws from her personal experience of parenting eight children along with the insight found in her book, Battle-Weary Parents, to provide a spark of hope to parents who find themselves in a hard place.
Resources: Battle-Weary Parents, by Pam Parish
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Parenting isn’t easy. And there is no shame in admitting that the grind of parenting can take its toll on even the most spiritually mature parent. In this two-part episode, author Pam Parish joins Lynette Ezell to share insight from her book, Battle-Weary Parents, that gives parents Bible-based encouragement and strength, especially for those in difficult seasons of parenting.
Resources: www.pamparish.com; Encouragement for Battle-Weary Parents, by Pam Parish
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
For kids who deal with trauma, come from hard places or have known deep loss, grief and neglect, trying to navigate the different rhythms forced upon them by the coronavirus pandemic can be challenging, especially if they sense their parents’ fears. Kevin and Lynette Ezell draw upon their own experiences to provide insight on how to best manage those difficulties in a fostering or adoptive home.
Resources: Visit LifeWay to order the following books: “God Will Carry You Through” and “Just in Case You Ever Wonder” by Max Lucado and “What Am I Feeling?” by Dr. Josh Straub.
Find more resources for foster care and adoption by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
The desire to become an adoptive or foster parent is admirable, and particularly attractive to those with big hearts. But in this episode, hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber share the importance of aspiring adoptive and foster parents to count up the costs before diving in.
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund—to help families like the Browns— by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
When it comes to finding the necessary motivation to forge ahead courageously in the world of adoption and fostering, sometimes all the facts and figures in the world can do nothing to trump a good story. In this two-part episode, hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber have a good story with Lauren Pinkston who, along with husband Gavin, are the parents of two adopted daughters and one biological son. Lauren shares her journey from the whirlwind beginnings to the steps of it that led to entrepreneurship, while providing down-to-earth encouragement applicable to adoptive parents anywhere.
Additional Resources:
- Wearthy for Wear
- Lauren Pinkston on Instagram
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
When it comes to finding the necessary motivation to forge ahead courageously in the world of adoption and fostering, sometimes all the facts and figures in the world can do nothing to trump a good story. In this two-part episode, hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber have a great story with Lauren Pinkston who, along with husband Gavin, are the parents of one adopted daughter and two biological children. Lauren shares her journey from the whirlwind beginnings to the steps that led to entrepreneurship, while providing down-to-earth encouragement applicable to adoptive parents anywhere.
Additional Resources:
- Wearthy for Wear
- Lauren Pinkston on Instagram
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
No matter how prepared you are for the adopting and fostering journey, there still may be those that we deeply love as parents who will choose to learn things the hard way—to reject the love of a family, leave the security of our homes and faith and follow their own way.
In today’s episode of the Adopting and Fostering Home Podcast, author Judy Douglass joins hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber to discuss her new book, When You Love a Prodigal.
Additional Resources
- Prayer for Prodigals Facebook Page
- She Loves Out Loud
Hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber welcome back human trafficking survivor Christa Lynn to extend the conversation of how foster and adoptive parents can engage in Holy Spirit-led parenting of children who have been harshly impacted by trafficking. In this episode, she shares the five protective factors used in training people who serve exploited girls and boys through the One More Child Anti-Trafficking organization.
Additional Resources:
- Read more about Christa K. Lynn: https://onemorechild.org/christalynn/
- Learn more about She Loves Out Loud: https://shelovesoutloud.org
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund—to help families like the Browns— by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
It seems we’re always inundated with the ugly side of human trafficking. But there is a redemptive side, and in part one of this two-part episode, we are introduced to Christa Lynn. In part one, Christa courageously shares her story of how God bought her back from a life of abuse, reckless living and being a victim of human trafficking as she trusted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund—to help families like the Browns— by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
The children who enter into adoptive or foster homes are not the only ones who end up having to navigate trauma. Although adoptive and foster parents are the ones positioned to assist a child’s first-hand trauma, secondary trauma does exist and can become a challenge for parents.
In part one of a two-part episode, hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber host an informative chat with Katie Smith, a licensed clinical social worker and play therapist who owns and operates Arbor Cove Therapy in Roswell, Georgia. Katie helps Lynette and Tera tackle the sometimes-overlooked matter of parents handling the trauma that emerges in their lives even as they parent.
Additional Resources:
- Brain-Based Parenting: The Neuroscience of Caregiving for Healthy Attachment by Daniel Hughes and Jonathan Baylin
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Embarking on an adoption and fostering journey often brings about unforeseen challenges. Food insecurity can be one of them. In this episode, Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber draw upon their personal experiences to provide crucial insight and ideas that can help fostering/adoptive parents help their children adjust to the difficulties food insecurity can bring into the home.
In addition, our hosts share a few resources designed to give listeners tips on how to help their children develop consistently healthy eating habits.
- 9 Steps To Improve Your Kid’s Eating (PDF)
- Sixty Healthy Snack Ideas
- Picky Eater Meal Planner (PDF)
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Kansas City author, pastor and seminary teacher Todd Chipman returns with hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber to continue the discussion of his new book, Until Every Child Is Home: Why the Church Can and Must Care for Orphans.
In this episode, Chipman hones in on what it takes to create a serious presence of child adoption and foster care in our local churches, highlighting the importance of pastoral involvement. He also sheds light on how Christian adoption and foster care can help redirect and transform victims of human trafficking.
Chipman’s own experiences as both an adopted child and an adoptive parent bring extra layers of credibility to his perspectives on adoption and foster care ministry which should be helpful for both individuals and churches looking to get involved.
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Regardless of the varying contexts adoptive and foster parents raise their children in, most won’t be shy about their quest to find value and encouragement through resources tailored specifically for them.
In today’s episode of the Adopting and Fostering Home Podcast, Kansas City author, pastor and seminary teacher Todd Chipman joins hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber to discuss his new book, Until Every Child Is Home: Why the Church Can and Must Care for Orphans.
Chipman’s own experiences as both an adopted child and an adoptive parent bring extra layers of credibility to his perspectives on adoption and foster care ministry which should be helpful for both individuals and churches looking to get involved.
BOOK GIVEAWAY: Lynette and Tera want to give 100 listeners a free copy of Chipman’s book. Just text CHIPMAN to 888-123 to receive a book request form. The first 100 listeners who send in their request by or before December 31, 2019 will be awarded a free copy of Until Every Child Is Home.
Also, find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss the myths of domestic adoption with their special guest. She is the mother to one biological daughter and two sons, ages 9 and 3, who joined their family through infant adoption. But this journey to adoption took a long time. Hear her story of adoption in Georgia and discover several myths about domestic adoption.
To learn more about adoption and foster care, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Additional resources:
- The Connected Child
by Purvis, Cross and Sunshine * The Whole Brain Child
by Siegel and Bryson * My Family, My Journey: A Memory Book
by Susie Ghahremani * Prayers for My Chosen Child (Free PDF Download)
by Lynette Ezell * Info on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome/Effects of Prenatal Drug Exposure * http://www.nicu-pet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/NAS.png * http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/3/e1009
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss the myths of domestic adoption with their guest. After a miscarriage, she wrestled with anxiety and depression. Like many who long to be parents, she didn’t understand why she couldn’t be the one to raise that child. In part one of this two-part series, hear how she began to understand God’s sovereignty over her life despite not knowing what the future holds.
Be inspired by listening to her brave and transparent story today.
To learn more about adoption and foster care, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Additional resources:
- Threads of Hope, Pieces of Joy: a pregnancy loss Bible study
By Teale Fackler and Gwen Kik * Streams in the Desert
by Mrs. Charles Cowman * The Envy of Eve
by Melissa Kruger * Loving God With All Your Mind
by Elizabeth George
The life of a foster parent can be rewarding and satisfying as it provides tremendous opportunities to glorify God by impacting vulnerable young lives. However, that doesn’t mean foster parenting is without its trying or even traumatic moments. Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they listen to Nicole Barlow share how life as a biological mother of one and foster mom of a group of five siblings has stretched her and husband Bruce’s capacity to handle unexpected moments of trauma with the love of Jesus.
Favorite Resources from Nicole:
“The Soul of Shame,” by Dr. Curt Thompson, MD; Empoweredtoconnect.org
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund to help families like the Barlows by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
What appears to be a mystery to us is fully known to God. Sometimes we make plans to foster and adopt and other times God unexpectedly opens the door for an opportunity that was not on our radar. Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they listen to Katherine and Nathan Brown’s unconventional adoption story, and find out how a couple who had never considered foster care or adoption ended up fostering while serving in their local homeless shelter.
Favorite Resources from the Browns:
“The Connected Child” by Karen Purvis, “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, and “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel Van Der Kolk.
Find out how to give to the Ministry Adoption Fund—to help families like the Browns— by visiting sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Some may assume you have to be middle-age with a well-established family unit to foster, but today’s guest reminds us God can use any age, stage and season of life to impact kids who are hurting. Join Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they interview Jess Freeman about her family’s experience fostering—in their 20s— a five-year old girl. She unpacks how to discover the meaning being your foster child’s behavior, continuing to date your spouse in a chaotic season and the village it takes to foster well.
Discover ways you can support foster families and their children at www.sendrelief.org.
Mentions
- Frank the Chair Visits Kansas by Aaron and Jessica Freeman
- The Type 1 Life: A Road Map for Parents of Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes by Jessica Freeman
What’s one of the greatest needs for fostering families? Respite care. If you and your family are not called or ready to foster, you can still be a part of this Kingdom work by providing respite care for fostering families. Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber interview Becca Browning on what it’s like being respite family. In this episode, you’ll hear the challenges and immeasurable rewards of being a respite family and the practical benefits for the foster family and the child.
Discover ways you can support foster families and their children at www.sendrelief.org.
Infertility, a cramped New York apartment, racial dynamics, moving across state lines, lost adoption documents and more. Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss with Carmen Coe her family’s process of adopting two siblings and loving their biological families. Carmen and her husband faced many joys, seasons of waiting and sudden surprises as the Lord grew their family. Their journey beautifully demonstrates what it looks like to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit through the adoption process, in loving their children’s biological family and in the midst of the unknown.
Discover ways you can support foster families and their children at www.sendrelief.org.
Today, we are revisiting a conversation with former foster youth, Crystal Williams.
Listen in for part 2 of Crystal William’s extraordinary message, and let your family be reminded that though we don’t understand why things happen, God created us, sees us and knows us. Crystal, who grew up in the foster care system, shares more years in the foster care system. In this second conversation with Crystal, she discusses getting to know her birth mom after eight years of wondering if her mother was dead or alive.
To listen to part 1, click here.
Today, we are revisiting a conversation with former foster youth, Crystal Williams.
What feelings, emotions and thoughts are your adopted or foster children experiencing? Co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber sit down with special guest, Crystal Williams, who grew up in the foster care system. Discover what this artist, advocate and public speaker has to say about her 15 years in the foster care system.
Can God heal your past? Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they speak with special guest, Laura Maxwell, about how God used her past to prepare her for a future of fostering and adopting ministry. Discover how God used Laura’s childhood of chaos to give her empathy and understanding for children in the foster care system.
You won’t want to miss Laura’s testimony in this special episode!
Find out more about Called to Care at iamcalledtocare.com.
To learn more about foster care and adoption, visit https://www.sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Suggested resource:
Everyone Can Do Something: A Field Guide for Strategically Rallying Your Church Around the Orphaned and Vulnerable, by Jason Johnson.
Did you know about 700 young adults age out of the foster care system every year in Georgia alone? Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as the speak with Pam Parish, founder of Connections Home based in Atlanta. Pam works with young adults who age out of the foster care system and sees their plight first hand.
Hear her story and what you can do to help.
For more information, visit https://www.sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Additional resources:
- PamParish.com
- ConnectionsHomes.org
- Ready or Not: 30 Days of Discovery for Foster & Adoptive Families
By Pam Parish * The Gift: Unwrapping God’s Design for Foster Care & Adoption
By Pam Parish * Battle-Weary: 30 Daily Devotions for Parents
By Pam Parish
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber for part two of this two-part series with Jami Kaeb from the Forgotten Initiative. In this episode, you’ll learn more about Jami’s organization and hear how it began with the continuation of her story. You won’t want to miss the inspiring and heart-warming story from this mom of seven children.
To learn more about the Forgotten Initiative, visit https://www.theforgotteninitiative.org/.
If you missed part one, you can listen and subscribe here!
Additional resources:
- Who Loves: a children’s book series
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber for part one of this two-part series featuring Jami Kaeb from the Forgotten Initiative. Married for 18 years and a mom to seven children, hear how God brought adoption and foster care into Jami’s life in an unusual way. In this first episode of Jami’s story, you’ll discover the ways God moved Jami’s heart toward foster care and adoption and learn tips to moving forward in your own foster or adoption journey.
For more information on ways you can get involved, or support foster and adoptive families, go to sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
“The Forgotten Podcast” www.wholovesseries.org and www.theforgotteninitiative.org
It started with the Holy Spirit tugging at her heart. Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they talk with Tasha Whitener about her desire to create a camp for foster children and how the Lord kept pulling her heart towards this unique ministry. In this special episode, you’ll hear practical ways you can get involved in foster care as an individual or a church, and listen to Tasha’s many triumphs and struggles on this walk called Waymark.
Discover ways you can support foster families and their children at www.sendrelief.org.
Learn more about Tasha’s ministry, Waymark, at waymarkfoster.org.
Want to know more about foster care and adoption? Go to sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Additional resources:
- Amelia’s blog
- Jane Johnson’s blog
There is more than one way to help a child in foster care. Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they talk with Claire Brannan about her unique work in foster care. From temporary foster placements of infants to donating diapers and making meals for moms in crisis, the Brannan family has done it all. Hear Claire’s story, and be inspired to take your next step on this awesome journey, today.
To get involved in foster care and adoption, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Additional resources:
- CASA for children national website
- GA CASA website
- Regarding What Judges Think of CASA volunteers
From Send Relief, Stories of Hope is podcast about people who meet needs, build relationships and change lives. Every two weeks, you will hear a story about a believer or a church who looked honestly at the world around them, discovered a need and then couldn’t sit still until they’d done what God told them to do. Subscribe today.
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss the ultimate goal of foster care—reconciliation of the biological family. In part two of this special two-part series, Jamie Patrick shares about her relationship with her foster child’s birth mom. Discover the value of respecting and loving birth moms by listening to this episode today.
To get involved in adoption or foster care, visit https://www.sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Additional resources:
-
Adopted for LifeBy Russell Moore
-
You and Me ForeverBy Francis Chan
In this special episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber speak with Jamie Patrick, biological mom of two and foster and adoptive mom to many, on surrendering expectations of family to God. Hear how the Patrick family grew beyond their expectations, and discover how you can help fostering and adoptive families in your church.
For more on foster care and adoption, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
It’s no secret traffickers prey on the most vulnerable population. But did you know that most vulnerable population is children in foster care? Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss with Ashleigh Chapman, director of the Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and Justice, the top five reasons why foster youth are most vulnerable to human trafficking.
You won’t want to miss this episode!
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Discover how you and your church can help put an end to this evil practice at sendrelief.org/human-trafficking.
Learn more about foster care and adoption at sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Additional resources:
- Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and Justice
January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they interview founder of the Alliance For Freedom, Restoration, and Justice, Ashleigh Chapman. In this special episode, you’ll discover signs of human trafficking and learn how to intervene when things appear suspicious.
If you see something, say something. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
Learn more at engagetogether.com.
Additional resources:
- Human Trafficking 101 Series
https://engagetogether.com/category/humantrafficking101/ * 5 Reasons Foster Youth Become Victims
https://engagetogether.com/2018/04/29/5-reasons-foster-youth-become-human-trafficking-victims/ * Explore the world of possibilities on how the Church is uniquely positioned to engage human trafficking through theEngage Together® Church
https://engagetogether.com/plans/church-toolkit-memberships/ * Create an action plan for church to engage your local community through the 8-session Engage Together® Church Teaching
https://engagetogether.com/online-access/groups/#church * Earn your digital certification on Human Trafficking Awareness & Strategy through Justice U™
https://justiceu.engagetogether.com/engagetogetherseries/
Join our co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber and their special guest, Katrina Campbell who is the director of training with FaithBridge Foster Care. In this episode, you’ll learn the surprising similarities and differences between state-based and faith-based foster care agencies. You won’t want to miss this insightful episode!
For more information, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption or go to Faithbridgefostercare.org.
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss three keys to a stronger marriage for foster and adoptive families with special guest, Katrina Campbell, director of training at FaithBridge Foster Care.
In this episode, you’ll walk away with stories from Katrina’s experience of fostering over two dozen children and learn how—in the midst of caring for children in foster care, working full time in ministry and raising biological children—to keep your marriage healthy and strong.
To learn more about foster care and adoption, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
For more information on FaithBridge Foster Care, go to faithbridgefostercare.org/.
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber for this special interview with Jay Watkins. As the pastor of Redland Baptist Church and director of Camp Rock, Jay has seen first-hand what a church’s impact has on the lives of children in foster care. Listen to some of Jay’s stories, and learn how you can make a difference in foster care and adoption ministries.
For more information, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption. Discover more about Camp Rock at camprockga.com or attend their informational meeting, January 17, to learn more about how you can get involved.
Additional resources:
- Adoption and Foster Care ministry guide
From cribs to college, James’ Storehouse serves kids in foster care. On this special episode, join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they talk with Stacey DeWitt, executive director of James Storehouse, about how the ministry began and what it’s currently doing now. You’ll also hear stories of Stacey’s personal journey with foster care and adoption.
You won’t want to miss this episode!
For you and your church’s next step on mission in this unique ministry, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Additional resources:
- James’ Storehouse
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss how to connect and care for children with trauma backgrounds. This episode, you’ll glean parenting strategies that promote connection and healing to kids when they’re going through, or reacting to, conflict. You’ll also hear Scripture on how Jesus made connections to people.
To learn more about foster care and adoption, visit https://www.sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
For additional resources:
- Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peersby Gordon Neufeld
- The Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- Daniel Hughes- www.danielhughes.org
- An Open Letter to Parents of Children from Hard Places by Amanda Purvis
- Connected Parenting Myth-busters By Lisa Qualls and Melissa Corkum
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss the value of foster care with Micah Maddox, who was adopted herself and is today a foster mom, a mom to three bio children and a ministry wife. Learn how the Maddox family is portraying Christ as a busy, multiracial family.
Additional Resources:
- “Anchored In: Experience a Power-Full Life in a Problem Filled World” by Micah Maddox
- “All the Colors That I See”
- To schedule Micah to speak at your next ladies event go to Micahmaddox.com
In this special episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber share an inspiring conversation with Shon Murray and her teenage son, Nijel, about their foster care experience and their ministry, Klothes for Kids. Learn more about Klothes for Kids, and hear how the family is pouring into children in the foster care system aside from fostering. You won’t want to miss this unique and heartfelt story!
For information on foster care and adoption, visit SendRelief.org. To learn more about Klothes for Kids, go to their Facebook page.
Additional resources:
- http://www.Facebook.com/Klothes4KidsLV
- koolklothesforkids@gmail.com
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they discuss six thoughts to consider before becoming a foster parent. God uses willing hearts to help His little ones and where He leads He provides but there are things to consider before starting this journey. Foster Care impacts the entire family and here are six things to discuss if you feel led to foster care.
Suggested Resources:
- Make Your Move – Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures by Lynn Cowell. www.Thomasnelson.com
- Faith to Foster by TJ & Jenn Menn. Abeille Books
For more information on adoption and foster care ministries, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Get your church involved with Send Relief’s Foster Care and Adoption Prayer Guide.
In part 2 of this series, Kayla and Ryan North join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber in discussing how to create safe environments for children in foster care. From mission trips to Sunday school, the North family shares practical insight in caring for children who experience anxiety or post-traumatic stress when they go to different environments outside the home.
In the second part of this two-part series, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber continue the conversation with Adoptive mom and director of family programs of Chosen, Staci Thomas, on practicing spiritual disciplines—like self-care featured in Part One. But when a new child enters a family, it can be hard to acclimate, and parents must practice a whole new spiritual discipline—connecting with your children. Gain valuable advice on how to connect and then correct. Learn how building a bond of trust between parents and their foster or adopted child, gives parents room to correct behaviors later.
You won’t want to miss either part of this two-part series!
For more information, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Additional resources:
- Chosen
- Self-care vs. Self-Denial
- Self-Care is Not an Indulgence- It’s a Discipline
- Practicing Self-Care is Important
In the first part of this two-part series, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber discuss a critical practice every parent needs with special guest, Staci Thomas, the director of family programs for Chosen. As an adoptive mom, Staci has had to accept the value of, and then practice, self-care. Discover why self-care is an important spiritual discipline, and gain insightful tips on how to practice self-care in your day-to-day.
We’re here to help! Learn more at sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption for spiritual resources.
Additional resources:
- Chosen
- Self-care vs. Self-Denial
- Self-Care is Not an Indulgence- It’s a Discipline
- Practicing Self-Care is Important
In this special episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber share how Holly and Brad Clark, parents to three adopted daughters with various special needs, advocate for their children in school. Discover how God used Holly’s past work as a Court Appointed Special Needs Advocate as a stepping stone to prepare her for motherhood.
For more information on adoption and foster care, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
On the second episode of this two-part series, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber welcome back Randy and Dana Stinson. They have been married 27 years and have eight children—five of whom are adopted. Continue listening to their story as they discuss specifically how they care for their son, Brewer, who has special needs. Despite the challenges, they have no regrets.
Learn more about adoption and foster care at SendRelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
On the first episode of this two-part series, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber speak with Randy Stinson, senior vice president for academic administration and provost at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his wife, Dana about adoption disruptions.
You won’t want to miss this transparent conversation about disruption, adoption and life with eight children—five of whom are adopted.
Learn more about adoption and foster care at SendRelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Additional Resources:
- Wounded Children Healing Homes: How Traumatized Children Impact Adoptive and Foster Families, by Jayne Schooler, Betsy Keefer Smalley, and Timothy J. Callahan.
- Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience after Neglect and Trauma, by Deborah D. Gray.
Join Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they talk openly with special guests, Mike and Heather Picker, CEO and executive director of Divine Nest, on foster care ministry within a church. The Pickers are from a small farm town outside the greater St. Louis metropolitan area but their ideas on making churches foster friendly are big. Discover their story and how you can take your next steps on mission with foster care in this episode.
Learn more at sendrelief.org/fostercare.
Additional resources:
- Divine Nest: www.divinenest.com
- Encouraging Families to Thrive: jasonjohnsonblog.com
Carly Souza knew from a very early age that she wanted to adopt. Then she met John. Discover what happens next and listen in on the couple’s unconventional story in this special episode. Co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber sit down with John and Carly Souza to unpack the Souza’s decision to foster to adopt and the unique timeliness of it all.
For more information on adoption, visit SendRelief.org/adoption.
Additional resources:
- Faith to Foster: An All-American Story of Loving the Least of These
By TJ & Jenn Menn
- Reframing Foster Care: Filtering Your Foster Parenting Journey Through the Lens of the Gospel
By Jason Johnson
- Faith and Foster Care: How We Impact God’s Kingdom
By John DeGarmo
- Ways to Encourage Social Workers
https://cafo.org/fostermovementold/help-week/church-help/
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they talk with Paula Walker about her family’s foster journey. Paula and her husband, Scott, have been married 13 years with three children and are currently fostering a one-year-old and a two-year-old. Learn how God revealed the needs that moved the Walkers’ hearts to care for the young and helpless in foster care.
For more information, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Additional resources: * Lifeline Child: Supporting Adoptive and Foster Families Through the Church
http://lifelinechild.org/supporting-adoptive-and-foster-families-through-the-church/
- Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries: A Daughter’s Perspective
http://www.alabamachild.org/main/abch-update/foster-care-a-daughters-perspective/
In this special episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they continue the conversation with Rebecca Davidson in part two of this series. Learn more about the first steps of becoming a foster parent and who the state deems a good fit from Rebecca, who has worked in the foster care system for over 20 years. You won’t want to miss the last part of this series!
For more, visit sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Additional resources:
- Promise 686: Bringing Them Home
https://vimeo.com/238990713
- Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries: How We Became Foster Parents
http://www.alabamachild.org/main/abch-update/the-how-and-why-a-familys-call-to-foster
- Connect 127: The Connor Family’s journey of Foster Care
http://www.connect127.org/_Conner.html
In the first episode of this two-part series, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber hear from special guest Rebecca Davidson on how the Church can support children in foster care and foster care families. From bringing lunch to social service workers in your area to attending a respite training or becoming a foster family, you and your church can become part of a vast network of people involved in foster care, keeping children safe in your community.
Learn more at sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption.
Additional resources:
- Restoring Dignity Initiative
https://www.sendrelief.org/donate/foster-care-pods/
- Promise 686
www.promise686.org
- Ideas to bless social workers
https://cafo.org/nfci/help-week/
While adoption is celebrated as a joyous moment for families, it is also a response to a tragedy or breakdown in a family’s life and/or community. Co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber speak with Kimber Graves, who works for Orphan Care Alliance in Louisville, Kentucky, on grief and loss in adoption. Apply Kimber’s practical and sage advice to your life as you discover how Kimber watched and experienced grief with her two daughters when they were adopted from China.
To read more about grief and loss in adoption, check out the following resources below:
- Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew
- Questions Adoptees Are Asking
By Sherrie Eldridge
- Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections
Edited by Jean MacLeod and Sheena Macrae
- Wounded Children, Healing Homes
By Jayne Schooler
- Parenting the Hurt Child
- Parenting Adopted Adolescents
By Gregory Keck
To watch more about grief and loss in adoption, check out the following resources below:
- Adopted (com)
- Somewhere Between (com)
To learn online about grief and loss in adoption, visit the following sites:
- sherrieeldridge.com
- empoweredtoconnect.org
- adoptionlearningpartners.org
- creatingafamily.org
- bethany.org/adoption/post-adoption-support/post-adoption-contact-center
Did you know there are more than 24 million children in the United States living in single-parent families? Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they dive into a conversation with Christi Haag about Brave Moms, a Florida Baptist Children’s Homes initiative. Discover how this program delivers help and hope to single moms working hard towards self-sufficiency as they provide for their children.
For additional resources, check out the links below:
Florida Baptist Homes for Children
https://www.fbchomes.org
New Start for Single Moms
By Diane Strack
https://www.amazon.com/Start-Single-Moms-Small-Group/dp/1418528536
Join cohosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they converse with Anna Palmer, executive director of Crossroads NOLA, about the work the organization is doing for foster kids and local foster families in New Orleans. Gain the latest insight into what Crossroads NOLA is doing in an effort to increase the number of suitable families available to care for local children.
Check out Crossroads NOLA at www.crossroadsnola.org.
For further resources, visit https://child.tcu.edu of Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development.
Additional information can be found in this TED Talk with Nadine Burke Harris, https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime/up-next
Join cohosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they converse with Anna Palmer, executive director of Crossroads NOLA, about the work the organization is doing to inform parents on practical strategies for parenting children from hard places. Learn more about trauma informed parenting in part one of this two-part series with Anna Palmer.
Check out Crossroads NOLA at www.crossroadsnola.org.
For further resources, visit”
- https://child.tcu.edu
By Karyn Purvis at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development
- Crossroads NOLA http://www.crossroadsnola.org
- The Connected Child
By Dr. Karyn B. Purvis and Dr. David R. Cross
- The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
By Dr. Daniel Siegel
By Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
- The Whole Brain Child Workbook: Practical Exercises, Worksheets, and Activities to Nurture Developing Minds
By Dr. Daniel Siegel
By Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
- TBRI videos
https://child.tcu.edu/resources/videos/#sthash.dF7nYtAq.dpbs
In the second episode of this two-part series, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber welcome back Colleen Riddle, director of Foster Care Ministries for the Florida Baptist Homes for Children, to discuss parenting traumatized teenagers. Discover best practices when parenting a traumatized teen in this special two-part series with Colleen Riddle.
For additional information on parenting teens, visit the link below:
Trust Based Relational Intervention
Dr. Karyn Purvis
Join Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they host special guest, Colleen Riddle for the first episode in this two-part series about adopting teenagers from foster care. Colleen is the director of Foster Care Ministries for Florida Baptist Homes for Children and has personally experienced teen adoption from foster care; Colleen and her husband, Shane, have three children—two of whom were adopted from foster care.
For additional resources on teenage adoption, visit the link below:
Trust Based Relational Intervention
Dr. Karyn Purvis
https://child.tcu.edu/#sthash.QF3XVJWT.dpbs
In this special episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber unpack the power of the first few days at home with a foster or adopted child. Those moments can be wonderful and they can be challenging. Join Lynette and Tera as they discuss how to “stay in your lane” and simplify your life in order to promote attachment with your new child.
Resources:
- Deborah D. Gray
Attachment in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today’s Parents
Co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber discuss with special guest, Sharon Miles, her story of adoption. Sharon and her family of four went to China for a mission trip where they worked in an orphanage without running water. Discover how God turned Sharon’s life upside down and broke her heart for His invisible children in China while leading her family to adopt an older sibling group.
Learn more about how you can get involved with adoption and foster care at SendRelief.org.
In this special episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber speak with Carol Lozier, a licensed clinical social worker since 1989 who focuses on trauma, adoptive and foster kids, teens and adults. Discover how Carol has helped and continues to help adoptive and fostering families handle attachment issues, dialectical behavior and much more. You won’t want to miss this!
For more of Carol’s insights, visit her blog at http://www.carollozierlcsw.com. You may also want to read some of her books including, The Adoptive & Foster Parent Guide: How to Heal Your Child’s Trauma and Loss, DBT Therapeutic Activities for Working With Teens, Clothed in Armor: Spiritual Warfare for Adopted & Foster Kids and Devotions of Comfort and Hope for Adoptive & Foster Moms.
For other recommended reading, check out Child Development Series Through Age 14
Your One Year Old by Louise Bates Ames, PhD., Before You Were Mine: Discovering Your Adopted Child’s LifeStory by Susan TeBos/Carissa Woodwyk, or Attaching in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today’s Parents, Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience After Neglect and Trauma and Attaching Through Love, Hugs, and Play: Simple Strategies to Help Build Connections With Your Child which are all written by Deborah D. Gray.
In this special episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber host guests, Keli and Caleb Bilingsley. Listen to and enjoy the couple’s stories as they candidly share the daily struggles and delights of fostering as a young family of five.
To learn more ways to get involved in foster care, visit SendRelief.org, and click “Get Started.”
For other resources on fostering, visit the links below:
www.desiringgod.org/articles/foster-care-for-the-least-of-these
http://jasonjohnsonblog.com/#theblog
http://www.theforgotteninitiative.org.blog
Co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber interview replant pastor’s wife, Jena Marie O’Brien who is a wife and mother of three. Her family has started the fostering process. Learn how Jena Marie and her family felt God tugging on their hearts to foster and what that looks like today.
Learn more about foster care at https://www.sendrelief.org/foster-care-adoption/.
Listen in for part 2 of Crystal William’s extraordinary message, and let your family be reminded that though we don’t understand why things happen, God created us, sees us and knows us. Crystal, who grew up in the foster care system, shares more about her 15 years in the foster care system. In this second conversation with Crystal, she discusses getting to know her birth mom after eight years of wondering if her mother was dead or alive.
To listen to part 1, click here.
For additional resources on Crystal Williams, visit www.crystallwilliams.com or read her book, Stronger: An Inspirational Journal.
What feelings, emotions and thoughts are your adopted or foster children experiencing? Co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber sit down with special guest, Crystal Williams, who grew up in the foster care system. Discover what this artist, advocate and public speaker has to say about her 15 years in the foster care system.
To listen to part 2, click here.
For additional resources on Crystal Williams, visit www.crystallwilliams.com or read her book, Stronger: An Inspirational Journal, at http://www.crystallwilliams.com/store/p1/STRONGER%3A_An_Inspirational_Journal.html
From court dates that makes you want to pull your hair out to waiting for adoption referrals, there can be a lot of spiritual warfare when starting the fostering or adoption process. Co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber walk listeners through being prepared for hitting spiritual walls using the Old Testament story of King Jehosaphat in 2 Chronicles 20.
Wondering how to choose an adoption agency? In this special episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber share how they navigated vastly different seas of adoption agencies and why it’s important to consider your family’s personalities and needs when researching adoption agencies. You won’t want to miss these personal insights and wisdom from Lynette and Tera’s experiences.
For more information on choosing an agency, visit namb.net/SendRelief.
Likely, adopted and foster children are going to ponder or make conclusions about their birth stories. In this episode, co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber discuss how adoptive and foster parents can help their children sort through their stories and answer tough questions about identity. Remember, the Lord created their stories, and the Lord will help guide you through them.
For more resources on this topic:
“Before You Were Mine: Discovering Your Adopted Child’s Lifestory,” by Susan TeBos and Carissa Woodwyk
Somewhere Between Documentary
Lion
NOTE: We suggest you watch the documentary and movie before allowing your children to watch them. After viewing the movies, we recommend them for teen audiences.
Back in 1989, Maridel Sandberg was awestruck by the crisis in the abortion world and felt called to help women of all nationalities facing crisis pregnancies. Uncover the rest of Maridel’s story with co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber, and discover how you can get involved in crisis pregnancy adoptions as well as foster a sense of belonging for all in multiracial families.
For more adoption and foster care resources:
KMO’s exclusive (Know More Orphans) with Maridel Sandberg.
“God’s Very Good Idea: A True Story of God’s Delightfully Different Family”
by Trillia Newbell.
Check out this reading list.
Visit https://www.namb.net/send-relief/foster-care-and-adoption.
Adopting and Fostering Home podcast—An interview with Sandy Martin-Wisdom, executive director of the Woman’s Missionary Union
Sandy Martin-Wisdom knows what it’s like to work hard and serve well. In this guest episode Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber interview Sandy about motherhood, work and ministry. Discover how a strong missions commitment and intentional relationships place Sandy in a position to influence the way the world handles women in missions while juggling every day life.
Resources mentioned:
Women’s Missionary Union
http://www.wmu.com
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
http://www.anniearmstrong.com
NAMB Prayer Guide
NAMB.net/pray
In this special episode, Jacob and Tiffany Saltsman discuss the different ways the Lord led the couple to adoption. Learn more about Jacob’s heart being stirred in the Philippines for adoption and their battle with infertility that led to unique adoptions of three children.
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they talk with Tony Brewer from Orphan Voice about his work in Vietnam. Orphan Voice is a Christian, orphan-relief outreach supporting orphans, children with special needs and children at risk for trafficking and abuse in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Learn more at orphanvoice.org.
Resources:
The Autobiography of George Muller by George Muller
George Muller: the Guardian of Bristol Orphans by Janet and Geoff Benge
The Dying Rooms documentary
Join co-hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber as they talk with Tony Brewer from Orphan Voice about his work in Vietnam. Orphan Voice is a Christian, orphan-relief outreach supporting orphans, children with special needs and children at risk for trafficking and abuse in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Learn more at orphanvoice.org.
Resources:
- The Autobiography of George Muller by George Muller
- George Muller: the Guardian of Bristol Orphans by Janet and Geoff Benge
- The Dying Rooms documentary
In this two-part series, hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber introduce special guest Faith Morgan as she shares her journey fostering a child as a single parent. You’ll discover valuable resources that guide a parent towards hope and healing in an adoptive family as well as resources for foster and adoptive children made to help them understand their pasts, presents and futures.
Resources mentioned * The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis, Empoweredtoconnect.org * Thriving as an Adoptive Family by David Sanford * Parenting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky
Additional readings * Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child: Making Sense of the Past by Betsy Keefer Smalley and Jayne E. Schooler * I Miss You Every Day by Simms Taback
In this two-part series, hosts Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber introduce special guest Faith Morgan as she shares her journey fostering a child as a single parent. You’ll discover valuable resources that guide a parent towards hope and healing in an adoptive family as well as resources for foster and adoptive children made to help them understand their pasts, presents and futures.
Resources mentioned * The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis, Empoweredtoconnect.org * Thriving as an Adoptive Family by David Sanford * Parenting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky * momunprepared.wordpress.com
Additional readings * Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child: Making Sense of the Past by Betsy Keefer Smalley and Jayne E. Schooler * I Miss You Every Day by Simms Taback
Not long into the adopting and fostering journey, both Tera Melber and Lynette Ezell realized they’d need Jesus more than ever to keep afloat during the season. Learn about their humbling moments and gain practical insights into how prayer moves the hand of God. You will also discover the seven specific needs that are seen as vital when praying over chosen children.
PDF Resource: Prayers for my Chosen Child
In this episode, Lynette Ezell and Tera Melber discuss a difficult topic. Everyone enjoys the support of family and close friends. But how do adopting and fostering home parent(s) deal with unsupportive people in their lives? Discover how grace can help you recover and respond to those who don’t understand your adopting or fostering home.
Recommended Resources The Connected Child, by Dr. Karyn Purvis: Empoweredtoconnect.org
Thriving as an Adoptive Family, by David Sanford
Parenting the Hurt Child, by Gregory Keck & Regina Kupecky
Recommended Resources The Connected Child, by Dr. Karyn Purvis: Empoweredtoconnect.org
Thriving as an Adoptive Family, by David Sanford
Parenting the Hurt Child, by Gregory Keck & Regina Kupecky
Recommended Resources The Connected Child, by Dr. Karyn Purvis: Empoweredtoconnect.org
Thriving as an Adoptive Family, by David Sanford
Parenting the Hurt Child, by Gregory Keck & Regina Kupeck
The process of helping children in crisis “come home” is challenging and can be intimidating, but the need is great and God calls his people to care for the fatherless. Co-hostsLynette Ezell and Tera Melber share encouraging insights and practical advice from their families’ journey into adoption and foster care.
Resources:
- Email Lynette Ezell:lezell@namb.net
- Email Tera Melber: tmelber@namb.net
- The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis
- Empoweredtoconnect.org
- Thriving as an Adoptive Family by David Sanford
- Parenting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky
