Lifeline Children’s Services, under the leadership of Herbie Newell, has been on the front lines of caring for vulnerable children, single mothers, and families in crisis. Through adoption, foster care, counseling, and global orphan care, Lifeline demonstrates a commitment to walking alongside those in need with the restorative hope of the gospel. 

In 2024, Lifeline faced significant trials yet also experienced remarkable moments of impact. As partners, Stand For Life is honored to help foster collaboration across the holistic pro-life space, empowering ministries like Lifeline to extend their reach and influence. 

2024 Challenges and Triumphs

The past year brought both heartbreaking obstacles and inspiring victories for Lifeline: 

• International Adoption Challenges: Over 300 children matched with U.S. families through Lifeline faced a bleak future after China’s government blocked their adoptions indefinitely. This announcement was a devastating blow for families and Lifeline’s team, who had worked tirelessly to connect these children with trusting and loving homes.
• Aggressive Opposition from the Abortion Industry: Lifeline encountered cases of women in their programs being targeted by the National Abortion Federation, which offered substantial financial grants—up to $15,000—to fund late-term abortions. This underscores the increasingly strategic tactics of the abortion industry and highlights the urgent need for unified pro-life ministry support. 

Despite these challenges, Lifeline celebrated major victories in its mission to protect and restore life: 

• 493 Children Reunified: Lifeline’s Families Count program trained and equipped biological families to welcome children back into safe and stable homes. 
• 5,000 Counseling Sessions Provided: Lifeline offered trauma-informed care and counseling to children and families in foster care or who had been adopted, promoting healing and holistic growth. 
• 20,000 Children Served Worldwide: Through global orphan care and U.S. foster care programs, Lifeline reached thousands of children with life-affirming services. 
• 40+ Children and Families Came to Christ: Children adopted through Lifeline, as well as families served by the ministry, embraced the hope of the gospel and experienced both physical and spiritual transformation. 

“While we saved lives and stood for life in 2024, our greatest joy was seeing the gift of true, abundant life through Christ come to so many of those we served,” Herbie shared. 

Strength in Unity: The Importance of Collaboration

From his vantage point, Herbie sees both progress and areas for improvement when it comes to unity in the whole life pro-life movement. “Our movement has become more unified, but there’s still more work to be done,” he noted. “The pro-abortion side is fully aligned, willing to set aside differences for their goals. We, too, need to prioritize collaboration, laying down our logos and egos to fight for life together.” 

This is where Stand For Life plays a pivotal role. By facilitating partnerships across ministries, churches, and holistic pro-life organizations, Stand For Life helps break down silos and create opportunities for coordinated action. 

Lifeline has seen the power of this firsthand through collaborations with other Stand For Life partners: 

• Heartbeat International: Lifeline is preparing to support Heartbeat’s upcoming annual conference, strengthening their shared mission through community and resource-sharing.
• Human Coalition: Together, the two organizations coordinate hotline services and outreach to women in crisis pregnancies.
• Embrace Grace: Lifeline and Embrace Grace have refined their programs through mutual support. Lifeline played a key role in helping Embrace Grace establish church partnerships in South Dakota, while Embrace Grace has shaped Lifeline’s Worthy curriculum to align with their outreach model. 

“When we collaborate and stay in close proximity with one another, we sharpen each other,” Herbie explained. “Each organization brings different strengths to the table, and together, we become one unified voice in the pro-life movement.” 

Looking Ahead: Lifeline’s Vision for 2025

Lifeline’s mission for 2025 centers on mobilizing the Church to care for vulnerable children, mothers, and families. The need is urgent: over 400,000 children are in U.S. foster care on any given day, and millions more around the world face similar hardships.

Herbie shared Lifeline’s vision: 

“We want to see churches around the world stand up and demonstrate how pro-life we truly are—by caring for children already born, walking alongside mothers in crisis, and supporting family restoration and redemption…It’s a command given to God’s people.” 

In 2025, Lifeline aims to: 

• Expand adoption and foster care programs, both domestically and globally.
• Strengthen counseling services to promote healing for children and families impacted by trauma.
• Equip churches to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families, offering the hope of the gospel through both word and deed. 

“Lifeline is sharpening our sword as we go out and care for the vulnerable,” Herbie concluded. “Together, we can extend the gospel of Christ to more women, children, and families than ever before.” 

Be Part of the Solution

Every day, children, women, and families face unimaginable hardships—but together, we can bring hope and healing. Lifeline Children’s Services is changing lives through adoption, counseling, and holistic care. Now, you can be part of this life-changing mission. 

Through Stand For Life, you can take action and serve with Lifeline’s efforts and make an impact. By visiting StandForLife.app, you can: 

• Learn about Lifeline’s initiatives and how they support children and families in need.
• Discover ways to support vulnerable women and children through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness. 

Together, we can demonstrate the gospel through compassionate action. Visit StandForLife.app today to take the next step in standing for life.

Image is courtesy of Lifeline Children’s Services.