Claim OwnershipConversations from the BRaVe
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© Courtney Whitney
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Inspiring conversations with people who have stepped out of the ‘norm’ to embrace a life of service to others in various capacities.
29 Episodes
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Forty years ago, Neal and Jane VanDeventer began investing in 'the least of these' through both foster care and adoption. The result has been countless lives who have been influenced for the Lord. The VanDeventers have lovingly shown Jesus to over 200 foster children and their biological parents, the social workers they work beside each day, along with many others observing their lives. By choosing the unglamorous, 'day in and day out' road of caring for children, they have had an impact of which the magnitude will only be known on the other side of eternity.
Seven kids, five of them under 4 years old. FIVE children INFANT through PRESCHOOL. The Beautiful Mess that the Franklins called home seven years ago was a very challenging, magnificent picture of what happens when people say 'yes' to daily self-sacrifice toward the 'least of these'. Listen in and don't miss this incredible picture of grace and redemption.
Kerri Tracy, a licensed clinical social worker, shares her experiences working with families struggling to understand their child. She explains how acting-out can be a child's call for help in struggling with trauma, and gives resources to aid the healing process.
Can you imagine being three weeks out from your wedding day and asking your fiancé how he feels about adopting two middle school sisters who are in a rough situation? This and other incredible stories are the kind Krissy Durston has to tell in this week's podcast.
Chris & Jenny Jolin work with Cadence International providing hospitality to Soldiers and their families stationed at United States Army Garrison Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Join us as we discuss the unique challenges and extreme joys that come with supporting those who serve our country overseas.
Imagine coming to the United States at 11 years of age to a world that looks nothing like the home you've always known. Your parents speak a language you've never heard, you're served food you are totally unaccustomed to, and live in a house with only a few older siblings unlike the orphanage you came from that housed multiple children. Join us as we listen to adult adoptee, Sanjana Darnall, as she recounts her challenging yet beautifully redemptive adoption story.
Scott and Roni Schuler are ordinary people who have shown extraordinary love to society's most vulnerable, foster kids. Join Courtney Whitney as she listens to Roni talk about their love for these precious children.
Jerry and Joan Borton are the co-founders of Luke 14 Exchange, a ministry dedicated to strengthening people affected by disability. Join Courtney Whitney as she listens to their experiences assisting individuals, families, and communities.
The Smith family welcomed son Daniel from Korea as a toddler. Join Courtney Whitney as she listens to the beautiful account of their adoption story.
Listen as Jacquie Jordan talks about her new book, Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader. She tells about how the book became a reality and the reasons she feels this is important information for everyone in a leadership position, in the corporate world or outside of it. In the book, together with her co-author, Jan Rutherford, Jacquie gives real-life examples of expeditions in some of the most punishing of physical environments and how this crucible has provided lessons the participants won't soon forget.
Do you enjoy waiting? I don't think I know a single person who does. However, can you imagine asking to adopt a specific child 4 years ago and, because of the pandemic and a myriad of other struggles, STILL not having him home? How about beginning another adoption a couple of years after the first one was submitted and also, STILL not having either of your children home? If you are struggling to persevere, in any circumstance, this episode is for you.
Jeremy and Rachel Smith have a big heart for adoption. In fact, Rachel's blog is titled, https://adopt100morehappykids.wordpress.com/.
They aren't talking about adopting 100 of their own children. The Smiths have a desire to see others adopt and with this desire comes a will to make that happen. Rachel is a fundraising genius. So, if you've ever thought, "I'd like to adopt, but its SO EXPENSIVE", this podcast is the one you need to listen to.
This episode delves into the extraordinary life and faith of the Odell family. After having six biological children, Joey and Carrie Odell proceeded with their first adoption. They now are parents to nine biological children and six special delivery, one of whom has intense special needs. Listen as Carrie recounts their journey of struggle, beauty, joy, and a love for the most vulnerable that only Jesus can give.
*The audio is not exceptional on this particular podcast but it gets better as the interview progresses. Listen to the whole thing to enjoy all of the information and ideas Dr. Shea has to offer!*
Dr. Timothy Shea is currently an Associate Education Professor at Lancaster Bible College, Adjunct Writing Professor at Liberty University, and Adjunct Education Professor at Messiah University. He has taken up residence on at least three different continents over the course of his lifetime and has traversed all but one. He has educated elementary children all the way up through the college level student. Dr. Shea has many excellent ideas on what you and your kids have an opportunity to read to gain a fuller picture of many events of world history. Join us on this multi-faceted interview as we engage in a conversation that elevates the good and the beautiful.
A self-employed song writer and a stay-at-home mom venture out on the faith journey of adoption. Brent & Emily Baxter adopted three children from China with minimal income and major faith. They talk candidly about living out their beliefs, from funding three international adoptions to loving their kids who've come from hard places. A conversation about the real, the beautiful, and ditching the American dream for an eternally better one.
Katie Bond went through a harrowing event in her life that led her down a painful road. Mercifully, the Lord restored her. Because of her journey from a very excruciating experience, she has a vantage point that few can claim. The reality of the life that could have been hers has given her a heart for both the parents and the children involved in the foster system. A vulnerable account of the grace of God.
Will and Suzy Liegel adopted their first child over three decades ago. Since then they have domestically adopted a total of seven children, some transracially, and all with special needs. With a total of ten children, the Liegels have lived heart-wrenching struggles and overwhelming joys. Their faith in God has deepened as they have daily sacrificed for the least of these.
David and Courtney Bradshaw caught the vision of foster care and the desire of all parties to reunify children with their biological parents. They, along with their three home grown children, took in a sibling group of three as their initial placement. As we find out, God had a plan other than reunification.
TJ & Jenn Menn have been fostering children for over a decade, beginning in their early twenties, having never parented previously. In this conversation, Jenn talks about the realities of foster care, the highs and lows, and Who our hope really needs to lie in, regardless of what children we are parenting. This is a woman with wisdom beyond her years. A candid conversation about the sin in our own hearts and the only One who has the power to change not only the parented, but the parent.
Link to TJ & Jenn's book, Faith to Foster
Lisa Baker spends her days bringing orphans and prospective adoptive parents one step closer to uniting. Her work with Small World Adoption Agency has blessed many families, as she works to bring Chinese children home to their parents in the U.S.
She also has the advantage of understanding adoption from a personal perspective. She and her husband, Dennis, adopted three precious Asian children. Uniquely, they are their only children...by design.
Don't miss this wonderful interview with a woman whose life work, both in and out of the home, has been thrown into creating and building families through adoption.
The organization mentioned for funding adoptions:
https://bothhands.org
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