The Adoption & Foster Care Journey

By Sandra Flach

Host Sandra Flach is a mom of 8 children, 5 through adoption—one kinship and 4 international. Her youngest 2 are teens diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With over 30 years of pa... more

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How many episodes does The Adoption & Foster Care Journey have?

The podcast currently has 539 episodes available.

Best of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Episode 546 - Twice Delivered: Isaac Melber’s Journey of Adoption, Identity & Faith
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28 What happens when a child is taken from everything he knows and placed in a completely different culture, language, and family? For Isaac Melber, adoption was the beginning of a journey that would lead him through grief, questions of identity, healing, faith, and ultimately a calling to ministry. In this episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey, Isaac shares his powerful story of growing up in Ethiopia, losing his parents, spending time in a Christian orphanage, and eventually being adopted by an American family. He opens up about the challenges of cultural transition and the questions he wrestled with as an adoptee—and how Scripture became an anchor for his identity and healing. Isaac also shares about returning to Ethiopia as a teenager to meet members of his birth family and the unexpected opportunity God gave him to share the gospel with them. His story is a beautiful reminder that God can redeem even the hardest parts of our stories and use them for His purposes. In This Episode, We Talk About: Isaac’s childhood in Ethiopia and his experience in a Christian orphanage The transition from Ethiopia to life with an American adoptive family Navigating language, culture, food, grief, and loss as an adoptee How Scripture helped Isaac process grief and establish his identity The importance of grounding identity in Christ rather than circumstances or achievements Isaac’s journey through soccer, football, and wrestling—and learning to use sports to honor God Discovering his calling to ministry His emotional return to Ethiopia and reunion with members of his birth family Sharing the gospel with his family during his visit Isaac’s book, Twice Delivered, and his desire to encourage adoptees, adoptive families, and the church Practical encouragement for parents raising children from hard places A Word of Encouragement for Foster & Adoptive Parents One of Isaac’s most important messages for parents is simple: keep loving your child, even when they reject that love. There may not be a formula for parenting a child from a hard place, but faithful, consistent love matters. Isaac encourages parents to look for everyday opportunities to talk about adoption, identity, grief, and trauma. A movie, a holiday, a family gathering, or an ordinary conversation can open the door to questions a child may already be carrying inside. His story also reminds us that our children’s stories don't end with their trauma, loss, or adoption. God is still writing their stories—and sometimes we have the privilege of walking beside them as they discover who they are in Christ. Scripture Mentioned Isaac reflects on the importance of immersing children in God's Word from an early age, drawing from passages including Deuteronomy 6, James 1, and John 3. “Our identity isn't found in what we accomplish. Our identity is found in Christ.” About Isaac Melber Isaac Melber is an adoptee from Ethiopia, pastor, speaker, and author of Twice Delivered. His personal experience of adoption, cultural transition, faith, and reunion with his birth family has shaped his passion for encouraging adoptees, adoptive families, and the church to see adoption through a biblical and hope-filled perspective. Resources Twice Delivered — Isaac Melber’s book explores the beauty and complexity of adoption through the perspectives of adoptees, adoptive families, and the church. It combines personal stories, Scripture, discussion questions, and prayers to encourage families and communities. Connect & Listen If this episode encouraged you, share it with a foster or adoptive parent, an adoptee, or someone who wants to better understand the adoption journey. And remember: God doesn't waste our stories. Even the hard chapters can become part of His redemptive work. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.isaacmelber.com/ Free Breath Prayer Download See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community Email: [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
August 24, 20261h 19min
Number 2: Episode 533 - From Foster Care to Christ, the Reuben Watson Story
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -Corinthians 12:9 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach wraps up National Foster Care Month with former foster youth and adult adoptee, Reuben Watson. Reuben serves as the Director of Unity in Action at the Lexington Leadership Foundation, where he works to support families and address the child welfare crisis across Kentucky. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Communication Studies, he is passionate about community engagement, mentorship, and empowering others through collaboration and hope. Drawing from his own experiences overcoming adversity, Reuben uses his story to inspire resilience, healing, and renewal in the lives of children, families, and communities. He believes in creating pathways for people of faith and goodwill to take steps toward the renewal of the city of Lexington. Listen to Sandra’s conversation with Reuben Watson as he shares his redemption story and offers hope to foster and adoptive parents and youth. Find Episode 533 wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: Lexington Leadership Foundation [email protected] See Available Trainings The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community Email: [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon
May 25, 20261h 3min
Number 3: Episode 513 - Nutrition Series with Dr. Jerrod Brown, Part 1—Trauma
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See,I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” -Isaiah 43:18-19 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach, kicks off her 4-part series on Nutrition with Dr. Jerrod Brown. Today Dr. Brown unpacks the vital role nutrition plays in the brain and body of individuals who have experienced trauma. To view Dr. Brown’s slides for this episode, check out the Justice For Orphans’ YouTube channel HERE. Listen to Sandra’s conversation with Dr. Brown on Episode 513 wherever you get your podcasts. Register for your chance to win a free signed copy of Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster & Adoptive Moms HERE. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey AFCJ on YouTube justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community Email: [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat Mobilize Ohio ReNew Retreat in NC
January 05, 20261h 15min
Number 4: Episode 512 - Showing Up For Kids in Foster Care with Kim Patton
"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,…" -1 Peter 1:8 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach, talks with Kim Patton. Kim is an adoptive and foster mama living in North Carolina. with her husband and 2 daughters. She writes online, has been the host of the Book Therapy podcast since 2022. Her book, “Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons” encourages readers to recognize personal growth amidst hard times. She is passionate about depending on God as she takes care of herself and others. Listen to Sandra’s conversation with Kim Patton on Episode 512 wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: The Adoption & Foster Care Journey justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community Email: [email protected] sandraflach.com Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon Filled Retreat Mobilize Ohio ReNew Retreat in NC KimPatton.com
December 29, 20251h 3min
Number 5: Episode 494 - Fear to Love Parenting with Adult Adoptee Bryan Post
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.” -John 4:18-19 Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care. On this episode, host Sandra Flach speaks with adult adoptee Bryan Post. Brian is a best-selling author and one of America’s leading voices in child behavior, adoption trauma, and love-based parenting. A former foster child turned internationally recognized therapist, Bryan has spent over two decades helping families understand and heal the emotional root of challenging behaviors—especially in children affected by trauma, loss, and disrupted attachment. Bryan’s groundbreaking work has been featured on NBC, ABC, and USA Today. He is the creator of the Fear-to-Love Method and founder of Bondify.ai, the worlds first AI-powered, trauma-informed parenting support App. Listen in to Sandra and Bryan’s conversation on Episode 494 wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it on your social media. Links mentioned in this episode: justicefororphansny.org justicefororphansny.org/hope-community Email: [email protected] sandraflach.com Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon FearToLove.com
August 25, 20251h 3min