Adoption & Advocacy with Kirti Pickard

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Kirti Pickard—adoptee, advocate, and podcast host—who shares her powerful adoption journey and how it fuels her passion for serving vulnerable children. Adopted from India at the age of four, Kirti has a deep, firsthand understanding of the lifelong impact of adoption. She discusses the challenges adoptees face, how faith shapes her work, and the importance of churches and communities walking alongside adoptive families. Through her podcast, When I Grow Up, and her leadership of Mission 143, she is dedicated to sharing stories of God’s faithfulness and raising support for children in need.

🎧 Tune in to hear:
✅ Kirti’s personal adoption story and how it shaped her faith
✅ The unseen challenges adoptees often experience
✅ How adoptive families can help children navigate identity and belonging
✅ Practical ways churches and communities can support adoptees
✅ How Mission 143 is making a tangible impact

Guest: Kirti Pickard
Kirti Pickard was born in India and adopted at the age of four, giving her a deep understanding of the profound impact of adoption. She is the host of When I Grow Up, a podcast sharing extraordinary stories of everyday people. Kirti also leads Mission 143, a fundraiser that donates 100% of its proceeds to Lifeline Children’s Services, helping to support vulnerable children and families.

🔗 Follow Kirti:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Host: Dr. Rick Morton
Dr. Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children’s Services.

Resources & Next Steps:
💙 Support Adoption & Advocacy
At Lifeline Children’s Services, we equip families with gospel-centered training and resources to care for vulnerable children. If you’re considering adoption or looking for ways to support adoptive families, we are here to help.

🔗 Learn more: LifelineChild.org/Adoption

🛍️ Shop & Support:
Mission 143 donates 100% of its proceeds to Lifeline Children’s Services. Every purchase helps support adoption and orphan care.
🔗 Shop Mission 143: Mission143Store.com

📖 About Lifeline Children’s Services:
Our mission is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for children and communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.