2026 Dinner of Hope

Keynote Speaker

Herbie Newell is the President/Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms. Herbie holds a Master’s degree in Business/Accounting from Samford University. He joined the Lifeline team in 2003 as Executive Director. Under Herbie’s leadership, Lifeline has increased the international outreach to 47 countries, grown into 19 states, attained membership with ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), begun an extensive foster care ministry, achieved accreditation Internationally under The Hague Treaty, and started its (un)adopted strategic orphan care ministries. Herbie speaks nationally at conferences and events, and regularly preaches throughout the world on Gospel-driven justice. Herbie is the author of the book “Image Bearers.” He and his wife, Ashley, live in Birmingham, Alabama and are parents to a son, Caleb, and daughters Adelynn and Emily.

Evan Lanier is a storyteller and filmmaker who loves telling stories about faith, redemption, and real life. He and his wife Meagan are raising four kids, including their son Cruz, who was adopted with the help of Hope Family Services. Meagan serves in children’s ministry, is an advocate for women’s ministry in Uganda, and also teaches their children at home.  Together, they’ve engaged in ministry and mission work around the world and are passionate about encouraging others to do the same. Their story is shaped by a deep belief in the power of the Gospel to bring hope and restoration.