Episode Summary: Apologia Radio #553

Title: Stranger Things & Truly Loving Our Neighbors
Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Jeff “the Ninja” Durbin, with Luke “the Bear” and co-host, joined by special guest Augustine "Domino" Durbin

Overview

This end-of-year episode centers on the ongoing fight against abortion, highlighting the ministry’s achievements, the personal stories behind saving lives, and a Christian response to current pro-choice rhetoric in pop culture—specifically referencing "Stranger Things" star Maya Hawke’s public comments about abortion. The team reflects on the meaning of loving neighbors, celebrates a decade of their ministry, and calls for continued commitment in the new year.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on a Decade of Ministry Impact

• Movement Growth: Over 1,000 churches (mostly in the U.S., but spreading globally) have joined the "End Abortion Now" movement.
• Direct Impact: “Tens of thousands” of babies' lives have been saved due to their work. (14:44, Jeff)
• International Reach: The ministry has expanded into Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Germany, and other countries, equipping churches to fight abortion with the gospel.

2. Personal Stories: The Fruit of Faithful Action

• On-the-Ground Ministry: The team shares powerful testimonials from women who chose life after encounters with the church at abortion clinics.
  • Notable segment: Divine’s story, who credits the church’s support and resources for giving her the courage to keep her son Oliver, the first boy in her extended family. (31:35—38:40)
• Historic Testimony: Retelling the story of Carmelo, the first saved baby brought to their church, stemming from providential interactions outside an abortion clinic (41:28).
  • "If we do it and we just save one life, that is truly a life well lived and a ministry well spent." (38:40, Jeff)
  • Tina (Carmelo’s mom) expresses deep gratitude for having her eyes and heart opened by the ministry’s intervention. (47:34)

3. Cultural Engagement: Response to Maya Hawke’s Pro-Abortion Comments

• Media Clip: Maya Hawke (from “Stranger Things”) describes on Jimmy Fallon how her mother’s abortion was necessary for personal growth and career advancement. (16:33)
• Christian Critique:
  • Jeff and team counter the argument, comparing it to ancient pagan child sacrifices for prosperity:
    • “If I hadn’t killed my first child, then you wouldn’t exist... That child was a sacrifice. It was a worthy sacrifice... It’s just such a crazy thing to say...” (17:14, Jeff)
    • “What makes it different than Moloch worship?” (18:23, Jeff)
  • The shift in language from "murder" to "healthcare" is highlighted as a dangerous rebranding.
    • “We’re changing the terminology now... from murder to health care..." (20:33, Co-host)
  • The concept of “healthcare” is examined:
    • “Healthcare is about the preservation of life... In no other circumstance in the healthcare industry are they focused on the destruction of human life.” (22:37, Jeff)
  • Critique of narratives around “abortion-free states” and the real challenges post-Roe v. Wade. (23:47–27:10)

4. Exhortations & Encouragement to the Church

• Not Finished Yet: Despite progress nationally, abortion continues—and has even increased in some contexts due to do-it-yourself pills.
  • "Brothers and sisters, please, please, please do not allow these pro-life organizations to lull your conscience into just being indifferent…" (27:35, Jeff)
• Moving Forward: Calls to continue equipping churches, supporting with prayers and finances, raising awareness, and practical ministry.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Gravity of Sacrifice for Convenience:

  • “It’s just such a crazy thing to say... because put it in any other context, it makes no sense... In order to make this family work, we’re going to sacrifice your brother... That’s crazy selfishness.” — Jeff (18:08)

• On Ministry Motivation:

  • “If as a church, we do this every day... and we just save one life, that is truly a life well lived and a ministry well spent. And we meant it.” — Jeff (38:40)

• On the Difference True Love Makes:

  • “There’s nothing more empowering than overcoming your struggles and making a change. And we can’t make a change without actually stopping the wrongs and doing what’s right. And what’s right is saving lives and making a positive, impactful change...” — Divine (37:12)

• On the Uniqueness of Christian Action:

  • “Don’t go to abortion mills, it’s too in your face... but there’s babies being dismembered behind those walls. I have to go. It’s about the gospel... It’s about rescuing their souls and the babies.” — Jeff retelling Carmelo’s story (41:38)

• On True Healthcare:

  • “Healthcare is about the preservation of life, protection of life, advancing the comfort of life. It’s never about the destruction of life.” — Jeff (22:37)

• On Perseverance for Justice:

  • “We are not close to done... If the church doesn’t fight... it’s going to get worse than it ever was during Roe versus Wade.” — Jeff (27:55)

Important Timestamps

• Year in Review + Ministry Updates: 05:29–16:33
• Maya Hawke "Stranger Things" Clip & Analysis: 16:33–23:47
• Response to Pro-Choice Arguments & Abortion Realities: 23:47–31:35
• Divine and Oliver’s Story (Testimony): 31:35–38:40
• The Carmelo Story: Historic Life Saved & Ministry Moment: 41:28–48:36
• Outreach Expansion—Irish Church Involvement: 52:26–54:36

Final Thoughts & Calls to Action

• Focus on the One: Listeners are encouraged to remember and fight for the individual story—the one life—rather than be overwhelmed by statistics.
• Get Involved: Churches and individuals are urged to join, be trained, or financially support the ministry at endabortionnow.com.
• Ongoing Battle: Despite victories, the fight is not over with continued threats of legal abortion through new constitutional amendments and increased access to abortion pills.
• Seasonal Message: The team expresses gratitude, wishes listeners a Merry Christmas, and promises big plans and a renewed focus in the coming year.

Tone & Language

• Intensely personal, serious, and urgent—interspersed with moments of humor and warmth (especially in interactions with Augustine).
• Language is direct and uncompromising regarding abortion, frequently referencing scripture, Christian ethics, and historical parallels.
• The mood is hopeful yet sober, with constant reminders of the stakes and gratitude toward supporters.

Memorable Sign-Off:
“Merry Christmas, everybody. That’s Luke the Bear. I’m the Ninja. We’ll catch you next year right here on Apologia Radio.” (60:27)