From the Dojo to the Front Lines

Interview with Jeff starts at 00:04:10 How does a martial artist who once had the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on his resume end up on the front lines of the fight to end abortion? Jeff Durbin’s story is a powerful reminder that God can use the talents He gives us for purposes far bigger than we ever imagined. After seeing a Billy Graham television event, Jeff came to faith in Christ. But without growing up in the church, he still had a lot of searching to do. His journey led him from years of success in martial arts to a passion for evangelism, defending the Truth on the streets and speaking the Truth in a small hospital drug/alcohol rehab room which grew into planting Apologia Church. But God was just getting started. After meeting a woman who had spent 20 years speaking life outside the abortion mill, it became abundantly clear that God was calling Apologia Church to this work. So, in 2017, Jeff and his team launched End Abortion Now, equipping churches around the world to stand for the lives of the unborn while sharing the Gospel message. Not just when it is popular or politically convenient but when standing for life brings ridicule, hostility, and accusations of hate. But this conversation goes beyond Jeff’s personal story and the work of EAN. We get into one of the most uncomfortable and controversial questions facing the pro-life movement today: Why are some established pro-life organizations opposing efforts to pass equal protection legislation for the unborn? Jeff explains the case for abolition and equal protection, including his criticism of organizations such as National Right to Life (here in Missouri we have “Missouri Right to Life”. Every state has their own chapter, find yours here). Why, if we believe abortion takes an innocent human life, should the law treat that life differently depending on whether a child has been born? And what happens when those who want to see abortion end find themselves at odds with organizations that have long represented the pro-life movement? These are difficult questions. Some listeners may be familiar with these debates; others may be hearing them for the first time. Either way, we cannot afford to stop asking questions simply because the answers challenge our assumptions about the people and organizations we have trusted. If we truly believe abortion is the taking of an innocent human life, why would we settle for anything less than equal protection under the law? It’s time for an honest conversation about what it really means to stand for life. “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:11-12) Learn more about Jeff’s work: * End Abortion Now * Apologia Church * Apologia Studios * Apologia Studios Youtube Further reading: States Where Pro-Life Organizations Are Opposing Abolition Bills Listen, think critically, examine the claims, and consider what it means to stand for truth—even when the conversation gets uncomfortable. Nadine@9’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Nadine@9’s Substack at nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe