“I Was Convicted by My Own Apathy” – Juan Riesco on Saving Babies

“I Was Convicted by My Own Apathy” – Juan Riesco on Saving Babies

From Conversations That Matter by Jon Harris

April 13, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

Juan Riesco shares his journey from restaurant owner to pro-life ministry, discussing the impact of his work outside abortion clinics.

Juan Riesco, former Nini's Deli owner and now Director of Advertising for Love Life, shares his remarkable journey from running a top-rated restaurant that was shut down during the 2020 BLM protests, to answering God’s call to sidewalk ministry outside abortion clinics. He opens up about the spiritual battle, why most abortions stem from sin rather than just hardship, the 95 babies rescued through their ministry so far, and how local churches can step up through the House of Refuge Initiative. This episode is filled with conviction, hope, and practical encouragement for Christians who want to stand for life and the gospel in dark places. Links: Paint The Wall Black: https://youtu.be/4OJIucA3zsc?si=xuHJQVF4Fk8JdX7h Love Life: https://lovelife.org/location/chicago/ 00:00 - Introduction & Juan Riesco’s Story: From Restaurant Owner to Pro-Life Ministry 00:01:48 - Reopening Nini’s Restaurant & Why It Ultimately Closed 00:09:23 - The Conviction That Led Juan to Sidewalk Ministry 00:15:33 - What Really Happens at Abortion Clinics: Light vs. Darkness 00:22:45 - 95 Babies Saved – Success Stories & Gospel Impact 00:28:55 - How Churches Can Get Involved: House of Refuge…

People in this episode

Guest: Juan Riesco

Topics covered

  • pro-life
  • abortion
  • Christian ministry
  • spiritual battle

Keywords

  • Love Life
  • House of Refuge Initiative
  • 95 babies saved
  • Nini's Deli

Sponsors

Mars Men

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Love Life

Books & works: I Was Convicted, Saving Babies, Paint The Wall

More episodes of Conversations That Matter

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Conversations That Matter podcast page.