DougandEllen - Middle East Updates

The greatest is Love

By on May 1, 2014 Track: Sports Region: Middle East

Jesus' birth is celebrated December 25, but He was actually born in the Spring around May or June.  This is a reminder to me that Abba Father wants to be near to me.  This means that I am victorious and that I can rejoice with my brothers and sisters in Christ, not just about my own victories, but about their victories as well.  Last month was full of ups and downs.  As I reflect back, I connect with Jesus in a new way.  I've mainly tried to deal with things with intelligence and effort.  I train my friend Og (whom I've blogged about before) and while we train I… Read more >>

Galatians 6:2

By on March 26, 2014 Track: Sports Region: Middle East

So this has been a pretty interesting month.  My wife has been gone and that has been pretty hard on me.  At the same time, God has been showing his love through some relationships he’s sent to me.  There is a Turk here named Oğuz (pronounced Oh-ooz) who is a baptized Christian now after having a dream about Jesus and coming in contact with an American Football coach/friend.  Oğuz is a very interesting person and is different from most Turks, mainly because of his openness and the way he goes about relationships.  Well Oğuz has been very intentional about practicing… Read more >>

Slavery

By on March 19, 2014 Track: Sports Region: Middle East

I seriously wish I could be 100% free.  Meaning I wish I didn’t feel like a slave to my circumstances.  There are times when I feel like no matter what I do I’m bound for some sort of punishment or disappointment and it makes me angry.  My wife is gone for a few weeks and I’m adjusting to being alone.  I’ve been alone for about a week and a day and I’ve been pretty sick.  This is something I wish I could face and have “joy”, but I can’t say that I have any.  Also, there were some expectations put on me that I didn’t meet – and regardless of how much I apologize… Read more >>

Stand Firm

By on March 1, 2014 Track: Sports Region: Middle East

***DISCLAIMER*** This is a blog written in July 2013.  The letter I received wasn't sent to anyone I know.  It it based on several letters sent to persecuted Christians and was sent by an organization that helps support them. It's really hard to stand up for your beliefs.  I got this letter in the mail.  I looked at it and was like, "oh my gosh, what the heck is this!?"  It represented what thousands of Christians face overseas as they live as sacrifices, living sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.  If you think God is powerful enough to make a book with His… Read more >>

Breaking Bread In The New Year

By on January 23, 2014 Track: Sports Region: Middle East

There’s nothing like the New Year to reveal how messed up you are!  By the way, Happy New Year.  Many people don’t know this about me, but I can be in my own head a lot.  I spent most of 2013 going back into my past: grade school, middle-school/high school, college, “real-world” and remembering all the heartbreaking/embarrassing situations I was in.  I would put myself back in those situations and think that I could handle them pretty well if I had another chance.  The thought I would end in is “well, I think I have it pretty together now.”  I’ve wanted deep,… Read more >>