Doug & Karen Abels
Reclaimed.
The word "reclaimed" has come to mean a lot of different ideas, but to us, it describes several facets of our own lives and ministry. First, we ourselves have been reclaimed from the trash heap of destruction by God's amazing grace alone. Second, we are eager to reclaim our fleeting minutes and days for something that will matter in eternity. And finally, we aim to reclaim souls from the enemy in his territory through God's power and authority.
Current strategic position.
Doug is the Head of School at Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, SC. BJA is a K-12 Christian school with nearly 100 years of Christian education in its history. The Academy is a ministry partner with a Christian university (BJU) and a Christian publishing company (BJU Press). God has allowed us to have this strategic position to not only direct educational and ministry resources to gospel ministries in other countries but simultaneously building valuable and life-changing connections believers from the US. Our vision is to obey God's leading in several initiatives that align with our ministry experience, gifts, and interests.
Initiative 1. Enthusiastically train nationals in their calling in Christian education.
Using thoroughly biblical educational philosophy, principles, and practice, we conduct teacher training retreats for nationals involved in their local Christian schools. Short term educational mission trips allow Christian school teachers from the US to meet, encourage, and support brothers and sisters in ministry all over the world.
Initiative 2. Creatively mentor and guide students into ministry fields.
Our position in BJA and purposeful partnership with both BJU and dozens of local churches is ideal for inspiring a rising generation of eternally-minded Christians. Mission trips, long-term internships, work project trips, and ongoing opportunities abroad will be available through the growing network of nationals, missionaries, and churches. Encouraging and mentoring others in ministry and personal growth is one of the things that gives us the most joy in all of life! We see abundant opportunities to strengthen the American church as well as the global church all at the same time because we are a part of the same body of Christ!
Initiative 3. Lovingly partner with missionaries and national ministers.
Personal encouragement and practical help are life-giving for those called to serve God in far away and challenging ministry fields. Regular contact and coordinated support for local projects are what we are providing for missionaries and nationals taking the light of the gospel to dark places. Our partnership range from construction projects, church retreats, youth camps, and individual counseling and prayer.
We want you on our team!
Help us reclaim precious time and treasures in the Middle East, Africa, and the U.S.! We need your prayers for wisdom, safety, open doors, and provision. Here are several options for joining the Reclaimed Team with us. We hope you will obey God's leading in your life and reclaim opportunities for eternity with us!
- Pray with us for wisdom to discern the best place to spend our limited time and energy.
- Invest in eternity by financially helping us build Christian education in Africa.
- Come with us! If you have an interest in a specific field or initiative, please join us in seeing God's work firsthand. Your life will never be the same!
We look forward to partnering with you in this special work of reclamation!
Doug and Karen Abels
