How we met:
The first time I met Doug was in August of last year on my first visit to Ottawa with Brett Robinson. Brett and I went for coffee with Andy Falleur and Doug. Doug talked and Brett, Andy, and I sat in awe of the almost tangible cloud of wisdom projecting from Mr Sprunt.
Three things I appreciate about Doug:
1. It’s hard being away from home and especially hard being away from my dad. Although I don’t get to spend as much time with Doug as I’d like, when I do I feel like I get a dose of fatherly love and wisdom that I lack from being away from home.
2. Doug has an incredible heart for others. When you interact with Doug or watch him interact with others you can’t help but notice how important other people are to him. Doug is one of those “give their right arm to help their brother” types of people.
3. Doug is a great encourager. He has often gone out of his way to say something nice to me and for that I am very thankful.
My favorite memory of Doug:
Back when the ground was white and the bears were hibernating our church had a men’s overnight in a sweet cabin out in the woods. It was an awesome setting with awesome guys and awesome food(if I do say so myself). There was a moment when all of the men were in a room together and sharing about our Father’s love for us. We were talking about His patience and forgivenesssharing about a variety of things that men can share when women aren’t around. Of course some of those things are gas related. That’s not the point, though. I remember a moment where we touched on a sensitive issue and needed some true wisdom. At that moment everyone shut up and looked to Doug with expectation. Doug went on to share a very timely, very personal story about his own life and a realization he had as a father himself. Tears and hugs followed but I remember just sitting there and watching the reactions and realizing what a big role Doug, perhaps unknowingly, plays in the lives of many men. I thank God for Doug and who he is and I’m honored to call him brother and friend. I think everyone could benefit from a friendship with Doug.
July 15th, 2011 at 9:52 am
Doug Spunt is quite the fellow. Couldn’t agree more with what you said about his heart. I was on a men’s weekend in May and Doug really challenged me with surrender. I felt both convicted and comforted. Doug is a major blessing for this city! Thanks for the post here Ryan. Doug. We love you brothaaaaaaaaa!
July 15th, 2011 at 10:26 am
All true Ryan. Doug is full of wisdom and encouragement indeed, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know him over this past year.
July 15th, 2011 at 10:30 am
Doug,
The first time I met him was by “coincidence” sitting next to him about to listen to Stuart Briscoe share in a One Way Ministries seminar. We had some things in common and an instant kinship. Fortunately for me, that relationship has had a chance to continue and deepen through Calvary Ottawa, Tres Dias, Jericho Road and the Bible House.
He’s a dad to lots of guys… and has passed on some fatherly wisdom to me too…
You’re blessed to have met him!
July 15th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
God brought Doug into my life several years exactly when I needed him. It was one of those “I don’t know what I would have done without him”, but God provides like that!
July 15th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I love Doug ! What an example of how to live as Jesus did. Thanks Doug for the time you set aside for me every week.