Our mission at Eastville Baptist Church is to equip each other with the light of Christ so we can show it to those around us. Here at EBC, we are dedicated to the good news of Jesus Christ as seen in the unfolding story of the Bible. We warmly welcome you to experience it here with us, responding to God as He reveals Himself in His Word. Rather than hoarding the grace He's shown us, we want to bless our community with it. We seek to be a shelter for the hurting and a loving presence to those in need. Through the Scriptures and these tangible efforts, we hope you will glimpse the justice, mercy, beauty, and heart of the incredible God who redeems us!
Hello, we are Dr. Doug and Mai DeLong, a dedicated pastor, educator, and community leader with a heart for fostering faith, connection, and growth. Originally from the Chicago area, our journey has been shaped by a life of service, learning, and building meaningful relationships across diverse cultures. As a pastor and missionary kid in Papua New Guinea, and later serving as pastors and missionaries in Thailand, Indonesia, and Canada, we have immersed ourselves in cross-cultural ministry, sharing messages of hope and love. With a robust theological foundation from four seminaries, Doug has dedicated his career to guiding others in their spiritual and personal growth. Our experiences have taught us the power of listening, teaching, and creating spaces where people feel valued and inspired. In June 2025, we relocated with our family to the Eastern Shore, where Doug serves as the pastor at Eastville Baptist Church. Here, we focus on preaching, teaching, and building a vibrant, faith-filled community that reflects grace and purpose. Our calling is to help people discover their purpose and grow in faith through authentic relationships—first with Christ, then with others—and meaningful engagement. At Eastville Baptist Church, Doug leads with a focus on discipleship, encouraging individuals to deepen their spiritual lives and connect. His sermons blend biblical wisdom with practical insights, aiming to inspire and equip people to live out their faith in everyday life. Beyond the pulpit, we are passionate about community outreach. Whether organizing local events, supporting families, or fostering partnerships, we believe in the transformative power of coming together. Our time in Thailand, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea taught us the importance of humility and cultural sensitivity, qualities we bring to every interaction to ensure everyone feels seen and heard. Family is at the core of who we are. Doug and Mai have been married for 22 years, raising three wonderful children: Chyanne, a student at The Ohio State University; Kylie, a recent high school graduate; and Daniel, who brings his unique spark and endless sermon illustrations to our lives. Together, we love exploring the Eastern Shore, from kayaking and fishing—catching, not merely casting—to enjoying quiet moments by the water, which recharge us for the work we do. We cherish engaging with the community through shared meals, storytelling, and celebrating the simple joys of life. Whether it is a community event or a serene paddle along the river, we find inspiration in the beauty of creation and the connections we build. We believe everyone has a story worth sharing and a purpose worth pursuing. Our goal is to create a space where people feel welcomed, inspired, and empowered to grow in their faith with Jesus and relationships with each other. Whether you are joining us at Eastville Baptist Church, connecting through community events, or visiting this page, we are excited to share this journey with you. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We would love to hear your story and connect. Please feel free to reach out through the contact page or join us at Eastville Baptist Church to experience the warmth and community we are building together.