Donna G. Downing is a native of Baltimore County, MD. In October 2017, she accepted her calling to preach.  Under the anointed leadership of Pastor Ruby C. Gilliam, she was licensed to preach and ordained as a minister on March 23, 2018.

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Minister Downing joined the Concord Baptist Church in November 1987 and was baptized by Rev. Dr. Matthew L. Jones in May 1989. As a member of Concord Baptist Church, she regularly attended Bible study, served the S.H.A.R.E. food ministry, and assisted in the kitchen. Additionally, she served as the church secretary from February through October 1995. She remained a faithful member of Concord Baptist Church through September 2002 when she was led to join the Morning Star Baptist Church in Catonsville, Maryland. There she served in the Publication ministry, participated in the Singles Ministry and regularly attended service. In 2011, “life” happened and circumstances led to her joining a church closer to home. She became a member of the Divine Wisdom Christian Center Baptist Church where she served several ministries (Women’s and Combined Choirs, Outreach and New Disciples) and became Executive Assistant to Pastor Ruby C. Gilliam. In October 2013, she became a deacon-in-training. She was ordained a deacon in September 2014. She served as a. Deacon until accepting her calling to preach. After moving to Frederick, MD, she united with the First Missionary Baptist Church where she continues to minister and teach as the Lord sees fit.

 

Minister Downing has a zeal and passion for helping people grow spiritually, mentally and personally while encouraging them to live full and productive lives. Her passion is talking with young adults about keeping their focus on God while experiencing life. Her service in various ministries, as a deacon, minister and presenter amongst other capacities has afforded her the opportunity to engage many in conversations that lead them to a closer walk with God.

 

Minister Downing has earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Howard University and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Baltimore.

 

Minister Downing is the mother of four young adults–Christina, Ryan, Jessica and Brionna and the grandmother of three, King, Kali and “Junior.” She enjoys ministering to her family and friends while preparing and sharing a meal or simply having a movie day.

 

As God provides opportunity for her to minister, Minister Downing encourages people to look to the hills from whence cometh thy help whether facing life’s challenges or victories. She knows that God is love. Minister Downing’s life testimony is she loves encouraging others even if they have not chosen the narrow path, being a woman of integrity and loving others with the love of Christ. She knows that, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10)