My life in 250 words.
Born naked and unable to feed himself, Isaac eventually overcame these handicaps to lead a productive adult life. But this journey was not without its hardships. Born to humble parents in rural Iowa, his parents soon moved to Central Illinois for new employment. His father was always a hard worker. Although they were a decidedly middle-class family, they made sacrifices to provide all six children with a Christian education.
All was well in the Downing home, until this oldest son of theirs came into adolescence and rebelled against every moral lesson instilled in him by his loving parents. His early teenage years were spent in fights, detention and narrowly avoiding prison, but his parents refused to give up on him. By God’s grace after years of prayers, Isaac surrendered his life to Christ on April 10, 1996.
In high school, he continued to grow as a guitarist and formed a successful local band. It was this love of music that guided him to his present career as a worship pastor in a local church. It was also in the church that he met his childhood sweetheart, Rachel, whom he married in 2003. Their mutual love of worship even led them to name their son after one of the musicians in King David’s temple: Ethan.
Isaac anticipates completing his degree at Lincoln Christian University soon. Until then, he is happy to serve his congregation and comb through Scripture to find a suitable name for their second child, due in August.
