Maggie Downing

Hometown: Wimberley, Texas

Role at Ablaze: Community Outreach Missionary

Ministry Background: I encountered Jesus the summer before my freshman year of high school at a retreat put on by the Diocese of Austin and after that I was involved in youth ministry in every way I could be! My amazing youth minister, Morag Sell, became my mentor and taught me so much about ministry, even while I was still in high school. I spent a year at Franciscan University studying theology and education, but ultimately felt the Lord calling me home to Wimberley! I served alongside my youth minister as her assistant for the next three years until coming to Ablaze.
I feel a specific calling to love the kids who are “forgotten.” The kids who feel left out from their families, their friends, and even the church. It is such a gift to be able to pour into youth now the way my youth minister poured into me!

Passions and Interests: I love driving through the Texas Hill Country with my windows down, trying every new restaurant, having jam sessions with my family, and taking lots of time to stop and take pictures of every beautiful thing I see on the side of the road. The simplicity of things brings me the most joy and I love sharing that joy with others!

How did you become involved with Ablaze/why are you involved? I originally heard about Ablaze on Facebook when it was first founded and have been following ever since! Then, I accidentally ended up on a Confirmation retreat being lead by Taylor Schroll and he suggested I look more into the mission of Ablaze. I went home and read the entire website and began praying. I had spent the last few years looking for a ministry opportunity and I just absolutely loved the mission of this company and I knew that I wanted to be apart of it!

Favorite Quotes/Bible Verses:

“Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.”
–GK Chesterton

“He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.”
–Matthew 14:22-33

“I am not afraid, I was born to do this.”
–Saint Joan of Arc

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