I hope this finds you well and enjoying life! I am excited to share an update on how God has been working in the details of my life, and I hope my life’s story encourages you and reminds you of His faithfulness.
In January 2003, I found myself driving 1000 miles away from home to begin what would become an amazing eight-year chapter of my life. My time here in New Hampshire began with an internship at Manchester Christian Church, which led to me joining the staff. I came with a plan for four months and stayed here for eight years! These last eight years have been an awesome experience with much growth, development, learning, and amazing relationships. It has been an honor and privilege to be one small part of the grand work that God has been doing here in New England. Over the last year, God has been preparing MCC for the future and as a result, we have seen many changes. Personally, I have experienced a tough season of “goodbyes” to several close friends and coworkers. After several months of reflecting and listening for God’s direction for my future, it became clear to me that it was also time for me to move on. But I did not know what was next…
During this last year, God has grown my confidence in discerning His voice. But with this comes the need for courage to respond and take action, usually in form of a risky “leap of faith”. I can definitely say that this past year has been a journey of many leaps of faith, and it has been amazing to watch God’s faithful response to each little leap that I take.
In March, a friend and I joined a mission team from Saddleback Church in California to go to Argentina for a week. Last November, I knew I needed to go to Argentina once I heard about the opportunity, even though I was not exactly sure why. Now I know why. It was on this trip, in the midst of my final months with MCC, that God allowed my life to cross paths with some amazing pastors from whom I could learn much. They are the kind of people that you just want to spend more time with because you want to be like them. I was also reminded of my passion and love for “the local church”…wherever that may be.
As I was returning home after our time in Argentina, I began to realize that going back and spending more time with these wonderful people is exactly what my next step should be. So, on June 8th, I will return to Argentina with the intent of staying for 3 months, but I remain very open to how God leads. I am so excited to see how God wants to grow me and teach me during my time there. I will be living with Felipe and Lorena Torres who are the pastors of the Ríos de Vida church in Colón, Entre Ríos, Argentina. I will be learning from and working with them in the church, probably helping with music, teaching English and sharing ideas in general. I know without a doubt that this is exactly where God wants me to be these next few months.
I am still discerning what my next step will be, but I am trusting God and enjoying the journey one step at a time. At this point, I sense that there are two main options to consider. First, there is the possibility of staying longer in Argentina and continuing to work with the church and the people there, if God gives me a clear purpose and makes a way for this to happen. The second option is an opportunity in New York, to work with a growing church there. I visited with some friends there this past weekend and really love the team and vision of this church. Either option would be wonderful! What I know for sure is that I should not make a decision until I am in Argentina, probably around July or August. I know that God will give me clarity…I have seen His faithfulness in doing so these last several months!
Some have asked how they can be involved specifically to support me. Here are a few ways if you would like to be involved. First of all, your prayers would be a huge gift to me as I adjust to a new culture and continue to learn the language (Spanish), as well as discern what my next steps should be. Secondly, I would love to keep in touch with you while I am away and hope to blog updates occasionally as well. I have listed my contact info below. Lastly, if you are interested in supporting me financially, I estimate the cost of my 3 months in Argentina to be about $3500 (airfare, insurance, supplies, food, etc.). The details are below if you would like to respond in this way.
Above all, I am grateful for who you are to me and the part that you have played in my life! I would not be the person that I am today without your influence, encouragement, support, and love. Thank you for reading my update and I hope you share in my excitement for what’s to come in this next chapter of life!
Contact Info:
Email: micheledownen@gmail.com
Skype: downen99
Financial Support Info:
Please write checks to “MCC” (memo line must be blank)
and mail directly to me by May 31st (yes, that is really soon!)
65 Hackett Hill Road
Hooksett, NH 03106
Posted by Michele 
