Cheryl Downing

Nominated by:
Lisette Bonano

Cheryl is scheduled for ordination on Thursday, ​Dec 14th, 2023 @ The Upper Room. 

As: Pastor / Teacher
 
Cheryl was raised in an atheistic household, but through a young friend in kindergarten, she gave her life to the Lord at only five years old. She was not allowed to openly acknowledge her beliefs until she left home to enter a career as a professional ballroom & Latin Dance competitor and instructor. 
 
Cheryl’s passion to help others in need has been present from a young age. Her experience growing up in a difficult household brought a sensitivity towards others, where the Holy Spirit would nudge her into quiet recognition of people in need and position her to help them. 

In 2006, when Cheryl moved to Oregon, not only did she meet the man she would marry, but she began training in the SOZO ministry developed and delivered by Bethel Church in Redding, CA. SOZO (https://www.bethelsozo.com/) is a ministry that gently guides people to inner healing and deliverance with the goal to uncover and address root issues that hinder personal growth and relationship with God & others. This powerful ministry has led to Cheryl training in additional tools to help minister to people, such as Listening Prayer, Emotional Healing and Courtroom of Heaven.
 
Collectively, these have become more than ministry tools, these are part of her lifestyle of helping people. Cheryl not only ministers to people inside and outside of the church, but also to those who do not yet know the Lord. Additionally, Cheryl teaches classes and workshops on using these ministry tools, and provides mentoring to help others become proficient and confident in their own lifestyle of ministry. 
 
As a wife, mother, and professional, Cheryl lives a life of faith in three simple words: Ask. Listen. Obey. This life of faith has brought her through life’s blessings, adventures, and challenges, knowing the peace and healing found by seeking and following God every day. In fact, this life of faith led Cheryl and her husband to adopt a precious baby girl in 2015, move to Florida from Oregon in 2021, and experience life-changing miracles along the way.