Welcome to Steadfast Roots
We are the Downs Family
Serving in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa
A Vision Bigger than us
Vision and active projects
Sitting under a tree with a pastor in Ivory Coast, West Africa, he began to tell me about some pastors that were bowing out of the ministry because they could not sustain life and provide for their families.
God began to stir in me a vision to tackle the attrition of pastors from the ministry. The vision that came about was one of sustainability. We are going back to the basics and we are tackling the basics through a system called Permaculture. Permaculture is the growth of agricultural ecosystems in a self-sufficient and sustainable way. Merriam Webster defines it this way, an agricultural system or method that seeks to integrate human activity with natural surroundings so as to create highly efficient self-sustaining ecosystems.
What started as a vision is now a functioning reality. Our training center in Bouaké is an active space where we are working to tackle the attrition of pastors from the ministry by teaching self-sufficient, sustainable agricultural systems.
It has been a journey of literal blood, sweat, and prayer. Finding a reliable water source proved to be our biggest initial challenge. After hitting solid rock twice while attempting to dig wells by hand, God provided a solution through a 1,000-foot trench and the construction of a water tower. Today, that tower stands as a testament to His provision, utilizing a drip-irrigation system to water our growing food forest and provide for our animals, even through the dry season.
Currently, the center features:
- A reliable, water tower and irrigation system
- A growing food forest and diverse gardens
- Animal husbandry, including goats and the construction of a composting chicken coop
- Plans for an upcoming pisciculture (fish farming) system
Our desire is for pastors and their families to come to this center, learn to care for plants and animals, and return to their communities equipped to provide for their families. By removing the worry about where their next meal is coming from, we hope to provide them with a "steadfast root system" physically and spiritually so they can abound in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).
LIFE
Our friends in Toumodi, gave us a wedding celebration (9 years late) because they were able to attend our wedding in 2016.
We had goat meat in sauce, rice and a yummy cake. It was a good day.
PROJECTS
The training center has a constant flow of new comers and this little one is named Cleopatra.
There are goats named Feline, Poppy, and smudge
There is a cow named Blossom.
God at Work
God at Work
This is Divine, she is two years old. December 2025, she fell into a pot of boiling water and suffered 3rd degree burns to her leg.
God was gracious and provided the funds for her to receive the surgery she needed to repair her leg with skin grafts so she could straighten it again. She will have a happy and energetic life for years to come.
Community and Outreach
Church
Conversations
Conversations
A vital part of our calling is connecting with the local church and the community of Bouaké.
Conversations
Conversations
Conversations
Whether it is preaching, attending baptisms, or engaging in conversations with local mechanics while fixing our vehicle, we are seeking everyday opportunities to share the love and truth of Jesus.
Sunday School
Conversations
Sunday School
We are actively involved in our local church, exploring ways to deepen children's Sunday School education so the youngest members understand God's Word and His love for them.