Esther Downing Ministries

ABOUT THE SINGER

Esther Inniss Downing was born and educated in New York City, receiving her first vocal scholarship at the age of 14. She studied voice at the Bronx House School of Music and is a graduate of the High School of Music and Art, now located at Lincoln Center. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Hunter College and a Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University. Esther was the product of a musical family background. Her mother, from whom she credits her talent and love for music, was a gifted recital singer and church soloist. Her two older sisters sang together as a gospel duo.

Esther was raised in a Godly home. She received Jesus into her heart at the age of six while listening to the Easter Story with her mother and godmother. Esther made a profession of her faith through water baptism at the age of 12, and was baptized in the Holy Spirit at age 19. As a teenager, Esther was a member of The New York All City High School Chorus. She also had many leading roles in school musical productions. Esther began singing in the church choir at a very young age, and later became a soloist. Esther has made numerous solo appearances nationally and internationally—from New York to Okinawa, Japan. In Virginia, she was employed at The Christian Broadcasting Network where she was actively involved in music ministry as a singer and worship leader.

She was also a singer with Sanctuary Music Ministries in Virginia Beach. In April of 1994, Esther received a prophecy at CBN concerning her singing ministry, which confirmed her heart's desire to be used of GOD in His Service as an Anointed Singer in the end times. In 1995 Esther was presented in a debut concert at The Newlight Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. In 1999 Esther was a Grand Prize Winner in the Christian Artist Showcase Talent competition sponsored by Sanctuary Music. Esther also served as Worship Leader for an inter-denominational community observance of The National Day of Prayer in Virginia Beach in May 1999 and 2001.

While living in Japan, Esther sang for The Pearl S. Buck Society charity fundraiser for Amer-Asian children. She was also a soloist in Handel's Messiah. In addition, Esther has participated in two musical missions trips to Israel and Brazil. Although a gentile, God has given Esther a heart for Israel and a passionate love for His chosen people. Her trip to The Holy land in 1996 only served to strengthen this bond and deepen her faith in the Lord. Esther's Mission is to take the gospel message of Salvation, Healing, Comfort, and deliverance in song to God's people wherever He leads. She is married to Chaplain Ulysses Downing, Jr., Captain, United States Navy and is the mother of one daughter, Elisia Nicole Downing.