John Downer grew up near Syracuse, NY, where he enjoyed skiing on weekends when he wasn’t shoveling snow.  He and his wife Christine met at college in Michigan through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.  Early experiences together cemented a love for justice, mercy, and multiethnic ministry that has grown over the years.  They moved to Arlington after graduating and getting married, and have enjoyed living, working, and raising kids in the Northern Virginia area.  John works as an engineering contractor, and Christine is on staff at Restoration Immigration Legal Aid.  John enjoys family hikes and rooting for Michigan sports.