Steve
Graves, Pastor ~ steve.graves@mulberrychurch.org
Steve and Cindy Graves came to Houma and Mulberry in the fall of 2006, moving
from Waco, TX where they had been ministering to students at Baylor University
for almost a decade. Steve is originally from DeRidder, LA, while Cindy grew up
in Corpus Christi, TX. They both are Baylor and Truett Seminary graduates (Sic
'Em Bears!) - Steve in 1996 and 2000, Cindy in 1997 and 2003. They have two
daughters - Ashlyn (2004) and Rebekah (2006) - who bring joy, laughter,
perspective, and humility to their lives.Steve is a big sports fan. He suffers
through seasons with Baylor and with the Houston Astros, and relishes moments
like the 2005 World Series and the Lady Bears National Championship. He also
enjoys playing golf, projects around the house (having learned a lot on their
current home!), and trying to stay in shape. Cindy enjoys exercise, time with
family and friends, and loves to enjoy God's creation. She also works part-time
as a counselor, seeking to utilize her gifts to help people find healing and be
set free by the truth (John 8:32).
Steve and Cindy are called to "prepare God's people for works of service, so
that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith
and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the
whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:12-13). They believe
that the call to Christian life on the earth is a call to love God and love
people in every part of life. Their view of God's activity in the world has
been shaped by experiencing joy in the lives of believers in South America and
Africa in the midst of meager circumstances and by seeing glimpses of hunger
for the hope of the gospel in the faces of people in Asia. They also believe
that ministry should driven by vision and values, rather than the other way
around.
Mary Downden,
Children's Minister ~ mary.dowden@mulberrychurch.org
Mary Dowden has been a member of Mulberry Baptist Church since moving to Houma
in 1992. Mary grew up in Slidell, La where she met and married her high school
sweetheart, Justin Dowden, in 1985. Mary is a graduate of Louisiana State
University (B.S. Geology, 1985). She and Justin have four children: Logan
(1988), Julia (1992), Jessica (1997), and Cameron (1999).With four busy kids,
three dogs, and two cats, there is rarely a dull moment in the Dowden house!
Mary has spent many years actively pursuing a closer relationship with God and
intentionally seeking to understand His plan for her life. It has been an
extraordinary experience to see God at work in her life and directing her path.
God has gifted both Mary and Justin with a great love and concern for children
of all ages, and they often comment on the “love at first sight”
effect that children have on them.
Mary has served in Children’s Ministry at Mulberry Baptist Church in
various ways since 1993, through VBS (Nursery, Preschool teacher, Grade School
teacher, and Director), preschool choir, preschool and children’s Sunday
School, and TeamKID. Each of these experiences has helped her to grow as a
Christian, and has helped to prepare her for her position as Children’s
minister, in which she has served since 2007.
Charlene Patrick, Children's Day Out Director ~ charlene.patrick@mulberrychurch.org
Charlene was born in southeastern Oklahoma and came to Houma as a third grader. She attended college at Louisiana College in Pineville, LA. She married Steve Patrick (from St. Louis, Mo) and they decided early on to grow deep roots in south LA, where they have remained for the last 34 years. Steve & Charlene have been members of Mulberry Baptist Church since 1982. As family is very important to them, trips and reunions are a priority. They have a niece and nephew they like to claim as their own and a little Bichon named Glory who raises the bar on spoiled puppies. Charlene’s cell phone ring plays When The Saints Go Marching In which is a reflection of her love for the New Orleans Saints.
Charlene began working in the CDO program in 1984 and became director in 1987. She feels that this is a ministry not only to children but to parents and to the staff as well. “I’m so fortunate to work with such a dedicated and committed group of ladies who look for ways to serve others. I get to work with my best friends.“ And there is nothing more rewarding or fun than working with preschoolers. They bring such joy—everyday.