How We Started

My name is Ben DeBell, and I am the president of Rain Down Ministries of Alabama. I live in Trussville, Alabama with my wife, Anna, two sons, and a daughter. I have always had a love for the outdoors. Throughout my childhood, I spent many weekends at my grandfather's farm where I learned to fish and enjoy God's creation. I was introduced to deer hunting by a family friend at age 11. After killing my first deer in 2001, I have been hooked ever since. In college, God gave me a passion for outdoor ministry. I went to the University of Alabama where I received a B.S. in Natural Resource Management focusing in forestry and wildlife management. After college, I pursued God's call into the ministry by going to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where I received a Master of Divinity with a specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling. During this time I continued to pray and ponder what a call to outdoor ministry would look like. 

In 2017, my wife and I went on a church family mission trip to the Dominican Republic where I met PJ Weeks, President and Founder of Rain Down Ministries (Mississippi), and I learned about the ministry while serving that week. PJ and I began brainstorming about the future expansion into Alabama. After that summer, I stayed involved by volunteering in Mississippi at different events and Refuge Camps. In the summer of 2021, we started Rain Down Ministries of Alabama. Our first event was a sporting clay shoot at Selwood Farm. This event has grown; the original half day event has now become a full day to accommodate for additional participants. In August of 2023, Rain Down Ministries of Alabama received the 501c3 status as a non profit. I am excited to see how the Lord continues to use the ministry for the Kingdom!