Come on in. Have a seat and relax. Listen to a story of how God is meeting men through The Journey and taking them to new heights. We are truly part of something special that God is doing, and we need to tell the stories. "Every man has a story and every story is worth hearing." In addition to the Influencers Weekly Devotional, you will receive a "Story of Influence" each week. Be encouraged. If you would like to submit a story, email it to
[email protected].
When Rocky Fleming led the first Journey Group, he envisioned this being a great tool for American men in the Marketplace. To his astonishment, it has spread beyond the United States, beyond the Marketplace, beyond Men. It seems God likes the message of His children abiding with Him, and he wants all to find Him through The Journey. One place we definitely never thought there would be Journey Groups was in Prison. However, we have found that men in prison are not much different than men anywhere else. There are hungry men who are looking for answers. They are looking for a deeper walk with Christ.
One of our leaders in Arkansas has been helping to start Journey groups at Cummins Prison on Arkansas. He recently asked the men to write letters, talking about the impact of The Journey in their lives. Here are some of the quotes:
"I have experienced more growth in my walk since I began this Journey. Now, I know that this is a life journey for the rest of my life. This process has been a tremendous blessing to me." Orville
"I didn't think God even cared for me since I'm in prison, and I didn't think He would forgive me for what I had done. I know now that I can trust Him and that He loves me, as well." Jerry
"I was distraught, lonely and scared, not to mention angry at myself for screwing things up. I beat myself up every day over the choice I made that got me here. My self-worth was next to nothing. I felt like I let myself, my family and God down. I started attending The Journey group and quickly found that God knows about me, God cares about me, God is willing to get involved in my problems and intercede on my behalf, and God is able to do anything about what I am facing." John
"It is going to be a better Journey day by day because God is awesome and he is now in control of my life." Jason
"I see my love for others is stronger and truer to form. My joy is greater, especially in bad times. All the fruits are growing in me, with greater outward flow. I believe the longer I walk this Journey, the greater that Christ shall shine forth out of me." Joseph
"I enjoy the fellowship of the group members. There is a spiritual connection that has developed over time that I attribute to the work of the Holy Spirit." Henry
"Before I came to prison, I was in bondage to sin. The devil had so many different strongholds on me that I didn't know the truth from a lie. I have always been a child of God, but I didn't know who I was. The devil tried to claim my life, but God didn't let him have me. He pulled me out of darkness by allowing me to come to prison. It wasn't something that happened overnight, but over time, God pulled me closer and closer to him." C
"I've been in so many programs, but none like this one. I believe this is God's will, not only for my life, but for everyone. Abiding in Christ is the key to living a Christian life. It's not about me. In fact, I've come to understand what it means to be poor in spirit. It means I have nothing I can do for the Lord- nothing I can say, nothing I can give (other than my heart)" Mike
"I must confess that in the beginning, my flesh rebelled against The Journey process. I fought against every aspect of the program. I made excuses such as, 'I'm too busy. It's too basic. I'm going to the yard. It's too nice outside to go.' These excuses were pure fleshly rebellion. But by the grace of God, I had a persistent friend who kept encouraging me to continue. The Journey process is far more than just another Christian group program. It aids the growing process. It makes you evaluate your walk with Christ. I encourage any and all to take a Journey and become part of the family of Influencers." Jeff
"The Journey is a place of refuge, an area of growth, an invaluable resource in a place where darkness and despair is the norm." Troy
"I found myself in a relationship with Him like I have never experienced before. At one point, I got scared at how much I grew, and I tried to bail out of the Journey. But God used the other brothers in the group to help me realize the fear I had and to pull through it. I am so glad I did, as I feel like now I have started something that will be used throughout my life." Robert
"Journaling is a great tool that was overlooked by me because I have always thought such work was for women. Man, how wrong was I! Journaling gives that quality time that Jesus deserves and looks for. Even in prison, things can be fast-paced, but this tool allows you to slow down and get the quality time in." La Quince
"My Journey has taught me to be humble and to give of what I have to the people around me. And to be thankful for what I have. That's how Gabe gave his life and possessions. Give and God will bless you for it." Louie
"I found that intimacy with God that I was looking for. Now I am a child of God. I used to curse every other word, but now that I got my relationship with God, they are 98% gone. I am more humble and patient and eager to learn more about God each day." Terry
The stories of transformation for men in prison go on and on. We are so blessed to bring hope and freedom to these men. If you are interested in bringing The Journey to a prison in your area, send us an email at
[email protected].
