Happy Birthday, Rocky!

March 24, 2018

Today is a very special day!  Our founder, Rocky Fleming, celebrates a birthday.  We are all the beneficiaries of Rocky's faithfulness to the vision God gave him that Abiding in Christ is the key to Discipleship and life in Christ. If you would like to send him a message about what his life and The Journey has meant to you, post a comment below. Here's a poem our Executive Director wrote to his mentor and brother and spiritual father: For years and years I prayed a prayer, and no one really knew. I didn’t exactly know the way, that’s all I knew to do. I longed to find my place in life, a purpose and a call. I also needed mentoring to help me not to fall. Could there be an older man who’d want to be with me? Could there be a man who’d help me be what I could be? I volunteered at my church and had a heart for men. But still awaited for the time when real life would begin. I learned about discipleship, it made me really think. The secret to my heart’s desire, could this be the link? Jesus said to do it, so it must be in the plan. But no one knew “how” or “why”, and I didn’t understand. Then someone handed me a book, from a man in Arkansas. They said it was discipleship, and my spirit was in awe. I read it and I drove 2 hours, I wanted to know more. I quickly knew I’d found a gem, I knew it in my core. It’s there I met the man called “Rock”, he captivated me. I thought that he might be the one, the one to set me free. He took an interest in my life and said he would assist. I thought of men who needed this, I began to form a list. The Journey launched with hungry men, wanting to abide. And Rocky met me once a month, standing by my side. This process was heaven-sent, an answer to my prayers. Just seeing how God converged our paths, truly showed He Cares. God blessed these men in Tulsa, they found where they belong. Men are learning to abide, the ministry is strong. God answered one more prayer by me, the one I always had. He sent this Mississippian to be my Spiritual Dad. He’s loved me and believed in me, like no man ever did. He helped me heal some wounds I’ve had since I was just a kid. He saw the man that I could be, he saw me being stretched. He showed me that amazing grace that saves an awful wretch. I’d never met a man like him, so humble yet so strong. I knew for sure that on his team is where I did belong. He’s been a coach, and pushed me hard, he wanted me to see. He knew I could be stronger and surrender was the key. I’ve watched him deal with trials and pain, that never seemed to end. I’ve seen him welcome heartache, like a long, lost friend. You see, this heat that struck his life was forging a new man. He saw the iron hammer in the Master’s hand. To break a man named Rocky, it took a mighty force. Though he struggled endlessly, he always stayed the course. In his faith, he journeyed on, praises he would sing. A sacrifice of praise was wrought, he pressed into the King. Out of the fire and the ash, of one passionate, simple man. Came a process to help all men, a holy, anointed plan. I love my Dad, I’m proud of him, so thankful for his life. So blessed to watch his family and the way he loves his wife. He truly is a Moses, whose been called to lead the way. I’m proud to be his Joshua with my own role to play. We’ll armor up, get on our steeds, riding side by side. Another man needs some help, to know how to Abide. Thank you, God, for Papa Rock, we honor him tonight. I know you’re pleased with your Boy, he’s precious in your sight. Into all us grateful men, his legacy’s been poured. May he feel Your pleasure now and forevermore.