Figure 1 - Rochelle Jones

It was a beautiful  day.   The sun was shining and there was a slight breeze.  You see…..I was on my way to experience “The Journey”.   “What is The Journey?” you ask.

I will start from the beginning as it was explained to me. Let me introduce you to Rochelle Jones who is a member of Campbell Chapel AME located in Bluffton, SC.  Rochelle is a retiree that wins you with her bright smile and abounding friendly character. She is not a native of Bluffton, but has resided here for 15 years.   Rochelle came to Bluffton at a stage in her own personal life journey.

As Rochelle explains, “The Journey” came to her at 3:00A.M. one morning! Waking from a sound sleep she saw in her mind the makings of a walk that lead her through the streets of Bluffton.  At certain points in the walk, she would stop, pray and then continue the walk.

Rochelle did not forget that morning and the elements of that strange awakening.  In fact, she brought her thoughts to reality.  What is known today around Bluffton as “The Journey” is a walk through Bluffton over a designated route.  It starts at a group of churches on Boundary Street 

Figure 2 - Historic Campbell Chapel

(the Historic Campbell Chapel, Campbell Chapel AME, Cornerstone Church) and winds through Old Town Bluffton…..with stops at 6 more locations.

As you may have guessed, at each stop Rochelle and others on the walk, pause to lift up a prayer.  The familiar place to pray at most locations is the flagpole.   At each stop you will likely see the stone decorated with a gold cross and lovingly placed there by Rochelle.  Following is a summary of the stops and the basic content of the thoughtful and sincere prayers:

1.  The three churches:  Prayers of community, peace, working together.
2. A police substation: Prayers for the people who serve the community with peace, wisdom, courage, and their families.
3. Wright Family Park: A place to thank God for natural beauty, all of nature, all of God’s creation.
4. City Hall:  A prayer for all government entities and workers as they meet the needs of the people.
5. Fire Station: A prayer for the selfless team that give themselves to protect the community while facing disaster and danger and a prayer to bring them safely home to their families.
6. The Schools: A prayer for the children…..and the parents, school officials, and teachers that impact their daily lives and their perspectives for the future.

As we walk through the streets of Bluffton, Rochelle further explains that “The Journey” is a personal experience.  She has walked the route many times.  Sometimes with a group or just with one or two others.   Each person speaking a prayer in their own way. At the end of the walk, there is always a stop at Martin Family Park.   As they circle the park, each walker is challenged to recite 26  meaningful words (one for each letter of the alphabet) that glorify God. 

I started “The Journey” on that Thursday morning not knowing what to expect.  As Rochelle and I walked, we met a number of other Blufftonians and visitors of the city…. each enjoying their day.  We always exchanged greetings and smiles…..and sometimes joining into an impromptu prayer for an immediate need.  During the walk, Rochelle shared her own personal life story that had brought her to Bluffton…..a place where she never left and made her spirit at rest. She ended her story by saying that what brought her here was not the best of circumstances, but the choice to stay was one of her best decisions.

On May 2, 2024, the communities, the groups, the people and visitors are all invited to meet in Buckwalter Place Park at the “pole” for the Bluffton’s National day of Prayer co-sponsored by Bluffton Police Department.   Co-sponsor Rochelle Jones, as founder and organizer of Unity Praise and Prayer Open Air Ministry, has been preparing for this day with unbridled enthusiasm by inviting all in her path from churches, individuals, town leaders, and all.   Rochelle knows what happens in the heart and mind when you experience your own “journey” to pray for those around and among you.

We invite you to come on May 2, 2024 to Bluffton’s 73^rd National Day of Prayer at Buckwalter Place Park …..and join Rochelle, Bluffton Police Department and all of those working together to make this event a “shining delight” in the midst of beautiful Bluffton.

See you at the park!      

 (Campbell Chapel AME Public Relations Dept)