By Guest Columnist Dr. Paul Harvey Fleming
I have always believed that a true passion for serving extends far beyond traditional protocol. As a born-again, God-called and ordained preacher, I strive every day to exemplify the true meaning of a faithful servant of God. My mission for the world is simple yet profound: to bring spiritual enlightenment, encouragement and empowerment so that others may live an abundant life through Jesus Christ.
This mission is the heartbeat of The Church of Empowerment, which I founded alongside my high school sweetheart and wife of twenty-five years, Lady Dr. Matilda Gee Fleming. Our church began its journey at the family center in Camden, Mississippi. After much prayer, God led us to move our ministry to Canton. He specifically guided us to ask Rev. Bacon of In His Steps Ministries to allow us to use his facility. Rev. Bacon and In His Steps have truly been a magnificent blessing to The Church of Empowerment, giving us a welcoming space to gather. Currently, we are praying in faith that God will provide a permanent building and campus for our growing church family.
The Church of Empowerment is built firmly on the promise of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” We are a Word church that deeply loves God and His people. We believe wholeheartedly in the “E3 Factor”—Empowerment, Enlightenment, and Encouragement through the Word of God. Most importantly, we do not merely teach the Word; we strive to live the Word every single day.
My deep roots in this community and my calling to serve were planted by my parents, retired Pastor-Emeritus Carl E. Fleming and First Lady Savanah Fleming. In fact, my very existence is a testimony of God’s divine providence. Years ago, my father was living in California, and my mother was living in Chicago with her three children. My father traveled to Mississippi to preach a revival for his uncle. During that same time, my mother was visiting her grandmother in Mississippi and was invited to hear this visiting preacher from California. They met, a beautiful long-distance relationship blossomed, and one year later, they were married.
Early in their marriage, a doctor delivered devastating news, informing them that my father would never be able to have children. But God had another plan. One day, while my father was at home alone, an angel appeared to him holding a baby. The angel instructed him to name the child Paul. Just a few months later, my mother fell ill. When she went to the doctor- the very same doctor who had given them the initial prognosis- they received the miraculous news: she was pregnant with me.
My father went on to set a profound example of dedication, pastoring Mary Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 42 years, serving as the local barber at Soul Set Barber Shop, and dedicating numerous years to the East Madison Water Board. My mother, Savanah, is a retired nurse from the VA Medical Center who served our veterans with immense pride and honor. Throughout her life, she has worked tirelessly with non-profit organizations and currently leads the Local Prayer Walk Team. Watching her organize local pastors and community members to walk the halls and pray for the students and staff across Northern Madison County schools and the Canton Public School District, continues to inspire me Daily.
Education and continuous growth have also been the bedrock of my journey, a journey I proudly share with my wife. Lady Matilda and I have enjoyed 25 beautiful years of marriage. As high school sweethearts, we grew up together and are proud graduates of both Velma Jackson High School and Alcorn State University. Today, we are a dynamic partnership— both of us are published authors and Certified Life Coaches—and together, we are the blessed parents of two wonderful children, Makyla and Joel. Building upon our shared educational foundation from Alcorn State, my personal pursuit of continuous growth led me to graduate from New Foundation Theological Seminary and later obtain my Doctor of Theology degree in Christian Education from the Grace through Faith School of Ministry.
My commitment to service extends from the pulpit into the workplace. Since 2002, I have had the profound honor of working as a Senior Veteran Service Representative at the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Jackson. In this vital role, I adjudicate and analyze claims, conduct personal interviews, and build positive relationships with veterans and their dependents. Navigating challenging situations requires emotional stability, tact, and diplomacy, and I take pride in supporting the agency’s mission while ensuring our veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.
This dedication naturally flows into my work as an advocate for workers’ rights. I currently serve as the Chief Negotiator of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Veterans Benefits Administration Mid-Term Bargaining Team and the Local President of AFGE Local 1037 in Jackson. In these roles, I have the privilege of mentoring newly-elected AFGE presidents and acting as a trainer for the “Train the Trainer” program. Driven by a vision of a revitalized community, I founded the A Better Tomorrow Foundation. This 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to transforming inner-city and rural communities, bringing forth unity, and equipping individuals for social and economic advancement. We are building stronger families and stronger communities, regardless of social background, economic status, race or gender.
Our Community Impact: A Better Tomorrow
Through the foundation, my team and I have spearheaded numerous high-impact initiatives to uplift our region:
• Annual High School Senior Scholarship Awards: We award scholarships to two deserving high school seniors chosen based on their exceptional academic achievement, leadership traits, community service, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Back-to-School Giveaway: Served over 15,000 children with essential school supplies.
• Turkey Drive: Organized an annual drive to provide warm meals to families in need across the metro area.
• Health Fairs: Hosted multiple events offering free health screenings and vital resources.
• School Adoption Program: Adopted several local schools to provide direct support to students.
• Teacher Appreciation: Organized TV giveaways for rural schools to honor our hardworking educators.
If you are looking a community of faith, everyone is welcome to join us at The Church of Empowerment!
Join Us in Fellowship
Sunday Worship: Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Location: 3528 North Liberty, Street, Canton, MS 39046
Virtual Bible Study: Every Wednesday via Zoom. Zoom Access Code: 739 362 9642
Contact: 769-289-8121 or [email protected]
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