The heart of Ironmen Outdoor Ministries was born from obedience, not resources, and from faith, not certainty. What began with a simple willingness to trust God would grow into a ministry defined by compassion, service, and purpose.

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When the vision first took shape, Founder, Rick Murphy had just $500 in his pocket. Standing alongside him was his partner, Co-Founder, Greg Godwin, an usher at their church and a man deeply rooted in service through his work in the restaurant industry. Together, they felt a clear and unmistakable calling to reach disabled children in their community. They identified ten children in wheelchairs and began praying over how they could give them a day filled with joy, dignity, and meaning.

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Rick learned of a city-owned pond at Lagoon Park and felt led to take a step of faith. He contacted the mayor with a simple question: could fish be stocked so these children could experience the joy of fishing together on a Saturday? The answer was yes. Five hundred fish were purchased, at one dollar a piece, and stocked in the pond days before the event, ensuring that every child would have the opportunity to participate fully.

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Knowing the day needed to be more than just fishing, Rick and Greg turned their attention to fellowship. Drawing on Greg’s experience in the restaurant world, they walked into Arby’s and asked if the company would be willing to help feed the children. Without hesitation, Arby’s agreed to donate the food, completing a day that would leave a lasting imprint on every heart involved.

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That day was filled with laughter, excitement, and connection. The children fished, shared a meal, and experienced something far greater than an outing. Conversations flowed naturally about life, fishing, and faith. In that moment, Rick knew without doubt that this was the work God had placed before them.

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Seeking wisdom and confirmation, Rick spent time in prayer with his pastor. During that time, Proverbs 27:17 settled deeply into his heart: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Rick realized that God was calling men together, not only to serve others, but to sharpen one another in faith while doing so. He shared the vision with his usher team at church, a group of fifteen men, in what would become the foundation of the ministry.

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Among them was an accountant. When Rick asked for help making the ministry official, the answer was once again yes. In 2007, Ironmen Outdoor Ministries was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. From that point forward, the ministry continued to grow, grounded in a love for children, families, and faithful obedience to God’s leading.

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As the ministry expanded, so did its reach. Community events led to new opportunities, fishing trips grew into hunting experiences, and the mission widened to serve veterans and members of the military. Rick reflected deeply on the sacrifices made by those who are willing to lay down their lives for others. The only perfect example he knew of such sacrifice was Jesus Christ, and serving veterans became a natural extension of the ministry’s calling.

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From a pond, five hundred fish, and ten children in wheelchairs to all that Ironmen Outdoor Ministries is today, the heart of the ministry has never changed. It remains rooted in faith, obedience, and a relentless commitment to serving others. What began small has grown by God’s hand, and all glory belongs to Him, who continues to shape and sustain Ironmen Outdoor Ministries beyond what was ever imagined.