People Talk
After 25 years as a business owner and then a transition to a late life career as district manager of a large insurance company, I retired to what was to be a peaceful life.  Six months later my husband passed away and everything changed.

Searching for new meaning in my life, I joined a new and exciting church, became active in their Christian recovery group, and met Rob Flammang. 

Over the 12 years since then, Rob has become my “boss” as director of that group, my pastor, a mentor, and a close, close friend.  Often he is the first person who hears my pain, my joy, my hopes, and my plans for future projects.  I trust his judgment in all areas of my life.  My family knows I go to him for direction and inspiration long before they are consulted, and they also respect him for his wise counsel.  He has enabled me to attempt more than I ever thought possible by attentively listening, affirming and encouraging me.

Rob has a quiet voice, a delightful sense of humor, and a huge heart for people “with all their warts.”  He is never judgmental, but is honest and open with his words, and his love for God is evident in all areas of his life.

Nancy M.
Visalia, CA




“So much of what I’ve learned about life and recovery I’ve learned from Rob.  He has taught and modeled for me important principles that have helped me through difficult times and have been invaluable in my life’s journey.” 

Heather Layne
www.heatherlayne.com

Rob is the kind of man that makes a greater statement simply because he is not trying to.  His humble and gentle manner is something that always made me know that he truly is a servant of God.  I first got to know Rob several years ago as a speaker for First Step Recovery.  I remember when I first started attending, my heart was wounded, and I was hurting.  Rob talked each week about a God who was patient, a God who knew why I needed time and space from Him, even though I wanted to be near Him.  He spoke of a God who would always receive me and was trustworthy even while it took me time to realize it.  Rob shared his growing awareness of God in a way that made God very inviting and attractive.  Even the manner in which Rob spoke was calming and healing.  When someone is hurting, like I was, and closed off, the last thing we need is advice.  What Rob did, was share.  He shared his God, his experience, his love for God and how big God’s love for us is.  My favorite phrases Rob often used, (usually after a pause of silence, as we all sat anticipating what was coming next…) were, “God is so huge!” and “God is really cool!”  Rob always made sure we knew God wanted to be with us.

Rob doesn’t sugar coat things; he is real.  Almost every week I took notes on his talks.  God spoke a multitude of truths to me through Rob and I treasure them all.

I could form a long list of things I have learned from Rob.  He is a teacher, an example, and gives inspiration and hope.  He is a gentleman and an honest, special friend.

Because Rob is willing to be open and share what is real for him, I have been deeply blessed.  He shares the wisdom God has given him.  His impact on my life has perpetuated a renewed closeness to God and by that closeness, healing.  For that, I am eternally grateful.

Valerie M.
Single Mom and Registered Nurse

About your book...Wow...Awesome...two-thumbs-up!  It is compelling! 

Your book so aptly reminds me of something I learned while attending a Christ-centered 12-step recovery group years ago (for co-dependency issues).  You have shown a beautiful case in which a person with an addiction is not necessarily a bad person with no moral fiber or character.  It's an illness/disease, just like cancer but with a different kind of heartache.

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your life and pilgrimage with us.  That took courage.  I thank God for your redemption, your continued sobriety, and recovery.  I look forward to sharing this cherished book with others so they may be blessed also. Thank you!

Deneyse G.
Wife and Mother
For you to write in detail about your life took much courage and I am sure engendered much personal pain; we commend you for this effort.  People will listen to you because you know exactly where they are.  Thank you for being so trusting as to share your story with us. 

Ken W.                                                                                                                                                     
       Educator
Rob has played a big part in my life.  He is such a gentle man with knowledge and wisdom that God has given him.  He is slow to speak, listens to what I have to say, processes it, and then responds.  He has helped me through struggles in all areas of my life, personal, being single and spiritual.  I have grown so much in the last eight years with both Rob & Karen’s help.  I value them both greatly!

Tammy C.
Department Manager

I just finished reading your book a few minutes ago.  Knowing you the way I do today it’s so hard to even imagine you ever being in the types of situations described in the book.  Your recovery truly IS a miracle.  My heart broke so many times for you, throughout the reading.  I feel like I REALLY know you now.  I know several people completely lost in addiction, seemingly hopeless, and your book has now given me a new hope for them.  I feel like I've gained some insight and I'm going to put it to use.  You are a true blessing and I believe that your book will save lives.  God Bless You, friend.

Vincent J. Vera
Singer/Songwriter

Visalia Times-Delta
June 11, 2010
Local author spotlight
Book title: "Surrender, The Way Out"
Author: Rob Flammang

What's it about: The story of one man's struggle to find purpose and value.  It tells of the journey made through the alleys and byways of addiction.  The reader is treated to a view through the eyes and psyche of the addict.

About the author: Flammang grew up in a blue-collar, middle-class Visalia home in the 1950s and '60s.  His dad worked for the Southern California Gas Co. and his mom stayed at home and provided a clean, warm, and nurturing home.  From age 16 to 42, Flammang struggled with addiction, primarily using heroin and alcohol.  He has been clean and sober since Feb. 6, 1997.

Flammang has worked with others as a part of his own recovery process.  This has included leading, directing, and developing First Step Recovery, a program with a variety of support groups offered ranging from anger management to sexual addiction.  He has also held the positions of counselor, house manager, head of staff and program coordinator in other recovery programs.  He is a licensed minister and was on staff in his home church for five years and a volunteer for four years prior to that.

Where can you buy the book locally: This book is available at Robflammang.com, Amazon.com, and beginning June 1 at area booksellers.