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First Baptist of Paradis has been Justin’s church home since birth. Under the pastorshipof the late Elder Albert M. Charles, Justin confessed his faith in Christ and was baptized. He faithfully attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Bible Study. He participated in a variety of youth activities as a student and later a youth worker. Under

Pastor Charles’ leadership, Justin grew in humility, grace, and favor and became stronger in faith. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Justin has never swayed in his determination. He has always been available in all capacities of ministry, teaching and reaching out to

young people.

He has served as a youth leader with the DEM FEW Youth Ministry under the direction of Sis. Arolyn Honor and Pastor Charles. He continues his leadership as he is the First Baptist Church Intermediate Sunday School teacher and the youth minister.

About his call to the ministry, Justin says: “That what is unique is that I don’t remember the details of the announcing of my calling as some have recalled theirs, but as early as seventh and eighth grades, I felt God tugging on me. Perhaps his closest friends at that time saw something too, because they began calling him “J-Rock.” Yes, he still is “J-Rock” --- Just ‘n Rock. He is strong, solid, and steadfast.

Justin entered into counsel with Pastor Charles, revealing a stubborn feeling that would not go away. That stubbornness became that steadfast, unmovable passion to know God in a deeper way. Justin announced his calling publicly to the congregation. Rev. Lionel Mason Sr. now Pastor of First Baptist, along with Minister James Williams, took Justin under their wings giving him valuable guidance and instruction. Both saw in Justin a fire and passion that only God could have ignited. Minister Williams thinks of Justin as his son.

While Justin does not outline the exact, specific steps of his calling, he is like the young man in John 9 when questioned about the nature of his healing and the healer: “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know, I was blind but now I see.”

Justin was granted his minister’s license on Sunday, July 1, 2007, after delivering the message “But God” from Genesis 48:21. On June 9, 2012, Justin was ordained at First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Lionel Mason.