This Week's Feature

Here is a picture of my mother, Lisa Roach, and our long-time friend and ministry partner, Ms. Judy Johnson. After the mistakes I made back in 2012, my mother felt called to start ministering to the women at the Gaston County Jail. Ms. Johnson became her partner soon there after. Due to their pain and past they both have an unparalleled ability to make a difference in the lives of those they minister to each month. The women trust them. They listen. Lives are changed. I am always in awe when I call and find out the number of people that have given their lives to the Lord. And they have been ministering at this jail for nearly ten years. In my heart I know that my mother would not be the coordinator for the volunteers, she would not be making the impact she is, she wouldn't be serving and able to influence these women in the way she does had I not made the mistakes I made over 12 years ago. God certainly has a way of making messages out of our messes. I find it ironic that they stand to get this picture by a Gaston County Sheriff. It brings me hope. Hope that one day, the past can be fully put behind us, that there can be a full reconciliation between myself, and this states public service officials. My actions as a teenager bring me shame. Here... I feel hope. 

To all those serving in law enforcement and in Christian ministry throughout the great state of North Carolina: may God bless and keep you. 

Brandon Bridges 

04.07.2025