10/13/2026
🗣️ “I was incarcerated for a lot of my life,” Justin says. “My mother passed away of a drug overdose while I was incarcerated. That was the thing that humbled me enough to begin to look at life and think . . . I can't do this on my own anymore.”
Justin Lopez’s life changed while he was serving time in prison. ⛓️
In 2008, two years before his release, Justin cried out to God and spent the following years reading the Bible, praying, and seeking direction for his future.
Unsure how he would find work with a criminal record, he began to feel drawn toward lawn care and serving others.
After his February 2010 release, Justin started a lawn care and snow removal business in Rockford, IL. He intentionally hired people who had faced difficult circumstances, including addiction, homelessness, violence, and incarceration, helping them develop practical skills and regain stability. 🤝
He wanted to impact more than the financial needs of the “down and out” in his community, but also their spiritual needs. He knew he’d need more than business management skills.
In 2017, Justin enrolled and began classes through Moody Online. He worked hard and in 2022 completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Ministry Leadership. 🎓
During his time at Moody, Justin and a few friends began taking the story of God’s love to the streets of Rockford. “Every Friday, we go into the streets, and we preach the gospel and hand out Bibles,” he says. “We call it Cross Bearers Ministry.”
Justin calculates that in the five years he and his team have shared the good news, they have handed out more than 3,000 Bibles to people.
Today, Justin also uses his business space for ministry to:
- lead Bible studies and Sunday services
- partner in street evangelism outreach
- speak at local organizations
As Justin’s reach extends beyond his business and into the lives of those in need around him, he’s grateful to the God who reached into his prison cell in 2008 and redeemed his life. He sees the hand of God still working daily in his life.
“The Lord is still dealing with me, healing me, correcting me and cleansing me. And I am so grateful to be called His son.”
Read the full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4zhVrVN
