About Justin Harris

 

Justin Harris is a small business owner of a faith based preschool, Growing God's Kingdom. Justin, along with his wife Marsha, have created 35 jobs in the small rural city of West Fork, AR. Justin has been married to his lovely wife for the past 12 years. They have three handsome boys Ethan (10), Isaiah (9), and Caelan (7). Justin knows what it takes to persevere and fight hard, even when life can be very difficult.

 

 

Justin was born in Muskogee, OK, to Linda Harris and the late Mike Harris. He grew up in a Pastor's home, where often times the needs of others came before their own. At the age of 15, Justin's parents divorced, leaving his family torn apart. During his Senior Year at Siloam Springs High School, he was left to take care of himself. He was able to excel, working full time, became class president, and was able to be in the top twenty of his graduating class.

 

 

Justin later went on to the University of Arkansas. He maintained a high grade point average, but due to having to work full time and pay his own way, he had to temporarily quit. Justin later came back, after 15 years, and finished his Bachelor's Degree in Human Environmental Science concentrating in Child Development and Families. He wanted to show his children that nothing in life is impossible, and God is able to finish what He starts. Justin believes we must do the same, finish what we start. During this time in life, of barely making ends meet, Justin remained grounded in his faith. He attended Living Faith Church in Fayetteville for 9 years. While attending Living Faith, he met the love of his life, Marsha Frederick, and spoke at the University of Arkansas for her class. Four months later they married, and have been happily married for 12 years.

 

 

Justin and Marsha soon had the opportunity to direct a church preschool. They took the enrollment from 14 to the maximum of 61. After three years, they felt like God was calling them in a new direction and they opened up their home and created Growing God's Kingdom, Inc. They converted their garage into a classroom and taught 16 children daily and had a total of three staff, the three included themselves. Justin and Marsha wanted to make a bigger difference in Northwest Arkansas, and opened the current facility Growing God's Kingdom. GGK has over 35 employees, and 168 children in attendance daily. During this time, Justin has had the opportunity to be on an Advisory Board for Children and Families in Little Rock. Justin and Marsha were also awarded "Professionals of the Year Award" by the NWA Child Care Association.

 

 

Justin continued to see a need that wasn't being filled. People were constantly needing help, but didn't know how to go about getting it. It wasn't financial help, but help for getting things done. It could be a parent needing help with insurance claims, knowing what to do in local, state, or federal government, or maybe needing to know the rights for their own children in public school or home based education. I spent time working for them and was able to get things done and make a difference in their lives.

 

 

Justin wanted to pursue politics at an early age. Running for Student Body President and carrying around a sign for Bush and Quayle were just a part of his activities. He got involved in local government by serving on the Planning Commission, where he soon became Vice Chairman. Justin wanted to make more of an effort and ran for West Fork City Council, where his term end December 31, 2010. Justin also worked on the Budget and Personnel Committee.

 

 

Justin decided to run for Arkansas State Representative of District 87, after much thought, prayer, and discussion with his family. Justin was able to win on strong moral and conservative values. He continued to work hard for the constituents of District 87. Justin is now working hard to continue to serve in the State Legislature for the newly drawn District, District 81. Justin is ready to work hard, once again, for District 81 and for the people of Arkansas. "I look forward to serving the entire district, and continuing to take conservative values to Little Rock! I fought hard for Washington and Crawford Counties in the 88th General Assembly. I spoke against the redistricting process from the House Floor, and on the behalf of the people of Alma and the entire District. Please send me back to Little Rock to fight hard for you!"