WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown 

Triad Strong! That’s my movement. My mission is to shine a powerful light on every person, church and organization in the Triad who have their boots on the ground, making a positive impact in our communities and schools.  

In the heart of the High Point community, Bishop Fletcher Little dealt with a world where his faith was challenged by his beloved city. He was running women, running the streets, and battling a fierce alcohol addiction. What I admire about Bishop Fletcher is that he doesn’t sugarcoat his story. “I was lost. I was chasing women, chasing the streets, chasing everything but peace; alcohol had a grip on me. I never went to rehab, but I used to shake like a leaf on a tree. I was throwing up blood. It was chaos, every single day.” 

Bishop Little’s battle with alcohol began at a young age, not on the streets or at school, but within the walls of his own home. While most kids face peer pressure from classmates or friends, his influences were much closer. The very people he looked up to, those he trusted most, were innocently and unknowingly guiding him down a path of pain. “Back in the ’50s and ’60s, and even beyond that, we didn’t have the luxuries and opportunities that people have today.  

“I grew up in a big, loving family. My mother and father had eleven kids, eight boys and three girls. You can imagine the kind of pressure that comes with raising a family that large with limited resources. Naturally, as a child, I wanted to get out, explore and experience more. But things happen. And one of the most important lessons I learned early on was how critical it is to watch the crowd you hang around. 

“I looked up to my older brothers, we were close. I wanted to be just like them. So, when they started drinking, I thought it was okay for me too. I started following behind one of my brothers in particular. He drank, and soon enough, I joined in. Before long, we were all drinking together. I started drinking around the age of 15,” shared Bishop.  

As an adult, his addiction became unmanageable. A loved one once said to Bishop, “The only time I see you sober is when you’re on your way to get drunk.” His addiction caused failed marriages and the pain of infidelity. I asked Bishop to share his greatest regret due to his alcohol addiction. “Not listening to my mother sooner. She was a praying woman, strong, full of faith, and full of love. I can still remember times when I’d come home, 24 years old, a grown man, and just lay on her shoulder crying. She’d hold me, not with judgment, but with a kind of love that could heal. She’d say, ‘You’re going to be a preacher one day.’ 

“At the time, I couldn’t see it. I felt like the black sheep of the family. I didn’t do anything halfway, including drinking. I didn’t just drink, I had to get drunk. I was running from something I didn’t yet understand. But here’s the thing: I never went to rehab. I never checked into a program. What I did have was a praying mother and a calling on my life that wouldn’t let me go. Her prayers carried me through the storm. 

“And now I realize it wasn’t just her words; it was her vision. She saw something in me long before I saw it in myself. And that’s why I stand today, not as the black sheep, but as the breakthrough. A man with purpose. A testimony. Proof that the prayers of a faithful mother and the power of God can change everything.” 

As I listened to Bishop’s testimony, I heard a man of integrity, humility, unmovable faith and resilience. I asked him what was the first thing that came to his mind on the day of his deliverance and transformation. He paused, and then gave me a warm, yet confident smile, which covered the entire room with love and peace. Then he said, “Freedom.” He looked up, and I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in him. He said, “For the first time in years, I felt free from guilt, shame and fear. It was like I was finally breathing real air again. I had to walk through that miserable life for a reason. It was all for God, for my good, and ultimately, for His glory. God elevated me into fire, from a van driver to a deacon, a pastor and now bishop. I let go of everything, and then I opened up a halfway house to help deliver others from drugs and alcohol.”  

It’s been 26 years and it’s still going strong. Bishop Fletcher Little’s church, Another Chance Ministries, is making an incredible impact in the High Point community. Every Saturday, they feed families in need throughout the city. “I see people every day, on the street, walking into the ministry or the food bank, with tears in their eyes and nothing in their hands. And when we do have something to give, even just a little food, it’s such a blessing to be able to help. But one of the hardest moments I’ve ever experienced was having to look someone in the eye and say, ‘I’m sorry, we don’t have anything left today.’ That moment crushed me. 

“It makes me want to break down and cry, because I know what it feels like to be hungry. I remember, even as a child, what it was like to go without. And I’ve said to the Lord, ‘Please, I don’t want another child to feel that pain,’” he shared, barely able to hold back his tears. After gathering his composure, he continued, “That’s why we’ve started doing fundraisers – to support this ministry and keep the food bank going. Because this isn’t just about food. It’s about hope, dignity, and making sure no one feels forgotten.” 

But their outreach doesn’t stop there. The church also opens its doors to youth organizations that empower young people through programs focused on social skills, conflict resolution, technology, boxing, and more. Bishop Little has become one of the most beloved, trusted and respected leaders in High Point and the surrounding communities, consistently demonstrating what it means to lead with compassion, purpose and faith. “God used my platform in ways I never expected. I was able to share His message freely, and they respected me, not because I had all the answers, but because I could relate to their struggles. I understood addiction, and they knew I wasn’t judging them. I wasn’t looking at them like they were the scum of the earth. Instead, I saw them as a reflection of where I came from, and that kept me grounded. It’s incredible to see how God used me to help people who are fighting for their life get another chance.” 

He and his wife were called into full-time ministry together, and that’s how their journey began. Bishop Little and his wife, Sandra, have been married for 27 years and have four amazing children, all of whom are actively involved in Another Chance Ministries. 

“My wife has been one of the greatest inspirations in my life,” Bishop Little shared. “She’s a true woman of God who genuinely loves the Lord. As co-pastor, she has played a powerful role in both our ministry and our family. Her support has been unwavering, and her presence has truly helped carry the vision forward. Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without her. 

“Our entire family serves together in the church. My son is the drummer, my daughter serves as an usher and also assists in the finance room. Serving together as a family has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. My wife has stood by me through the highs and the lows. She’s seen it all, and never once has she wavered. Her love, faith and strength have been a steady force, and for that, I am forever grateful.” 

I asked the beloved Bishop what scripture he turns to when he needs strength to keep going, especially when working in the community when it gets tough. Because, let’s be honest, no matter how hard you work or how much you care, sometimes the very people you’re trying to help will still find a way to criticize you. Yet, this scripture reminds him to keep fighting.  

“Well, you know, Busta, my favorite scripture is Psalm 23. That scripture right there, it brings me peace and reminds me that God is leading, restoring and providing, even in the middle of the chaos. Then I reflect back to Psalm 91, and I hold on to that and I remind myself of where my help comes from. So, I say help me, Lord; and He does.”  

My Phenomenal Person of the Week is Bishop Fletcher Little. If you would like to help support Another Chance Ministry, give them a call at 336-862-3207. Bring your food, financial or clothing donations to 104 Ridgecrest Drive, High Point.