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Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry

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Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry

Bringing the Good News to the Forgotten. Providing hope and salvation in Michigan county jails.

Founded in 1966 to be the hand of the Lord in 34 MI county jails by providing chaplains, a comprehensive spiritual program, and enlisting the strength of an army of over 2,000 volunteers to reach the incarcerated. Our hope and prayer would be that every departing inmate starts a new life that honors our Savior, Jesus Christ and never returns to jail. We have a long journey and much work to do but

with God as our leader and your support, we will make great strides. Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry is a 501c3 organization, meaning that all donations are tax-deductible.

09/04/2026

As we begin to enter the fall season, we’re thinking back to the warmer days of summer and the special opportunities we had to gather with our volunteers! ☀️

Earlier this summer, the Ottawa County team hosted a cookout-style Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, giving chaplains, volunteers, and sheriff staff a chance to enjoy good food, fellowship, and time to celebrate all that God is doing through the ministry these past 60 years.

We are so grateful for the many volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to serving inside the jail. These picnics were just a small way to say thank you for all they do!

And a special thank you to April Deur, wife of Chaplain Jon Deur, for capturing these great photos from the picnic! 📸

09/02/2026

Recovery is a journey, and no one is meant to walk it alone.

This National Recovery Month, we’re highlighting the ways Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry comes alongside individuals in Michigan county jails as they begin that journey.

Through programs focused on healing the wounds of the heart, one-on-one mentoring, and recovery resources, our chaplains and volunteers help individuals begin addressing the pain and trauma that can lie beneath addiction and start working toward a healthier future.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted.”
Isaiah 61:1

Even in places of confinement, healing is possible, hope is available, and God is still at work.

08/31/2026

As Nate DeWard begins a new season of life, we want to express our deepest gratitude for his nearly 12 years of service to Reach the Forgotten.

His leadership has meant so much to so many and has helped shape and grow this ministry in countless ways. We would not be where we are today without Nate’s leadership and service, and we are proud of where RTF is today, still recognizing that God is the One who has carried and grown this ministry every step of the way.

This transition also comes during an incredibly difficult season for Nate and his family as they continue to navigate the grief and heartbreak of losing their son, Micah. We want to respect their privacy while also surrounding them with prayer, grace, and love.

Please join us in praying for Nate, his wife, daughter, and their family, asking God to meet them with His steady love, peace, comfort, and presence in the days ahead.

Nate, we are grateful for you, we are praying for you, and we wish you and your family the very best in this new season.

08/28/2026

A Change of Season at Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry. ❤️

We want to share an important leadership update with our Reach the Forgotten (RTF) family.

After nearly 12 years of serving with RTF, Rev. Nathan DeWard has made the difficult decision to step down as Executive Director. Following a time of prayer, discernment, and conversations with our Board and ministry leadership, Nate is stepping into a new season as he gives time and space to care for his family after the tragic loss of their young adult son.

While this is a significant change, we want to reassure our supporters, volunteers, and partners that Reach the Forgotten is strong, healthy, and moving forward. Our leadership team has been successfully working within a new leadership model, and we are confident in the team God has equipped to guide RTF into its next chapter.

As we trust God through this season of transition, we invite you to join us in praying for Nate and his family and for the continued ministry of Reach the Forgotten.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

08/25/2026

Our Summer Statewide Newsletter is here! ☀️📫

This issue offers a glimpse into what’s happening across Reach the Forgotten as we celebrate 60 years of ministry.

Inside, you’ll find stories of faithful jail ministry, volunteer impact, new Bible study resources, and important ministry leadership transitions at RTF. This season of transition is an important part of our story, and we’ll be sharing more about it in the weeks ahead.

📖 Read the Summer Newsletter here:https://jailministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Summer-Newsletter-website.pdf

And if you’re on our email or traditional mailing list, keep an eye on your inbox or mailbox for your copy! 📩

08/22/2026

This month, participants gathered in Tuscola County for three days of Healing the Wounded Heart (HWH) training, beginning the process of becoming facilitators for this powerful program.

Before leading others through HWH, future facilitators experience the program themselves. This is especially important because the work can be heavy, inviting participants to process some of their deepest wounds and traumas. Facilitators who have walked through the experience themselves are better prepared to lead with compassion, understanding, and care.

Some of these photos capture an activity demonstrating what can happen when we push down or avoid the real emotions that surface through difficult experiences. Healing begins when we acknowledge our pain and bring it into the light.

Interested in participating? Our next in-person training is coming up in November in Grand Rapids!

Learn more and register: https://jailministry.org/hwh/

08/19/2026

This summer, Reach the Forgotten chaplains across Michigan have been gathering with their volunteers for Volunteer Appreciation Picnics where they could celebrate and simply say thank you.

Behind every Bible study, worship service, mentoring session, and conversation in the jail are volunteers who faithfully give their time and energy to this ministry. They step into difficult places, serve with compassion, and allow God to work through them in ways that have a lasting impact.

RTF could not do what we do without our incredible volunteers. Their faithful service is essential to this mission, and these summer picnics are just one small way we can come together and let them know how grateful we are for all they do. ❤️

This photo is from the Kent County Volunteer Appreciation Picnic!

08/16/2026

Honoring faithful service! 🤲❤️

Sheriff Williams recently recognized our very own Chaplain Duane and Kay Stanton for their years of faithful service at the Montcalm County Jail. He expressed his appreciation for the positive impact their Christ-centered ministry has made on both the jail staff and those who are incarcerated. We thank God for their faithful service and for this encouraging recognition.

08/13/2026

Expanding the REACH as we welcome Isabella County!

We are grateful to share that we are now serving in Isabella County, marking 33 counties across Michigan where the hope of Christ is being carried into jails. We are pleased to welcome Eric Stadtfeld as he takes on the Lead Chaplain role in Isabella County.

Each county represents more than a number; it represents lives that will be reached, stories that will be changed, and the continued unfolding of God’s work through this ministry. Praise God! 🙌

Learn more about the jails we serve on our website here: https://jailministry.org/jails-served/

07/29/2026

We're just one week away from the Unity Christian Music Festival — August 5–8! 🙌🎶

We're looking forward to another incredible weekend of worship, community, and connection, and we're so grateful to Unity Festival for once again generously providing us with booth space. Their partnership allows us to share the hope of Christ and the life-changing work God is doing in Michigan county jails with thousands of festival attendees.

Whether you're coming for your favorite artists, delicious food, family activities, or to explore the many ministry booths, we hope you'll stop by and say hello. We'd love to meet you and share more about our ministry!

🎟️ Buy your tickets here:
https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/

Address

1480 Buchanan Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI
49507

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16167844620

Website

http://www.jailministry.org/, https://jailministry.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donations

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