Blogs
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“If I can change, anyone can.”
July 24, 2024
Midland County Jail is designed as one of the newer jails that exists across the state. This means there are no more bars like one would typically think of when they think of a jail setting. It’s obvious that it’s a locked down facility as there are no windows, but the hallways are quiet, clean, […]
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From Death to Life
January 31, 2024
Isaak and Chad are two young men who have recently returned to their community after being incarcerated in the Livingston County Jail. Since their release in 2023, they have gone around the community with Lead Chaplain, Gary Childers to tell the story of how God grabbed ahold of their hearts while in their darkest hours. […]
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Escaping a Dark Place
November 7, 2023
Jason from Branch County recalls his history with the jail system, drug abuse, and the road that led him to where he is today. Here is Jason’s story: “Life has been a struggle for me. It started out with Leukemia as a child. There were a few more situations I shouldn’t have made it out […]
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Mecosta Sheriff’s Baptism
September 19, 2023
On any given day, Mecosta County Jail houses up to 100 men and women. Chaplain Randy Hahn and his wife, Amanda, have served this county since 2017 and as lead chaplains since 2022. In his past life, Chaplain Randy experienced a handful of stints inside the Mecosta County Jail as an inmate. This is what […]
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Persons of Peace
August 22, 2023
Persons of Peace are individuals whose lives are transformed for the better in the midst of hard life events and circumstances. Oftentimes stuck or grief-stricken, they are inspired by individuals who resemble Jesus, causing them to hunger for what they find valuable in that person (1). In turn, their lives start to change as they lean […]
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“I Have Purpose Now”
July 25, 2023
There are individuals that we have the privilege of working with over the course of many years, through many ups and downs. Amanda is one of these individuals. Sarah Heaton and many who volunteer in the Kent County Jail have developed an ongoing relationship with Amanda. Amanda’s story continues to have successes, but we know […]
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…He Sets The Prisoners Free
May 2, 2023
“I am the third oldest of seven children. About 10 years ago, the state of Michigan required my three youngest siblings to go with their father and for me and my other three siblings to be placed into foster care. My mother decided to move to Kentucky so that she could keep us.” Angela told […]
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Josh Stanton
April 19, 2023
Josh Stanton, a returned citizen of Genesee County, recounts his story. This is a story that goes to show that addiction does not discriminate. Josh grew up in a loving home where he felt loved unconditionally. With two younger brothers, he played many sports and was cared for by his mother who stayed home for […]
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Bent Knees Break Chains
March 2, 2023
“Bent knees break chains,” says Teresa Wood, a former inmate of Branch County Jail. In July of 2022, the judge challenged Teresa by asking her that if she were to die, what kind of legacy would she leave behind for her children. Teresa said that she didn’t have an answer and stated, “he [the judge] […]
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The Modert’s Story
January 7, 2020
Sharing Christmas together is a gift from God. The Modert family will never take that gift for granted again. Trapped in the grip of a meth addiction, deputies showed up at their door in February of 2012. “I had to wake up each one of my children and tell them they had to go with […]
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Jen’s Story
January 6, 2020
At a young age, Jen was separated from her mother because of her mom’s self-destructive addictions and behavior. She experienced abuse, homelessness, and learned how to steal to survive. At 18, she was on her own and turned to the life her mother taught her. After years of running from God, Jen went to jail […]
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Michelle’s Story
December 13, 2019
Your support helped Michele confront the darkness that led her to the county jail. God played a role in her life, but Michele was on a self-destructive path. She knew things had to change. Michele discovered that a women’s Bible study was offered in the jail through Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry. Soon she was […]