Earlier this year, two of our women’s associate chaplains at the Genesee County Jail- affectionately known by the women as “the twins,” began noticing a pattern. Week after week they taught that if someone wanted their life to change, they would eventually have to change the people they surrounded themselves with.
The response was almost always the same:
“We don’t know how.”
“We only know one circle of people.”
One day, the twins looked at each other and said, “Then we have to BECOME the new circle.” And just like that, The Forge was born. At first it was simple. Once a month they met for lunch. No agenda. No pressure. Just women sitting around a table, talking about life, encouraging one another, and sharing a meal.
After all, that’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t only teach in synagogues. He walked with people, shared meals with them, listened to them, challenged them, and loved them. Discipleship happened around tables just as often as it happened in temples.
As they prayed, the Lord impressed something on their hearts:
“Train them up. Suit them up. Arm them up.”
Following Jesus isn’t an easy road. It’s a battle. And we can’t send women back into the world expecting them to stand firm without first helping prepare them.
Today, The Forge has become so much more than a monthly lunch.
They’ve shared picnics where children and family members are welcomed. They’ve traveled together to hear Priscilla Shirer teach, spending time together in an Airbnb. They have a worship night coming up. This fall, many of the women plan to attend their church’s Women’s Retreat together- not only to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ, but to continue building healthy, life-giving friendships.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful parts of The Forge happens every day. Their group text is constantly active with prayer requests, words of encouragement, victories to celebrate, struggles to confess, and loving accountability. They are doing life together. That’s what biblical community looks like.
At Reach the Forgotten, our primary ministry happens inside jail walls. But we have always known that true discipleship cannot end at the jail door. Transformation happens over time, through relationships, through accountability, and through faithful people willing to walk alongside someone long after their release.
We are incredibly grateful for volunteers like “the twins,” who don’t simply teach about Jesus, they walk with women as they learn to follow Him.
Please pray for The Forge as these women continue forging new lives, new friendships, and a new legacy rooted in Christ.
Because sometimes changing your life begins with changing your circle.
