Ryan Forbes still recalls the moment in jail in 2003 when he first gave his life to the Lord. In 2004, in state prison, Ryan prayed again, asking God to show him His purpose for Ryan's life. "I thought I heard Him say, 'My son, you will preach to the multitudes,'" Ryan recalled.

On April 5, Ryan Forbes Ministries launched at Petra Church. The mission statement for the ministry is "Redeeming and restoring lives through the power and love of Jesus." The event followed the culmination of 20 years of what Ryan called "learning and growing and being refined."

"This kind of all came about because for years I have had a burning desire to get the story out about how Jesus can save lives," said Ryan. "I like to teach, speak, share my heart, and communicate what I believe to be His heart for other people," said Ryan. "On the journey, I have often felt called to a missional itinerant speaking ministry," shared Ryan.

Ryan and his family had considered becoming full-time missionaries with Preparing the Way Ministries in Kenya, Africa, but when Ryan's wife, Caitlyn, was not completely comfortable with moving abroad, it was time to rethink the situation. "We stepped back from that commitment," said Ryan, who was coached during the decision-making process by his 10-member mission support team at Petra Church. "I had breakfast with (Petra equipping pastor) Brian Flewelling," recalled Ryan. "He was processing with me, and he said, 'I understand you're not going with your family, but that doesn't mean that's the end of it,'" stated Ryan. Flewelling said, "You have a call on your life."

After much thought and prayer, a new plan was developed. "Instead of the whole family hopping on a plane," Ryan said, "maybe it's me stretching my legs and doing three or four international trips a year and working with other ministries to share my story and preach the Gospel." Ryan's team coached him into looking to create a support base of people who want to partner with him to enable him to share his testimony and expertise. "The hope is in a few years to grow a big-enough support base to do that full time, whether that's (in the U.S.) or internationally," said Ryan.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology with an addictions and recovery specialization as well as a degree in religion from Liberty University. He has worked with several local ministries, including The Potter's House and CrossNet Ministries. Ryan was in prison ministries for several years, and he also wrote a book, "Unchained," with police officer Wendell Metzler about their unlikely friendship after Metzler arrested Ryan a number of times. After Metzler died of cancer in 2021, Ryan took a respite from sharing his testimony, but now he has two upcoming mission trips planned. During the summer, he will fly to Kenya for a two-week leaders conference with Preparing the Way Ministries. "I have been going to that annually," noted Ryan, who is especially excited about the second event - a leaders conference in Peru in the fall. "It will be (held) in two different cities, so we will be running it twice," pointed out Ryan. "They requested my story specifically because of the addictions focus." Ryan reported that the addictions problem in this area of Peru is such that a speaker with his qualifications and experience was sought. "My degree is in that. My life experience is in that," said Ryan.

Now, Ryan is looking to partner with those who have a heart for his ministry. "I want to get the message out," said Ryan. "It's always boiling inside me, and I think I'm ready to share the ongoing testimony of Christ's life in us."

Readers who would like to learn more about Ryan's ministry may call 717-917-8496 or email office.rfministries@gmail.com.