Jayson's Impact As
A Leader and Mentor
Jayson's helps people. He is generous, supportive and encouraging. His impact as a leader and mentor is inspiring. As a result of his investment in the lives of others, there's a broad network of inmates who have benefitted from his mentoring. Many of these young men have been brought into the fold of Jayson's supportive family for encouragement and spiritual direction.
The following are excerpts from dozens of letters exchanged over the years. They reveal Jayson’s spirituality, character, leadership, and mentorship. Listen to this short video testimonial of Jayson's effective impact on one of these men.
"I was a bitter and angry
18-year-old, until I met Jayson Berry"
-- T. Johnson (Released)
"Despite our political beliefs .... I am proud to call him my friend and brother."
“My name is John Nassif. I recently served 7 months in USP Atlanta for 4 non-violent misdemeanors associated with the events at the Capital on January 6th, 2021. I was genuinely concerned about what to expect when I entered USP Atlanta, I expected hate and division driven by race, along with hostility and violence. Because of my charges and false narratives associated with Trump supporters, I was concerned the inmate population would not be tolerant of me. I am a musician and a vocalist.
My intention was to focus my energy on doing positive things. Music was at the forefront. I had the good fortune to meet Jayson “J” Berry. Upon engaging with him, my preconceptions were unwarranted, and we began a friendship. At one point he said, “Don't be sorry for me. I’m not like you. I deserve to be in here.” Most if not all inmates never responded like that. They would dismiss their guilt or feel sorry for themselves. Jayson stood out in this regard, and he earned my respect for it. Despite our political beliefs being nearly polar opposite, the divide our races caused, and both of us being stubborn and at times arrogant in our positions, we overcame those obstacles. Today I am proud to call him my friend and brother. He has a great deal of love in his heart, and I pray he is able to escape the bonds of incarceration.” --- John Nasiff, Sept 2024
(Excerpt from a letter describing Jayson's character, mentorship and support for his release)
"The rehabilitation of a man is not measured by what he says he is, but rather the depth in which he adds value to the lives around him."
"As the warden of Coleman prison, I didn’t meet Jason Berry. He was transferred just before I was assigned to the facility. But I met and worked with the men he helped.
These men were in the band he formed. They were men who had a positive influence on the others in the institution. I always looked to them to promote peace at times when there was discontent. The band did more than produce music, but Jason helped the men to help other men become better people.
Jason's many years of incarceration and his acceptance of responsibility for his past transgressions, I have no hesitation, given the opportunity to be released, that he will not be a danger to society and will lead a crime-free and successful life." -- Carlyle Holder, Former Warden, (Ret), Coleman FCI (Excerpt from a letter of support)
R. VALLE
FCI COLEMAN & YAZOO CITY
“Jay --- I’ve done a lot of reading and studying and I’m learning many things regarding the Bible. . . it has shown me that sometimes I can be blind to forgiveness.. ...I hope and pray that we can keep in touch. . . Whether you realize it or not, you have been a very good, if not great friend to me.”
Veronza Bowers (Released)
Coleman
“Dear Brother Richard. even though we don’t know each other, I know your son, Jason. He was here at Coleman Medium prison ... I met him through our love for music. I blow flute and Jason and I and the fellas have made wonderful music together… from the day we met, I called your son, "Brother Jason"… so, I know a little bit about you because a bit of you lives through your son. “ -- V.B.
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“Ahhh!!! Mr. Berry, I called your number earlier today, but the phone rang like the sound of a bell in an empty sky. I tried your number again. This time, a woman whose voice was full of warmth and caring answered and I knew I followed some good advice. -- V.B.
Please allow me to thank you, Mrs. Berry, Sister, for taking time to really listen to me! For taking action to connect me with your husband.” -- V.B.
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“Well my brother Man, I’ve taken up a bit of your time already with my ramblings. I want to thank you and your wife again. It's people like you who give men like me the hope and inspiration to keep on despite all odds and obstacles. For a Better Future For Us All.” -- V.B.
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A.D. THOMAS
Coleman
“Sir, I apologize it took me so long to write back. It was a great pleasure to receive your letter. I continue to pray for you and your family and the ministry. I truly thank God for bringing a strong individual like yourself into my life. I will be sharing some of my ideas with you, and I hope you can lead me in the right direction.” God bless always.” A. D. THOMAS
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F. HOLBROOK (About Jayson's transfer to CA)
Coleman
“Jayson. Coleman is strong in here. Also, everyone who knows you well are giving you high reviews. You are the man!” F. HOLBROOK
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“Jay, I want to bring something to your attention. You are over there for a reason. . . . So do what you do best, illuminate a light so others and you can move to new levels. "
". . . when I heard you talking, I was like, this “kid” is so mature in his thought process. I just want you to stay advancing yourself internally to new heights. Thank you for the privilege to have had the chance to meet a genuine individual as yourself" Stay strong, smart and safe
-- F. HOLBROOK
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T. GADDY
Paulding
“Big J! – Thank you for your concern Jayson, your prayers have been helping me through the days I am sure. . . . I am doing fine, being steadfast in the Word. . .
I was wondering if you could send me some stuff to read. If it is alright with you maybe your dad could send me something if possible. I could write your dad and keep in touch with him. Pray for me and I will pray for you. Your brother in Christ. --
T. GADDY
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JAYSON
from inside
“Andreco, I do regret not doing that leadership study you suggested.
"I’ve been all in this new book called Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. It is an actual study on how to experience God working in your life and how sometimes we feel distanced from him."
" we take for granted the small things (waking up for an extra practice, extra time to fellowship with a brother, etc) by neglecting these things they grow into uncontrollable monsters that we believe we can handle."
"I was in a serious state of denial. The smallest thing set me off because I lost track of the final picture. The eternal perspective. Really submitting to God and truly getting out of his way and being a participant.
"Apologies for any harsh and uncalled for actions that I may have done to offend you. I know because when encouraging you to do better I was wild like the Taliban. Seriously accept this as an apology. If there is any music or baselines or lyrics you cannot find, ask and I will send. Tell the brothers I said hello, and God bless. In his name – Jayson"
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JAMES
from inside
“Mrs. Berry, I would like to let you know that your post card made my day. I am a Muslim but we are all looking for that one thing in life and that is to walk a path of a righteous person. ...I hope and pray that a good young brother like your son does not have to do that time. Mrs. Berry I do not know you but any time someone takes the time out to write me, I do feel love so I hope that you like this card. I came in peace and I live in Peace” – James
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WILLIE B.
ATL PRE-TRIAL
“I pray that this letter will find you and your family well. I apologize for not responding to your letter immediately. I’ve been procrastinating a lot lately mainly because I’ve been dealing with some personal situations at home. Well good news! I’m sure Jason has shared with you that I have turned my life over to Jesus. Praises to God for working in my life. In your most recent letter you asked me a question concerning my freedom. My answer is now that I’ve found Christ I have that spiritual freedom as did the woman of Samaria. I now believe and have faith. Thank for your prayers. May God continue to guide you strengthen your teachings. I will keep in touch. Thanks for everything. Sincerely – WILLIE B.
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C. H.
Coleman
“How is Jason . . .I often cover him in my prayers I always find myself asking the men that come from Coleman if they know Jason and the report is always good. . .
I am encouraged by the strength of my little brother Jason, and a strength that comes from on high.” – C.H.
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17 Inmates
from inside
“Dear Rev. Berry and family we hope that this letter will reach you all in peace as well as good spirits. We the Christian Congregation here at the Atlanta Pre-Trial Detention (Quad 4 NW) would like to send our prayers to this entire family. We pray that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will keep each and everyone of you strong and guide you through these difficult times.
We also pray for Brother Jason and we ask that The Lord will keep him strong and safe in faith. -- Peace (Undersigned by 17 inmates)
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EARL W.
ATL PRE-TRIAL
“Jason you are a good dude from what I have known so far. Keep it up. The time I spent with you has taught me a lot. I’m staying on track to do the right thing.” --- EARL W.
D. O.
Request to Jason
“Jason, I know it was God who made it possible but you were one of the key ingredients and God worked through you to touch my life, so I am grateful… send me one of your uplifting letters.” -- D.O.
CHAPLAIN SIMPSON
Comments
Chaplain Simpson made several comments about Tavorias and Jason’s contribution to the chapel program:
“He and T.J. were good friends and played well together. Jason would be so proud to see where Tavorias is now. We prefer him to be back at Coleman but he’s doing a tremendous ministry. Tavorias has become more serious …just incredible ...they have turned the whole chapel music program around.”
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T. M. J.
Coleman
Mr. Berry just in case you were not aware of it yet, your name has been approved on my visitation list. I look forward to seeing you one day face-to-face. Your son Jason is on the verge of encountering a vast amount of work. Various people have been asking me to send them music. I haven’t as of yet because I need to see if Jason wants to. If he does he’ll need to write out the music. Whenever you speak with Jason sure to mention it to him. I gave it some thought and I think that the song we wrote together titled “I Surrender Me” would be a good choice to go with. Enclosed along with this notation are two pictures of me. One is of me playing the violin the other is a picture of me singing. They were taken during this play I perform in here that was put on for the staff. The program is called a nonviolent outreach program. It is a program that interacts with today’s youth. I like it because it’s something I plan on doing when I’m released. My long-term goal has always been to obtain degree in child/teen psychology. It’s what I’m interested in and I believe I can help.”
--- T.M.J
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...more
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JAYSON
from Inside
(T.J. Released)
“T.J., So I hear you finally made it to Miami. I’ve been thinking since I’ve been here that God has sent me here with the capacity to lead. I don’t enjoy it because with it comes responsibility. But I’m back here because I was disobedient in what God wanted from me. I refused to play in the chapel and I quit playing music period because I was upset at the way individuals who claim to be saved were not sincere in their endeavors.
Through my own arrogance I found that I was no better than they in as much as me being patient and showing the love of Christ. Who am I to get to set the standard of how one should be? So through prayer and confession I realized that when we were at Coleman Medium there was nothing in terms of music or music ministry. When I got here I did pretty much the same and I had expectations I felt were warranted by God. But I lacked the patience.
Now I see that I have grown and God has been honest and truthful in his Words. He has blessed me with his Word. In my dorm we have keyboards and the chapel has finally ordered much needed equipment and we have a new chaplain who is sympathetic to our needs spiritually and musically. This all came to be when I stopped fighting and let go.
So I encourage you, if it already does not exist create it! If it has already been done but failed, improve it! These are things God has given you, so lead, but be fearless and faithful and in his time all will be well.” Holla! Jay
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JAYSON
from Inside
"What’s good? I’m not going to preach, just give you what helps me make it. Three things. Don’t borrow $ if you ain’t got it to pay back. Don’t do any drugs that will have you addicted. Keep yourself spiritually fit. Always rely on self-- rehabilitate yourself. Don’t expect the system or others to do it for you. Above all else read everything and stay fit with meditation. Never hesitate to handle your business when it’s due and don’t let up --- ever, because win or lose at least you stood up. I know I said three things but I got carried away. Miss you and finish this little bit and keep out of the way when you’re out. Whenever you get a chance hit me back. I talked to “Shane” a while back… Man, y’all old! I’m old now so I know y’all old. LOL. Jayson
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