The Rest Of The Story
Jayson's Path to
Self-Rehabilitation
Jayson's first step to transformation was to write an extensive and remorseful letter to the victim’s family to help them find healing and closure. He asked for and received forgiveness from the victim's family and his own. The two families have been in regular contact over the years. Accepting Jayson's request for forgiveness and knowing his excessive sentence, both families have encouraged efforts to seek Jayson's release.
Having reconciled with those he offended, Jayson quickly became a positive and consistent influence among his fellow inmates and prison officials.
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Jayson's age (21 at the time) was part of the catalyst that set him on an aggressive path to personal, spiritual, and academic maturity. Rapid transformation and resilience at this age is confirmed by brain science.
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Jayson quickly returned to the good person he was before these unfortunate events. He became a mentor and encourager to many, even as he faced the harsh reality of his incarceration. He enrolled in college and also institutional and self-enrichment studies, including music and fine arts.
Using his talents, Jayson organized several bands and created dozens of works of art, essays, and poetry. He is currently finishing the final two classes toward an associate's degree. He completed 6+ courses of his Inmate Release Plan and recently earned two paralegal certificates.
Jayson and mom
During the COVID pandemic, Jayson had a near death experience with the virus. But rather than complain about the 12-month lockdown, once he recovered he took advantage of this extended isolation to study and read at least 85 books.
Jailhouse Religion -- Jayson Berry, USP Coleman
For some, the words "jailhouse religion" conjure up the idea that the experience can't be authentic. If it is genuine, how effective could it be, or is it just a front? On the contrary, many of us who are physically bound for our transgressions take a committed relationship with our God as serious as those not in our condition.
We say we feel sympathetic to the situation of the incarcerated. As believers, we know that God is an all-forgiving God. So why be judgmental about people who find Christ in prison? Even though some are put away for horrific crimes, when a convict gets truly saved, does God's Word not shine as a beacon of light in a place where societies' outcasts have been put away?
Prison is the breaking point for some of us. We either recommit our lives, or we become born again in Christ Jesus for the first time. We accept that the time we spend behind these walls is part of our growth. To experience God is to know what it means to be broken. We are put in a place that either forces us to change or allows us to remain lost and miserable.
I believe the words "jailhouse religion" remove the authenticity of one's belief as an incarcerated Christian. It leaves one with the sense, that "because I am behind bars that my salvation is just not as good as yours."
I would like people to know that there is a brother in Christ at USP Coleman who has felt burdened to influence those around him to live in Christ likeness and change the system, so that it functions in a fair and efficient manner. -- Jayson Berry, USP Coleman
Jayson's Inspiration and Motivation
In addition to the Scriptures, Jayson has read over 200 books throughout his incarceration, they were foundational in his transformation, rehabilitation and impact on others.
But . . . I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."
-- Paul, Apostle of Jesus
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"Jayson, live your life in prison so the time serves you, instead of you just serving the time."
-- Peck H., former inmate
Early Recognition of Wrongs
In 1995, Jayson wrote a letter to his parents. On the envelope and in the text, he drew a cartoon depicting himself as a football player running down the field -- only to be blocked by an "Obstacle" -- which he calls "The Powerful Arm and Grace of God"
In addition to The Bible, two books shaped Jayson's ability to cope with his wrongs and with the harsh realities of incarceration: All of Grace, by C.H. Spurgeon, and The Struggle is My Life by Nelson Mandela.