Harold Tolson

Born out of the advocacy for Promise Mose, “Friends of Advocates” is a loosely knit faith based organization under the direction of Harold Tolson.  Mr. Tolson is an officer of Bayview Baptist Church under the discipleship of Pastor T.J. Winters.  While church membership is not mandatory to work with Friends Of…, as we are commonly known, it is one of the prerequisites for advocacy.  The sole purpose of this organization is to glorify God through service to our fellowman. 

Friends Of…provides assistance to those individuals and families captured within the criminal justice system who find themselves without a voice or direction and are unable to navigate the system effectively on their own.  Friends Of… is not race or gender specific.  We will assist families and individuals alike if, after assessment, they meet our criteria.  The assistance provided comes in the form of negotiation, mentoring, goal setting, employment assistance, career counseling through various public community programs.  There are plans in motion that will provide shelter for battered women and children. 

If you would like assistance and direction in developing a similar type ministry in your local community please contact us.  Also, please view our contact information if you would like to volunteer, donate or participate in our advocacy program. 

In service to my Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

Marion "Bunny" Gary

In the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-46), the Bayview Prison Ministry is answering the mandate which states that we are to be aware of social consciousness and concerns. God equates our treatment of those who are destitute and distressed with our treatment of Him! This is not a responsibility to be handed over to the church or to the government alone. Jesus demands OUR PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT! . . .

In 2002, the Bayview Prison Ministry was created to meet those needs with a specific focus toward those women who are or have been incarcerated as well as provide appropriate support to their families and friends. This ministry is a vital component of the Bayview Baptist Church Women’s Ministry Fellowship.

The Bayview Prison Ministry also works on behalf of the overall community, which is disproportionately impacted by the incarceration epidemic.

Our mission is to prevent incarceration, provide the incarcerated with spiritual, cultural and educational survival tools as well as support during their transition back into society.

The participants in this ministry are from a variety of backgrounds, i.e.; concerned parents with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated children young professionals who were once incarcerated and now are living examples of being able to overcome the odds. a deacon who has been called by God to be a voice through “Friends Of…” and, citizens who are concerned about the epidemic of incarceration in our community.

We can be contacted at (619) 262-8384, extension 505 for more information. We remain in His service!