About Us

Pastor Michael Ashley is the President and Founder of Touch of Love Ministries and New Beginnings Better Living Center, Inc. — ministries created with one purpose: to meet the spiritual needs of those in prison and those re‑entering society.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pastor Ashley’s early focus was business administration. But after he and his family experienced injustice in the penal system, God placed a new calling on his life: to bring hope and healing to the incarcerated.

In 1988, he launched Touch of Love with just 51 volunteers. Within a decade, the ministry grew to over 100 volunteers statewide, opening its first halfway house in 1997. By 2010, Pastor Ashley expanded the vision with Touch of Love Deliverance Fellowship Services in Los Angeles and San Bernardino, creating a place of worship and training for those coming out of prison. His work has been featured on 3ABN and recognized worldwide.

Since its beginning, Touch of Love has shared the Word of God with more than 100,000 prisoners, offering Christ‑centered support and transformation.

Michael Ashley is married to Erica, originally from Detroit, Michigan. He has served as an ordained elder for over 30 years, and together they are active members of Kansas Avenue SDA Church in Riverside, CA. He is the proud father of one daughter, Tahira, who majored in Theology and Psychology at Oakwood University. Michael and Erica faithfully shepherd this ministry, ordained by God.

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Their guiding philosophy is clear: “There is no such thing as rehabilitation in the prison system, but only regeneration through Christ Jesus our Lord.”