WCCF News (2/2021): What's Happening at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
Chaplain/PIO, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

#MTCChangesLives

This is a collection of news briefs I compiled for The Woodville Republican (Woodville, Miss.). The collection is set to appear as a quarter-page ad on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF), Woodville, where I serve as chaplain and public information officer (PIO), is publishing its news in this format each quarter in the local newspaper.

WCCF News 

What’s Happening at

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

(February 2021)

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DeRevere Is New Deputy Warden of Operation

William “Bill” DeRevere is the new deputy warden of operations at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF). DeRevere has worked in both Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracted facilities and has extensive experience on the security side along with a comprehensive understanding of STG/Staff Investigations. Warden Scott Middlebrooks said he looks forward to working with DeRevere “as we continue to focus on operational excellence.”

 McCray Named Human Resource Manager

Former Investigator Sherail McCray is the human resource manager for WCCF, Warden Scott Middlebrooks announced in November 2020. “Sherail has worked extremely hard in her previous position as Investigator,” he said, adding her hard work and talent will help in recruiting and hiring quality staff for the facility. “I’m sure she will also make a difference in the day-to-day matters related to human resources,” he said. McCray graduated in December 2020 with a bachelor of science degree in healthcare administration from Jackson State University.

 Thanksgiving Meal Served For Kairos

Volunteer Chaplain Adrian Fairchild presented Kairos members with a Thanksgiving meal in November. Kairos is one of many religious programs held at WCCF, where incarcerated men come to pray and share testimonies about their relationship with the Lord. Volunteers John Layton and Tony Bevill assisted with the program.

 Staff Honored As Employees of the Month

WCCF honored four staff members for their exemplary work over the past several months. In addition to Correctional Officer Jennifer Hill, who was named Employee of the Month for October 2020, the facility recognized Substance Abuse Counselor Angela Coleman as Employee of the Month for November 2020. Reentry Coordinator Keyla Williams received the honor for December 2020, and Recreation Specialist Jason Pittman accepted the recognition for January.

 WCCF Staff Learns to Speak Spanish

Thanks to a program implemented by Programs Director Tracey Arbuthnot, WCCF staff is learning to speak Spanish. The class is led by two Spanish-speaking offenders. It is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. Arbuthnot said the program, which is a first, is an important one that is fun, informative, and practical. She said staff looks forward to attending each class.

 Leaders Promoted

Several WCCF leaders have been promoted. Darrick Fair and Kelly Jenkins have been promoted to captain, after having served as lieutenants. Geneva Sims has been promoted to Substance Abuse Counselor. She previously worked as a zone sergeant. Terry Daniels, who previously worked as a unit manager, is the new Captain of Emergency Preparedness. Lt. Michelle Higginbotham, who worked as the executive administrative assistant, is now the WCCF investigator.

 WCCF Celebrates Christmas

For the men incarcerated at WCCF, the entire month of December was a time of festivities, Christmas meals, and numerous programs, as well as special worship services led by the Rev. Nelson Fears in celebration of Christmas. Deputy Warden of Programs George Castro said he was more than pleased with the activities. “This is just what the men need,” he said. “These programs help to relieve stress. At the same time, they provide them with time to do something that is constructive.”

 Carter, McCray Recognized As Supervisors Of The Quarter

WCCF honored Case Manager Supervisor Monica Carter as Supervisor of the Quarter for the 4th Quarter in 2020 and Human Resource Manager Sherail McCray as Supervisor of the Quarter for the 1st Quarter in 2021. Carter said she was happy about the honor. “I really like my job and I appreciate the recognition,” she said. “It is a blessing.” Carter has been employed for 18 years at the facility, where she began as a Correctional Officer. She also worked as a case manager and job placement coordinator. McCray shared similar thoughts about the recognition, saying it’s always good to be recognized. McCray, who previously worked as an investigator, said she is in a good place in her life and she welcomes the new challenges that come with the job.

 Staff Honored as Celebrating Excellence Winner for 2020

MTC/WCCF recently recognized Case Manager Supervisor Monica Carter and Sgt. Danesha Selvage as Celebrating Excellence Winners for 2020. Carter received special recognition as the Program Services Employee of the Year, and Selvage received the honor as Security Employee of the Year for 2020.

 #PrivatePrisons #Corrections #MTCChangesLives

 
  
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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Rev. William Bumphus, Former Inmate Turned Pastor, Visits Wilkinson Prison

He tells men how to get out of prison -- and stay out

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
Copyright (c) 2021 

#MTCChangesLives

Pastor William Bumphus
Author, "You Can Be Set Free"

WOODVILLE, Miss. -- On a recent visit to Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF), the Rev. William Bumphus shared a sobering and moving testimony, and a message of hope for the men incarcerated at the Woodville prison. He told them how to get out of prison and stay out by turning their lives over to Christ.

A former inmate himself, Bumphus said he has been drug-free and alcohol-free for 42 years. He said God can change anybody. “Jesus can change your life, regardless of your background,” he said. “If he did it for me, he will do it for anyone.”

Bumphus is the pastor of Faith Center Church International and the founder of Jesus Inside Prison Ministry (www.jipm.org), both of Indianapolis, IN. He has ministered in nearly 600 prisons. In addition to ministering to offenders in jails and prisons, he and his wife, Juanita, operate an aftercare facility which they call the Jesus House. They also feed the hungry. Bumphus has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including The 700 Club, TBN Network, and on the cover of Charisma magazine.

This is one of two groups that came out for the services at WCCF.

Bumphus visited WCCF on January 15 for two Christian services. He and his team ministered to an audience of 200 people. Their ministry included music, testimonies, preaching, prayer, and the distribution of Bumphus’ memoir, “You Can Be Set Free.” Bumphus delivered a messaged titled, “How to Get Out of Prison and Stay Out.”

“I enjoyed the service,” said offender Emanuel Young. “It made me reflect back over my life and the many mistakes I’ve made, some of which caused me to come to prison.”

Young said that after listening to Bumphus and hearing the testimonies in the service, he now knows what he needs to do to stay out of prison when he is released. “I will do my best to serve the Lord on a daily basis and look to Him for guidance,” he said.

Deputy Warden of Programs George Castro said the services were timely and just what WCCF needed. “Pastor Bumphus has a powerful ministry,” he said. “He and his team were inspiring.”

Pastor William Bumphus signing copies of his book.

Bumphus’ team consisted of several men who testified to being “ex-cons.” All of them participated in the services. Darius Gover, a.k.a. Divine Wordz, provided Christian rap music. Two of the men, Johnny Hill and Keven King, shared testimonies about their time behind bars and how their lives were changed by Christ. Hill, for example, served 38 years in prison. He got out at the age of 63 and landed his first job. Today he is a proud homeowner and is actively engaged in prison ministry.

King spoke of growing up in poverty. He described how he went hungry and eventually began robbing and stealing in order to survive. After serving time in prison, King found a good job where he worked his way to the top. He also shared how he became an entrepreneur by growing his own vending machine business, which is called FrontLine Vending.

According to Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III, Bumphus and his team connected with their audience. “The men found the stories about their past to be gripping and yet entertaining,” he said. “The stories were provocative and compelling, all leading to the point where they found Christ as their Savior and the solution to their problems.”

Bumphus was arrested 23 times and served four prison terms. He shared stories about his time on the streets, when he used drugs and worked as a pimp, among other things. He said he became a born-again Christian while incarcerated on his last charge of burglary and theft, and “has been serving Jesus ever since.”

Pastor William Bumphus, left, Programs Director Tracey Arbuthnot, and Warden Scott Middlebrooks

Willie Riley said he was very pleased with Bumphus’ message. “As a Muslim offender, I can say that Pastor Bumphus did a wonderful job informing the audience as to what it will take for us to get out of prison and stay out,” he said.

During Bumphus’ presentation, he spoke of the challenges that inmates face when they leave prison. Many return after only a short time on the streets, he said. “The biggest problem they face when they get out is having no safe place to live,” he said. “When they get out, they need to get hooked up with a local church and stay in the word (Bible) twenty-four seven.”

Not only that, he added, but they need to consider another point: “The same way they stayed in the word (Bible) in the joint to keep from getting in trouble, they need to double up in the word when they get outside.”

Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III, left, Pastor William Bumphus

Reflecting on the services, offender Timothy Gaines said he appreciated the testimonies. “It was good to have ex-cons because they’ve been where we’re at,” he said. “They were able to reach out and touch the offenders on a deeper level. First-hand experience is the best experience.”

Offender Willie Wilson said he really enjoyed seeing what God has done in Pastor Bumphus’ life. “We could actually see this miracle before us, speaking to us,” he said. “A lot of times we read about miracles or somebody tells us about them. But with Pastor Bumphus and his team, we see them right in front of us.”

Programs Director Tracey Arbuthnot said the services exceeded her expectations. “I was really pleased to see how the offenders responded,” she said. “They paid attention and seemed captivated by every word. You could see that Pastor Bumphus really connected with them.”

WCCF, which houses more than 900 male offenders, is operated by Management and Training Corporation or MTC of Utah.

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#PrivatePrisons #Corrections #MTCChangesLives

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com

Wilkinson Prison Holds First Water Baptism

34 men profess faith in Christ

#MTCChangesLives
 

Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III baptizes Deseantez Watkins. 

WOODVILLE, Miss. – Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) recently hosted a water baptism ceremony in which 34 incarcerated men participated as new converts to Christianity.

“I think it was the right thing to do,” said offender William Strickland. “It makes me feel good. Now I can focus on becoming a better Christian and a better human being.”

The event, which took place in December 2020, occurred after a series of facility-wide church services. Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III, along with fellow employee, Training Lieutenant Dwyane Anthony, performed the ceremony. Anthony, an ordained minister, is also pastor of King Emanuel Baptist Church in Woodville.

The men ranged in age from 19 to 50. All of them professed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. “They made a life-changing decision to be baptized and to follow Christ,” said Barnes. “This is the first step in their journey as disciples of the Lord.”

Christopher Myers, a chaplain’s orderly, assisted Anthony in the baptism while Ricky Keeton, who also works with the chaplain’s department, assisted Barnes. Willie Riley, another chaplain’s orderly, handed out towels and dry clothing for the men as they exited the pools.

Training Lieutenant Dwyane Anthony, right, baptizes Jermaine Crump, with assistance from Chaplain Orderlies Willie Riley, left, and Christopher Myers.

The participants described the event as an important milestone in their walk with God. Some acknowledged their struggles and asked staff for forgiveness. Michael Moore, before being submerged, showed remorse. “I just want to apologize to all of the officers and staff that I’ve ever been disrespectful towards and any offenders that I’ve had a problem with in the past,” he said. “I want to make a new start.”

 
Jermaine Crump said he enjoyed the experience. “I thank God for saving me and making it possible for me to be baptized,” he said. “Hopefully I can show the world how much I appreciate my new life in Christ.”
 
Barnes and Anthony baptized the men inside the facility gym using two portable baptism pools, one of which was donated by American Rehabilitation Ministries (ARM).
 
George Castro, deputy warden of programs, stated, “This is one of the greatest things that ever happened at this facility.” He added, “We closed out the year in the best way, with something positive.”
 

 Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III, left, baptizes Albert Thomas, with assistance from Rickey Keeton, who works with the chaplain’s department.

Before the ceremony, Programs Director Tracey Arbuthnot encouraged the men seeking to be baptized. “I advised the candidates for baptism that they were making the largest accomplishment in life by dedicating their lives to Christ,” she said. “I encouraged them to stay in the word and surround themselves with godly people.”

One of the participants, Patrick Cavett, said he was happy about the experience, even though it was hard to explain. “I feel like a new person,” he said. “The water was chilly, to say the least, but I really think I made the right decision. I’m happy about it.”

The ceremony concluded with a meal provided by the facility and an almond-flavored sheet cake that was donated by Treppendahl Super Foods. Each of the men received a Certificate of Baptism.

WCCF, which houses more than 900 male offenders, is operated by Management and Training Corporation or MTC of Utah.

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#PrivatePrisons #Corrections #MTCChangesLives

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com

More on Alliance Leaders' Initial Criticism of Bosworth's Healing Ministry

Additional thoughts by Dr. Paul L. King
 
By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer"
 
#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters
#ABSimpson
 

A.B. Simpson, left, and Paul Rader in 1912
Photo courtesy of C&MA National Archives

In the 1920s, leaders in the Christian and Missionary Alliance initially criticized F.F. Bosworth for going too far with his healing ministry. According to Dr. Paul L.King, that criticism might have been prompted in part by the need for balance – a view shared earlier by A.B. Simpson.

In a December 17, 2020 email, King wrote that he had been thinking about Paul Rader’s initial criticism of Bosworth in which he suggested Bosworth placed too much emphasis on healing and that it overshadowed the message of salvation. King wrote: “One of the reasons for [the criticism], I believe, was that A.B. Simpson and early Alliance leaders wanted to maintain the balance of the Fourfold Gospel of Jesus as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King.”

King also shared a quote from Simpson that was made in 1894. Simpson said: “Keep from all side issues and mere phases of truth. Don't let it be purely a Divine healing meeting, or a Holiness meeting. Avoid criticisms or mere phases of holiness, or other truth. Keep all error out, . . . and things that divide Christians, and separate them from the true centre.” ^[1] 

Interestingly, King noted, there is a story about John Alexander Dowie wanting Simpson to team up with him to do healing crusades. However, Simpson refused, according to King. He said Simpson replied as follows: "I have four wheels on my chariot and I cannot run on just one."

Simpson, to be clear, was a staunch believer in divine healing and the power of the Spirit. Not only did he personally experience the Lord’s healing power firsthand, but he frequently prayed for others who were sick and he reportedly saw many healed. Simpson also wrote The Gospel of Healing, an important book, which has become a classic.

King’s comments about Bosworth stemmed from a discussion that he and I had in May of this year about Bosworth’s healing ministry. Specifically, we looked at some of the criticism that Bosworth received from Alliance leaders. Some, including Rader, initially accused Bosworth of placing too much emphasis on divine healing. At the time of our discussion, King suggested Rader’s reaction may have been based on reports from second-hand sources, as well as Pentecostal excesses among followers of Bosworth’s ministry. After giving it some further thought, he suggested Simpson’s teaching on balance might have been another reason for the criticism.

King’s view of this matter, not surprisingly, is on point and certainly plausible. His view is supported by a critical analysis of key points in Bosworth’s life history. Whatever the exact reason or reasons might have been for the criticism, Bosworth and Rader worked out their differences and eventually became close friends. Bosworth also held revival meetings in Rader’s church. For a number of years, Bosworth’s book, Christ the Healer, was distributed by the Alliance denomination and was even required reading in ordination studies for a time.

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[1] A.B. Simpson, “How to Build Up the Alliance,” CAMW, May 4, 1894, 272.

Related article: 

 

"Did Bosworth Go Too Far? Paul Rader and other Alliance leaders initially accused him of placing too much emphasis on divine healing." See here.

Further reading:

King, Paul L. Genuine Gold: The Cautiously Charismatic Story of the Early Christian and Missionary Alliance. Tulsa, OK: Word & Spirit Press, 2006. See here.

 

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Reminder: "F.F. Bosworth History" is now on Twitter. Follow @bosworth_fred

 

Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer," can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: BOSWORTH25.

 

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Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

 

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

Visit here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

 

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For more information:

Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @bosworth_fred and @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMention #BosworthMatters

F.F. Bosworth and the Role He Played in the Ministry of T.L. Osborn: An Interview with Dr. LaDonna Osborn

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer"

#PneumaReview
#FFBosworth
#LaDonnaOsborn

Dr. LaDonna Osborn

Note: This article first appeared in The Pneuma Review: Journal of Ministry Resources and Theology for Pentecostal and Charismatic Ministries & Leaders. It is featured here with permission from the publication's editors.

Website: http://pneumareview.com
Date: October 30, 2020

Image courtesy of The Pneuma Review

F.F. Bosworth (1877-1958) was a central figure in the Pentecostal movement of the early 20th century and the Post-World War II healing revival. His impact as a famous healing evangelist was unmistakable, and his book, Christ the Healer, remains a popular text on divine healing. Pentecostal church history would be incomplete without his story. One of the most prominent evangelists to serve as his protege was Tommy Lee “T.L.” Osborn (1923-2013), who became a world-renowned missionary evangelist and the famous author of the classic, Healing the Sick.

As I sought to learn more about Bosworth and his relationship with Osborn, I reached out to the one person who would know more about their time together than any other source. That person was Osborn’s daughter, Dr. LaDonna Osborn, who graciously took time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions about her father. The interview was conducted by email in February 2016. It presents questions and answers about the influence of Bosworth on the life and ministry of T.L. Osborn. Other topics include Osborn’s views on Spirit baptism and tongues as the initial evidence of the Spirit baptism.

Dr. LaDonna Osborn is a well-regarded Christian leader. She currently serves as president and CEO of Osborn Ministries International, the world missionary organization founded by her parents in 1949.  As noted on her webpage, “She is founder and overseer of the International Gospel Fellowship (of churches and ministries), which includes more than 60 ministries, over 1,000 churches in more than 50 nations globally.” For more information on her work, visit her official website: https://osborn.org/about/ladonna-osborn -- Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

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ROSCOE BARNES III: Your father has been quoted as saying: “Old F. F. Bosworth used to share a lot of secrets with us.” What are some of the secrets that Bosworth shared with him?

LADONNA OSBORN: My father did not go into great detail concerning what exactly F.F. Bosworth shared with he and my mother. From various general comments and reflections, I believe that Brother Bosworth was a great encouragement in the areas of faith and praying for the sick in mass. During many of the events that were organized by Gordon Lindsay, where various healing evangelists were present to preach and pray for the sick, he had Brother Bosworth teach in the mornings. This strategy was significant in helping people to understand the biblical validity of divine healing. This was especially true when Brother William Branham prayed for the sick. Because of his unique gift and style, G. Lindsay felt that people needed teaching so that their faith would be in the Word of God, rather than in a person. As I look back on this, I thank God for this wisdom. Brother Lindsay did much to facilitate the healing revival that was spreading across the States during the late 1940’s and 1950’s.

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BARNES: In his book, Healing the Sick, your dad wrote that someone gave him a copy of Two Kinds of Faith by E. W. Kenyon. Who was the person that gave him this book and introduced him to Kenyon?

OSBORN: I do not remember my father ever saying who gave him the first Kenyon book.

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BARNES: Did your father and mother ever speak in tongues in the way that is taught by classical Pentecostals? In other words, did either of them have the experience where they spoke in tongues as the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit?

OSBORN: My father was saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit in a Pentecostal revival meeting near his farm home in Oklahoma. He later traveled with a Pentecostal Church of God evangelist for three years (age 15-18). My mother was saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit in an Assembly of God church where she attended as a young girl. Both of my parents were saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit at the age of 12. Although we were out of the country most months of each year, we always had a home church in Tulsa. It was an Assembly of God church. Yes, both of my parents’ early spiritual experiences were in the classic Pentecostal context. Yes, they spoke in tongues, as was usual in the Pentecostal tradition.

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BARNES: If they did speak in tongues, did they continue to do so or did they stop at a certain point?

OSBORN: Yes, my parents always spoke in tongues. My brother and I were raised in the classic Pentecostal tradition and I am proud to identify with those who understood the power of the Holy Spirit and the emphasis on witnessing of Christ with effectiveness.

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BARNES: Is there a written record of their Spirit baptism? If not, can you provide a time frame for their experience?

OSBORN: I remember both of my parents telling the stories of their Spirit baptisms, but I’m not recalling if these details were included in their publications. Actually, I don’t remember additional details of their conversion either. Of course, within our family, we grew up hearing the stories of the dramatic changes that took place in their lives when they were born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. I do recall that their Spirit baptisms were not on the same day as their conversions, but rather a few days after. So both would have been baptized in the Holy Spirit at the age go 12.

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BARNES: In your father’s book, The Purpose of Pentecost, he did not advocate evidential tongues as is taught by classical Pentecostals. What exactly was his position on this topic?

OSBORN: My father wrote The Purpose of Pentecost during a time in which the issue of tongues was causing great division within the Body of Christ. The focus had shifted from the role of the Spirit-filled believer to witness of Christ, to a rather Pharisaical attitude of boasting of speaking in tongues while doing nothing with that divine equipping to fulfill the mission of Christ on the earth. My father wrote the book to re-focus believers on the priority of evangelism for every Spirit-filled believer. If you read this book again in the historical context in which it was written, you will see this clearly. When the need for that emphasis ended, we discontinued publishing that book.

 

BARNES: Who or what influenced his views on the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues? Was he in anyway influenced by F.F. Bosworth or E.W. Kenyon?

OSBORN: The views of my father and mother (and myself) on the Holy Spirit were influenced by the Pentecostal environments in which we were saved and also from the Scripture. It is normative for the New Testament Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to witness of Christ. I do not remember anything being said about Bosworth or Kenyon’s attitude regarding tongues. The influence of Bosworth was on the biblical foundation for divine healing; the influence of Kenyon was the redemptive work of Christ at the Cross. These redemptive truths were not understood so clearly prior to E.W. Kenyon’s teachings. Again, he made a great contribution to the Body of Christ at critical time.

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BARNES: Many evangelists during your father’s time wrote about Bible prophecy, gifts of the Spirit, and other topics. However, it seems that your father focused on topics related only to salvation, healing, evangelism, and prosperity. Is this a true assessment of his writings? If so, why do you think he avoided other topics?

OSBORN: My father was an evangelist. Everything that he wrote and did was to bring people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He did the work of an evangelist always in cooperation with the local churches, and he made it clear that it was their responsibility to teach new believers additional truths after their conversion. He never preached on the Holy Spirit, Bible prophecy, the gifts of the Spirit, or such other things that are important to the believer. He recognized that the gift of the evangelist is a gift to the Church. The gift of the pastor and teacher are also gifts to the Church. He was an evangelist and he fulfilled his part in bringing people to Jesus and directing them into local churches to receive guidance and further biblical instruction. Of course, he had personal views on every biblical topic. But his public ministry was evangelism.

I would say that a true assessment of his writings is that his life focus was to help people to see Jesus and to recognize that Jesus wanted to live in each of them in order to continue His work through them. That, in essence, was my father’s passion and all of his messages and writings reflect that. I would not say that he avoided any topic, but rather he was totally focused on the person, the work and the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ.

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BARNES: How would you describe the level of influence that Bosworth had on your father’s ministry?

OSBORN: Brother Bosworth was on the scene during a very critical time, in the early healing movement in the United States. No doubt, he influenced all of the young healing evangelists and kept them focused on the Word of God as the final authority concerning God’s will to heal. His book, Christ the Healer, was likely the primer on the topic. There is no way to estimate the extent of his influence through his teachings, his example, and his encouragement of a new generation.

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BARNES: William Branham once said that he introduced your father to Bosworth. He mentioned this in his sermon, “Faith,” which is posted here: http://www.williambranham.com/faith-56-0427/. Have you heard this story?

OSBORN: While I don’t remember this exactly, I do know that under Brother Lindsay’s influence, my father, Brother Branham, and Brother Bosworth were all involved in the same conventions.

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BARNES: A friend of mine, Rev. Ryan Miller, shared a letter from your father in which he seems to suggest Bosworth encouraged him to write books. Do you know if your father offered such encouragement?

OSBORN: Yes, Bosworth encouraged my father to write. It was another man who edited my father’s first manuscripts and taught him how to write properly and also to read editing symbols. Of course, as you know, writing and publishing has long been a central passion of this ministry.

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BARNES: Did your father attend Bosworth’s funeral in 1958?

OSBORN: I do not believe my father attended Bosworth’s funeral. During 1958, we were overseas in some of our historic crusades in East Africa.

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About the Author: Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., is a prison chaplain, former award-winning journalist, and independent scholar of church history. He holds a doctorate from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, a M.A.R. from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and B.S. and A.S. degrees from East Coast Bible College, Charlotte, N.C. He is the author of numerous books including F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind “Christ the Healer” (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2009), The Guide to Effective Gospel Tract Ministry (Church Growth Institute, 2004) and Off to War: Franklin Countians in World War II (White Mane Publishing, 1996). His articles have appeared in Refleks Journal, The Journal of the European Pentecostal Theological Association, The Africa Journal of Pentecostal Studies, and in numerous newspapers and popular magazines. He blogs at Roscoe Reporting and shares his F. F. Bosworth research at FFBosworth.strikingly.com. Professional: Roscoe Barnes III. Twitter: @Roscoebarnes3

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 Reminder: "F.F. Bosworth History" is now on Twitter. Follow @bosworth_fred
 
Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer," can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: BOSWORTH25.
 

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Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

 

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

Visit here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com 

 

---------------------------------------------------

 
For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @bosworth_fred and @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMention #BosworthMatters

Wilkinson Prison Featured in ACA’s Corrections Today Magazine

'This is my first article to be published in this prestigious publication'
 
By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
 
 #MTCChangesLives

I’m happy to announce an article I wrote about Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) is published in the January/February 2021 issue of Corrections Today magazine, the professional membership publication of the American Correctional Association (See www.aca.org). The article, which focuses on a new fitness program at the facility, is titled, “Witness the Fitness Walking Club: How the staff of a Mississippi prison fights stress and stays fit in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.” It appears on pages 28-32 of the magazine.

For a look at the article, visit here or follow this link: https://www.academia.edu/44761570/Witness_the_Fitness_Walking_Club_How_the_staff_of_a_Mississippi_prison_fights_stress_and_stays_fit_in_the_face_of_the_COVID_19_pandemic
 
If you’re a member of ACA, you can view it at http://www.aca.org/ACA_Prod_IMIS/ACA_Member/correctionstoday

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#PrivatePrisons #Corrections #MTCChangesLives

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com

Wilkinson donates water bottles to William Winans Middle School

#MTCChangesLives

Pictured: WCCF Investigator Michelle Higginbotham, left, Principal Curtis Ross, and Secretary Latoya McPipe

 Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) recently donated 400 clear plastic water bottles to William Winans Middle School in Centreville. The bottles were valued at $500. Investigator Michelle Higginbotham presented them to the school on behalf of WCCF and Warden Scott Middlebrooks. The donation was one of several made by WCCF over the last few months. In September, the facility donated $1,200 to the Wilkinson County School District. That was followed by a donation of $500 in October to Catholic Charities Guardian Victim Services (formerly The Guardian Shelter for Battered Families). In November, WCCF staff donated four turkeys to the women’s shelter.

Principal Curtis Ross

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#PrivatePrisons #Corrections #MTCChangesLives

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com