The Arkansas Rumour

Dear Friends,

From time to time I receive queries about an unsolved mystery — unsolved because there is no mystery.  The event never happened.  In answer to the most receive inquiry, I have copied below the letter I use to answer those who kindly ask me about the rumour. It was first sent to the Christians in Arkansas.

To:       My brothers and sisters in Northwest Arkansas

From:   Pam Rosewell Moore, companion to Corrie ten Boom, April 1, 1976 – April 15, 1983

Dear Friends,

I have wanted to be in touch with you for several years and am so glad to have that opportunity now.

In the twenty-seven years since the death of Corrie ten Boom on her 91^st birthday, April 15, 1983, countless inquiries have reached me by letter, telephone and e-mail concerning a prophecy she is alleged to have made regarding revival in Northwest Arkansas.  These reports vary in their descriptions of where and how the alleged prophecy was given, but all focus on a claim of nationwide revival starting in Northwest Arkansas.

I was Corrie ten Boom’s personal assistant and constant companion from April 1, 1976 until her death on April 15, 1983.  During this time I lived with Corrie permanently.  Her home was my home for seven years, whether it was a motel or somebody’s house when we traveled, or her rented house in California in the last years of her life.  I accompanied her on all trips and was present for interviews and functions where she was featured.  I can confidently say that I know what she spoke publicly from the time I became her assistant until a stroke rendered her incapable of speaking.  We also spoke privately about many things, including her ministry.

No such prophecy was made during my seven years with Corrie.  We never visited Arkansas together nor did she talk to me about such a prophecy previously made either inside or outside of Arkansas during the time period of April 1, 1976 – August 23, 1978.  On August 23, 1978 Corrie suffered a serious stroke, one effect of which was that she lost her ability to speak.  She was unable to travel or speak after that date, either publicly or to me privately.  She died on April 15, 1983, without speaking again following her stroke.  The overwhelming majority of the alleged prophecies include dates of the late 1970s and early 1980s.  She did not speak during this time period.

Corrie’s previous companion, who was with her constantly for nearly nine years, has confirmed that no such prophecy was made between the years 1967-1976.  Thorough attempts have been made to track down a purported video recording.  There is no such video recording, nor film, nor audio recording.

My main purpose in writing to you is simply to present the facts, but I cannot resist, out of deep love and respect for Corrie ten Boom, the adding of a personal note.  While I can certainly understand the deep longing and prayers of believers in Northwest Arkansas for true revival, I am mystified by this hankering after an unfounded rumor.  Only the Lord can bring revival.  In responding to this kind of rumor about her when she was well, Corrie herself would write words such as: “Revival is the work of the Holy Spirit, not Corrie ten Boom.”  The descriptions in the reports reaching me are completely against her character and behavior.
I will be most grateful if you will assist me in the quashing of this false rumor.  Thank you very much.

In God’s love,

Pam Rosewell Moore

Address:          P.O. Box 2644
Waxahachie, TX 75168
E-mail:             pam@pamrosewellmoore.org
Web site:         www.pamrosewellmoore.org