Meet Our Founder

Missionary Barbara Magwood

Missionary Barbara Magwood shares a moving testimony on how God called her to serve Ex-offenders (Returning Citizens) as they transition from the Justice System into society. As she laid prostrate on her face early one morning, as is her normal daily prayer routine, she had a purposeful heart in asking God for a raise in her position as office manager in their family landscaping business.

As she relates, she heard the voice of God say “establish a business, helping ex-offenders and operate it from Fisherman of Men Church, but it’s not the time just yet to tell Bishop Groover, the pastor”. As she asked God for further instructions, she heard His voice say “name the business” “Project Evolution”. As she listened, and was so engrossed, as the Holy Spirit was in control, she lacked understanding, and proceeded to look up the definition of “evolution”. In shaping the God inspired instructions as they became reality in her spirit, the definition pertaining to the God inspired project read: “A process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change or development, as in social or economic structure or institutions”. As it was spiritually apparent that God was preparing Bishop Groover for her approach, it was now, God’s timing to share this experience with Bishop Groover, and he accepted without hesitation.

Project Evolution, Inc. is now established as a Faith Based Non-Profit organization with 501c3 Internal Revenue Status. Not knowing others who God had touched for the same purpose, Bishop Groover saw an email that was sent out from COOLJC’s website on Social Justice, and admonished her to reach out to the sender, Apostle James I. Clark, Jr., because seemingly, Project Evolution, Inc. was directly related to the Social Justice project that was being implemented in COOLJC by Apostle Clark. As she inquired through the apostle, it was apparent that they were both working toward the same goals of God, but just in different places!

Project Evolution, Inc. has made some accomplishments by implementing a Pilot Program in November of 2015 for five weeks, in partnership with Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) for the District of Columbia. The pilot program benefitted some of their qualified parolees and probationers. They conducted training to teach them how to write resumes, upload and search for jobs via the internet, what to expect and how to dress for success appropriately when going on job interviews, presenting ministers within the local church to teach Bible fundamentals, as well as role play of some of society’s rich and famous who started their lives from poverty and have climbed the ladder of success to be where they are today. If we can instill these values within them, we can impact the high rates of Recidivism (Relapse) in the justice system. Bishop J.I. Clark, Jr. implemented training on Social Justice at our International Youth Congress in Richmond, Virginia 2016 and afforded an opportunity for Project Evolution, Inc. to present a Power Point Presentation on their Pilot Program instituted at Fisherman of Men Church, Washington, DC. They solicit your prayers.