THE FGBMFI VISION

1. THE FGBMFI VISION The happiest people on earth

2. Lesson Objectives • At the end of the lesson every participant should be able to: • Describe the sequence of events that culminated in the literal vision given to our founder, Demos Shakarian • Appreciate the need to understand the FGBMFI vision

3. Introduction • In the Christian context, what is a vision? George Barna, the renowned Christian researcher, defines it as "a clear mental portrait of a preferable future, communicated by God to his chosen servant-leaders, based upon an accurate understanding of God, self and circumstances". • The importance of every organization having a vision is brought out by Proverbs 29:18 (KJV): "Where there is no vision, the people perish…"

4. The Sequence of Events Leading to The Vision • The Vision of FGBMFI was delivered to our founder through a series of prophetic messages that culminated in a literal vision. It is important we review these key messages in their sequence to appreciate our Vision. • The prophecy of Dr. Charles Price in 1944 • "Demos, I will not be here to see it, but you will witness one of the major events foretold in the bible. Just before Jesus returns to earth, God's spirit is going to descend on all flesh, and laymen (emphasis ours) will be the most important channel through which God will work." – Super ALTS II

5. The Sequence of Events Leading to The Vision • Demos' Perception • Seven years down the line, Demos kept getting the feeling that God was leading him to a unique kind of ministry. • "I picture a group of business men who tell other business men what they've experienced in God – men who might not be interested in what a preacher says, but who will listen to a plumber, a dentist, or a salesman because they themselves are plumbers, dentists and salesmen."

6. The Sequence of Events Leading to The Vision • The Prophecy of Oral Roberts • "Lord Jesus, let this Fellowship grow in your strength alone. Send it marching in your power across the Nation – around the World.“ • Demos' Literal Vision • "Men and women who were ICE COLD become ALIVE and miraculously LINKED in PRAISE and ADORATION to God through the POWER of Jesus Christ!" This brief account should make all members of FGBMFI aware of the hand of God upon our Fellowship.

7. Our Vision Statement • "A vast global movement of laymen comprising men and women being used mightily by God to bring this last great harvest through the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit before the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.“ • To appreciate this Vision, we must always keep in mind these words of Demos from the book “A New Wave of Revival – The Vision Intensified":

8. Our Vision Statement cont’d. • "But beloved, the VISION is people; the Vision is God's Holy Spirit changing lives. The Vision is God breaking the chains of the devil and setting the captive free.“ • How do we make people the focus of our activities? • What is our part in bringing about changed lives?

9. Food for Thought • "You don't learn a Vision. You catch it; it has to be in your heart.“ - Anon • What can the Fellowship do to ensure that members catch the Vision? • Every vision statement serves three significant purposes: • Clarifies the general direction for change • Motivates people to take action in the right direction • Co-ordinates the actions of all people in the organization

10. Food for Thought cont’d. • Should we not be continually praying that God should open our spiritual eyes and hearts to see and catch the vision even as Demos did?

11. Action Point • All visions tend to leak out of our minds sooner than we think because of the crowded demands of daily life. Therefore leaders should take every given opportunity to re-echo the vision to members of the organization. • How about reading ‘The Happiest People on Earth' and “A New Wave of Revival - The Vision Intensified" at least once every year to keep in touch with our roots?

12. Thank you