Event:    FGBMFI World Convention 2001

Dates:    August 7-11, 2001

Location: Wyndham Hotel, Orlando, Florida

2001 World Convention Report taken from Voice Magazine Vol. 49 / No. 7

"10 million souls for Jesus... 10 million souls for Jesus... 10 million souls for Jesus... We can win them with the power of God..."

    This new song and sound reverberated from within the Empire Ballroom of the Wyndham Resort Hotel at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, during the FGBMFI Annual World Convention, August 7 - 11, 2001.

    Delegates and businessmen, and their families from over 80 countries, converged on the World Convention to hear "A NEW SOUND."

    Many experienced an unprecedented unity as specific vision and purpose was released upon the men by the International President, Richard Shakarian.  He revealed God's plan and purpose for the Fellowship, "to win ten million to Christ and His Glory in the next three years!"

    Hundreds found Christ as their Savior while the FGBMFI Fire Teams spread out across Orlando, especially in the prison system where timely and unique ministry was witnessed by all.

    Richard Shakarian went on to challenge and encourage the men, "I've got an army of faith and favor.  In His glory are the blessings of God!" Tim Storey, keynote speaker on Friday night, also spoke of the favor of God upon the Fellowship as he affirmed, "God's got a bigger plan for you.  We are sentenced to success.  Al things are possible; nothing is impossible with God.  But you, my friend, must walk through the open door!"  Several healings and restorations were called out by the evangelist.

    Veteran teacher and prophet, Chuck Flynn, along with Jim Maloney, moved powerfully in the Spirit.  Chuck captivated the audience with his special, anointed teaching in I Timothy 4:14, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."  he spearheaded the afternoon workshops that concentrated on how to minister in the prophetic.  Many businessmen were challenged to use special spiritual gifts that they already possessed.

    Anna Kendall used her gifts of prophecy and encouragement to electrify the Ladies of the Fellowship luncheon at Friday noon.  She spoke about 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him."

    An hour of intercessory prayer preceded every day's meetings, which set the tone for this anointed Convention.  Youth and children's activities abounded, as many afternoon workshop sessions saw miraculous results in individual lives.  Some of the successful workshops included: airlifts, Voice Magazine, the Holy Spirit, net-working, Fire Teams, ministering in prison, how to set up an FGBMFI Chapter, "Market Place" ministries, Godmobile, and others.

    Tremendous song stylists and worship dancers from around the world graced the main stage, especially the sensational Donna McAfee, an anointed back-up singer for Natalie Cole.  The operatic voice of Samuel De Palma took the delegates to new spiritual heights as he sang in three languages.  "We are standing in His presence... on holy ground" was not only a worship song, it became the "standard" for this life-changing Convention.

    At the climactic final banquet on Saturday night, the entire room was literally touched by His Glory.  Following anointed testimonies from businessmen, greetings from the Archbishop Accogli, the personal representative of the Pope, songs by the "Kids of the Fellowship," as well as insightful remarks by local television executive, Claude Bowers, when the International President took the stage, the presence of the Holy Spirit took complete charge; and the "fire" began to fall.  An impromptu "march around the ballroom" included the waving of white napkins while the Holy Spirit personally ministered to individual hearts and lives.

    2001 World Convention... it was A NEW SOUND of the Spirit as the Fellowship embraced the united vision of winning 10,000,000 people to Christ in the next three years.  This Convention "armed" the people for that victory!