The beginning

In the early 1900's, led by God, the Shakarian Family escaped the Holocaust in Armenia and made their home in Downey, California where they started a 20-Acre dairy with three cows.  Faith in God, good judgment and hard work eventually multiplied that first little herd one-thousand fold, until in 1943 the Shakarian herd had reached three thousand, the largest private dairy in the United States at that time. Their story is found in the book, "The Happiest People on Earth”, translated into 25 languages and read by millions of people.

The Decade of Expansion

The organization truly became “International” in the 1960’s, as FGBMFI began to conduct “Airlifts” to other countries.  The first such “Airlift” took place in 1965, when more than 400 members and their families filled three jets and flew to London.  From there they fanned out all over Europe sharing the good news of a better life with God and forming new chapters along the way.  This was followed in succeeding years by more “Airlifts” to Europe, Africa, the Near East and the Far East.  An exciting “Airlift” to Vietnam was conducted during the height of the war – the TET offensive.  Thirty-Two FGBMFI members witnessed many miracles as they met with soldiers all over Vietnam.  Even to this day our “Airlifts” have the same impact. 

The Decade of Influence

During the 1970’s, The Fellowship launched an all-out effort to make the general public aware of FGBMFI in the 1970’s.  One of the tools used was the Good News Television Show.  In addition to the regular telecasts were several prime-time specials including Good News America, The Happiest People on Earth, and Turning Point. Another influential production was the release of the book Happiest People on Earth telling the story of Demos and Rose Shakarian. During this time FGBMFI was beginning to have an effective influence on world leaders who were becoming friends of the Fellowship. 

The Decade of Unity​

During the 1980’s, FGBMFI numbered 2,646 chapters around the world.  Every month it was estimated that 700,000 people met regularly in chapters.  Later, in the 1980’s the beautiful FGBMFI International Headquarters was built in Costa Mesa, California.  It was 160,000 square feet with 125 employees.  The global organization, although spread across many nations, was uniting as one.

As Founding President, Demos Shakarian brought together FGBMFI leaders from around the world during the month of November 1982, on the 30th anniversary of the Fellowship.

During that meeting, Demos laid out God's prophetic direction for the future of the Fellowship; and for each member.

Jesus was making Demos aware of something bigger -- an end-time strategy -- to change the Body of Christ and prepare it to participate in The Great Endtime Harvest.

The Decade of Transition

In 1993 the beloved founder of FGBMFI, Demos Shakarian, went home to be with the Lord.  It was Demos’ keen desire to see his son, Richard Shakarian, follow him as the FGBMFI International President.  When the moment came for Richard to take his father’s place, he conceded that he only knew to do one thing – pray.  As he prayed, he felt impressed by God that his role would be “The Great Encourager.”  

Globalization

In this new millennium, FGBMFI has become one of the largest businessmen networks in the world.  In over 85 nations and with thousands of chapters globally, the reach of FGBMFI is significant. From the Americas to China, from the Middle East to Africa… and beyond, FGBMFI is leading tens of thousands, even millions to a new and better life.  Cities and nations are being changed for the good, one life at a time - a true grass roots effort.  Now is the time to be a part of an organization making a real difference in the lives of people all around the world!

2018 to 2022

On February 10, 2018 in a solemn meeting of the International Directors, held in the city of Houston, USA; Mr. Mario García  was elected by a majority vote as the new International President of FGBMFI.

Mario was a dedicated agricultural businessman, married with three children living in Monterrey, Mexico. He served as an active member for 24 years, holding various positions, and was the National President of FGBMFI Mexico, as per the International Bylaws.

Mario Garcia passed away the year 2023

We are confident that, through the guidance of God and the Holy Spirit, the vision Mr. Garcia set in motion for the reconstruction and rebirth of our global organization will continue to flourish in these final times.

2023 to Present Day

Francis Owusu became the 4th International President in 71 years, elected at the International Directors’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 10, 2023.

Francis Owusu is a product of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) UK. 

He is an Executive Director of the Fiesta Hotels & Residences, a family-owned hospitality group based in Ghana.

Francis accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour at a Breakfast Meeting of the Fellowship in Ghana in the year 2000.

Francis has been a member of the Fellowship in Ghana since the year 2000 and served on the National Executive Committee for several years.

Francis was appointed as an International Director at Large in the year 2010 by Richard Shakarian, the 2nd International President.

In 2018, he was appointed International Treasurer by Mario Garcia Olvera, the 3rd International President, where he served until his election as International President on February 10, 2023. 

In the year 2011, whilst on a flight to Accra after attending an International Directors meeting in California, the Lord spoke to Francis to "Protect the Vision".

Over the years, Francis has continued to receive revelations from the Lord on the Intensifying Vision from Armenia to Africa.