April 28, 2004

Dearly beloved of the Lord,

I bring you greetings from the entire membership of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International in Nigeria. I also need to draw your attention to the unique place of Africa in God's agenda for His people. For Abraham, it was a place of abundant provision where the quotation "touch not My anointed" was vividly practicalised. The king's household suffered for daring to lust after the beauty of Sarah. To Jacob, Africa is a place for restoration of joy. Jacob said "go to the place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die." Gen.42:2

Africa has always been a place of attaining greatness. God said to Jacob "Do not fear to go down to Egypt - for I will make of you a great nation there." It was a place of genuine hospitality where the best part of the land was willfully offered God's people. To Joseph, it was a place of lifting up and fulfillment of the purpose of God for his life. It is a place where God remembers His covenants unto His people. (Exodus 6:5)

And to the Lord of lords and King of kings, it was the place of refuge. God directed that His son should be taken there because there was safety. It was so accommodating in the plan of God that Moses was raised in the place intentionally.

Even in the vision of this fellowship, Africa was a stop over place for our founder, Demos Shakarian because God has not changed His mind and purpose for Africa--a place of blessing physically, materially, as well as spiritually. The end time purpose of God is gathering momentum in Africa and I am inviting you share of it. As God warned Abraham before it happened so is He wanting you to come to the greatest convention that has ever been. God can give you all of the above and more at the convention.

All the opportunities abound in business, investment, spiritual growth as Joseph experienced. You will receive favor from the Lord. You will receive favors from the Lord. Our expectations for the blessings of God on all attendees are quite high. Don't wait to be told. You will receive direct impartation from the Lord for your future challenges at this history making event of the century. Brother Richard wrote recently in his mail to me:

Come and be part of the total healing and empowerment.

Visit our web site for further details.  www.fgbmfi-nigeria.org

Bunmi Adedeji
National President of Nigeria

E-mail from Richard Shakarian on March 8, 2004:

FGBMFI - 51st WORLD CONVENTION
RICHARD SHAKARIAN - ABUJA, NIGERIA

This will be a historic Convention with 60,000 people in attendance.
Ron Weinbender and Roy Brian just returned from Abuja, Nigeria.

Roy Brian's report is as follows:
WOW, what a trip.  We were so warmly received and hosted by the local members that the camaraderie gave me a glimpse of the worldwide mission of FGBMFI.  I was so impressed with the in-depth preparation our leaders in Nigeria have already made for the 2004 World Convention in August.  Their dedication and attention to detail will assure a successful event.  In everything they did, I was humbled by these people of faith, whose servant s hearts are committed to the things that are important to God.

The Nicon Hilton-Abuja, which is very much like luxury hotels in the USA, will serve as our headquarters.  Western friendly, it has shopping outlets and several restaurants featuring a variety of menus, including poolside dining around a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.  The 7 am to 11 pm Business Center offers access to home and business via the Internet.

Our site visit included touring the new state-of-the-art stadium where we will hold our evening rallies that can easily accommodate the expected walk-up attendance of over 60,000 people.  As is customary for world conventions, our registered attendees will have the opportunity to participate in various breakout teaching sessions as well as scheduled meal functions with guest speakers.

The government of Nigeria welcomes our upcoming World Convention in Abuja.  We had the opportunity to meet with Chaplain Obaje, who represents the Head-of-State, President Obasanjo, on all religious matters.  Mr. President is a Christian and teaches Bible Study on Sundays, which we were invited to attend.  At the following worship service in the presidential compound, I was personally asked to do a scripture reading before the congregation.  What an honor.

I am looking forward to returning in August and I encourage anyone who wants to capture the Vision as it continues to unfold, to make plans now for our FGBMFI 51st World Convention in Abuja, Nigeria.