Our History
Seven Decades of Faith-Driven Transformation
From a small chapter meeting in a Los Angeles cafeteria to a global movement spanning over 95 nations — this is the story of how God turned one man's vision into the largest network of Christian businessmen in the world.
A Legacy of Faith
From one small chapter to a worldwide movement
Tracing the remarkable journey of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International — from Demos Shakarian's divine vision in 1952 to a global network spanning 95+ nations today.
The Founding of FGBMFI
The Shakarian family fled the Armenian Holocaust and settled in Downey, California, establishing a dairy that would become the largest private dairy in the United States by 1943. In January 1952, after receiving a God-given vision, Demos Shakarian incorporated FGBMFI. It began with one small chapter of businessmen meeting weekly at Clifton's Cafeteria in Los Angeles, California.
Chapters Across America
Throughout the 1950s, chapters began to spring up all over the United States. Businessmen discovered the power of Spirit-filled fellowship and the movement gained momentum from coast to coast, with new chapters forming in cities and towns across the nation.
The First Airlifts
FGBMFI truly became "International" in the 1960s, launching organized "Airlifts" to spread the message globally. The inaugural 1965 airlift brought more than 400 members and their families across three jets to London, followed by journeys to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. A memorable 1968 Vietnam mission involved 32 members witnessing spiritual impact during wartime.
The Happiest People on Earth
The 1970s brought unprecedented public visibility. Several prime-time television specials were produced, reaching millions of viewers. The release of the book "The Happiest People on Earth" told the story of Demos and Rose Shakarian, becoming a worldwide bestseller translated into dozens of languages and inspiring countless people to discover the joy of Spirit-filled fellowship.
The The Decade of Unity
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.
A Strategic Direction
During the 30th-anniversary gathering in 1982, founding President Demos Shakarian outlined God's strategic direction for the Fellowship. He proclaimed a vision of end-times ministry, declaring that God would prepare "a prepared people ready to serve Him in power" through the fellowship's worldwide network of businessmen.
Legacy Continues
On July 23, 1993, Demos Shakarian passed away, leaving behind a legacy that had transformed millions of lives. His son Richard Shakarian succeeded him as the 2nd International President, earning the title "The Great Encourager" as he continued to expand the fellowship his father had founded.
One of the Largest Networks
By the 2000s, FGBMFI had emerged as one of the largest businessmen networks in the world, operating across over 85 nations. The organization continued to transform communities through individual conversions, proving that the vision Demos received decades earlier was still alive and bearing fruit around the globe.
Mario García Olvera
Mario García Olvera, a dedicated agricultural businessman from Monterrey, Mexico, was elected as the 3rd International President in Houston, USA. Under his leadership, the international network was strengthened and the fellowship continued to grow across Latin America and beyond.
Francis Owusu — 4th International President
Francis Owusu, an LSE-educated Ghanaian hospitality executive, was elected as the 4th International President at the International Directors meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 10, 2023. Having served as International Treasurer since 2011, he brings a deep commitment to protecting the Vision and reaching new generations. Today, FGBMFI operates in over 95 nations with thousands of local chapters worldwide.
God told me to start a fellowship where businessmen could meet, share testimonies, and see miracles happen in their midst.
Armenian-American dairy farmer who, in obedience to a divine vision, founded the largest network of Christian businessmen in the world.
Legacy & Impact
How the FGBMFI story has inspired millions around the world
The Happiest People on Earth
The bestselling book telling the story of Demos and Rose Shakarian has been translated into dozens of languages, inspiring millions to discover the joy of Spirit-filled fellowship.
Prime-Time Specials
In the 1970s, FGBMFI produced groundbreaking prime-time television specials that brought the message of faith-driven business leadership into homes across America and beyond.
Voice Magazine
For decades, the Voice magazine has chronicled testimonies of transformed lives, business breakthroughs, and miraculous encounters from chapters around the world.
Be Part of History
For over seven decades, FGBMFI has been connecting businessmen with God's purpose. The story continues with you — join a chapter, attend a convention, or support the mission.
Established 1952 · 95+ Nations · The Happiest People on Earth