Full Gospel Businessmen's Training

April-May 2011 Fire Team Outreaches to the Republic of Georgia and Armenia

Our team of Douglas Raine, John Schmook and Dr. Jesse Cradduck were blessed with opportunities to impact lives in the nations of Georgia and Armenia. Our national coordinators Hovhannes Tovmasyan (Armenia) and Aleks Kvinikadze (Georgia) did an excellent job scheduling business meetings, university appointments, church services, special meetings, and seminars. The business seminars opened many doors to share our testimonies.

Current Government and Orthodox Church politics have restricted marketplace evangelism and inhibited business startups and expansions. The people were hungry for business opportunities and were very receptive to the message of hope. Almost every meeting resulted in salvations; many received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, prophecy and prayers for healings which resulted in expressions thanksgivings. We appreciated pastors opening their pulpits for us to minister. The Holy Spirit moved in every service. The enthusiasm of the local Joshua generation was incredible for both them and us.

Our message of depending on God and seeking His direction in life was understood by many and embraced by the young adults and youth.

Pastors were open to our methods of evangelism in the marketplace using our testimony. Invitations were extended to join FGBMFA and we found several candidates to start new chapters. Many students said they would like to translate teachings from www.fgbt.org into their language. We found a lot of raw talent that was ready to step-up to the plate and swing for the fences (baseball terminology). Many businessmen and students promised to send me their testimonies for posting on the website. Listed below is a sampling of divine appointments in the marketplace:

I. Yerevan, Armenia

a. Hamlet – marketing and sales manager in Armenia for herbal medicines from Arkopharm to help build the immune system. Hamlet is well connected and a leader of men.

b. Pastor Samvel N. wanted to translate “The Happiest People on Earth” into Eastern Armenian.

c. Growing interest to expand the Christian Medical Association and tourism in Armenia (Potential FGBMFA chapter).

d. Albert and Samvel H. wanted to increase Christian programming.

e. Alik, a webmaster and software developer has a passion to reach and disciple young people.

f. We attended 2 Rotary meetings and met many people from the government, medical and business sectors.

g. We were blessed to be involved with life changing meetings from morning to night. We encouraged new and seasoned believers to join us as we witnessed God’s Holy Spirit draw men from all backgrounds to repentance and salvation.

h. Saturday and Sunday services at New Generation were awesome. Our messages stirred the youth. Potential new Joshua chapters.

II.Tblisi, Georgia – Interpreters: Aleks and Nino

a. Presented Gospel at two Palm Sunday services at Pastor Giorgi’s church. Many received salvation and were baptized in the Holy Spirit.

b. For three days our team taught leadership seminars – (Finding a vision; principles for starting a business; advertising, sales, marketing, hiring, purchasing, creating wealth, giving, and setting priorities).

c. Met with university non-Christian students and ten prayed for salvation.

d. Trained seminary students in marketplace evangelism at the Ministry Training Center.

e. Met businessmen in the marketplace.

f. Divine appointments at hotels and restaurants resulting in salvations.

III. Vanadzor, Armenia

a. Our first meeting was scheduled with 18 men and 2 ladies. Several received salvation and spirit baptism.

b. Vanik gathered people on the street and brought them to a classroom to receive Jesus.

c. We were invited by a professor at an engineering university to describe how to solve internal corrosion to students.

d. Bankers heard the Gospel.

e. TV and radio programming.

f. Met with a military motor pool training class who heard the Gospel for the first time.

IV. Gyrumi, Armenia

a. Participated in an Easter Service by sharing testimonies and serving communion. An incredible children’s program followed the service. Both orphans and children of church members ranged from 7 to 14 years of age, recited scripture, drama skits, presented the Resurrection with great acting, dancing and musical talent. We were given a DVD of the performance.

b. A business meeting followed. Hamlet, a dentist, told his story as did Ara. Hamlet is the local FGBMFI chapter president which was started last year after our meeting. Everyone gave a brief business background. They have the vision for evangelism and discipleship.

V. Contact Summaries:

a. Presentation of Gospel in church services (estimate 3100 people)

b. Business Seminar attendance –Tbilisi, Georgia; Vanadzor, Armenia; Gyrumi, Armenia; and Yerevan, Armenia (401 people).

c. Individual Marketplace contacts (26 people)

d. Total contacts hearing the Gospel 3928.

VI. Make a difference, consider joining a FGBMFA Fire Team Outreach in your area and bring new life to your community, state, nation and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Please see pictures below and CLICK HERE to download a PDF version of this Fire Team Testimony to print out and share!

Douglas Raine

FGBMFA National Outreach Director