"Arise and Shine" Isaiah 60:1
Flame Fellowship International Inc. (aka World-wide Flame Fellowship) began in 1970 from a
women's fellowship meeting in the home of the founder - Marcia Kendall. Although it was not called FLAME
at that time, it was the beginning of this international women's ministry. Birthed in prayer, bible study, testimonials
and special speakers over five years, this fellowship grew and lives were changed. By the recommendation
of two FGBMF top leaders, the FFI name was officially accepted in 1975. A non-profit status was approved eighteen months
later with a hand's-on-blessing by Demos Shakarian as he encouraged Marcia in her continuing leadership while his
wife Rose became her prayer partner in the ministry.
Marcia served from 1970-1991 as the
first President; Georgann Schad became the second President of Flame Fellowship from 1991-1994. Nancy Thomas was the third President from 1994-2008. Gerri Vincent was the
fourth President from 2008-2009. Rhodora Howell stepped in to lead as the fifth President in July 2009, but only as
an interim presidency. She began her own ministry in January 2010 while all aspects of the FFI
ministry reverted back to the founder and the founding board.
*Because this office has questions about a June 2010
application with the Secretary of the State of Texas filed for the fictitious usage
of our overseas name of (World-wide Flame Fellowship, our aka to FFI) in the state of Texas and because
there is no response regarding its use when we question the reasons for the one doing so, this board must make
the following statement.
"We do not give permission for anyone to operate in our name in any regard.
No one has been granted this permission from this office. If any Flame chapter, nationwide or overseas
is contacted to submit any information to any other ministry, you are asked not to do so unless you are willing to
relinquish your FFI name and good-standing with the Flame Fellowship International USA office. To affiliate
with any other ministry while using our name is not ethical. To be asked to do so defines the level of integrity from
anyone asking you to do so. This also goes on record that anyone representing us in any manner through any
name pertaining to ours yet without our permission and prior knowledge is done so covertly and we need to be made aware of
when this happens. " End of statement.
Birthed by women, for women and overseen by women, Flame Fellowship International has
proved to be the very best Christian women's fellowship in the world. It has been the result of many women doing
great things while it offers personal growth potential through on-the-spot training for leadership in the spirit-led
life. This full-gospel non-profit women's organization had no one on the payroll, all serve as volunteers to assist
their sisterhood through practical and spiritual aspirations with help. FFI inspires, encourages and motivates
through projects, missions, workshops, bible studies, and special events to add to the quintessence of a women's
fellowship. The success enjoyed for over 40 years is a result of the favor of God. From the founder,
founding board, staff, every leader and worker, including the hundreds of women contributing
their time, treasure and talent over the years, their work is still appreciated and never forgotten. Our Hall
of Flame boasts the names of the women who have served and departed and they can never be forgotten. Our
logo is the dove, flame and torch to represent peace, fire and a vessel to hold the fire. Our banner of
God's love is exemplified under Isaiah 60:1; “Arise Shine for Thy Light Is Come”. One might also see
a banner of the eagle with our acronym of F.L.A.M.E. 'Fly like a Mighty Eagle' during the FFI Conferences.
Adapted in the New Millennium year 2000 by the founder, this describes the greater works yet to be accomplished
through those who accept the challenge to forge ahead in this decade of an open heaven.
In this year and beyond, the
FFI Board looks forward to this year to enlarge our territory as we expand our influence for Christ and become better
equipped to serve in excellence. The cloud of the Lord has moved leaving the torch of FLAME shinning bright,
and it's ready to be passed from one woman to another, one sister to another, one generation to another.
Our greatest days continue to unfold as we remember to do what we can, where we are, with what we’ve for Christ. To
do so means the world to us!
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