BMF USA & FGBMFA — Moving Forward Together in the Vision
Dear BMF USA Brothers,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Seventy-five years ago, God placed a vision in the heart of Demos Shakarian to mobilize men whose lives had been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. God gave him a picture of the Great Commission in motion—ordinary men, empowered by the Holy Spirit, sharing their testimonies in their neighborhoods, workplaces, cities, and nations, resulting in millions coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
That vision has continued through faithful generations of leaders.
In 1993, at a gathering in Kansas City, that vision was freshly imparted to many leaders in attendance. From that meeting, Business Men’s Fellowship International (BMFI) was birthed. Under the leadership of brothers such as Ronny Svenhard and many other faithful servants around the world, the vision continued to spread as lives were transformed through the power of personal testimony.
Several years later, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship America (FGBMFA) was established, and Bob Bignold was elected National President. Through this Fellowship, countless men continued advancing the Kingdom of God by proclaiming the Gospel and sharing what Jesus Christ had done in their lives.
Then, in 2012, Ronny Svenhard, Wendel Nordby, Bob Bignold, Blake Morris, Azike Diribe, and more than one hundred Fellowship leaders from around the world gathered to pray and seek God’s heart concerning greater unity among the Fellowships. Out of that historic meeting, the Full Gospel Global Forum (FGGF) was established with the inspiring motto:
“A Closely Knit Network of Fellowships Fulfilling the Vision.”
For the past thirteen years, I have had the privilege of serving within the FGGF network. During that time, I have witnessed firsthand the blessing of unity, mutual encouragement, prayer, collaboration, and deep friendships among brothers committed to fulfilling the Great Commission.
As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of our dear brother John Harrison, whose life profoundly impacted me and so many others. John consistently demonstrated the love of Christ in both word and deed. Truly, “His banner over us is love.”
Through many conversations concerning BMF USA, FGBMFA, Life Stories Worldwide, and the Full Gospel Global Forum, John continually encouraged us to remain available to serve wherever God called, to walk in love toward one another, and to remain faithful to the original vision entrusted to us. He believed that bringing brothers together was not merely a good idea—it was part of God’s purpose and plan.
As I have prayed about the future of our Fellowship, I have often reflected on God’s words to Joshua. God gave Joshua a plan, a purpose, and a promise that sustained his courage as he led God’s people into the Promised Land. Likewise, as we enter a new season of ministry, God gives us His direction, His purpose, and His promises to strengthen our faith and give us courage to embrace new opportunities.
Scripture reminds us that, while we make our plans, “the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Like Joshua, we can move forward with confidence, trusting that as we surrender our plans to the Lord, He faithfully leads us into the future He has prepared.
Over the past several years, one truth has become increasingly evident through prayer, fellowship, and ministry together:
BMF USA and FGBMFA are already united in heart.
We share the same commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit, the transforming power of personal testimony, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Our mission, values, and spiritual heritage are remarkably alike.
We are not pursuing different visions—we are pursuing the same Kingdom mission.
After much prayer, seeking the counsel of trusted Fellowship leaders, and asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I believe the Lord is leading us into a new season. I believe the time has come for BMF USA and FGBMFA to move into a closer and more intentional partnership.
Together, we can combine FGBMFA’s organizational strength, structure, experience, and faithful leadership with the passion, vision, and commitment of the brothers of BMF USA.
Together, we can strengthen one another, mentor and equip the next generation of leaders, expand our outreach throughout America and beyond, and more effectively fulfill the Great Commission.
I encourage every BMF USA brother to take some time to become familiar with FGBMFA, its structure, and its ministry. Please visit the FGBMFA website and prayerfully see what God is doing through the Fellowship:
FGBMFA Website: https://www.fgbmfamerica.org/
Together, we are one in advancing the Kingdom of God.
Together, we honor the vision God entrusted to faithful men seventy-five years ago while positioning ourselves to be even more effective in the years ahead.
By coming together, we preserve our rich spiritual heritage while multiplying our ability to reach men with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
As we move forward, may we strengthen our bonds of fellowship and continue to be “a closely knit network of Fellowships fulfilling the Vision” God has entrusted to us.
I ask you to join us in prayer over the coming weeks as BMF USA and FGBMFA prayerfully move forward together.
I would also like to personally invite each of you to join MaryJo and me at the FGBMFA National Conference, September 3–5, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.
I believe this will be an important opportunity for us to fellowship with our brothers, build relationships, learn more about FGBMFA, and prayerfully look together toward what God has ahead for us.
Please pray about joining us.
Let us continue to seek the Lord together, walk in love, and follow wherever the Holy Spirit leads.
The vision continues. The mission continues. Together, we move forward.
In His service and for His glory,
Bill Keith National President, BMF USA
Gary Passer Vice President
Chris Davis National Treasurer
Tom Smith Secretary
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