Friends of
Flame: An associate membership of like minded people supporting the
ministry of evangelisation.
Associate
Membership Information
Friends of Flame
are an associate membership of people that feel called by
God to be part of this ministry
and its evangelical vision, serving and supporting FMI in
practical ways that are suited to their way of life.
To read more about
our foundation history, vision and mission statement go to:
About
FMI and then
return to this page to continue.
Introduction.
Since its foundation in 1990, membership in Flame
Ministries International has been confined to those who
fully partake and work in the day to day functioning of the
ministry: Every member has a specific job in the overall
running of FMI from office typist to worship leaders. There
has been no general membership due to the nature of the
ministry (an organisation) other than attending our
weekly meetings which, along with seminars, conferences,
rallies and outreaches, are open to the public.
Who we
are.
Flame Ministries International is a Catholic
Neo-Pentecostal Lay Preaching Organisation Constituted as an
Association of Christ's Faithful (Canon 301) entitled
to use the name Catholic (Canon 300). We are a
ministry of Officially Recognised Catholic Evangelists. Our
Head Office is in Perth Western Australia and we have
Regional Offices in Singapore and England.
A growing interest.
Over the years there has been a growing interest for
some form of General Membership from around the world.
Often, due to having no vacancies for work-orientated
membership we have sadly had to refuse those requests.
However, a growing subscriber list for the Flame
Revival News Online,
as well as constant requests received by E-mail and people
we meet on missions who have requested to join FMI, has
shown us the need to rectify that situation. Realising that
everyone expressing an interest in FMI cannot become a fully
participating active member...
Friends of Flame,
inspired by the Holy Spirit, has been established to meet
that need.
Who are Friends of Flame?
Friends of Flame are people touched or inspired by the work
of FMI and who have caught our
vision.
These people feel called by God to support FMI right where
they are in their current state of life in practical ways.
These consist of individuals, families, groups, churches,
communities, religious, clergy and lay people in all walks
of life and service to the Lord and can be of any Christian
Denomination anywhere in the world. Friends of Flame assist FMI in:
Daily Prayer using the FMI Prayer-Vision Card as well as
Personal Prayer.
Offering Mass Intentions.
Making the work of the ministry known to others.
Attending FMI functions if possible in their area.
Attending the Annual Flame Congress if possible in their
area.
Financial Support.
If you feel called
to join us, continue to read the membership information
below and then contact us with your expression of
interest.
Living out the Commitment:
Embracing the spirituality and vision of FMI will lead
Friends of FlameMembers and others to growth
in the Lord. It will also result in greater blessings for
the world. Living out the commitment to be a Friend of Flame
entails a willingness to faithfully do the following:
Daily Personal Prayer & Intercession.
A high priority must be placed upon the individual's
daily quiet time with the Lord. It is here that the Lord is
enabled to deal most effectively with us.
How long should we pray? An hour a day would be the ideal. Of course this
might not be possible for some depending on family
responsibilities and personal circumstances, therefore an
hour per day would be the long-term goal. Someone who is
just beginning to pray seriously may have difficulty finding
and spending an hour in prayer on a regular basis. We
encourage those who are just starting to set a realistic
goal and to strive to be faithful to that while gradually
adding to the time as it becomes possible.
A distinction between prayer and "prayers." The latter would be those composed by others and
recited by us. The Rosary or other devotions would be an
example of this. Many find it an invaluable assistance in
their relationship with the Lord and we recommend it.
However, our personal time with the Lord is spontaneous
prayer, speaking to the Lord in our own words or in Tongues
would be the preferred prayer time. Since prayer is meant to
be communication between God and me, I have to give him a
chance to speak too. This will mean that part of my prayer
time will be spent simply listening to the Lord. We will say
with Samuel: Speak, Lord, your servant is listening."
(1 Samuel 3:10). Listening each day will give us a
clearer idea of what the Lord might be communicating to
us.
Praying for the Evangelists. Part of our quiet time with the Lord, will be spent
bringing before him the needs of the Ministry. Friends of
Flame will partake in the Flame Ministry Daily Prayer which
is derived from the Set My People On Fire Prophecy and
Flame Vision in union with all other members each day.
The effects of your prayers. The FMI Evangelists, Directors and Moderators as well
as the other FMI speakers, leaders and workers are on the
firing line every day and can expect the regular attacks of
the Devil and people that all those in the midst of
spiritual warfare will undergo. It will be a real blessing
for them to know that they are held up daily before the Lord
by a large group of Friends from around the world. Since the
Friends of Flame are in this way actively involved with the
work of the ministry, it is essential they also remember the
other Friends of Flame during their prayer time each day
asking the Lord to meet their needs also.
Reading Scripture.
The
Bible is the written Word of God. As Paul tells
Timothy, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is
useful for teaching, for reproof, correction, and
training in holiness." (2 Timothy 3:16).
Daily reading of the Bible can be a useful part of
our personal prayer time. We strongly encourage a
systematic reading of Scripture every day.
For the one who is just beginning to open up the
Bible we suggest a programmed approach. There are many good
Bible study guides to assist in this. Where possible,
attending a Flame programme or doing them by tape is an
excellent way to know and understand the Bible as well as
FMI's teaching and spirituality.
Becoming familiar with Flame Teachings.
An
ever growing resource of teaching tapes as well as
news and articles can be found on our web site. A
knowledge of what FMI teach is essential in the
area of personal growth and union with the ministry
and it can assist greatly in making the ministry
known in our field of influence for the
proclamation of the Gospel to all nations.
Concessions for the cost of teaching
tapes
will be made available exclusively to all Friends
of Flame members.
Frequent
Participation in the Sacraments for Catholic
Friends.
We urge all Catholic Friends of Flame to take
advantage of every opportunity to offer Mass and
receive Holy Communion. (cf. 1 Corinthians
11:27). We also recommend a regular celebration
of the Lord's forgiveness in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation. Monthly would seem to be a
desirable goal. The Sacraments can be powerfully
anointed moments in our lives. We will celebrate
the sacred mysteries together as the Lord leads us
and we can include the Liturgy of the Hours, even
done in a communal setting where this is
possible.
Non-Catholic Friends.
We
recommend faithfulness to their particular
communion, traditions and Christian culture in
matters of prayer and forgiveness. God hears all
prayer from his beloved children, most especially
when they are in unity, gathered together in His
Name praying in one accord. By these means, many
barriers can be broken down that divide the wider
Body of Christ and we can become a testimony to the
One True Lord and Saviour of all: Jesus
Christ.
Service.
Friends of Flame are also called to be servants
of the Lord. As a result we encourage everyone to
be committed to their church, parish, community,
group or congregation seeking to fully participate
in joy. However, in order to keep our lives in
proper balance each ones service needs to be
discerned. There is always the ever present
temptation for those who are on fire for the Lord
to undertake too much. Over extension can lead to
frustration and burnout, things the Lord wants us
to avoid.
Financial & Material Support. We ask that Friends of Flame consider making an
annual or regular contribution of some sort in conjunction
with their other gift-giving to their parishes and other
charities, to the work of Flame Ministries International. As
a Lay Ministry relying on Divine Providence as well as
people's generosity during the process of our growth and
establishment, our material needs are great in many areas.
Especially so is the personal needs of the full time
ministers and workers who have not received a wage since
1990, also the pressing need for our own auditorium in order
to function effectively in Perth. By making a financial
donation, bequeaths, or gift in kind, you are expressing
your support for us in a very tangible manner.
Although the notion of tithing is a
biblical concept which we at FMI practice, we wish to make
it clear that we do not require a set amount, or even that
you donate anything at all! Any gift you may wish to make
should be freely given. Everyone should give what they
have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Cor 9:7). Your generosity in this important area
would be most welcome and appreciated! We therefore, invite
you to become "Partners in Grace" with us. (Phil
1:7)
Donations. Flame Ministries International is a non-profit
enterprise. Flame's Evangelists, writers, editors, and and
full time workers donate their work without compensation.
The Senior Directors and principals receive no remuneration;
they often cover their own expenses, and they also provide
their own computers and our office space. This is not to
complain, because we are all greatly blessed in serving the
Lord and His people. We just wanted to make it clear that
our red ink is erased through donations.
Please consider making a contribution to the cause
and make your checks payable to "Friends of Flame," c/o
Flame Ministries International, PO BOX 8133
Subiaco East, Perth, Western Australia 6008.God's
attitude towards money and
giving. You
can also contribute through PayPal - It is quick, easy and
secure. Fasting.
Fasting is a long-neglected area of response to God's
call upon the Church. However it is a powerful intercessory
tool before the Lord, particularly when done in corporate
fashion. Our recommendation is that we undertake a fast on
Friday, the day when Jesus achieved his (and our)
victory over sin and death.
There are many ways to fast. Not everyone can manage twenty-four hours or several
days on bread and water, or on water alone. But different
modifications are possible: Skipping a meal or two; no food
between sunrise and sunset; cutting down on portions or on
favoured items. For those whose medical situations do not
allow them to adjust their dietary needs, other forms of
fasting are possible. Voluntarily leaving aside some of the
things we normally depend on makes it possible for us to
come into more dependence on the Lord.
Attending Flame Celebrations (When and where
Possible)
All
are welcome to attend Flame programmes, especially
the Annual Flame Congress. They are an opportunity
to pray, fellowship and socialise with one another
which strengthens the bonds of friendship. People
have travelled to Australia to attend our Annual
Congress in January. This has always been a
blessing to see our friends in person.
How to
join
Those
interested in joining Friends of Flame are asked to
contact us: E-mail:
Flame
Ministries
International Phone: + 61 8 9382 3668 Fax: + 61 8 9382 4080 Write to:Flame
Ministries
International Friends of Flame
PO BOX 8133 Subiaco East. Perth, Western
Australia 6008.