The Shakarian Foundation Launch

Thanks to the support of the International President of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International, Mr. Francis Owusu, we were able to host the launching banquet in conjunction with the International Director meetings at the Irvine Hilton Hotel in sunny southern California.

The Directors and their spouses representing many countries, along with the International Cabinet Leaders enjoyed a night of special music, special speakers, video presentations, and the casting of the vision.

The evening began with powerful music led by recording singer songwriter and worship leader, Stephen Petree accompanied by Irma Celaya and her son Joshua Matos.

Businessman and Minister Mr. Eric Celaya, who was instrumental in the formation of the Shakarian Foundation was the Master of Ceremonies for the night. He did a tremendous job. Successful business woman Denice Shakarian Halicki, the executive director of the foundation, the daughter of Richard and Vangie Shakarian, and the first-born grand-daughter of Demos Shakarian spoke about her life long experiences growing up within the Shakarian family. Her personal perspective on witnessing the miracles which have taken place over the years was quite special to hear.

We were then honored to hear from the International President Francis Owusu. Francis shared how the Lord had put A SHAKARIAN FOUNDATION upon his heart over ten years ago, and how he began the process of developing the vision with then International President Richard Shakarian. Francis expressed his belief that this foundation to keep the legacy of the Shakarian family alive is of the Lord, and is for such a time as this.

After Stephen Petree blessed everyone with a special song, the President, and Founder of the Shakarian Foundation, Vangie Shakarian, shared her heart to the many people in attendance. Vangie, the wife of former International President Richard Shakarian, who together with her husband led the world-wide fellowship for many years, shared about the history and the legacy of the Shakarian Journey.

She reminded all of us about how the Lord spoke through a prophetic message regarding a soon coming genocide in the early nineteen hundreds. She shared about how the Shakarian family listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit to come to the west coast of America to settle there. After blessing everyone with some amazing stories of her journey over the years, she introduced a powerful video capturing the Armenian genocide, and the Shakarian’s journey to freedom.

Former National Director of USA Chapters, businessman, Pastor, Chaplain, and life-long friend and minister to the Shakarian family, Mr. Marty Celaya, rolled out the mission and vision for the foundation. One of his statements to the leaders of the Full Gospel Businessmen was, “You cannot separate the name Shakarian from the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship.

Marty then introduced a very special guest, Dr. Juan Bruno Camano, former International Secretary of the fellowship who worked side by side with Richard and Vangie for many years. Bruno, along with his wonderful wife Maria, are the founders of Alma Vision Hispanic Television Network. They are very successful in the business world, and it was a great honor to have them in attendance. Dr. Camano gave the anointed charge to raise support for the foundation launch, which was such a blessing.

The night culminated with a special prayer and song requested from Vangie Shakarian. We all sang together about the faithfulness of God, who has shown His faithfulness through out the years using the Shakarian family to change the world for the Lord.