Dr Joy The FGBMF Malaysia has been the birthplace of many Christian leaders. Some of the former FGBMF brothers are now serving as pastors, elders, deacons and in various leadership positions in churches and other ministries. One such person is founder-member Dr. Joy Seevaratnam who is now serving with Living Water Ministries as Senior Advisor in Penang. The FLAME interviewed Dr. Joy recently.

Q: Dr Joy, what led you to the FGBMF and how were you involved in it in the early days?

I was led to the FGBMF through Dr Peter Tong, and was the Director at Large for FGBMF. I travelled widely often speaking and ministering at many FGBMF evangelistic conventions and conferences within Malaysia and Singapore, and also at international conferences in Asia, Austral-Asia, US, Canada, the UK and Europe.

Q: Can you compare the spiritual climate then and now?

The spiritual climate at the time was full of faith, zeal, fervency and passion. The move of the Holy Spirit had only just begun to touch professionals in the country powerfully, with signs and wonders confirming His Word. This move exposed many from traditional, conservative and evangelical backgrounds to the power of the Holy Spirit, and led many to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour. The climate now after more than 25 years has assumed a lower profile.

Q: Would you say you have attained utmost satisfaction when filled with the Holy Spirit?

Most definitely! My life was and has never been the same, watching the Holy Spirit confirm and accompany His Word with signs and wonders in my life, through my life, and through many others who were touched.

Q: You certainly have fond memories of FGBMF Malaysia. Would you kindly share them with us?

The many gatherings and fellowships that were organised bring back fond memories. There was an excitement in the atmosphere as many businessmen and professionals came together with a similar passion and desire for the Lord, and the joy of hearing their testimonies at these many functions remain among the fond memories of FGBMF Malaysia.

Q: What are your views on the progress of FGBMF over the recent years?

There have been many changes within the FGBMF, and also in the local church and para-church scene, as ministries with a focus on men such as the Men's Network by the late Edwin Cole, and the Promise Keepers emerged.

Christian men today have far more choices for ministry involvement then when FGBMF first began, beginning in their own local church. The progress of FGBMF has not continued in the same intensity and speed as it did in the beginning.

Q: What is it that you miss most on leaving FGBMF?

I miss the spiritual climate, and the relationships made during the time of my involvement with FGBMF in Malaysia and the other nations. I miss the excitement and joy of seeing the number and frequency of men accepting Christ, hearing their testimonies, and seeing the power of the Holy Spirit touch them,which has not been the same in the last few years, but can return with greater intensity.

Q: Lastly, what would be your passing words to the current FGBMF members?

To remember the vision of FGBMF in relation to the Great Commission, which must come out of loving God wholeheartedly and men fervently, and to run with the vision of FGBMF in relation to the local church. Every endeavour must be founded on prayer, and a unity of spirit in the bond of peace. This will create and maintain an integrity in character and motives, and a bond of love that will strengthen the relationships that result from the ministry of FGBMF as it reaches out to touch men with the love and power of Christ.