“The Happiest People on Earth” is an inspirational autobiography written by Demos Shakarian, co-authored with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. The book tells the remarkable life story of Shakarian, a Christian businessman, and founder of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), one of the largest Christian organizations in the world.
Key Themes:
- Faith and Divine Guidance: The central theme of the book is Shakarian’s deep faith in God and his belief in divine intervention throughout his life. From his early childhood, Shakarian emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even in moments of uncertainty or hardship.
- Family and Heritage: Shakarian’s Armenian family background plays a significant role in the story. The book starts with an incredible account of how his ancestors, who lived in Armenia, received a prophetic warning that saved their lives by urging them to flee to America before a massacre. This sense of destiny and divine protection became a hallmark of Shakarian’s life.
- Vision and Mission: Shakarian’s journey from a young boy helping on his family’s dairy farm to becoming a successful businessman is intertwined with his religious mission. He felt called to help others, particularly businessmen, understand and experience the Christian faith in a practical and life-changing way. His vision of bridging the gap between business and faith led to the creation of the FGBMFI.
- The Power of Testimonies: The book highlights how sharing personal stories of faith can inspire and transform lives. Shakarian believed that testimonies had the power to spread hope, joy, and the love of Christ. The success of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship was largely built on the idea of sharing personal faith experiences.
- Challenges and Triumphs: Shakarian faced numerous obstacles, both in his business and spiritual life. The book details moments of doubt, financial difficulties, and personal losses. However, each setback is met with a deeper reliance on prayer and faith. His resilience, combined with his trust in divine guidance, helped him overcome these challenges.
- Impact of FGBMFI: The formation of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship was a groundbreaking initiative in the mid-20th century. Shakarian describes how the organization brought together men from different walks of life to share their faith and support one another spiritually. Through conferences and meetings, the organization grew worldwide, influencing millions of people.
Important Episodes:
- The Armenian Escape: The story of how Shakarian’s grandparents fled Armenia to avoid massacre is a powerful testament to the theme of divine intervention.
- Miraculous Healings: Throughout the book, Shakarian shares stories of miraculous healings and events that took place through faith and prayer, reinforcing the supernatural dimension of his life’s journey.
- Starting the Fellowship: One of the major turning points in the book is when Shakarian obeys what he believes to be a divine call to start the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship. He recounts the initial struggles, skepticism from others, and eventual success.
Conclusion:
“The Happiest People on Earth” is a testament to the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and vision. It is not only a story of personal success but also a broader message about the joy that comes from living a life in service to others and following a higher purpose. Through his experiences, Shakarian emphasizes that happiness is not found in material wealth or business success alone but in fulfilling a divine mission and building a community grounded in faith.