By Theresia Titus
Flame Ministries International (FMI) held its 30th Annual Flame Congress from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 January at John XXIII College, Mount Claremont.
The Congress speakers included Emeritus Archbishop of Perth Barry Hickey, FMI Senior Directors Kaye Rollings FMI, Cyrus D’Souza FMI, and members Livia Carré FMI, Carlos Moreira FMI, and regional officer for Victoria Cheryle Douglas FMI.
Speaking to The eRecord, Mrs Rollings said the Congress’ theme and title of “Set my people on Fire” was chosen by founder Eddie Russell FMI months prior to his death in May 2019.
“He chose that theme because this was Flame’s 30th anniversary congress, and FMI was founded on a prophecy received during prayer on Christmas Eve 1989,” she said.
“The prophecy went on to form the vision and Mandate of FMI.”
Mrs Rollings mentioned that then-Archbishop of Perth William Foley gave his blessing to FMI’s first seminar in 1990.
The seminar then continued to be conducted locally until 1994 when it was first presented in the United Kingdom and has been presented multiple times throughout the years since.
Emeritus Archbishop Hickey then granted FMI canonical status as “an association of Christ’s faithful” under canon 301 and “entitled to use the name Catholic” under canon 300 in 1996.
The congress began with a rally and a special tribute to FMI founder Eddie Russell on the Friday night, which featured Emeritus Archbishop Hickey as a speaker and Flame Music Ministry leading the praise and worship session.
The tribute to Mr Russell was a video about Mr Russell’s call to preach and teach and the places he has been invited to share his vision of God’s fire upon the earth.
Mrs Rollings said Emeritus Archbishop Hickey spoke of the Second Vatican Council’s reforms in the Church and “how the permissiveness which arose in 1960s society was Satan’s response”.
“[Emeritus Archbishop Hickey said] we must remain a people of prayer and, in particular, never stop praying for the Church,” she added.
“We should also read our Bibles, as although missal readings are informative, we will gain a deeper understanding of the richness of God’s Word through the Holy Scripture.”
Mrs Rollings and Mr D’Souza also spoke of “Eddie’s dedication to God’s call” during the Friday night rally.
“This first congress without Eddie at the helm was a great success and witness of God’s power and love to all who attended,” Mrs Rollings said.
“Even so, there were moments of poignancy and sadness over the weekend as we remembered Eddie and it often seemed he was present with us.”
Fr Roy Pereira celebrated the Mass on the Sunday and followed a similar theme in his homily.
“The fire tongues of the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles who were living in fear and behind closed doors and the Holy Spirit leaves the apostles ready to evangelise,” Fr Pereira said.
“That is the same Holy Spirit that lead Jesus to rise from the dead and came upon the apostles and made them fearless in preaching the goodness.
“So we must continue to believe that the Holy Spirit of fire empowers us to do what is impossible. It is through prayers and trust in God,” Fr Pereira continued.
Mrs Rollings said the speakers throughout the congress addressed various aspects of the Flame prophecy, focussing on John the Baptist’s words in Luke 3:17, “…he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”.
“The Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred at Pentecost, filling the apostles with boldness and God’s power,” she continued.
“The Baptism of Fire is the revival fire of the Holy Spirit. The refiner’s fire, on the other hand, is the cleansing fire of God which has the ability to burn away the dross and change lives.
“They also spoke of God’s call to evangelisation and the need to keep ourselves covered in God’s armour for spiritual protection.”
Mrs Rollings also mentioned that the Flame Music Ministry and worship leaders were able to deliver throughout the weekend as their preparation has allowed them to help those present “to receive the Word of God through the teachings”.
Mrs Rollings and Mr D’Souza, assisted by Flame Music Ministry, led the people through praise and worship to call down the Fire into their lives for renewal and healing at the rallies on Saturday and Sunday nights, with many opportunities for personal prayers through altar calls.
“Judging by the comments of those present and their reports of inner and physical healings, the congress was a powerful success,” Mrs Rollings concluded.