A Global Achievement

In 1955, the presidents and executive secretaries of the GFS in eight nations met on the Isle of Wight to discuss ways of working more closely together. GFS World Council was established by charter on June 24th of that year, subject to ratification by the respective national boards of directors. At that time, World Council represented 25 nations and 66,000 members.

The first action of World Council was to establish a GFS Day of Prayer Around the World. Its purpose was for members to pray for the GFS and its work, think of each other, and feel the closeness that links us together as “members of one family in Christ.” The date was set at September 29th, and continues to be celebrated as the GFS World Day of Prayer.

Since 1955 World Council there have been twenty World Councils scheduled to be held by twelve different countries. At these councils, which now meet every three years, representatives of the member countires hold legistative sessions to plan the work of the Society for the next three years. They also worship together and celebrate that which is the GFS. At World Council, the delegates select a three year mission project which is funded in part by World Day of Prayer Offerings.