The History of FreshFire Fellowship Ministries International

FreshFire Fellowship Ministries International (FFMI) was born from the vision and dedication of Bishop Andre Earl Matthews, its founding apostle and presiding bishop. His spiritual journey began under the guidance of his father, Reverend Ernest J. Matthews Jr., a national evangelist with the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Reverend Matthews served as both a spiritual mentor and father to young Andre in Auburn’s First Church of God in Christ, established in Auburn, New York, in 1959.

On September 17, 1972, Andre Matthews experienced a life-changing moment when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, was filled with the Spirit, and received a call to ministry—all in the same night. The following year, he was licensed as a minister. Over the next eleven years, he underwent rigorous ministerial preparation, culminating in his ordination as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ in 1984. This took place in Buffalo, New York, under the leadership of Bishop Lee Roy Anderson of Jurisdiction No. 1, Western New York Diocese.

Following his ordination, Elder Matthews traveled across the United States as an evangelist, delivering powerful messages under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In 1987, he launched his first ministry, Restoration Center Ministries, in Rochester, New York. During this time, his ministry became known for miracles, signs, and wonders accompanying the preaching of God’s Word. That same year, Pastor Matthews embraced his apostolic calling and continued to be mentored by his father until Reverend Matthews’ passing in 1989.

Between 1984 and 1997, the vision for FFMI began to take shape. In 1997, Apostle Matthews and his wife held the first official FFMI conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Since then, FFMI has grown steadily, remaining rooted in biblical teachings and committed to church order, dignity, and the foundational truths of Scripture.

Today, FFMI provides apostolic mentorship, ministry support, and leadership development to individuals and communities around the world. The ministry is dedicated to reaching people of all ethnicities and backgrounds who embrace the power of God and the truth of His Word.

We are proud to share our Scriptural Doctrinal Statement, affirming our unwavering commitment to serving God and His people with excellence and faithfulness.

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Each year, we host an annual conference where believers come together to hear from God, fostering connection and strengthening our faith through communal worship and teachings that inspire and uplift.