## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** ## **Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts** **For the year ended** ## **31 March 2023** **REGISTERED CHARITY No: 1195672 REGISTERED COMPANY No: 13154259** ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** **CHARITY NUMBER** 1195672 **START OF FINANCIAL YEAR** ## **END OF FINANCIAL YEAR** **TRUSTEES AT 31 MARCH 2023** 1 April 2022 31 March 2023 Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Janice Ransom MBE Brigadier (Retired) Valerie Batchelor CBE Mrs Rebecca Benfield Captain RN (Retired) Richard Meryon Major (Retired) Nick Shenow The Rev Richard Hutchins Mr Peter Douglas The existing trustees appoint any new trustees following the provisions laid out in the organisation’s governing instrument. **LEGAL STATUS** Charitable Company **GOVERNING INSTRUMENT** To advance Christianity in accordance with the teachings of the Bible in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world in such a way as the trustees from time to time may think fit **CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS** Flame International PO Box 424 Aldershot Hampshire GU11 9ER **PRIMARY BANKERS** HSBC Bank plc 29 High Street Camberley Surrey GU15 3RE **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER** Mrs W A Tresise Tresise & Company “Brockhurst” 28 Evesham Walk Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 0YU _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 2_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** ## **INTRODUCTION TO FLAME INTERNATIONAL** ## **Vision Statement** Flame International has a vision to see people set free from the pain and trauma of war, terror or oppression - releasing God’s healing, forgiveness and reconciliation _**.**_ ## **Mission Statement** Through war and genocide, poverty, injustice and oppression, communities have been broken and scarred. Flame International’s mission is to release God’s healing, forgiveness and reconciliation to individuals and their land: healing, equipping, training and supporting local leaders to make a positive and sustainable impact upon their communities and nations. We gather, train and equip appropriate mission teams to work with these leaders, broken communities and nations to achieve our vision. ## **How We Work** Flame International ministers through healing courses and workshops, predominantly in areas of Africa and Asia affected by the pain and trauma of war, terror or oppression. We teach individuals, the local church, military and governmental leaders, and empower them to deliver this ministry to the communities they serve. Our yearly programme comprises of approximately 6 to 10 missions, run at the invitation of the local church leadership. Each mission team comprises between 2 to 12 members and trips generally last up to 3 weeks. We strive to follow the model of Christ’s mission – ‘ _to preach good news to the poor … to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed_ ’ (Luke 4:18). We aim to minister to the root causes of pain. We seek transformation in individual lives, which impacts communities and nations. We use Christian teams of staff and volunteers. We are led by the Holy Spirit on where to send teams on mission. We discern God’s leading as we prayerfully explore opportunities to minister, often through relationships that we build. ## **OUR YEAR** ## **Mission Trips** We were able to take 5 teams on mission during this period and completed a recce to Jordan to build relationships for future mission there. ## **Poland – May 2022** Following a recce in the March, Jan and Richard Meryon took a team to Poland to minister to Ukrainian refugees. While there, the team ran various teaching workshops and an outreach to a church congregation. Each afternoon after the seminar we interceded for an hour or up to 2 hours. We know the Lord was changing the spiritual atmosphere over Ukraine and we know the Lord has His hand over that nation. We are still praying for breakthrough for peace in the land. _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 3_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** ## **Arua – July 2022** We went back to Arua after a trip there in March and were based with YWAM there. The first week we ministered to 27 DTS students. It was a good week with a mix of hearing and deaf students; a new and enjoyable experience for Flame. On the Sunday we went to the 3 churches we visited in March and we all enjoyed a very warm welcome as we preached and shared with the congregations. The team then travelled to Rhino Camp, a refugee camp an hour away. Fifty Pastors and leaders from about 8 different churches gathered in the small mud brick church. The unity was a delight and the teaching and ministry flowed in the power of the Holy Spirit. Seven teachings and ministry were completed and then we returned to YWAM, followed by two minibuses carrying 18 precious Pastors, who were to continue with us in Arua. ## **Istanbul – August 2022** We had three days, 12 – 14 August, of prayer/intercession, which we believe the Lord set up for us to prepare for the 4- day Seminar to people from 2 nations where they face persecution and death for being believers in Jesus Christ. The response to the Seminar, 15 - 18 August, attended by 25 people each day, was more than we could ask or imagine. Over the course of the next four days, we built trust, we taught, we did drama and prayed. Some of the stories we heard were unimaginably awful, yet they chose to forgive. If this was difficult and we sent them away to discuss forgiveness with Jesus, they came back having had dreams and visions and chats with the Lord, having forgiven. We did ministry with people that would normally take months to bring healing, but the Lord just accelerated the healing and within minutes they were set free and beaming with love and compassion. ## **Armenia – Sept 2022** We met with 30 people who acted as volunteer facilitators and we taught them how to minister on our teachings so they could minister in the seminar with the wounded soldiers. After 2 days the 48 wounded ex-soldiers arrived, some with shrapnel and bullet wounds still being held together by leg support structures. They arrived with dark faces, obviously traumatised and sadness over them. There was a 4 day programme for the wounded ex-soldiers. The Seminars included 2 hours of teaching each day by us, bonding games/activities, free time, a main speaker each evening and then small groups run by the volunteer facilitators. The soldiers listened intently, and it was clear that they enjoyed our dramas and teachings. They were offered prayer, and some came. One young man said, "How did she know my situation? Everything that was spoken about applies to me." The gospel was preached at every session we taught, then each evening and in small groups. We know that many accepted Jesus and this was evident by their changed countenance, the fact that they became friends with us and loved just hanging out with us. On the last day one 21-year-old said, "Those who came from afar have completed their assignment." It was such a joy to see the changed lives, with happy and light faces, laughter, and some healed bodies. ## **Wau – October 2022** A Flame team of 6 spent 15 days in Bahr El Ghazal, Wau Diocese, (South Sudan). We ran a 3-day healing workshop for 55 SSPDF Chaplains, visited churches to speak and worship with them and then ran a 5 day healing workshop for 52 Diocesan Pastors and leaders. Once again we have returned with precious memories and all the richer for working as God's hands and feet as we took out the Gospel to Wau and ministered the love of Jesus into over 2,200 South Sudanese believers, hungry for the Word of God and hungry for healing. _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 4_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** None of this could have been achieved without the presence of Jesus and the faithful prayers of our prayer supporters who laboured with us. The Flame team are grateful to God and for every prayer prayed. ## **Jordan – Dec 2022** **Val Hall and Jan Ransom** went on this recce to establish, whether the refugee ministry which was started in 2015 would continue. The Jordanians have done so much for refugees and the small part we played in the past was always considered valuable and we have many testimonies of healing. Indeed, one man who we met in this church that evening told us he had been set free from fear and trauma because of being in two wars in Iraq and the Flame teaching has set him free. Jan had the privilege of speaking on forgiveness to 80 people in church plus many live streaming on Facebook. She knew they were responding, and we believe about 90% took some steps to forgive. ## **Prayer/Intercession** There are well over 200 people who are committed to pray and/or fast regularly for the ministry of Flame International via our ‘Prayer Carpet’, using monthly prayer points which are sent to the participants by our CEO. In addition, during each mission, brief daily prayer updates are sent to our wider mission prayer support base. We also have 3 regional prayer groups who meeting regularly to pray for the work of Flame. We meet once a month on Zoom to prayer for, and with, Armenians. As a result of an inspirational speaker at our 20[th] Anniversary Supporters Weekend we are embarking on growing intercessory groups around the country. This has already started and we will be running ‘Equipping for Intercessors’ sessions. We believe this will hasten increase in the fruit on missions. ## **20[th] Anniversary Supporter Weekend – March 2023** We had 80 people come to celebrate Flame’s 20[th] Anniversary with a weekend at High Leigh conference Centre. Jason Mandryk from Operation World and Bishop Joseph Aba from South Sudan were the speakers at the weekend. It was a wonderful time to thank God for all he has done to this point and to be inspired about what he will do in the future. It was this weekend we have been inspired to deepen prayer around the country. ## **Church visits and training** Our Director and Deputy Director were able to speak on 17 different occasions to groups including the Filling Stations, Armed Force’s Christian Union, Mother’s Union, New Wine Rural Leader’s Retreat and Prayer Breakfasts. Our Director also attended and spoke at the MMI conference in Lebanon. **Forge 1 Scotland** – Another Forge 1 Scotland was run in the Autumn of 2022, with fewer numbers but still many testimonies of healing. We are planning to run one in central Glasgow next year to be closer to more people interested in joining. **Forge 1 Devon** - Our Ambassador in Devon and some of the people who had completed Forge 2 came together to help us organise the first ever Forge 1 Devon. This was based on the Scotland model of three weekends over three months. It was a huge success and another is planned for next year. **Forge 1 South & North** - Forge 1 North began in Autumn 2022 whereas Forge 1 South was postponed until January 2023 which resulted in many more people joining the course. _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 5_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** **Forge 2 South & North** – At the beginning of this FY we saw the completion of both of these courses. Many of the participants have gone on to volunteer with Flame, helping facilitate the Forge 1 courses and in other ministry areas. **The Fireside – Created in lockdown – designed for the future.** Running the Fireside has brought an increase of people on the database and people praying and giving to us. We regularly attract 60 plus people each month, with many viewing the event online afterwards. We have had some extraordinary testimonies of people being healed. **Healing Day in Trowbridge and Birmingham** - Rev Ian Fall organised and led two healing days in Autumn 2022, in Trowbridge and Birmingham. ## **Other training** ## **Bespoke Online Courses** Our Next Gen and Online Courses Officer has continued to develop the online courses, including a younger audience and many outside of the UK. These courses are over 3 consecutive weeks for an hour each time. ## **Big Church Day Out** We attended Big Church Day Out last June and met lots of people through our café and through our exhibition area. We took a blacksmith and his forge to bring about conversations regarding our Forge courses and the other work we do. ## **RAM training** Through our contacts with Ellel we found out about Anna & Neal Hampton and their training for risk management overseas. We brought them over to the UK to deliver this with Emma Dipper and Ian Orton for our staff and volunteers. We want to ensure we are well equipped to handle risk and danger when on mission. **Staff Advance** – We held a Staff Training Advance during January at Stanton House. Liesel Parkinson came and facilitated sessions to help us develop future plans and i3 profiling also ran sessions with us. ## **GOVERNANCE, ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT** ## **Governance** The Board of Trustees met three times during the year, including a prayer day in the Summer. Close attention continues to be paid to the risk register. Every Trustee Board member is active and adding value to the work of the Charity. Flame International is grateful for all the work of the Trustees and for the unity they enjoy as a Board. This year we said goodbye to Beth Mather as she ended her term on the board. We thank her for all that she brought to Flame, particularly regarding risk management. ## **Administration and Support** The Administration and Support staff team has continued to provide valuable and effective service to the organisation throughout the year. During this time period we had 2 new starters – Rev Ian Fall as Outreach and Training Officer and Richard Naylor as Mission Administrator. We also sad goodbye to Lydia Papworth as our Ambassador Coordinator as we brought the Ambassador programme to a close. We welcomed Myles Pilling to the volunteer role of Fireside Coordinator as Karen _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 6_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** Kendall moved to support the Forge. We now have 5 paid staff and 4 volunteer team members. All members of the Administration and Support team work on a part-time basis. We were taken to an Employment Tribunal by a part time worker in April 2020, sadly it took until September 2022 to be complete. After trying to settle 5 times, it had to go to court twice and Flame were exonerated but despite being insured, this still cost us nearly £18,000 this FY. ## **Communications and Marketing** One of the most important means of communicating about our ministry and marketing Flame International more generally is our ‘Burning Issues’ magazine, which is distributed to supporters and contacts 3 times a year. This is produced by Spread Creative (led by Gareth Barton) who are also responsible for ensuring that our materials provide an attractive and highly professional image. ## **Volunteers** The significant commitment of volunteers, especially those who participate in mission trips, continued to underpin our ministry. The sacrificial giving and hard work of every team member is appreciated, and the work of Flame International could not be conducted without them. ## **FINANCIAL REPORT - SUMMARY** In the year ended 31 March 2023, Flame International’s total income was £264,236 and total expenditure was £277,705. Resources Expended on Managing and Administering the Charity amounted to £22,397 and Support Costs totalled £54,313. The net assets amounted to £221,668 with £16,044 held as Restricted Funds. Sufficient cash for day-to-day running is kept in current accounts and all the remaining assets are retained in savings accounts. The full accounts are included below. Flame International continues to keep its running costs as low as possible and to ensure its output is of professional quality. Approved by the Trustees: Signed ________________________________ Dated __06/06/2023__________________ Name ___Nick Shenow_______________________ Position __Chair of Trustees____________ _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 7_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** ## **Independent Examiners report to the Trustees on the unaudited accounts of Flame International Limited (a comp** I report on the accounts for the period ending 31 March 2023, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes set out on pages 8 to 15. ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and reporting accounts.** The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - a) Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, - b) To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission - (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and - c) To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s statement** My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent Examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect: - a) The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or - b) The accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or - c) The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and - content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other - than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter - considered as part of an independent examination. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. W A Tresise ACA, Tresise & Company Chartered Accountant, ICAEW 28, Evesham Walk, Sandhurst, Berkshire. GU47 0YU _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 8_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023** ## **Accounting Policies** The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention on a going concern basis and are in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Charities Accounting Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). - a. Corresponding amounts – the corresponding amounts have been reanalysed to ensure consistency with the SORP. - b. All income is accounted for gross when receivable as long as it is capable of financial measurement. - c. Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is shown in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when received. - d. Gifts in Kind are valued at their estimated value to the organisation and are included under the appropriate headings. - e. Intangible income is valued and included in income to the extent that it represents goods or services where another party is bearing the financial cost and the benefit is quantifiable. Where it is difficult or not possible to quantify the benefit, or where there is no financial cost borne by another party (e.g. volunteers), the accounts do not include the intangible income. - f. Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are received. - g. Restricted funds are to be used for specified purposes as required by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is allocated to the relevant fund. Income derived from these funds is retained within the funds concerned. - h. Designated funds are unrestricted funds which the trustees have designated to be used for a specific purpose. Where these funds yield investment income, this is available for general purposes. Unrestricted funds are funds funds which are not designated or restricted. - i. All expenditure is accounted for gross, and when incurred. - j. Cost of charitable activities includes the direct costs of activities and depreciation on related assets. Where such costs relate to more than one category they have been split. - k. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost or valuation, less estimated residual values, of all fixed assets on a straight-line basis as follows: Equipment - l. At the end of each financial year funds shall be transferred, as necessary, from the Unrestricted Funds to the Restricted Funds to ensure none of the latter carry forward a negative fund balance. - m. The trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity’s needs. This is based on the charity’s size and the level of financial commitments held. The trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily. ## **Payments to trustees and other related parties** The amount reimbursed to trustees for expenses incurred during the year whilst carrying out their charitable duties as trustees (included within the costs for Trustees' meeting and expenses) was £6,986, as follows - V Batchelor £2,967 - J Ransom £4,019 _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 9_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 10_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 11_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 12_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 13_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 14_ ## **FLAME INTERNATIONAL** _FLAME INTERNATIONAL (Registered Charity No: 1195672) For the year ended 31 March 2023 Page 15_