Christian Leaders Unite in Israel for 'Awake Jerusalem' Event

Over 550 Christian leaders from 51 countries have gathered in Israel for a major summit culminating in the "Awake Jerusalem" event at the Tower of David in Jerusalem. The event, featuring music, prayer, and solidarity, is being broadcast live by ynet Global. This gathering is part of a 10-day delegation organized by Eagles' Wings, led by its founder Bishop Robert Stearns. The visit coincides with the Sukkot holiday and the lead-up to the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attack, bringing Christian leaders and dignitaries to Israel for meetings and briefings with Israelis affected by recent events.

Bishop Stearns, who has visited Israel since 1992, noted a significant shift during this trip, observing a renewed sense of national reliance on God and a spiritual resurgence. He also highlighted a growing personal responsibility among Israelis to explain their country and experiences to the world, describing this as a battle for Israel's narrative. The delegation includes prominent Christian leaders whose networks reach tens of millions globally, such as Bishop Dr. David E. Souverania from the Philippines, Pastor Ricardo Castillo Medina from Costa Rica, and Pastor Dr. Reinaldo Dos Santos from Brazil. Notable attendees also include Kenya's First Lady Rachael Ruto and Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.

Stearns stated that the delegation represents networks reaching approximately 100 million people worldwide. "We are here to pray. But also to act," he said, emphasizing the need to learn, gain tools, and return to their home countries empowered. During their stay, participants are scheduled to meet with Israeli leaders, IDF representatives, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as with former hostages and bereaved families. Strategic briefings aim to deepen their understanding of Israel's security challenges and the impact of recent events.

Stearns believes a significant gap remains between the support Israel receives from Evangelical Christians and how Israelis perceive this community, noting a lack of connection and occasional suspicion. Eagles' Wings aims to bridge this gap by bringing people to Israel, having hosted around 45,000 individuals over the years. Stearns shared that many visitors find experiencing Shabbat in Israel to be the most memorable part of their visit, highlighting the profound impact of witnessing simple family and community gatherings. He recounted a German businessman's reaction, stating, "This place is nothing like what the media portrays."

Regarding prayer during wartime, Stearns asserted that prayer must be accompanied by tangible action, quoting "faith without works is dead." He explained that participants should return home better equipped to speak about Israel, combat antisemitism, and act within their communities. He sees the current moment as an opportunity to deepen Christian-Jewish relations, acknowledging theological differences while emphasizing a 95% shared outlook. The "Awake Jerusalem" event itself will feature Christian artists from around the world at the Tower of David, focusing on Jerusalem, faith, and solidarity with Israel. Ticket sales sold out within four hours, demonstrating strong public interest.

Stearns hopes "Awake Jerusalem" will grow, with aspirations for a larger event next year. He also highlighted the increasing involvement of young Christians, with Eagles' Wings recently bringing 100 students to Israel to expose a new generation to the country beyond social media and news coverage. Stearns believes that fostering meaningful relationships and translating them into action is crucial, stating, "It's time for the real thing," using a Hebrew and Yiddish phrase meaning to focus on practical matters. The "Awake Jerusalem" event will be broadcast live by ynet Global on October 3rd at 8:30 PM.