Christian Embassy Standing with Israel Worldwide
Published on: 4.8.2022By: ICEJ Staff
The global network of ICEJ offices worldwide have been very active over recent months building support for Israel in their respective countries, supporting our social aid projects, reaching out to their local Jewish communities, defending against antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and so much more. Here are reports from several of our national offices around the world on their recent activities.
ICEJ-Germany holds Prayer March
ICEJ-Germany recently convened its annual Prayer March in Stuttgart, this time featuring ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler. Hundreds of Christians flocked to the gathering and carried large signs with Bible verses as they marched around the busy city center. Prayers were offered for the nation’s leaders and churches and for the Jewish people, while several speakers delivered powerful messages on fighting antisemitism, trusting the Word of God, and building stronger relations between Israel and Germany.
Central Africa Wakes Up to Israel
The ICEJ held three national conferences on Israel with interdenominational participation in central Africa in June, all addressed by Dr. Mojmir Kallus, ICEJ Vice President for International Affairs.
In the Central African Republic, hundreds of believers came together in the capital of Bangui for a conference on Israel’s spiritual journey according to Romans 11, organised by ICEJ-CAR national director, Pastor Firmin Ngatoua. The conference was held over three days in three different churches (a Baptist and two Apostolic churches), and concluded with the official inauguration of the Embassy’s office in the country.
In Cameroon, Dr. Kallus was welcomed in the capital of Douala, where he spoke about the ICEJ’s work at a conference for more than 150 pastors and ministry leaders. He also officially appointed Apostle Julius Ekie as the ICEJ representative in Cameroon.
Finally in Gabon, Dr. Kallus was joined by Israeli pastor Birlie Belay for an interdenominational conference in the capital of Libreville. Arranged by ICEJ-Gabon national director Judicael Mounguengui, the gathering was attended by hundreds of Christians in-person, and with thousands more joining on-line via Facebook and YouTube. Pastor Gaspard Obiang, the honorary president of the conference, thanked all the host churches for their involvement, adding that it had created an “opportunity to intercede for Israel, and to remember the promises of salvation for her”. Indeed, the awareness of Israel is growing in the region, and the Gabon team intends to organise more such conferences in the years ahead.
It is evident that Christians throughout central Africa are waking up to God’s plan with Israel and want to actively participate in comforting the Jewish people. We also look forward to welcoming their delegations at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem this October.
Latin America celebrates Israel
ICEJ national leaders in Spanish-speaking countries recently helped organise several celebrations to honour Israel’s 74th anniversary, illustrating our growing presence in Latin America, where we currently have active offices or representations in eleven countries.
In Mexico, our national director Javier Martinez Rueda helped arrange a “Happy Birthday Israel” rally attended by Israeli Ambassador Zvi Tal and numerous Christian and Jewish dignitaries. Javier shared about the ICEJ’s work with Aliyah and Holocaust survivors, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Other speakers noted Israel’s historic role in shaping Western democratic values. ICEJ-Mexico also organised a rally celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Mexico, held at the symbolic “Angel of Independence” monument in Mexico City. The event was attended by leaders from the Zionist Council in Mexico, Bnai Brit, Enlace Judío and other Jewish and Christian groups.
In Costa Rica, our ICEJ team recently held a double celebration of Israel’s Independence Day and Jerusalem Day, featuring the Evangelical Alliance’s national president Dr. Jorge Gómez and other dignitaries. The event also marked the 40th anniversary of the ICEJ office in Costa Rica, founded by national director Teresita Torres. Some 500 people attended the gathering in person, while another 500 joined online. The festivities included dancing, praise and worship, and much joy.
In Panama, our ICEJ team was recently invited by Israeli Ambassador Itai Bardov to celebrate Yom Hatzmaut. A “Flag and Friendship” event also was held, with the local Jewish community providing Israeli flags for ICEJ-Panama members to deliver as gifts to over 100 Evangelical pastors to display in support of Israel. Meanwhile, the Panama team’s regular participation in our Rosh Chodesh monthly on-line prayer vigil has become an opening to spread awareness of the ICEJ across the nation. Pastor Yeni Moreno, deputy director of ICEJ-Panama, says that through prayer, “our nation has entered the greatest revival in its history”.
ICEJ-Finland hosts Israel photo exhibit
ICEJ-Finland recently hosted a special Israel-themed photo exhibit to raise support for our projects benefitting needy children in Israel. The exhibition featured a collection of beautiful photographs taken in Israel over the years by ICEJ-Finland national director Jani Salokangas and James Cheatham of our Jerusalem staff. The exhibition opened to a packed house in Sotkamo and ran for three weeks before the framed photos were sold to raise funds for needy Israeli children.
Tribute to Victor Schlatter
The ICEJ recently lost a faithful and pioneering leader in our global family with the passing of Victor Schlatter in July. Victor served for many years as an ICEJ special representative to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, and in 2017 he received our annual Nehemiah Award. Together with his wife Elsie, Victor lived a life of sacrifice and dedication to the Lord. Although a credentialed nuclear scientist, Victor answered the calling to be a Bible translator in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, and over several decades of ministry birthed a network of over 100 congregations. He also instilled his passionate love for Israel in Christians throughout the Pacific island nations, even impacting their voting records on Israel at the United Nations. We honour Victor’s life and send warm condolences to Elsie and the family.