By ICEJ Staff Writers

After two incredible evening concerts on the Sea of Galilee, several thousand Christians from nations far and wide ascended to Jerusalem to present themselves before the Lord at the annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration, sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

Last night’s opening celebration in the Jerusalem Pais Arena witnessed Christians from nearly 80 nations take part in the traditional ‘Roll Call of the Nations’. It was a vibrant, colourful display as dozens of pilgrims often dressed in national attire proudly paraded their country’s flags on stage. This year’s Roll Call included flag-bearers from Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, Mongolia, and two pilgrims from North and South Korea who walked across the stage together.

ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler welcomed the Christian delegations from around the globe to Jerusalem and delivered a stirring message on trusting in God as “King of All the Earth” – the biblical theme for this year’s Feast. Dr. Bühler stressed the “governmental authority” anointing which the ICEJ has seen operating over the Feast in recent years, as Christians show up in Jerusalem for Succot, receive direction from the Lord, and return to impact the course of their nations. He encouraged the Christians present to believe God for great things to happen in their home nations by the time they return to the Feast with larger delegations next year.

The praise and worship sessions featured the Raise the Banner dance and worship team from the Philippines, NORTHWORSHIP from Norway, Per-Erik Hallin from Sweden, Sound of the Nations from Fiji, and the acclaimed vocalist and trumpeter Nathaniel Bassey of Nigeria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a pre-recorded greeting that welcomed the Christian visitors for the Succot holiday and highlighted the importance of Christian support for the Jewish state.  “Congratulations to the ICEJ organisation and to Dr. Jürgen Bühler. I want to thank you for your consistent support for the State of Israel and I invite all our Christian friends to come to Jerusalem to celebrate with us the Feast of Tabernacles,” he said.

The gathering also was addressed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog in a pre-recorded message saying: “It gives me great pleasure to send greetings to the entire Christian world and to the thousands of pilgrims who in these very moments are celebrating the festival of Sukkot with us here in the holy city. You are gathered here dear friends for this sacred pilgrimage from all corners of the earth, welcomed by the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem, and its president, my good friend, Dr. Jürgen Bühler. You are here touching the earth of Jerusalem. It’s for eternal love of the Jewish people and in allegiance with a vision of a world in which we all share common humanity and common hope and pray together … for my dwelling space shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.

You can still participate in the life-changing Feast of Tabernacles celebration. Besides the enriching daily Seminar teachings, you can be part of the special Communion Service at the Garden Tomb, catch a glimpse of the popular Jerusalem March, enjoy the Negev Solidarity Gathering, and add your voice and faith to the day-long Prayer Vigil. To join us online, register at:  feast.icej.org

To see colourful pictures and highlight videos, view our Feast Photo Gallery at feastgallery.icej.org

Please accept all cookies to see this content or watch content here.