The 8-day Sukkot celebration with the biblical theme "The Land of Promise" was held in-person and online by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), which invited Christians from around the world to join in.
From October 9 to 16, 1,700 Christians from 70 countries gathered for the Feast of Tabernacles celebration which was just conducted virtually in the past two years due to COVID-19, with others watching the event at church or home around the globe, according to the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
On October 9-10, they worshipped God in Capernaum National Park at Galilee Sea, which was the first time since the celebration began 43 years ago.
On the first day, Apostle Rene Terra Nova as the main speaker in the evening highlighted the faith (Habakkuk 2:4b) with which Christians’ lives were changed and they could bring blessings to their countries. David Parsons, ICEJ Vice President & Senior International Spokesman, said that night he invited artists who had released albums and dance troupes from Israel, Brazil, Norway, and the Philippines to put on musical performances, as well as Trevor Sampson, known as the "Golden Voice of Africa".
During the five-day feast gatherings from October 11 to 15 in Jerusalem, a colorful display of national flags and costumes was given in the Jerusalem Pais Arena, followed by an ever-popular march through the streets of the capital. After the gathering, with Keren Kayemeth Le’Israel and leaders of the Israeli community in the Gaza border area, ICEJ hosted a Solidarity Rally and a tree-planting ceremony.
David Parsons also stated they also invited Mogoeng Mogoeng, the former Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. "As a supporter of Israel gaining prominence over the past year, Mogoeng is receiving ICEJ's prestigious annual Nehemiah Award since he stands firm for Israel and the Jewish nation on biblical grounds."
David Parsons said, "The celebration is the largest Christian gathering in Israel and the most pro-Israel event in 2022. This year’s conference also marks the return of the Christian tourism industry to Israel after nearly three years of COVID-19 lockdowns and travel bans.”
Last year ICEJ held a virtual eight-day celebration and hundreds of Chinese Christians joined in the event.
According to its official website, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was established in 1980 to recognize the biblical significance of all of Jerusalem and its unique connection with the Jewish people. It acknowledges the restoration of the State of Israel and God's faithfulness to keeping His ancient covenant with the Jewish people. The organization launched the annual Feast of Tabernacles gathering in Jerusalem in the 1980s.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
