Christian Leaders Gather in Jerusalem for Global Solidarity Event
Over 550 Christian leaders from 51 countries arrived in Israel for a global religious delegation, culminating in the "Awake Jerusalem" solidarity event at the Tower of David.
More than 550 Christian leaders from 51 countries have arrived in Israel for a major gathering of religious leaders from around the world, culminating on Saturday night in "Awake Jerusalem"—an evening of music, prayer, and solidarity at the Tower of David in Jerusalem. ynet Global will broadcast the Awake Jerusalem event live on Saturday night starting at 8:30 PM on its website and social media channels, bringing the event to audiences in Israel and across the globe.
The performance is part of a 10-day delegation organized by Eagles’ Wings, led by its founder and president, Bishop Robert Stearns. The visit takes place during the festival of Sukkot and in the days leading up to the third anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas operatives. It brings Christian leaders, prominent figures, and officials to Israel for meetings, briefings, and encounters with Israelis directly affected by the past three years.
For Stearns, who has been visiting Israel since 1992, this trip feels noticeably different. "I feel that on a national level, there is a greater sense in the country of dependence on God for help, and of a renewed spiritual component," he said in an interview ahead of the events. However, he noted that the shift he is witnessing is not merely spiritual. He has also observed that Israelis are taking greater personal responsibility for explaining their country and experiences to the outside world.
Stearns recounted recently having lunch with three Israeli businesspeople who had no prior connection to politics, yet each of them was considering what role they could play in Israel's struggle for international public opinion. He noted that while Israelis understand the military battles being fought by IDF soldiers, they are increasingly recognizing another arena: what he describes as the "eighth front"—the battle for Israel's narrative.
The Power of Personal Experience
This idea lies at the heart of the Eagles’ Wings delegation. Among the participants are senior Christian leaders whose churches and networks collectively reach tens of millions of people worldwide. These include Bishop Dr. David A. Sobreviena, founder and senior pastor of the Word of Hope Christian Church in the Philippines; Pastor Ricardo Castillo Medina, general supervisor of the Assemblies of God in Costa Rica and president of World Hispanic Assemblies of God; and Pastor Dr. Reinaldo Dos Santos from Brazil. Delegations from Kenya and Nigeria are also participating, including Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto; Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III from the Warri Kingdom in Nigeria; and Nigeria's Minister of Defense, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
Stearns stated that the delegation represents networks reaching roughly 100 million people globally. "We are here to pray, but also to act," he said. "We are not just here to sing. We are here to learn, get equipped, and empower ourselves, and then return to our countries."
During their stay in Israel, delegation members are scheduled to meet with Israeli leaders, representatives of the IDF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, religious leaders, hostages who returned from captivity in the Gaza Strip, and bereaved families. Strategic briefings are designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of Israel's security challenges and the impact of the past three years.
Bridging the Gap Through Direct Engagement
Stearns believes there is still a significant gap between the support Israel receives from evangelical Christians and how Israelis understand this community. "There is very little bridge of connection," he said, noting that Israelis sometimes view evangelical support with uncertainty or suspicion. His answer is direct involvement.
Eagles’ Wings reports that over the years, it has brought some 45,000 people to Israel, including thousands of pastors and influencers. Stearns noted that when participants are later asked what the most memorable part of their visit was, the answer is often surprisingly simple: Shabbat.
"When we saw women lighting candles, fathers blessing sons and daughters, when we saw the phones turn off, traffic on the streets calming down, and the beauty and power in the simplicity of family and friends gathering together," he said, describing visitors' impressions.
He noted that such experiences can have a greater impact than political arguments, recounting a conversation with a first-time German businessman visitor who remarked that the place was nothing like what the media portrays.
Prayer Coupled With Action
When asked what prayer can achieve in a time of war, division, and rising antisemitism, Stearns emphasized that prayer without tangible action is insufficient. "Prayer is everything, and prayer must be accompanied by action," he said, citing the biblical teaching that "faith without works is dead."
For Stearns, this means participants returning home better equipped to speak about Israel, combat antisemitism, and act within their communities. He also sees the current moment as an opportunity to deepen relations between Christians and Jews while acknowledging genuine theological differences.
Music at the Tower of David
This bridge will find musical expression at the conclusion of the holiday and Shabbat. Awake Jerusalem will bring Christian artists from around the world to the Tower of David for an evening centered on Jerusalem, faith, and solidarity with Israel. According to Stearns, public interest was immediate, with tickets selling out within four hours.
The vision is intentionally young and joyful, using music to rise "above the noise" in a moment dominated by conflict and political division. "David was not only a warrior; he was also a musician," Stearns said. "And therefore, the City of David should place music at the center."
Involving Christian youth is becoming an increasingly important part of this effort. Stearns noted that Eagles’ Wings recently brought 100 students to Israel as part of a broader attempt to expose a new generation to the country beyond social media, campus activism, and international news coverage. Stearns believes that after more than three decades of bringing Christians to Israel, the challenge now is to transform affinity into meaningful relationships, and relationships into action.
