ICEJ HOSTS IMPACTFUL CONFERENCE FOR ITS GLOBAL LEADERS

BY ANNALIESE JOHNSON

In May, the ICEJ held our annual International Leadership Conference, with some 165 national directors and representatives from nearly 70 countries taking part in person or online. The global gathering took place while Israel was weathering a five-day rocket war with an Iranian-backed terror militia in Gaza, so it gave those attending in person a better sense of what Israelis face during such times of tension and conflict.

This year’s ILC gathering featured Bible teachings, current affairs briefings, ministry updates, and fellowship with other representatives, plus a special bus excursion to interesting sites in the Jerusalem hills in lieu of a planned outing near the Gaza border, which had been declared a closed military zone.

Throughout the conference, attendees were encouraged by the messages and project reports. ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler led several sessions on various topics, including the vision and DNA of the ministry, Feast preparations, plans for the upcoming Nicea 2025 observances, and an insightful Bible teaching on the practice of the early Gentile Church in supporting the Jewish believers in Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mojmir Kallus, Vice President for International Affairs, led discussions on branch developments worldwide. ICEJ-Fiji National Director Mikaele Mudreilagi and staff member Fine Ditoka eagerly updated the gathering about the Fiji government’s intended plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem.

The ILC culminated with a fascinating excursion to the Jerusalem hills, where delegates were briefed on the security situation, toured the site of a popular Bible story, visited both a youth camp and a mental hospital in the Jerusalem Forest, and learned more about the renewed cooperation between ICEJ and the Jewish National Fund.

The highlight was a stop in the JNF’s British Park, where the biblical site of Tel Azekah is located. The group first received a security briefing from veteran Israeli military reporter Yoav Limor on the Gaza conflict off in the distant background. The security briefing had added significance in that it was delivered on the slopes of Tel Azekah, an ancient hilltop fortress overlooking the Elah Valley where David slew Goliath, as recounted in 1 Samuel 17 (see article on page 7).

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem wishes to pay tribute to Dr. Pat Robertson upon his recent passing at age 93.

Marion Gordon “Pat” Robertson (1930-2023) led a truly distinguished life as an evangelist, broadcaster, philanthropist, statesman, educator, author, entrepreneur, husband and father. He was a ground-breaking pioneer of Christian broadcasting, and a pillar of the Evangelical body worldwide.

Pat Robertson led a life of strong faith in God, of dedicated service in the Kingdom, and of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. There was an excellence in all he touched, as he set high standards for his many varied ministry and business endeavours, which filtered down to all those who served under him. And he was a man of great compassion for the poor, weak and downtrodden.

Pat also was ahead of his time in his unwavering commitment to Israel, engaging with many of the nation’s highest leaders over several generations, and encouraging Christians around the globe to stand steadfastly with the Jewish state and people. The ICEJ was privileged to host him as a keynote speaker at our Feast of Tabernacles gathering in 2010 and conferred on him our Nehemiah Award for lifetime achievement in Christian proIsrael support.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the many apostolic works he founded, including the Christian Broadcasting Network, Regent University, and Operation Blessing. The fact that all these ventures are going strong today is testimony to his incredible stewardship in the Kingdom of God.