FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

Dear friends,

Israel just marked 75 years since David Ben-Gurion declared the independence of the State of Israel in Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948. What started out as a country based on agriculture and socialist ideals has today become a global, free-market hub of technology and research. As the Psalmist said: “When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” (Psalms 126:1-2)

The day before Yom Hatzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), I returned from the Fiji Islands, where we had a most exciting visit. The recently established government has on its agenda to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The fact that their island nation has diplomatic relations with Israel and that their government recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has stirred great joy and excitement in every church we visited. They were indeed singing just like the Psalmist said. Senior government officials, church leaders, and tribal elders all believe that good relations with Israel will bless their island nation in many areas – both spiritual and material.

It was amazing to see that the reborn country of Israel, though still relatively young, has become the hope of the nations. And once I was back in Jerusalem, I attended the President’s reception for Independence Day and you could almost touch the excitement and pride of the Israelis in the amazing accomplishments of their nation over the past 75 years. Both President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen spoke not only about these achievements, but also about the current challenges that Israeli society is experiencing. Both came from different perspectives, yet each expressed that even amid the mass demonstrators for and against judicial reforms, there is ample proof that Israel is a living, vibrant democracy where many voices are heard. And both Israeli leaders were confident that a solution can and will be found to this hotly-debated issue.

Seventy-five years also is a biblical number. The Bible says that Abraham was seventyfive years old when God called him to enter the Land of Israel. He then lived a full 100 years in Israel before he died at 175. As with many of the heroes of the Bible, age is no limit for God’s calling. Moses started his ministry at age 80, while his successor Joshua was around 75 when he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. This means there is no age limit for God to use any of us as well, and even to bring radical changes into our lives. He can use a young teenager like Jeremiah when he was launched into ministry, just as there is a needed place for the aged Patriarchs to give wise leadership to the people of God. Truly, there is no retirement in God’s Kingdom.

Abraham entered his destiny only at 75 and I ask you to pray with me that Israel, too, will experience on this diamond jubilee a watershed experience. We especially pray that God’s ancient promises of a spiritual restoration within Israel will take place in our days.

As you read through this issue of our magazine, I also pray that you will be as inspired about the many things God is doing here in Israel and even to the ends of the earth. May God bless you richly as you stand with Israel and our ministry in the exciting days ahead.

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Jürgen Bühler President

International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

COVER PHOTO: The 75th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on April 25, 2023.

Photo by Yonatan Sindel (Flash90) FOR