Christian leaders from Nigeria are participating in a ten-day international gathering in Jerusalem, alongside over 550 leaders from 51 nations. The event, organized by Eagles' Wings and Bishop Robert Stearns in partnership with Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brings together pastors, bishops, and church leaders for worship, prayer, fellowship, and firsthand encounters. The gathering takes place during Sukkot and around the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks.
Nigeria has a significant place in the global Christian community, with approximately 93 million Christians in 2020, making it the sixth-largest Christian population in the world. The country's Christian population grew by about 25 percent between 2010 and 2020. Nigerian participants include Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the 21st Olu of Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, and Her Royal Majesty Olori Atuwatse III of the Warri Kingdom.
The delegation's itinerary includes meetings with Israeli political and security officials, the Israel Defense Forces, faith leaders, returned hostages, and families affected by the October 7 attacks. Participants have also received briefings on Israel's security situation and the wider regional environment. The program combines worship and prayer with meetings, briefings, and personal encounters.
For Nigerian Christian leaders, the gathering provides an opportunity to meet fellow Christian leaders from different parts of the world while visiting places central to the biblical story and the Christian faith. Nigeria's Christian community is deeply connected to the wider international church, with Nigerian churches and Christian organizations having developed extensive relationships across Africa and beyond.
The international dimension of the delegation is reflected in the presence of leaders from other countries, including Bishop Dr. David A. Sobrepeña of the Philippines, Rev. Ricardo Castillo Medina of Costa Rica, Rev. Dr. Reinaldo dos Santos of Brazil, and Bishop Dr. Gibson Anduvate of Kenya. His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the 21st Olu of Warri, emphasized the importance of building relationships and gaining firsthand experience in Israel.
One of the events in the wider program was Awake Jerusalem, Eagles' Wings' annual Christian worship gathering, held at the Tower of David in Jerusalem on October 3. Christian artists and leaders from around the world took part in the event, which was broadcast on Daystar Television Network. Eagles' Wings has brought Christian leaders to Israel for three decades to explore the biblical roots of their faith and build relationships across cultures.
Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and president of Eagles' Wings, stated that the purpose of the current delegation was to bring Christian leaders into direct contact with Israel and its people. The Nigerian participation comes as the country's Christian community continues to form an important part of the global Christian landscape, with tens of millions of Christians across Nigeria and churches with international networks.
Key points
- Nigerian Christian leaders participate in a ten-day international gathering in Jerusalem organized by Eagles' Wings and Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The gathering brings together over 550 Christian leaders from 51 nations for worship, prayer, fellowship, and firsthand encounters.
- Nigerian participants include Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure and traditional leaders such as His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the 21st Olu of Warri.
