On Saturday evening, April 8, Christians from 33 communities all over New Zealand gathered to endorse the Bible’s promises regarding Israel and to declare their support for Israel and the Jewish nation through prayer and worship.
The main event was held at Victory Convention Centre in Auckland and was attended by over 800. The other 32 centres were linked by live video feed.
Hosted by Rachel Afeaki, the event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Natanel Nikolas, Alfred Ngaro (MP, Nat), Willie Jackson (MP, Lab), Princess Mele Siu‘ilikutapu of Tonga, Tatau Rameka, Winkie Pratney and other local Rabbis, Ministers and Pastors.
Earlier that day, over 60 groups from all over New Zealand gathered in their respective communities to sound the Shofar and to pray for Israel.
The moving story of Holocaust Survivor, Leo Pomeranz, an excerpt from the Shadows of Shoah exhibition was presented.
The convener of the event, Jane Troughton, said that people had called from all over the country, saying that they felt a part of it no matter where they were.
Others said they felt a connection to the Jewish people that made them quite tearful.
Still others said it helped them to understand the deep roots that the Jewish people had with the land of Israel.
“The event took many steps toward an understanding of Israel’s position in the hearts and minds of Christians,” said Troughton.
“It is about taking responsibility in the spirit for NZ-Israeli relations.”
“Through this event, many people who had had no previous connection with Israel support groups became aware of organisations such as NZ Friends of Israel and ICEJ.”
Princess Mele Siu‘ilikutapu of Tonga prayed “The Lord calls us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may we honour him as we do so. Thank you Lord that all Israel will be saved in the name of Jesus Christ so Romans 11:26 says.
Thank you Lord that Israel will hope in the Lord, for with you is loving kindness, and with you Lord, there is abundant redemption. And you will redeem Israel from all inequities, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank you Lord that you will give Israel rest from war, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank you Lord that you will give Israel help against their adversaries for deliverance by man is in vain.
Through God Israel will do valiantly and it is you who will tread down their adversaries, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank you Lord for the people who you formed for yourself, will declare your praise in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank you Lord that Israel, the ransomed of the Lord, will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion with everlasting joy upon their heads, they will find gladness and joy; and sorrow and sighing will flee away in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thank you Lord that you will not hide your face from Israel any longer, for you shall pour out your spirit on the house of Israel, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Saviour, Amen.”
Dr David Cumin, a member of the Jewish Council, texted “Thank you for the massive effort. Very moving.”
NZ Bless Israel Event – Livestreamed 8 April 2017 from Promise Keepers on Vimeo.
Thank you for your effort to bring this message to Yisrael from our nation New Zealand. The video was very moving and tear were shed. Our friends the Westbonks family in Whangaparaoa also blew their shofar unfortunately ours is still in storage. Be cause of my husband David’s ill health we were unable to attend and so even so stand with You in our love for the nation of Yisrael and the people of Yisrael scattered about the face of this earth. We have personally been twice to Yisrael where we served in Sar -El being the first and only married couple that went from N.Z.IN 1991 and also in 1995 when my husband David was one of the 10 David’s who represented King David in the 3000 Anniversary of King David. IN 1990 I had the honour and privilege of Holding the banner at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth games in that year. We were early members of friends of Yisrael and part of the prayer group that met at the Belton’s . We have been in Brisbane Australia 14 years and are now back in Auckland living with our son in Whangaparaoa and a unit is being built for us under his house. We are quiet cut off as because my husband has Parkinson’s he no longer drives. Yes , we would like to meet with others who pray for Yisrael and be able to attend such a group and meeting up with people who pray and support in our area. Ahaba from David and Linda Crawford.