The Tower of David in Jerusalem is set to host the annual Awake Jerusalem music festival on Saturday night, drawing Christian worshipers from around the world. Presented by Eagles’ Wings, the event features international Christian artists in an evening of music and worship, and will be broadcast live for global audiences.

The festival is a highlight of a broader 10-day visit led by Eagles’ Wings founder and president Bishop Robert Stearns. Since the start of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, more than 550 Christian leaders representing 51 countries have gathered in Israel. The delegation’s visit coincides with the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, an element organizers say adds weight to the trip’s purpose.

Organizers emphasize that the festival is “more than a concert,” describing it as a spiritual encounter “in the land of the Bible.” The event will bring together Christian delegates alongside notable figures including Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III of the Warri Kingdom and Nigeria’s Defense Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.

Beyond the musical event, the itinerary includes meetings with Israeli government officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Foreign Ministry representatives, faith leaders, as well as returned hostages and families affected by the recent conflict. These engagements are designed to provide participants with direct insights into Israel’s experiences and challenges since October 7.

A strategic briefing is planned with Israeli officials and faith leaders to address the country’s security situation and its regional position. The goal is to equip visiting Christian leaders with information they can share with their congregations and networks worldwide.

Bishop Stearns underscored the delegation’s purpose, stating, “We are here to let the people of Israel know that we are standing firmly by their side. We have come to add tangible actions to our prayers for Israel and Jerusalem, and to make a statement to our spheres of influence that an accurate understanding of and fervent support for Israel are of urgent importance in this hour.”

The timing of the visit during Sukkot—one of Judaism’s major festivals—adds significance, drawing numerous visitors to Jerusalem. The proximity of the trip to the October 7 anniversary has been framed as an opportunity for Christian leaders to connect personally with Israelis and express solidarity amid lingering pain from the attacks.

Eagles’ Wings has a three-decade history of bringing Christians to Israel to explore the origins of their faith and engage with the land firsthand. This year’s visit aims to deepen those encounters amid a period of ongoing tension, while the Awake Jerusalem festival and related events seek to amplify the group’s message far beyond Jerusalem.