SEVENTY-NINE Solomon Islanders flew out of the country on Friday to join a Prayer Assembly in Jerusalem, Israel, after the National Government gave $1million to support the trip.
Member of Parliament for Lau/Mbaelelea and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Honourable Augustine Auga said the $1m support was to cover the members travel expenses, accommodation and other fees associated with the event.
He thanked the government for the support in making the trip possible.
The Prayer Assembly is an annual event to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Israel.
Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency Project Officer Silas Talota said Mr Auga requested assistance from the National Government and the government responded with the generous contribution of $1m.
Mr Talota said the 79 member delegation from Solomon Islands is an interdenominational group and it will be representing Solomon Islands during the celebrations.
The prayer assembly, known as the World Prayer Assembly, takes place in Israel every year during the Feast of Tabernacles in October.
Mr Talota said the assembly is especially significant as it is the first time Mosaic Jews organized it for church leaders, prayer warriors, and pastors from around the world, including the Pacific region.
“It is noteworthy that the Solomon Islands Government, through the efforts of Hon Auga, is supporting the country’s delegation to this important religious event.
“The group consists mainly of pastors and youth leaders from different churches in Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency, as well as a few others from Honiara.
“The interdenominational delegation represents various churches in Malaita and Honiara,” he said.
Delegations from Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, and other countries in the Pacific region have also sent teams to participate in the event.
Mr Talota said the prayer assembly will offer participants a unique experience, including the opportunity to pray with Mosaic Jews, attend seminars, and tour biblical sites in Israel.
The Solomon Islands delegation will return on October 20, 2023, after the two-week program held in Jerusalem.
The group departed yesterday, with a brief stopover in Australia before continuing their journey to Dubai and ultimately arriving in Tel Aviv, Israel on a later date.
Mr Talota emphasized that this trip is a blessing for both the delegates and Solomon Islands as a whole. He cited the Bible, which stated that those who bless Israel will be blessed by God, while those who curse Israel will be cursed.
The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as ‘Sukkot,’ which means ‘booth’ or ‘tents’ in Hebrew. The Jewish people construct temporary shelters during this feast to symbolize their ancestors’ journey through the desert after liberation from Egypt.
By LACHLAN EDDIE HOE
Solomon Star, Honiara
