Shefamer – Linga
The Evangelical Convention in Israel held its annual Christmas gathering on Monday, December 20th in Awadeieh – Shefamer. The event drew hundreds of attendees from across the country.
Fareed Shehadeh opened with a word of welcome and was followed by Pastor Nizar Touma, leader of the Nazarene Church in Nazareth, who asked a prayer of blessing. Azeez Daaem, Chairman of the Evangelical Convention, gave a brief devotion on the subject of Christmas and welcomed everyone on behalf of the Convention. He reminded everyone that the point of the gathering was to glorify, thank and worship God and to honor all the ministers of the Gospel who sacrifice their time for the building of God’s kingdom.
Alpha Team, a worship team from Nazareth, led the worship for the evening and began with a Christmas medley including “Glory to You Oh Christ,” “Hark the Herald” and others.
Yosef Matta shared a poem in the Egyptian dialect entitled “Christmas Story,” followed by Eman Bisharat who performed a comedic skit about how children celebrated Christmas in Israel 34 years ago and related how they always received a Christmas tree from a family friend named Abu Elyaho.
Pastor Botrous Ghrayeb, Pastor Suheil Bateheesh, Pastor Maroun Beem and Elliah Daaem were invited to the stage for a brief Q&A session related to Christmas. After the Q&A, Zuhei Daaem shared a Christmas poem and a brief devotion on God’s worthiness to be worshipped.
Feda Ramadan and Pastor Ibrahim Simaan gave testimonies about how Christmas was celebrated 50 years ago. Samia Shehade shared a reading from Ephesians 2:8-10.
Rev. Dr. Munir Kakish, Chairman of the Evangelical Convention in Palestine, shared words of greeting from the churches in Palestine, especially Bethlehem. He prayed a blessing over the gathering.
Announcements were given by Monther Naaoum, Chairman of the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel, who reminded everyone of the 100 Years Celebration to be held next year in May. Saleem Hanna announced a Christmas service to be hosted by Light for All Nations and the Evangelical Convention and held at Dawood Hall in Nazareth on January 7th. The event will be broadcast live via satellite.
The program concluded with all ministers coming to the front for a prayer led by Pastor Edward Tanous.
Click here for Pictures from the Convention Christmas Gathering 2010
Children Program at the Christmas Gathering for the Evaneglical Convention 2010
