Israel's Goodwill Ambassador Bestows Special Award to Pastor Hagee and Bishop Butler for Outstanding Dedication to Israel

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews who Serves as Israel's Ambassador to Evangelical Christians, Honors Pastor John Hagee and Bishop Keith Butler with the Ambassador Award for Outstanding Leadership and Support.

Chicago, IL (PRWeb) February 1, 2007 -- The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) presented its highest honor, the Ambassador's Award, to Pastor John Hagee of Cornerstone Church of San Antonio, TX and Bishop Keith Butler of Word of Faith International Christian Center of Southfield, MI, for outstanding support, leadership, and dedication to Israel. The Fellowship President and Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who serves as Israel's Goodwill Ambassador to Evangelicals, presented the award during the "Night to Honor Israel" at Word of Faith, January 7, 2007.

"It is indeed an honor to bring greetings from Jerusalem on this special evening as we honor dear friends with whom The Fellowship works alongside and who are a blessing Israel," said Rabbi Eckstein in a video message to the audience of more than 6,000 people at Bishop Butler's mega-church in Southfield, MI. Rabbi Eckstein quoted Psalm 133:1 encouraging the audience of Christians and Jews, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity!"

Thanks to the generous support of Christians across America, The Fellowship's On Wings of Eagles program has helped more than 300,000 Jews make aliyah (immigrate to Israel) from countries including the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, India and various Arab lands. And each day, The Fellowship's Guardians of Israel program provides basic necessities of food, medicine, clothing, and much more to an estimated 65,000 needy people in Israel.

Rabbi Eckstein applauded Pastor Hagee for his ministry which has helped Jews return to Israel and provided assistance to orphanages, absorption centers, and hospitals. "More and more Christians are understanding their Jewish roots and the Biblical perspective that calls them to stand with Israel," declared Rabbi Eckstein. "That didn't just happen. Committed leaders like John Hagee have led the way, and for that, we are grateful."

Rabbi Eckstein called Bishop Butler "a hero" with impeccable qualities of leadership. "He has always been there in times of need. On one trip to Israel, he joined us on the front lines where we were dodging bullets. We are thankful for Bishop Butler and his commitment to stand with Israel." Bishop Butler, who may be best known for his worldwide television outreach, "The Word of Faith," is also a prolific Bible teacher, often appearing at U.S. and international churches, conferences and seminars.

Both honorees expressed appreciation for The Fellowship and reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to support Israel. Pastor Hagee said, "I am honored to receive the Ambassador's Award. During these difficult days, I look forward to working with Rabbi Eckstein and all other friends of the Jewish people to defend Israel from very serious threats looming."

Butler added his thanks before his congregation, "I am supremely honored by this award. My love for the nation of Israel compels me to do all I can to help."

Founded by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein in 1983, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has a two-fold mission to promote understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews and to build broad support for Israel and Jewish people around the world. The Fellowship provides financial support to help Jews in distress make aliyah (emigrate) from countries around the world to Israel. In addition, The Fellowship provides emergency aid in times of crisis to Israel and ongoing funding to help needy Jewish children, families and the elderly throughout the world. For more information, visit www.ifcj.org.

Media interested in an interview with Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder and president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and recipients of the Ambassador's Award should contact Gregg Wooding, president of I AM PR services, (972) 567-7660 or via email.

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