BY LESLEY FOINAGWA – ISLES FREELANCER
More than 500 people from across Malaita gathered last week to celebrate the biblical Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Ingathering, in a spiritually enriching three-day program hosted by Beulah Prayer Centre.
The event, which ran from October 6 to 9, marked the seventh consecutive year the church has observed the feast, aligning with the Jewish or biblical calendar. According to Deuteronomy 16:16–18, the Feast of Tabernacles is one of the three major feasts commanded by God to be observed by all nations, not just Israel. It commemorates God’s greatness and His deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt through the wilderness to the Promised Land, where they lived in booths or temporary shelters.
“Celebrating this feast is not just a tradition but a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, presence, and provision,” a church spokesperson said. “We believe it is a command that carries a promise of blessing for all who observe it.”
In previous years, many churches in the region more commonly observed Passover and Pentecost, but Beulah Prayer Centre has felt a strong conviction to also embrace the Feast of Tabernacles, believing that significant biblical events—such as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and even the birth of Christ—are closely tied to this appointed time.
This year’s gathering united people from five key regions of Malaita: East Kwara’ae, East Kwaio, West Kwaio, West Kwara’ae, and Central Kwara’ae (Auki Town). Attendees worshipped together in unity, transcending language and cultural barriers, and shared fellowship both spiritually and physically.
A highlight of the celebration was the unexpected attendance of a brother from Israel, Jacob (Yakoo), whose presence was seen as a divine appointment. “We didn’t invite him, but we believe it was God’s plan for him to be here with us,” the church noted.
Adding to the significance of the event, Malaita Premier Hon. Elijah Asilaua and Robert Kau from the National Government also attended the program, uninvited but warmly welcomed. Their presence was regarded as another testament to God’s orchestration of the gathering.
The closing night of the feast saw a moving baptism ceremony, where 12 young people publicly declared their faith and were added to the family of God.
Meanwhile, the congregation at Beulah Prayer Centre expressed deep gratitude for the unity, revival, and blessings experienced during the feast, committing to continue observing it faithfully until the return of Christ.
