Contact: Joshua Ogle, Eagles' Wings, 716-759-1058

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Bishop Joseph L Garlington, Sr., known worldwide as one of the most influential leaders in modern evangelicalism, will be honored at the upcoming Jerusalem Banquet sponsored by Eagles' Wings.

The Jerusalem Banquet, to be held at The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City on June 4, 2015, is a strategic gathering of Jewish and Christian leadership from across the nation. Garlington is the founding pastor of Covenant Church, a multiracial and cross-cultural community of more than two thousand members, which he founded with his wife, Barbara, in 1971. Robert Stearns, executive director of Eagles' Wings stated, "The purpose of this gathering is to celebrate Israel and the shared values of the Jewish and Christian communities. Bishop Garlington has had a ministry which has touched millions of lives around the world, and we are thrilled for his participation as our honoree this year."

Bishop Garlington has had a specific ministry focus in South Africa and has been involved in countless humanitarian efforts throughout America and around the world. One particularly memorable moment from his ministry was the Promise Keepers event on the Mall in Washington, D.C., where he and Pastor Jack Hayford led over 1 million men in a day of prayer in 1997.

"I have been a longtime supporter of the work of Robert Stearns and Eagles' Wings. Robert's approach to the complex issues surrounding Israel and the Middle East is balanced and thoughtful. When our church was looking for an organization we could partner with to connect with Israel, we knew that Eagles' Wings was that partner."

Garlington's preaching and teaching ministry, known for its humor and deep insight, has made him a popular speaker at many international conferences, where he has regularly addresses crowds of multiple thousands. He is an accomplished musician, whose records and concerts have touched the lives of thousands. He also regularly consults for pastors, churches and organizations that are eager to develop similar models of racial reconciliation and healing.

He is married to Barbara Williams Garlington, and together they share responsibility for seven children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren

"We consider it a great honor to be able to celebrate the life and contribution of Bishop Garlington. He has been a friend to Israel and the Jewish people." Stearns said. Bishop Garlington will join a growing list of Christian and Jewish leaders of influence who have received this award, including the late Gen. Shimon Erem, Dr. Jack Hayford, Mr. Irwin Hochberg, Dr. Pat Robertson, Mr. Ron Plotkin, Drs. Frederick K.C. and Betty Price, Dr. A.R. Bernard and Mr. Harvey Krueger.

A scholarship will be established in Garlington's name, which will send a young evangelical Christian to Israel annually on the "Israel Experience," which educates student leaders in the issues surrounding Israel and the Middle East.

For more information on the event visit www.jerusalembanquet.org.