Christians United for Israel (CUFI) announced that it has crossed the 6-million member threshold, fewer than six months after breaking through the 5-million barrier.

Pastor John Hagee began the mission 13 years ago, when he invited 400 evangelical leaders to join him in forming a pro-Israel organization. “It was my obedient response to a commission given by the Holy Spirit to do everything possible to bring Christians and Jews together in mutual esteem and genuine love,” Hagee said.

Despite obvious pride at the burgeoning membership rolls, Hagee acknowledged the obvious threats to the Jewish people as a whole and Israel in particular. He said that it was the responsibility of all good Christians to not stand idly by as attacks against Jews – including in the United States, such as the recent synagogue shooting in Poway, San Diego – seem to be on the rise.

“As Christians, we must continue to act upon the Biblical mandate to bless Israel by opposing anti-Semitism in all its forms. We are prepared to act when others threaten, attack, and demonize Israel. We are never bystanders in the face of such evil,” he added.

Hagee struck a somewhat pessimistic note in recognizing the Iranian threat to Israel – both from within the country itself and its many proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Gaza. He argued that in the event of war – not a fanciful prospect by any means – the “Jewish state may once again be forced to fight to defend its citizens and when that day comes, CUFI must be prepared to shield Israel from the international condemnation that will follow.”

The CUFI president also explained that he had recently had the chance – “divinely inspired” – to be presented to one of the largest megachurches in Brazil. The opportunity came about as South America’s largest nation has transformed its previously fractious relationship with Israel – principally through the election of its President Jair Bolsonaro.