'CHOSEN PEOPLE' , ...Reaching Out !!!

Dear Rev. William, Shalom in the great name of Jesus our Messiah. I am writing a quick note to see how you are doing and let you know how Chosen People Ministries is holding up amidst the coronavirus crisis. I particularly want to ask for your prayers and give you an opportunity to ask us to pray for you. You have probably been through times like this or even far worse, but I feel like I am a “crisis veteran,” having gone through both 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy in New York City. I must say I learned a lot from these other disasters. As believers in Jesus, we have a peace that is not tied to the world’s situation or condition. We have hope in the One who has overcome the world! Two of my favorite Bible verses are found in John chapter 14. Jesus said: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). As you meditate and reflect on these passages of Scripture, may they fill your heart with Shalom—the peace that can only come from the Prince of Peace, who lives in our hearts by His Spirit. Allow me to share a couple of the challenges we are facing, which I hope will become the focus of your prayers for Chosen People Ministries.   Israel We are having significant challenges in Israel, as its response to the virus has been swift and severe— probably for the good!   If you travel to Israel from outside the country, you will be quarantined for two weeks the moment you land. Our Israeli staff, who planned to travel to the United States to speak in churches are able to do so, but they must be quarantined for two weeks when they get home. It is also almost impossible to get flights out of Israel! We cannot conduct large public meetings. As a result, we have had to stop our larger Sabbath outreach dinners and concerts, as well as our public events and ministry for Holocaust survivors. On the other hand, we also see people—both old and young—who are far more willing than usual to hear about the peace we have in Jesus the Messiah. I experienced this during 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy, as well. This is not a time to be quiet and focus on our own survival; it is a time to reach out to those hurting around us who do not know the Lord.   Yet, we are so very human, and we confess that this is very hard to do…which is why we need to pray for one another.   At Home We are experiencing significant challenges at home as well—especially during the Passover season, which began on April 8. Most of the churches in which we were scheduled to speak have cancelled the speaking engagements, including dozens of evangelistic Passover banquets. Forty-five of our New York City office staff are now working from their homes, as we have been “shut down” by the government. The same goes for a dozen staff members at our Florida office. We need your prayers for good coordination, effective outreach, and good health for the staff. I am confident the Lord will lead us through it all. I could go on, but I know you also are experiencing tremendous challenges. So please let us know how we can pray for you. You can visit chosenpeople.com/pray  and send a digital prayer request. Our prayer team is on standby and ready to receive your requests. I am sure you realize that this note replaces The Chosen People newsletter, which you usually receive at this time. I made the decision not to print and send the newsletter as I wanted to speak directly to the challenges we are all facing due to the spread of the coronavirus. We actually had completed the volume and will use it at another time. The economy is in bad shape and I need to be especially frugal, as do you, I am sure. I can tell you that for the first time in years, Chosen People Ministries’ giving is down by hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am hoping and praying that we do not need to make major cuts, but that will depend on how long it takes for this crisis to resolve. I especially do not want to cut back on our work in Israel, as Israelis are so open these days to the gospel. We have also stepped up our digital outreach the midst of this tragedy, on campuses and in our personal ministries to Jewish people. I trust the Lord but am also asking if you might find it in your heart to send us a generous gift to help us get through a tough time. I am confident God will provide, as He always takes good care of us and I know He will take care of you, too!   Please consider giving a generous gift today and as a thank you, we will send you a digital download of our booklet entitled A Jewish Look at the Resurrection of Jesus. Your support today will ensure that your 126-year-old mission to the Jewish people can continue its work around the world.  Thanks for reading this letter. I appreciate your prayers, and be sure to send your prayer requests, as we truly care about you and wholeheartedly believe in the power of prayer. “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16b). Your brother, Mitch Glaser “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation” (Romans 10:1).