Jewish people still urgently need to hear the Good News of Jesus.
Help us meet a £100,000 shortfall and ensure our missionaries can keep going.
Recently, while speaking at a church meeting, Rev Joseph Steinberg was asked a confronting question on behalf of the youth group:
“Why should we care about the Jews? Look how they are murdering innocent children and babies.”
Joseph could have defended Israel or debated the politics of the war.
But that would have missed the spiritual issue at the heart of the question.
Whatever someone believes about Israel’s actions, how could a follower of Jesus conclude that Jewish people no longer matter—or that they should be shut out from hearing the Good News?
Jesus commands us to pray for our enemies. Even if someone believes Jewish people are their enemies, that cannot be a reason to stop caring about their salvation.
The only lasting hope for peace in the Middle East—or anywhere else—is Jesus the Messiah, the Prince of Peace.
Jewish Mission is under pressure
Growing numbers of Christians are backing away from Jewish people. As concern declines, support for Jewish mission is being affected too.
Combined with the traditionally lean summer giving months, this has left International Mission to Jewish People facing a £100,000 shortfall.
God is at work, and our missionaries are faithfully doing what he has called them to do.
But repeated shortfalls can slowly erode our ability to continue at our present strength.
Just when Jewish people need to hear the Good News, fewer conversations may be sustained and fewer long-term relationships may be nurtured.
Igal did not give up on Elijah
In Tel Aviv, our missionary Igal Vender spent years reaching out to Elijah, a 50-year-old Jewish man whose life had been devastated by alcohol addiction.
Divorced and living on the streets, Elijah began visiting the outreach café run by Igal and his team because he could receive free food there.
But Igal saw more than a hungry man. He saw someone who needed Jesus.
Elijah entered Christian rehabilitation homes three times. Each time, he left and quickly returned to alcohol.
It would have been easy to conclude that nothing was changing. It would have been easy to turn away.
But Igal did not give up on Elijah.
Again and again, Elijah heard the Good News. Again and again, he said he was not ready to change. Still, Igal remained present. He patiently shared the truth and continued pointing Elijah to Jesus.
This time something was different
Then Elijah came to Igal again.
He said he was completely broken and could see no other path. He agreed to return to the rehabilitation house—both to receive help for his addiction and to seek the transformation that only faith in Jesus can bring.
Two months later, following a Bible study on Romans 5:1, Elijah approached Igal. The verse speaks of being justified through faith and having peace with God through Jesus.
Elijah said he was finally ready. He needed that peace for himself.
Together they prayed.
Elijah repented of his sin and put his trust in Jesus for salvation.
Praise God!
The goal was never simply to help Elijah overcome an addiction. He needed forgiveness. He needed peace with God. He needed Jesus.
God never gave up on Elijah. And Igal did not give up either.
While others turn away, please stand with us
Our mission is not political. It is gospel
Today, there are more Jewish men and women like Elijah. Some are outwardly resistant.
Some are broken. Some have heard the gospel many times but are not yet ready to respond.
Our missionaries are building the relationships through which these Jewish people can hear the truth again and again.
Your gift will help:
● Meet the £100,000 shortfall
● Sustain faithful missionaries like Igal
● Nurture long-term relationships with Jewish people
● Keep the Good News of Jesus going out to those who need to hear it
Whatever you are able to give will make a meaningful difference.
While others turn away, we will not.
Please stand with us and help ensure Jewish people continue to hear the Good News of Jesus.