Dear friend,
Shalom from New York City, the home of more than two million Jewish people. Throughout July and August, we have enjoyed the privilege of sharing the gospel intensively with Jewish people throughout the metropolitan area. Our team of more than 125 staff and volunteers have spoken to hundreds of Jewish people about the gospel. I wish you could have been here!
Good News from the Streets of New York City
We are in the midst of following up with the many Jewish people who indicated they are interested in hearing more about Jesus.
We also had two major events that drew many Jewish seekers. We sponsored a well-attended dialogue between scholars about the value of the Old Testament Scriptures. We also held a debate between Messianic apologist Dr. Michael Brown, and Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. The title of the debate was, “Is the New Testament Antisemitic?” This is a hot issue in the Jewish community today as antisemitism is on the rise. The purpose of this debate was to show that the New Testament and Jesus Himself are Jewish.
Showing Jewish People the Love of the Messiah
So, how do we respond to common historical and theological objections Jewish people have from considering Jesus? This is done one heart at a time. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans of the critical role believers, especially those who are not Jewish, play in the salvation of individual Jewish people. The Apostle writes:
“I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous” (Romans 11:11).
This passage may encourage Gentile believers to share the love of Jesus with their Jewish friends from a heart of gratitude for what God has done through the physical seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
During our recent outreach campaign in New York City, we had dozens of Gentile believers on the streets of New York City speaking to Jewish people about the Lord. They also brought food to the poor and elderly and cleaned homes for those who cannot keep up because of age or illness. Showing love in practical ways gave power and authenticity to our proclamation!
Hundreds of us also marched over the Brooklyn Bridge in an effort to call upon the public and Christians to oppose antisemitism!
Oppose Antisemitism
Christian opposition to antisemitism is a powerful witness to our Jewish family and friends. This reshapes the gospel playing field by showing from the start that real Christians love the Jewish people and condemn antisemitism.
Would you stand with us against antisemitism? Believe me, our actions as the Body of Messiah will make a difference in how the Jewish people feel about the Messiah Jesus.
Think Globally, Act Locally!
You can help put a stop to antisemitism in your community! Let me suggest a few ways to do this:
- Educate your church on the evils of antisemitism—we have great materials on our online store.
- Encourage your pastor to preach about this issue from the pulpit.
- Pray for the Jewish people in your community.
- Attend Jewish community events in order to build bridges with the Jewish people.
- Say something if and when antisemitism arises in your community.
- Make sure the Holocaust is taught in your local school systems and especially at Christian schools and homeschooling associations.
- Encourage your church or Messianic congregation to teach about the history and current expressions of antisemitism from a biblical perspective.
It is critical that we make our Christian community aware of the problem and that you positively engage the Jewish community where you live so that you can build loving and respectful relationships with the Jewish people.
Our love will be used by God to create a bridge for the good news.
Partners in the Gospel
Thank you for taking the time to hear my heart for my people! I hope you will pray for the Jewish people and for Your Mission to the Jewish People as we share the good news in nineteen countries across the globe.
Would you prayerfully consider sending an extra gift this month since August always seems to be a “low” month for donations as folks are away from home?
We have also produced some great summer T-shirts that can be used in a local Oppose Antisemitism campaign! Wear one to your next church picnic and see if this does not get your brothers and sisters thinking about how to help put an end to antisemitism!
I pray the Jewish people in your community will take notice of your efforts to stand with them and to finally see that true Christians love the Jewish people!
Thanks for caring!
Mitch Glaser
P.S. For your gift of $125 or more we will send you a free Oppose Antisemitism T-shirt! Just let us know your size or, if ordering for a family member or friend, their size.