One of the challenges that the Jewish people have faced over the centuries is how to preserve our heritage while looking to the future. This may also sum up the goal of Chosen People Ministries. Although when compared to Jewish history, our more than 130-year-old existence seems a mere drop in the bucket of eternity, we must also look ahead—even as we act as responsible stewards of our traditions.
Fortunately, God has blessed us with a dedicated Board, a staff of seasoned servants of Messiah and a contingent of young people, who add tremendous vitality and vision through which the entire Mission is energized. It seems that the Lord is honoring our commitment because our work is expanding at a rapid pace. We are finding that Jewish people across the globe are becoming more and more receptive to the Gospel as the Lord opens their hearts and minds to the life-giving message of Jesus the Messiah.
Our present growth is built upon the strong foundation established by the founders of Chosen People Ministries. In 1892, Rabbi Leopold Cohn, a recent immigrant to New York City from Hungary, was walking on the Lower East Side of Manhattan among thousands of other new Jewish immigrants when he heard a Jewish preacher proclaiming the Gospel in the Yiddish language. Rabbi Cohn stopped to speak with this man and eventually gave his heart to the Messiah. After receiving his theological training and leading his wife, Rose, to the Lord, Rabbi Cohn established the Brownsville Mission to the Jews. From these humble beginnings, Chosen People Ministries now serves the Jewish people all over the world.
I am grateful for our heritage. Yet I also am able to rejoice that in many ways, Chosen People Ministries is now more vital than ever. We have changed some of our means of communication—I like to joke that Rabbi Cohn probably did not have as effective a website as we do today—but in the midst of change and utilizing modern technology, we continue to hold fast to the rabbi’s vision of evangelizing and discipling Jewish people worldwide.
Our core doctrinal position has not changed in more than a century. We believe with all our hearts that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that Jesus is the promised Messiah of Israel – and that the simple message of His death and resurrection has the power to transform the lives of Jews and Gentiles.
Our international headquarters is located in the heart of New York City. This also happens to be within half a mile of the United Nations and the headquarters of dozens of worldwide Jewish organizations. This is most fitting because it is our most fervent prayer to God—as it was the Apostle Paul’s—that Israel might be saved and fully realize its calling to be a “light unto the nations.”
We have a great heritage and a bright future because God is faithful! With your prayers and partnership, we hope to keep proclaiming the Gospel until we see Him face to face.
For Zion’s sake,
Dr. Mitch Glaser
President, Chosen People Ministries