"I've Read Isaiah 53 and - It's Jesus."

When Marty,* a Jewish doctor in Arizona, began reading the Bible, he told his staff, "I have questions. I need more information." That's when Chosen People Ministries worker Cathy Wilson stepped into the picture. Following her two attempts at contact, Marty called her. "Since I believe God is reaching out to me," he shared, "how could I not call you?" After some discussion, Marty said, "I've read Isaiah 53 and - it's Jesus. I called my mother and read it to her, and she also realizes it's Jesus."

Passover at Folsom State Prison

California staff member Olivier Melnick was invited to perform a "Messiah in the Passover" banquet at Folsom State Prison in California. The audience included 300 inmates, about half of them believers in Jesus. Speaking on bondage, redemption and God's grace while sharing all of the Passover elements with the inmates, Olivier received a very positive response. At the end, Olivier led in the sinner's prayer with those men moved to pray, and was blessed to witness twenty inmates who made a decision for Yeshua (Jesus). They got very excited when he told them that they would be with God in the "New Jerusalem."

Friendship and prayers lead to faith decision in toronto

Anna Bortsova, who serves on staff in Canada, had the opportunity to befriend and to pray for some neighbors - a young Russian family, whose four-year-old daughter was hospitalized and made a recovery. Then, only a few weeks later, the little girl’s grandmother, who helps raise the children, broke her leg. Anna visited and prayed for her also. These acts of friendship led to an invitation from the couple to join in their celebration of five years of marriage. The Bortsovs were the only guests invited. In the course of the evening, after the children went to bed, the Bortsovs spoke with the wife, who asked about their faith. Later that night, after a deep conversation, the woman received the Lord.

The Good News Goes Forth From Zion

Devorah,* a young Jewish woman who visited the Messianic congregation led by Jeff Kipp in Pittsburgh, has come to faith in her Messiah. A day or so after Devorah's visit, Jeff received a phone call from her Israeli childhood girlfriend, who had been witnessing to her for eighteen years. The friend told him that Devorah had just surrendered her life to Messiah. In a follow-up visit over dinner, Jeff and his wife, Kathy, spoke with Devorah about the decision she had made. She confessed with tears of joy, "I should have done this a long time ago, because now I have peace I never had before."

The Riches of the Gospel

A Jewish wedding officiated by Vladimir Pikman, the director of our work in Germany, turned into a unique chance to speak to a number of very sophisticated not-yet-believers. Although opportunities to share the Gospel directly were limited, the Lord used that little to great effect. As Vladimir started the ceremony, the Lord touched the hearts of some guests and they began crying. After his wife, Inna, performed a couple of songs that complemented the testimony, people became very interested in their faith. One Jewish woman confided in them that despite her wealth and multiple achievements, she felt empty. As Vladimir began praying for her, she began praying herself, asking Yeshua to forgive her and to be her Savior. Vladimir writes, "We were overwhelmed by the powerful working of our God. Praise the Lord!"

Praise the Lord for Another Jewish Faith Decision

Ryan K., who ministers on our staff in New York City, spoke in a church to which the worship leader had brought his Jewish friend. The message opened the Jewish friend’s eyes. After two lunch meetings, this Jewish man gave his life to the Lord as he and Ryan prayed together in a parking lot. Ryan says, "He is very excited and I will be following up with him in order to disciple him, as will the church. This is very praiseworthy—Hallelujah!"

* Name has been changed