Spring 2018 Newsletter
Passover Feast
The Passover Feast, as a yearly highlight, was impactful in the Messianic Jewish congregations in Kiev, Odessa, and Zaporozhye, Ukraine! There was fabulous attendance for the Passover dinner outreaches at all locations of our Messiah’s Compassion partner congregations. Including all dinners in three cities, there were about 440 people in attendance! Many secular Jewish people attended and at least 44 people (18 Jewish and 36 Slavic) prayed to ask Yeshua (Jesus) to become their Messiah and to forgive their sins! Our LORD is adding to these young Messianic Jewish congregations. We are truly grateful for your prayers and financial giving to see all these victories.
War in Ukraine
While a war in the eastern part of Ukraine drags on into its fourth year, many Jewish people have become exceedingly more open to hear the good news of Messiah. Each of the six partner congregations range from 18 to over 100 people in attendance every week. The leaders tirelessly put in many hours in preparation for their ministry, home visitations, food bag deliveries, and additionally working part time jobs. Their sacrificial ministry has shown selflessness, and the participation of their families’ efforts are building the Kingdom’s work for unreached Jewish people. Every time I am in communication with them- these words, “Jeff, please come again soon. We are expecting you!” As you can perceive, they have become like dear family members to us, and I am truly honored. Air tickets for Ukraine and Israel have already been secured for September.
Anticipation In Zaporozhe, not far from warzone in southeastern Ukraine, God has allowed us with Messiah’s Compassion to not only help needy Jewish families with food packages, but recently we were able to purchase a new piece of medical equipment for a Jewish girl, Masha, who has a very rare illness that has caused a paralysis and breathing disorders. Pastor Sasha regularly assists this family with food packages and prayer. Your involvement in Messiah’s Compassion is bringing hope to Jewish families in practical ways, not just with words. Our goals are simple: establish congregations and show mercy.
The Czech Connection
For three years now in the Spring, I have had the opportunity to teach via internet for the World Religions class in the Pentecostal Bible School at Kolin, Czech Republic. Interested students had very good questions about Judaism and reaching Jewish people with the gospel. Pray that these students will begin to share the good news with Jewish people in Prague and other cities. Some researchers estimate up to 10,000 Jewish people reside in Czech Republic.
