Winter 2019 Newsletter
Serving those in need
“Please come again.” These words are echoed time after time at our departure from Jewish homes in Ukraine. Serving Jewish people in need is at the very heart of the Messiah. This action is imperative for Messiah's Compassion and our congregation partners who facilitate many of the logistics and ministry in Ukraine. This past December during Hanukkah we had the opportunity to give over 160 food packages to Jewish families and widows. We never leave a home without first asking them about prayer needs and their relationship with the Lord.
The second aspect of Messiah's Compassion's goals is that of establishing and encouraging local Messianic Jewish congregations. We work in six locations presently in Ukraine. Two of these locations are small groups of 18 to 20 people, and the larger congregations have about 60 to 120 attending. This effort is also at the very heart of our Messiah. Once there is a living and vibrant Jewish community that follows Yeshua (Jesus), it becomes purposeful in building momentum to invite other Jewish people who are open to visit a special event or service. A good number of Jewish people raised their hands and desired to pray to ask the Messiah to forgive their sins in both Kyiv and Odessa during services! Thank you, dear friends, churches, and family members who pray and give faithfully to see these results in the Kingdom's advance. Please intercede for our upcoming Purim & Passover outreaches to be effective. Plans are under way for next trip in April.
Jewish youth art-crafts program
Messiah’s Compassion has been sponsoring art-crafts program for Jewish youth in SE Ukraine. Pastor Alexander’s wife, Oksana is their trainer. She has wonderful opportunities to build relationship with non-believing Jewish families and display the love of Messiah in their children’s lives.
Forced out of Crimea
Pastor Alexander and his wife were forced out of Crimea in 2014 when Russian troops occupied the Ukraine peninsula, lost their upholstery business and later moved to SE Ukraine to begin a new life and ministry. They are doing great in the new home congregation they started, and we had around 40 people attend Hanukkah services where I was honored to preach. I was so blessed to speak at five locations in Ukraine during November and December.
Ministry in Israel
Pastor Roman, originally from Russian speaking Moldova, came to ISRAEL as a teenager. The Lord called him to become pastor several years ago and the congregation outgrew their small building. He showed me their new facility that they now lease in a business park complex, now having room for 100 plus attendees. Hallelujah! Messiah’s Compassion plans to join him on some ministry partnerships to reach out to Hebrew and Russian speaking Israelis. The Holy Spirit is doing a great work in Israel among His people. We have real opportunities to bless Israel!
