REPORTS OF GOD AT WORK

Testimony from a staff member with Chosen People Ministries—Israel

The pandemic caused many challenges in life and ministry for everyone. In Israel, many restrictions limited what we could do. We had to be creative in doing activities online or outside. Our team hosted events on Zoom, picnics, outdoor day trips and gatherings, young adult hikes, and worship under the stars. People brought friends who did not know Jesus, and many great spiritual conversations took place.

We also created and are currently developing a new website for Israeli seekers that addresses life’s difficult questions. Please pray this website leads many to connect with us and come to know Yeshua.

Over the past two years, our staff have not merely continued their ministry. They have also opened new opportunities for which we give thanks. During the first year of the pandemic, Israel experienced lockdowns most of the time with heavy restrictions. One law, for instance, barred people from going more than 100 meters (a couple of blocks) from one’s home. Through it all, however, God remained faithful. He created opportunities to reach people right in their homes.

completing their army service. There are specific hotspots where thousands of Israelis gather. Goa, India, is one of those places. Allow me to share about Anat.* Several years ago, I met Anat in India. She sought spiritual light and truth through meditation and a Buddhist/Hindu blend of eastern ideas. Israelis often travel the world for six to twelve months after.

Imagine a Jewish Israeli going to a foreign land to seek foreign gods. She even asked me who my guru was. Wow! What an opening. I shared about the only true teacher, the only true mediator and connection to God, the true Messiah and God of Israel—Jesus. If one is searching for light, why not go straight to the Light of the world?!

We often spoke in India, and when we both returned to Israel, I would follow up with her frequently. While she was always interested, she never had much time as she was busy with work, school, and social life. During the first lockdown, we started having regular Zoom meetings. Now—because of the pandemic—she had plenty of time and decided to spend it pursuing truth again.

We went through the Hebrew Scriptures together, and she asked many questions. She soon came to embrace the Bible as historical and truthful. Then, she fell in love with a God who loves His people and came to know Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life—as her Messiah. Anat continues to meet with me and another young adult, Miri,* whom I also met on a post-army backpacking trip. She, too, came to faith during lockdowns via our studies on Zoom!

Both women are back at work and university now, but they always make time to meet, study the Bible, and pray. Moreover, they are excited about growing in their faith and sharing Jesus with their friends and families. There have been so many young adults whose curiosity and openness toward the gospel have peaked  throughout the pandemic. Even during the strictest of lockdowns, nothing can stop God’s love and word from touching people’s hearts.

God is sovereign, and He reigns even now. Even in the face of a global pandemic, the gospel is still the best news of all, and Chosen People Ministries is ready, willing, and able to share it—no matter what!

*Names changed.