“We value the Bible—it informs all we do.”
culture, geography, laws, and so much more, which makes
them effective in reaching their own Jewish community.
We now not only have national missionaries, but national
boards and local support of our work in various countries.
Our books are published in many languages, and the
web makes a huge difference, as now it is much easier to
immediately put materials into other languages so that they
can be used to reach Jewish people and “help others do the
same,” in the words of our mission statement.
I believe that we will continue to be global as long as the Jewish
people live in a variety of countries around the world. Israel
will always be special to us, but we are also a people in diaspora
(dispersion) and we cannot neglect the Jewish people living in
so many countries around the globe. I believe that our global
ministries are still in the very early stages of development.
Honoring Our Heritage
I am proud of the ways in which Chosen People Ministries
honors the past and our heritage. This is one of the reasons
why celebrating our 125th anniversary is so important. First
of all, there is so much to celebrate, but I believe honoring
the past demonstrates good character. When we show honor
6 The Chosen People | JULY 2019
to those to whom it is due, and respect those who have gone
before us, it says something positive about the ministry or
organization. It is pure arrogance to believe that we have the
answers to all the questions of Jewish ministry, when in so
many ways we are merely repackaging what has been done
ever since the early Jewish ministries recorded in the book of
Acts—or even in the Gospels through Jesus Himself.
Heritage is important to us. This is a Jewish value as well
because as Jewish people, we always look back to look forward,
thanking God we still have the vision and energy and
wherewithal to even think about the future. We learn lessons
from the past that apply to the present and propel us into the
future. Chosen People Ministries has a great heritage that is
worth building upon. Honoring your heritage is no excuse for
dismissing innovation, but it does provide a sure foundation
for a bright future. The Bible calls upon us to look back and
appreciate what God has done through those He used for His
purposes. Yet, the Bible also demands that we look towards
the future of what God has planned for Israel in the world.
We also appreciate our Messianic Jewish heritage. We honor
those who pioneered this work—from the Apostle Paul to
the early Messianic Jewish leaders in the post-reformation
period—as well as those Messianic leaders who survived the
awful pogroms in the 19th century and the Holocaust in the
20th century. We need to appreciate what faithful men and
women have done and because there is so much value and so
many lessons to learn for today and for tomorrow.
Towards Tomorrow: 125 and Counting!
Looking back and seeing how far we have come has me
excited about what is ahead. Chosen People Ministries has a
sure and good future because of the promises of God!
I have enjoyed taking a moment to focus some attention
on the vision and values of Chosen People Ministries as we
celebrate our 125th anniversary as a ministry among the
Jewish people. I hope you have enjoyed this overview of our
great Mission.
It is my hope that reflecting on what makes us who we are
strengthens us for the journey towards our future—as the
Lord tarries! We want to build today for a stronger Chosen
People Ministries tomorrow.
Thank you for being an integral part of this great work of the
Lord through your faithful partnership. May God bless you
as you bless the Jewish people!
Warmly in our Messiah,
Dr. Mitch Glaser
President, Chosen People Ministries
Manhattan Messianic Center and Chosen People Ministries
International Headquarters Building