June 1, 2023
Dear Friend,
Shalom in his grace. I am writing to you with a deep sense of gratitude to God and an expectation about what God is doing among young Israelis in the greater Tel Aviv area.
I would like to ask for your prayers and financial support for our new ministries in this region of more than four million Israelis!
First, young Israelis fill our outreach concerts to overflowing. Most are believers who bring their young friends, many of whom are currently serving in the army and are open to the gospel. We do not have enough room for everyone who wants to join us, which is a good problem to have but difficult to overcome in our current rented facility. Of course, this challenge is why we are purchasing a new center nearby. In the new center, we plan to keep doing almost exactly what we have been doing in the old one. Our outreach events, concerts, lectures, meals, and Bible studies are very effective! Until this new location is ready, we need God’s wisdom since there are times when we have to invite fewer people because our space is too small.
Second, we regularly face opposition from local anti-missionaries who try to keep Israelis from attending our concerts, Sabbath dinners, and Bible studies. If I were not a believer in Jesus, I would probably be doing the same. I grew up in a more traditional Jewish home and had strong feelings about Christians trying to convert Jewish people to what I then believed was a foreign religion. Of course, I was wrong and now know the truth because Jesus saved me and opened my mind and heart to the true meaning of the gospel message. We are not trying to turn Jewish people into Gentiles; we help Israelis receive the gift of salvation through Jesus the Messiah and draw closer to the living God of Israel.
Finally, we really need your prayers and support as we continue our outreach online. We have enjoyed an incredibly fruitful response to our Facebook, Google, and other digital ads. Indeed, a couple hundred Jewish Israeli seekers have responded during the last six weeks and requested a copy of our Isaiah 53 Explained Hebrew evangelistic book. Additionally, we are releasing a brand-new website very soon, and we could use your prayers and support as we take out ads to help make the site more visible. The name of the website is LaOmek, which is Hebrew for something deeper or more meaningful. This website is unique because it provides digital booklets based upon the current needs of younger Israelis who are lonely, having trouble with relationships, and so much more. We could not be more excited about what we are about to release because of the great results we have witnessed with the Isaiah 53 Explained Hebrew campaign!
Our new center in the greater Tel Aviv area is at the heart of our outreach strategy. We have begun the construction of the new facility, Our desire is to help Israelis receive the gift of salvation through Jesus the Messiah and draw closer to the living God of Israel. WWW.CHOSENPEOPLE.COM and we need your help right now to quickly bring this vision to fruition. A generous donor offered a $25,000 one-for-two challenge grant, and we are hoping to raise at least $50,000, which would give us another $25,000 through the challenge grant. The $75,000 would be a great start, and if God provides additional funds, then we will rejoice even more. I believe we will need this amount every month for the next 6–10 months to cover the costs of the center’s renovation. You will hear more frequently from me as we update you on how the Lord is providing for the facility and as we make progress on the build-out.
There are many ways to give.
CHECKS: In this increasingly electronic world, many businesses have moved away from paper. But fear not—we always accept checks! Please make your check payable to “Chosen People Ministries.”
BY PHONE: You can speak directly to one of our donor care specialists by calling 1-800-969-6850 and donate by credit card.
GIVE SECURELY ONLINE: You can make a gift online by credit card on our website—chosenpeople.com/donate.
RECURRING DONATIONS: You can create a recurring donation deducted from your checking account or placed on a credit card. To start your monthly giving, complete the Watchmen for Jerusalem section on the enclosed reply slip and return it in the enclosed envelope.
STOCKS, BONDS, AND MUTUAL FUNDS: When you give stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, especially long-term appreciated securities, you can often save on your taxes and contribute more to the ministry based upon the advantageous United States tax codes.1 When we receive these financial instruments, we sell them at market value so the funds can go immediately into the work of our ministry.
GIFTS OF REAL PROPERTY: Donating non-cash assets including business interests, real estate, cars, boats, jewelry, and other items is another way to bless Chosen People Ministries. We have begun the construction of the new facility, and we need your help right now to complete the vision.
GIFTS FROM YOUR IRA: If you are 70 1/2 years of age or older, you can donate up to $100,000 from your IRA distribution and not add a penny to your taxable income. Even if you do not itemize deductions, giving in this way allows you to receive a tax benefit for your generosity. Please consult your IRA custodian for the necessary forms to begin the process. You will need our EIN, which is 13-2659171.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY: If you are at least 65 years old, another way to give and make an impact in Jewish evangelism is by establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity at Chosen People Ministries with a gift of $10,000 or more. You will also receive the tax benefit of your investment right away—an immediate charitable deduction and a steady income for your lifetime, which will not fluctuate with the stock market.
LIFE INSURANCE: If you find the cash value of a life insurance policy is no longer necessary, you can donate the policy to Chosen People Ministries for immediate use in Jewish evangelism.
GIVING FROM YOUR DONOR ADVISED FUND: Now is a great time to distribute grants from your DAF to Chosen People Ministries. These funds are already set aside for ministry and your select charities, so you can give freely without touching your ready capital.
LEGACY GIVING: By including Chosen People Ministries in your will, you can bless the ministry for years to come. Your bequest will ensure your wishes to invest in the future of Jewish evangelism will be honored. We are able to sustain many of today’s outreach programs due to the generosity and vision of supporters who have passed into glory. To learn about setting up an estate gift, or for more information on any of these ways to give, contact Cindy Forbes at cforbes@chosenpeople. com or 1-212-223-2252, ext. 1208.
Thank you so much for your help!
Blessings in our Messiah,
1) You can deduct the fair market value of the securities against up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, and any excess deductions can be carried forward into as many as five additional tax years. Making a gift of stocks or mutual funds to Chosen People Ministries is simple and an excellent way to donate. Just contact Ralph DeMattico at [email protected] or call 1-212-223-2252, extension 1236.