November 2024

The Chosen People Newsletter

On the flight home from a recent youth trip to South Korea, one of our Israeli staff stretched his legs in the galley and started chatting with a businessman. It seemed safe to explain he was traveling with Israeli Jewish youth who believe in Jesus. The man returned to his seat, and someone else spoke up: “I overheard your conversation. I hope you don’t mind. But I am like your youth. I also believe in Jesus!”

The “eavesdropper” was an Israeli Jewish man living abroad for many years. Beni* had slowly and miraculously come to faith in Jesus, even though he had rarely been inside a church or read the New Testament and never even heard of the messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures! Just the day before, in New Zealand, evangelists in a mall had led Beni in a prayer to repent and invite Jesus into his heart! He said, “I never knew you had to do that.” Immediately, he felt God’s power and peace in a new way. The following day, he met our staff’s Messianic group on the plane! What are the chances?

Of course, our staff relished the opportunity to talk with him and tell him about Isaiah 53 and other prophecies. They talked for two hours! A couple of the young people also prayed for Beni’s baby boy, who was very sick in the hospital. Please pray for Beni to deepen his faith and commitment and for deliverance from doubts and previous New Age exposure. Also, pray for his son’s healing.

A few years ago, Daniel* walked into our Arizona staff’s Bible study after two friends attending the class coerced him. Daniel made it clear he was an atheist. Our staff welcomed him! Over the years, Daniel regularly participated in the Bible study. He also joyfully attended several outreaches. In speaking with his friends about all he was learning, he blurted out, “I think you need Jesus!” Following a teleconferenced Bible study during COVID-19, Daniel prayed, “Jesus, Redeemer, Messiah, God the Son, have mercy on me, a sinner.” He assured our staff he owned the prayer!

Our staff received word several months ago that Daniel was admitted to a memory care facility. Our staff’s visits have been frequent. When his daughter told our staff he may not have long to live, they found Daniel at the food bar in his facility enjoying dinner and reminiscing. Our staff talked with Daniel about his desire to make Jesus known to everyone because He is our only hope. Daniel excitedly spoke about Jesus and respectfully expressed his eagerness to “sell” Jesus to many!

Daniel’s memorial service was held shortly after their conversation. Praise God, we know where he will spend eternity!

*Names changed

NOVEMBER 5, 1938 – AUGUST 21, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the passing of our friend, colleague, and brother, Ronald Baehr. Those who knew him called him Ron. For more than twenty-five years, he was not just a member but a dedicated pillar of Chosen People Ministries, his commitment and loyalty shining through in all his endeavors.

Ron became a believer in 1948 at the age of ten in the Grosse Pointe Baptist Church in Michigan. In his youth, he was highly athletic, participating in many sports, including baseball, track, and tennis, earning numerous trophies. However, his favorite sport was golf, which he continued playing for more than seventy years.

After high school, Ron served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves but earned his living as a systems analyst. After becoming a chief systems analyst, he joined the staff of Blue Cross in Manhattan in 1984. This move was God-ordained, as he met Eileen Holand, a nice Jewish girl there. They started dating, and Ron introduced Eileen to his Messiah, Yeshua. At the end of that year, on December 26, 1984, Eileen gave her life to Yeshua. Ron and Eileen were married on September 27, 1985.

Following a successful career as a systems analyst, Ron accepted an early retirement package at fifty. Ron and Eileen moved to South Florida to be closer to Eileen’s parents. There, Ron took up golf more seriously and even hired a golf coach to try to make the Senior PGA tour. However, before Ron could make that cut, God sliced those plans and called them into Messianic Jewish ministry.

Ron and Eileen served in three Messianic congregations. Eileen was gifted in leading worship and served in that capacity. Ron was the Messianic rabbi and administrator, allowing him to use his gift of administration in his faith community. The skills he acquired as a systems analyst transferred well to congregational leadership. He had extraordinary attention to detail and was known among his friends and family for labeling everything.

His orderliness was used for the kingdom as Ron served in the marketing and resource department of Chosen People Ministries. He maintained the books and other resources available through the missionaries worldwide and the online store. He worked with the staff in the South Florida branch and had a tremendous impact on the ministry and those we serve.

However, more than his attention to detail or orderliness, Ron was truly an encourager. His sincere love for people was expressed in everything he did. He had a love of golf. He had a love of food and was often heard saying, “That was the best meal I’ve ever had!” But it was his love of God and his love of people (and his infectious smile!) that forever etched him in the memories of those who knew him.

Ron is survived by his wife Eileen, son Stephen Baehr, daughter-in-law Theresa, grandson Kurt, granddaughter Sydney, daughter Lynne Baehr, his brother and sister-in-law Roger and Jane Baehr, his sister-in-law Pat Baehr, and his second family at Chosen People Ministries.