Providing for Needy Israelis
In the past twenty years, unprecedented numbers of Jewish people from the former Soviet Union have made Israel their home. This was not an easy transition for many of these immigrants, economically, socially, or culturally. As a result, a significant percentage are struggling with poverty, drug and alcohol addiction, and other difficulties. Of course, plenty of other Israelis are struggling with similar issues. We have a clear command to care for these dear people. As Messiah Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you did it for the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Chosen People Ministries staff workers and other Messianic believers are serving homeless people, prostitutes, addicts, widows and orphans. The need is immense. As one of our workers in Tel Aviv writes, "Our rehab center is expanding so rapidly, the director of the center rented another house outside the town to serve as an additional facility." Unfortunately, all of the Messianic shelters that currently exist are for men. We hope to change that soon. As another worker writes,
I think of a homeless, prostitute drug addict we were able to rescue about half a year ago. She received the Lord, is growing in Him and helping others with the same background. Another Israeli woman also received the Lord; however, with broken hearts, we had no place to put her, because of the lack of any Bible-based women's shelter. So, guess what our major prayer request and focus is? Establishing a women's shelter. These women deserve a chance!
One of the shelters provides a laundry room for those who need to wash their clothes, as well as hot food and a place of calm and safety to sleep. Another is a soup kitchen, one that offers live worship music in addition to a hot, home-cooked meal. This is another area in which Israeli believers are expanding their efforts, as God is really calling them to follow his mandate of care for others. What's more, acts of social good are a big focus of Jewish culture, so this is a key aspect to evangelism of all Israelis.
Even believers who had not felt a call specifically to this kind of helping ministry have found that they cannot help but join in. As one staff member writes,
Our home has become somewhat of a rescue house. We have housed families who have lost their homes, travelers without a place to stay and also visitors from abroad.
