The Unstoppable Feast

For thousands of years, Jewish people across the world have eaten matzah (unleavened bread) during Passover to remember God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. However, this practice has sometimes been challenging. In certain times and places, procuring matzah and other supplies for Passover has proved tricky. Most recently, Ukraine has been one of those places since the start of the war. As a result, in 2022, matzah production in the country was not possible, which is still the case so far in 2023. 

Matzah Movers

Throughout the war, Jewish organizations have tried to step in to meet the need for Passover matzah in Ukraine. One of these organizations shipped two tons of matzah from Israel to Strasbourg, France, but needed help getting the shipment into Ukraine. Chosen People Ministries has also partnered in this effort. We rented two large vans, and two volunteers drove more than 500 miles to get this matzah to Poland, near the Ukrainian border. The rental and gasoline cost about $2,500. From there, we helped distribute matzah to people in fifteen cities in Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Lviv. 

In addition to supplying the Messianic congregations we partner with in Ukraine, we distributed the matzah to about 300 not-yet believers. Along with other organizations, we also passed out food packages so these families could enjoy and celebrate an authentic Passover. The Ukrainian families were most grateful for the matzah since access to food and other necessities, let alone matzah, remains challenging. This month, we will gladly continue helping Jewish people in Ukraine celebrate this wonderful holiday, a reminder of God’s deliverance and a foreshadowing of Messiah’s sacrifice. 

Chosen People Ministries has also been working to provide for Ukrainians beyond Passover. A Jewish man showed interest in learning more about the Messiah after receiving a food package, a sleeping bag, and winter shoes for the cold winter months: “I don’t know who you are, but I see undeniable evidence of love. You came to me when no one else wanted to help me. I was sitting in my apartment without electricity and heat, and you brought me what I needed most. Then you told me it is not because of you but because of the love of the Jewish Messiah. It broke my heart. Thank you, and tell me more about Him.” 

Thanks to Your Support  

Thanks to your support, we can aid Ukrainian refugees with essential items difficult or impossible to procure within the country. 

One Messianic congregation we helped thanked us, saying, “We heartily thank the brothers and sisters of Chosen People Ministries for the financial assistance provided to purchase everything necessary for the winter of 2022–2023—a very difficult time for Ukraine. May God reward you with mercy for your mercy in the name of Messiah Yeshua!”