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Steve Cohen
FROM THE DESK OF: STEVE COHEN - FOUNDER
1/22/03
To whom it may concern:
As leader of Jewish missions for the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, I am writing this note in support of the mission efforts of the leading international Jewish mission agency of our time, Jews For Jesus.
I can write as a former staff, having served for 20 years from 1976 to 1996 in various locations throughout North America.
I have seen first hand this courageous collection of Jewish and gentile believers in Jesus who began as a rag-tag gather of ex-hippies under the leadership of Dr. Moishe Rosen. Since its founding in 1973, the operative words of boldness, integrity, creativity, fiscal transparency, and dynamic leadership have been the hallmark of those who have served.
In the face of growing complaints by a few who chose to leave and some of whom are egged on by those who are dedicated to opposing Gospel proclamation at all costs, it is time for us to consider what really is at stake.
The true enemy is the ancient enemy of all mankind—the one whose only strength is deception. It is used to the utmost, and while some claim that they are serving God by complaining against others, they in fact are serving the god of this earth not the King of Kings.
It is true of just about any organization that is successful, opposition because of sin and pride manifests itself. There are no perfect churches, there are no perfect messianic congregations, there are no perfect mission organizations and apart from Y'shua, there are no perfect people. But there is a perfect God who loves us and makes it possible to receive grace and mercy and live daily in the forgiveness of sins we all commit!
I trust the staff and leadership of Jews For Jesus to do the right things at the right time. I have demonstrated that trust by allowing them to invest in that which is most precious to me and Jan, my wife of 30 years, our own children. Our oldest, Micha, is finishing up his undergraduate studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago as an Approved Student with Jews For Jesus. He will soon be entering missionary training under the person I recruited to join their staff back in 1989.
My third born, Noah, is serving with the mobile evangelistic team, The Liberated Wailing Wall. He recently informed me that following the end of his 18-month commitment, he will re-up for another tour before he goes to college to study engineering. If I thought for a moment that my own children would be abused in any way I would have done everything in my power to block them from involvement.
We continue to join in outreach with Jews For Jesus and have partnered with them in four events in the past two years.
I have full confidence in the leadership and urge your continuing prayers, and mission support. Should you have any question at all concerning Jews For Jesus, I urge you to call me so that we can talk.
Yours sincerely in our Messiah,
Steve Cohen |
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