Chosen People Ministries (05.25)

NEW LETTER FROM MIKE HERTS –

In this newsletter update, Mike reflects on a meaningful season in his life—celebrating 33 years of marriage with Debbi, 44 years since coming to faith in Jesus, and his 61st birthday. He expresses gratitude for God’s continued call on his life and looks forward to many more years of ministry. Currently, Mike is leading a retreat for missionaries and volunteers in the southeastern U.S., focused on relationship-building, prayer, and strategic planning to reach the Jewish community. He also asks for prayer for the upcoming Leadership Advisory Team meeting, his role on the Compensation and Benefits Committee, his local fellowship (LOIBroward.org), and ongoing Bible studies. He encourages prayer for open hearts among the Jewish people and expresses gratitude to supporters for their partnership. Financial support is still needed, and Mike invites both donations and opportunities to speak at churches.

For background, Dr. Michael Herts, a Jewish believer in Jesus, was raised on Long Island, New York. He faithfully attended a Conservative Jewish synagogue and became a Bar Mitzvah at age 13. In 10th grade, he was first exposed to the good news of the Messiah in an understandable way. After two years of searching, he came to believe Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. From that moment, his whole life changed. His family was very hurt, and some were very angry about his decision. Contrary to what his grandmother thought, he did not become a Gentile but instead gained a deeper appreciation of what it meant to really be Jewish. To worship and serve the God of Israel, and accept His Messiah, His plan of Atonement and reconciliation, suddenly made sense. As Dr. Herts grew in his faith, he gained a deeper understanding of the connection between the older and newer covenants. He came to understand the importance of being a testimony to God’s faithfulness to His people by maintaining his Jewish identity, demonstrating that he could be Jewish and still believe in Jesus. With time, his heart became even more burdened for reaching Jewish people with the good news of the Messiah. Over the years, he has served in leadership positions in various congregational settings. In 2005, he formed a team to plant a congregation in Virginia. In 2009, he received his ordination. In July 2010, he accepted the invitation to serve God as a missionary with Chosen People Ministries.