Jews for Jesus Founder Moishe Rosen Dies at 78

As he approached the end of his life, Rosen lamented the
fact that many ecumenical ministries were emphasizing Christian-Jewish
relations at the expense of Jewish evangelism. In an interview with Charisma, he cited the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, which
raises more than $80 million a year, 10 times as much as Chosen People’s evangelistic
outreach.

“I never thought I would live to see the day when those who
know the Lord and are born again were supporting the efforts of rabbis who,
frankly, not only don’t know Christ, but don’t want to know Him,” Rosen wrote
in a farewell letter designed to be read after his death.

“To be an honest ministry, it can only come from the Holy
Spirit; and the Holy Spirit can only indwell those who have the new birth and
are born again,” Rosen added. “Therefore, I would urge you to think very seriously
before you support any ‘ministry’ that involves Jewish people and doesn’t
actually bring the gospel to the Jews.”

He also expressed concern about Messianic leaders who felt
their calling was to promote Jewishness and Judaism to Jews. “I hope I can
count on you to show love and respect for the Jewish people, but Jewishness
never saved anybody,” he wrote. “Judaism never saved anybody no matter how
sincere.”

In his letter, Rosen said he felt he left many things undone
but said “anything done for Christ will last.”

Rosen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ceil; his
brother, Don; daughters Lyn Bond and Ruth Rosen, son-in-law Alan Bond, and two
grandchildren, Asher and Bethany Bond.

A memorial service will be held at 2
p.m. June 1 at First Baptist Church in San Francisco.