The Baton by Steve Martin

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Sept. 30, 2026 Greetings once again from Jerusalem, where we are thankful for the Lord’s mercy everyday.  I am also most grateful for His healing grace. When the enemy tries to take your joy and high expectations and attacks you with pneumonia instead, you can either keep your eyes on the Lord or give up. Eleven days of cough and fever, lacking the will to do anything…enough of that. We all face obstacles and difficulties. The Bible has plenty to say of those who seek to walk in our Lord Jesus’ ways and what they will face. He will always be our CHIEF example of facing the wind and just keep going. Until it is done. Thank you for your prayers, and to the ones who sent funds to cover the medical bills. I hate meds and such but sometimes all things are necessary. As I consider this trip, I am at peace that going forward I can support our Jewish friends from home best, and that will be the way to go from now on.  Passing the baton was always a favorite race for me in high school during the 440 yard relay.  Now it is another’s time to carry the work of the Lord to His wonderful Land and people.  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3, NASB We must carry on the work as He directs our steps. The time is short. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin P.S. While we still have 4 weeks left in Israel we will make the most of it. Support the young soldiers protecting their families; bring comfort to the weary; give some joy as their Redemption draws nigh. Back home Oct. 21. All of Steve Martin’s books are available in hardcover, paperback, audio and e-books on Amazon. Search the “title, Steve Martin”. Read of our journey earlier in 2015-2026: BACK TO JERUSALEM YouTube - Walk With Me videos Visit our website We appreciate your sharing with the work in Israel, to “bring comfort to His people.” Use the blue website button tab above for online giving.

Love for His People | 12120 Woodside Falls Rd |Pineville, NC 28134 US

Watching the people walk by on Ben Yehuda Street

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Watching the people go by on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem. Spent. 27, 2027 during Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacle.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

Alive again in Jerusalem

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Alive again in Jerusalem. Walk with me, Steve Martin

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA

The Expected Unexpected

​The Expected Unexpected

It began as the normal “squeeze” onto the Light rail train down the main east-west corridor on Jaffa Street. With the mid-afternoon riders, the usual after school crowd and early “get me home” people, you got on before the doors closed and off to the next stop.

I hadn’t quite prepared myself for the forward lurch that came, for I was being stared at by a black-haired man about a foot away. I tried to “smile” with my eyes, believing he didn’t speak English, but his eyes just glared at me.

With the sudden move of the train I lost my footing. He grabbed my arm, stared as if a demon resided in him, and squeezed his nails into my bare forearm. No smile. Nothing more.

I gave him another look as if to say, “What was that all about?” And then I broke any curse he had put on me.

He got off at the next stop and I told David Lauka, next to me, what had happened.

Jonathan Cahn’s book, THE ALTAR OF PERGAMON, arrived at my house in Charlotte a few days before our departure to Israel. After hearing of his airplane story and reading bits here and there, the expected unexpected comes.

After the first five days here in Jerusalem, wanting to start our six-week volunteer service with Christian Friends of Israel, I caught the virus that so far has effected 11 out of the 34 other volunteers. For four days I didn’t eat, and slept as much as I could.

Spiritual battles are real. Some places more than others.

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8, NASB

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

 

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA

Yom Kippur in Jerusalem

Yom Kippur greetings to our Jewish friends who have their holiest day of the year. Repentance, fasting, names in the Book of Life. 

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin in Jerusalem

Christian Friends of Israel - Steve Martin

Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem

As my heart for Israel and His promised people, the Jews, is set, I have also joined with  the 41-year old organization in Jerusalem, Christian Friends of Israel.

Starting back in 1992 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I was a founding board member on the CFI-USA representative office with Hannele Pardain, now in Charlotte, North Carolina. I served for 14 years. Now my wonderful wife Laurie has been on the board since 2021.

Together, Laurie and I volunteered to  serve  in Jerusalem with CFI for three months, Oct. 16, 2025 through Jan.11, 2026. You can read of that wonderful experience in my 40th book published a month later, BACK TO JERUSALEM, in February 2026. 

The many chapters in the book also come with over 150 photos. ( I have found that the men will look at the photos while the women actually read my books! Speaking on a general basis, of course.)

And now, after having had four cancelled flights to Israel in  the spring of 2026 due to ongoing conflicts continually against Israel,, my good friend David Lauka and I have returned to the Land to once again serve six weeks with CFI.

Now led by the International Director Tristan Hall, with his wife Galya (four children Eliora, Moriah, Ariella, and son  Hosea), CFI was found in 1985 by Ray and Sharon Sanders. 

Ray passed on two days before the horrible onslaught against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Sharon continues serving  with her foundational strength,  vigor and encouragement,  with speaking engagements, regular  teaching through  books and magazine articles, and overall care for the multiple of volunteers and leadership the Lord has brought to continue the love for His people.

And so now with my time here, I will share what the Lord gives us to do alongside them to  bring comfort to His people.

“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. With gentle words, tender and kind,
assure  Jerusalem, this chosen city from long ago…” Isaiah 40:1 NASB

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Elvis in Israel!

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Always a great time to go to the Elvis American a restaurant just 5 miles west of Jerusalem in Israel.

The Dead Sea!

The Dead Sea! An enjoyable place with friends in Israel.

Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem - evening celebration

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A wonderful evening in the new CFI office in Jerusalem. Friday, Sept. 18, 2026

Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem!

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Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA

First full day, again, in Jerusalem!

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Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026

Our first full day in Jerusalem. Back again!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

When we arrived in Jerusalem last night we walked across the street of our hotel, Lev Yerusaliym, and visited our shop owner friends. Uri Shaklim, who is seen pressing new t-shirts and hoodies for me.

Steve Martin

Our hotel room.