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
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Thursday, September 24, 2026
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
Sunday, September 20, 2026
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.
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
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Elvis in Israel!
Always a great time to go to the Elvis American a restaurant just 5 miles west of Jerusalem in Israel.
Friday, September 18, 2026
Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem - evening celebration
A wonderful evening in the new CFI office in Jerusalem. Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
First full day, again, in Jerusalem!
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.
Arrived in Jerusalem
Sept. 16, 2026 Wednesday
We made it to Jerusalem early Wednesday evening and quickly saw friends we have made over the past 20 years.
Avraham Saidian (85) above on Ben Yehuda Street. Below are of Uri Shaklim making me a new Jerusalem/USA hoodie. Mine must have gotten dropped on the street after we got off the light rail train, lugging our luggage down Jaffa Street to the hotel Lev Yerusaliym.
Great to be home in Jerusalem!
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
Uri Shaklim in his clothing shop on Ben Yehuda Street.
David Lauka and Steve Martin arrival off the high speed train from TLV airport.
Paris, France - Walk With Me, Steve Martin
Here we are in the way to Jerusalem!
Walk With Me, Steve Martin, and see.
Photos: Steve Martin and David Lauka at the Paris International Airport in France.
On the way to Jerusalem!
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Walk With Me as I travel to Jerusalem. Video playlist.
Steve Martin and David Lauka’s Fall 2026 Ahava Adventure 6-week trip to Jerusalem begins here.
The Walk With Me Israel/Jerusalem Fall 2026 playlist starts with an encouraging word at our home group on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
I will be adding videos, including shorts, to the playlist as the six-weeks in the Land of Israel develop.
Come WALK WITH ME and see what the Living Hod of Israel is doing with His people.
Ahava and shalom,
Steve Martin
Other videos you will see:
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