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.

Arrived in Jerusalem

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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.

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

Paris, France - Walk With Me, Steve Martin

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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!

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

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:

CFI 40th in Charlotte, North Carolina

In May 2025 Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem celebrated their 40th anniversary here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Lord blesses Israel and His people through them.

Photo collage: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vjAWyy5NDrpioCgM6

Tristan and Galya Hall lead the team in Jerusalem.

Thank You, Yeshua!

Wall of Prayer - Jerusalem

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View in browser  About New! Shop Jerusalem “‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.’”Zechariah 2:4-5 (NIV) “Yerushalayim shel zahav” renders the popular song by Naomi Shemer: “Jerusalem of gold”. In spite of the many centuries of battles and bloodshed, Jerusalem today literally shines in the sunlight, from vantage points from the Old City, to Mount Herzl, to the Mount of Olives. For many of us, Jerusalem is our favourite city. This makes no sense logically, considering that there are far more dazzling and romantic cities in the world. But no other city claims its position in the naval of the planet (see Ezekiel 5:5) and as the centre of the three monotheistic religions of the world. Has it ever occurred to you, that while there are kings and queens of countries, there is only one city which has ever had a king so strongly associated with it? The ancient City of David, now wonderfully undergoing excavations, was mapped out specifically (Nehemiah 2: 11-17) to become the seat of the Davidic kingdom, with the Temple of the God of Israel at its highest point, Mount Moriah.  And so Jerusalem was destined to always have a king, an eternal throne (II Samuel 7:16). When you walk her streets in the knowledge that she still has a King, the eternal Davidic Messiah, she shines even brighter as the ‘City of the Great King’ (Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35). Special places off the beaten track Of course there are often crowds in the Old City shuk (market streets) or at the Kotel (Western Wall). So you might just want to find some peaceful nooks and crannies in the King’s City, next time you’re here. Here are just a few: Prayer Garden, Christ Church: At the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East, Christchurch, Jaffa Gate, there is a beautiful little oasis behind the building, a rose garden with an almond tree and a lemon tree, a vine-covered seating area for picnics, and sometimes the sound of singing from the church. Abu Tor Viewpoint: Inside the Abu Tor neighbourhood there is a park called the Elie Sebag Garden. If you take Avigayil Street and turn left before Oved Street, you come to a little synagogue and a patch of ground now named ‘Yeshurun’. Previously untouched, it is now becoming a community garden, but there is still ample peace and quiet and a stunning view of the Old City and the Temple Mount.  Mount Zion (Psalm 74:2): There are several sites to see on Mount Zion, including the traditional room of the Last Supper; the possible Upper Room where Yeshua appeared after His resurrection; the Tomb of King David; and the Dormition Abbey: all very touristy. But if you keep walking up the steps to the roof of the tomb/Upper Room/Last Supper room, you arrive at a special open-air viewpoint where you can see the tiny ‘President’s Room’, which is open on certain Monday mornings. At this site, Jewish people used to gather to pray, while Jordan was occupying their holy sites, from 1948 to 1967, and they could not access the Western Wall of the Temple. Israel’s second president, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, had a special place of solitude and study here, and invited Jewish pilgrims to join him during Jewish holidays. Botanical Garden, Mount Scopus: Another beautiful place to walk, sit and pray, and then can be followed by a visit to the wonderful Maps Library at the Hebrew University, or the incredible Roman amphitheatre in the university grounds. Arrangements must be made in advance by written request via the Hebrew University website, or by going with a staff member or pass holder. Yad Ben Zvi: In the beautiful Rechavia neighbourhood, there is a little library and archive tucked away down a narrow street. Especially if you are of an Anglican persuasion, you can find some old documents from the original British consulate, which was situated on the grounds of the Christ Church compound. The Garden Tomb: Of course this site is popular and there may be crowds, but it is possible, out of season, to find a quiet place of prayer at this, another beautiful oasis, in the midst of a busy city. Pray for Jerusalem ...the one city in the world for which we are commanded to pray, and for which there is a blessing (Psalm 122:6). From our key verse in Zechariah 2, thank the God of Jerusalem (II Chronicles 32:19; Ezra 1:3) for His protection over His city, and for His glory within.  At this time of Rosh HaShana, the culmination of the month of Elul, when the Jewish saying is, “The King is in the Field”, remember Yeshua as King of Jerusalem, from the line of David, and pray for revelation of His glory more and more – 2 Corinthians 4:6; Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 53:6 – and for Him to be welcomed back (Matthew 23:39). Here are some more first-hand requests from Jerusalem’s inhabitants: Salvation for His people! Pray for the churches and congregations in Jerusalem – for unity rooted in the Word of God, for the leaders, and for the youth, the next generation.  Pray for protection from without and within. [There have of course been seasons of terrorism in the city due to malign influences from certain quarters in the land, and even from some areas of the city.]  Pray for miraculous housing provisionto be made available to returning olim and also young sabras who are trying to start their own families, who are struggling to find affordable housing in Jerusalem due to the now very wide gap between median incomes and housing costs (whether rents or mortgages). Pray for peace in the city of peace, especially between the different ethnicities and religious groupings who dwell therein. Pray especially for a quelling of the ultra-orthodox rioting against military conscription, which has already led to unnecessary loss of life earlier this year. Rather than chaos , confusion and tumult, ask the Father to release the opposite; order, justice and shalom.  We pray for righteous governmentunder the Lord, and for His outcome in the October general election. And don’t forget! Receive your very own blessing from Jerusalem! Read Psalm 128:5 and Psalm 122:6b.Thank you for standing with the Lord and His People. Please continue to pray a covering over all CFI personnel serving in Jerusalem. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people” (Psalm 125:2). Rivkah Levi Wall of Prayer Team, - Jerusalem CFI Jerusalem Jerusalem, Jerusalem

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