Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Japanese View of the Palestinians
Japanese View of the Palestinians'
Couldn't have said it better.
One Picture = 1,000 Words
Couldn't have said it better.
One Picture = 1,000 Words
Is the world just plain stupid? An interesting questionnaire for Palestinian Advocates, by Yashiko Sagamori
If you are so sure "Palestine, the country, goes back through most of recorded history," I expect you to be able to answer a basic questions about that country of Palestine
.
1. When was it founded and by whom?
2. What were its borders?
3. What was its capital?
4. What were its major cities?
5. What constituted the basis of its economy?
6. What was its form of government?
7. Can you name at least one Palestinian leader before Arafat?
8. Was Palestine ever recognized by a country whose existence, at that time or now, leaves no room for interpretation?
9. What was the language of the country of Palestine ?
10. What was the prevalent religion of the country of Palestine ?
11. What was the name of its currency? Choose any date in history and tell what was the approximate exchange rate of the Palestinian monetary unit against the US dollar, German mark, GB pound, Japanese yen, or Chinese Yuan on that date.
12. And, finally, since there is no such country today, what caused its demise and when did it occur?
You are lamenting the "low sinking" of a "once proud" nation. Please tell me, when exactly was that "nation" proud and what was it so proud of?
Here is the least sarcastic question of all: If the people that are mistakenly called"Palestinians" are anything but generic Arabs collected from all over -- or throw outs of -- the Arab world, if they really have a genuine ethnic identity that gives them right for self-determination, why did they never try to become independent until Arabs suffered their devastating defeat in the Six Day War?
The truth: these people are Illegal squatters on the land in the Country of Israel.
(Added note: The Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish nation of Israel, as promised over 4000 years ago by the Living God of Israel. He shall regin forevermore! And we will stand with them.) Steve Martin, Founder/President, Love For His People Charlotte, NC
Monday, March 28, 2011
Ephraim Shaul & the Orphans in Liberia - March 28, 2011 Update
March 28, 2011
Liberia, West Africa
Hello family of the Most High,
I bless the Most High God who has made us to be counted among the living at this time.
I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all those that contributed towards our trip to Liberia from Ghana at the beginning of March. With the unrest in the refugee camp that had developed, we needed to flee quickly. Many of our friends are still back in Ghana.
I'm very grateful to all of you. Since we arrived here in Liberia we been facing problem with accommodations. We're sleeping outside at the bus parking station. The owner of the place has given notice that he will put us out this week, which is Friday, April 1.
I'm kindly appealing to you all to please do your possible best to help us with the amount of $3,500 for the renovation of the three bed rooms apartment which one lady gave to us to use. We don't know any body here in Liberia and we don't know what will become of us if we're kicked out of station.
Liberia is a country that is going through war and there are lot of criminal activities going on here every day and night.
We pray that the Lord will speak to you to help us. You can do so through "Love For His People, Inc.", (a 501 (c)3 ministry in the USA, founded by Steve Martin. Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt. Please use this secure, online "Giving" link. ( "Give now through Love for His People, Inc.") This organization has been helping us here since the summer of 2010. And we pray that you will help us through them.
Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for your understanding.
May the Most High bless you all.
Ahava and Shalom,
Ephraim Shaul and the kids
Location of Liberia in the bottom west coast of Africa (in yellow.)
Liberia, West Africa
Hello family of the Most High,
I bless the Most High God who has made us to be counted among the living at this time.
I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all those that contributed towards our trip to Liberia from Ghana at the beginning of March. With the unrest in the refugee camp that had developed, we needed to flee quickly. Many of our friends are still back in Ghana.
I'm very grateful to all of you. Since we arrived here in Liberia we been facing problem with accommodations. We're sleeping outside at the bus parking station. The owner of the place has given notice that he will put us out this week, which is Friday, April 1.
I'm kindly appealing to you all to please do your possible best to help us with the amount of $3,500 for the renovation of the three bed rooms apartment which one lady gave to us to use. We don't know any body here in Liberia and we don't know what will become of us if we're kicked out of station.
Liberia is a country that is going through war and there are lot of criminal activities going on here every day and night.
We pray that the Lord will speak to you to help us. You can do so through "Love For His People, Inc.", (a 501 (c)3 ministry in the USA, founded by Steve Martin. Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt. Please use this secure, online "Giving" link. ( "Give now through Love for His People, Inc.") This organization has been helping us here since the summer of 2010. And we pray that you will help us through them.
Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for your understanding.
May the Most High bless you all.
Ahava and Shalom,
Ephraim Shaul and the kids
Map of Liberia
Ephraim with orphans last fall, before they left Ghana.
Ephraim (hands raised) in the Shabbat morning service, while yet in Ghana.
On-line Giving through secure website: Support Ephraim & the orphans
Gifts can also be sent through the mail to:
Love For His People, Inc.
P.O. Box 470035
Charlotte, NC 28247
(All gifts are tax deductible. USA Fed. ID #27-1633858)
Fear Not Little Flock - Ahava Love letter
Ahava Love Letter
“Fear Not Little Flock” "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32 NASB) |
Dear family of friends,
Growing up in Iowa, one of my summer joys was to spend a week or so at my cousins’ farm near Hazelton, Iowa. Pulling blood suckers off our feet from the shallow creek; chasing the scared chickens around the yard; throwing corn cobs at the lazy huge hogs lying in the thick, gooey mud… You know, just a few things young whipper snappers do for fun in the hot sweltering sun.
Shearing the sheep was an annual event too. I tried to avoid that particular task, for it was not easy. My Uncle Roger and cousin Jim did it. Aunt Marilyn was always involved for sure too! Being quite the farmer’s wife that she was, she did as much as the guys did, and then even took care of the ongoing household jobs. I admired her very much. (She sent me a birthday card every year too!)
Sheep are a rare breed. They come in several colors of white, grey and black, and wool varieties. I am certainly not an expert on raising them, but did observe some things in those youthful days now gone by.
They tend to be very frisky, timid and jittery. A watchful shepherd is usually nearby, looking out for invaders, varmints above and below the ground, and caring for their daily needs. If you want a good “product” for the market, with valuable wool and meat, you best care for them as required. You don’t raise sheep just as a pet.
I tend to think that the Lord Yeshua (Jesus) had a very good reason why He told stories about sheep. He knows humans can very much act like them. We need continual care, proper nourishment and a faithful leader at all times. He knows our very being, for He is, of course, the Creator of all, and most especially of us.
So when He tells us to be not afraid “little flock”, I find comfort in that very fact. He is the one taking care of us. My trust is not in the USA government, the military, or another institution of mankind’s making. My foundational trust is, and will continue to be, in Him, the One who created me and you.
Assurance comes when we daily realize and apply in our lives His proven words of protection, guidance, and provision. That they are ours to hear and walk in. Did He not say that He is the Good Shepherd? Did He not say that He is the One who knows what is going on all around us, as the shaking increases? Yes He did. That settles it in my heart. May it be settled in yours.
Fear not little flock. It is a true statement. Jesus (Yeshua) is the One to believe in for today, and when tomorrow comes. In fact, for all eternity. Just do it, heh?
Ahava to you my family of friends,
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.
P.S. Our 2nd annual “Ahava Adventures” service trip to Israel is set, with flights, hotels, and ground transportation in place. On the date of Oct. 29, 2011, only ten will depart from Charlotte (or join us in Philadelphia) to spend six days/nights in Jerusalem and two days/nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias (only $2495 for the entire trip!) Our Israeli friends will meet us there, as we further connect with the believers in The Land.
This isn’t your “basic tour” time. We go where not many can, or would go, for we want to be more adventurous, more supportive, and experience even more what Israel’s people and land is about in this day and age. We do see spiritually and historically important locations, but our primary focus is to bless the ones living the day to day life there. Curious enough to find out further? Contact info is below.
Can’t go yourself? Please consider sponsoring a friend, family member, or person in your church, especially of “the next generation” age group. Trust the Lord to highly impact their lives for life, to impart to them a heart for His people that will never leave them, and give them an adventure they will never forget. (Heh, it is tax-deductable for you too. In part or full, it doesn’t matter.)
P.S.S. Beit Tikvah – Passover Seder on Good Friday, April 22, 2011 at Antioch International Church, Fort Mill, SC!
Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)
©2011 Steve Martin Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box 470035 Charlotte, NC 28247-0035 E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com
Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People Twitter: martinlighthous and LovingHisPeople
Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858. Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)
Ahava Love Letter #20 Date: March 29, in the year of our Lord 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Small Nation, and yet...
Israel is a country surrounded on all sides by enemies, but the people's headaches are caused by the neighbors upstairs.
Israel is the only country in the world where the coffee is already so good that Starbucks went bankrupt trying to break into the local market.
Israel is one of the few places in the world where the sun sets into the Mediterranean Sea.
Israel is the only country in the world whose soldiers eat three sets of salads a day, none of
which contain any lettuce (which is not really a food), and where olives ARE a food and even a main course in a meal, rather than something one tosses into a martini.
Israel is the only country in the world where one is unlikely to dig a cellar without hitting ancient archaeological artifacts.
Israel is the only country in the world where the leading writers in the country take buses.
Israel is the only country in the world where the graffiti is in Hebrew.
Israel is the only country in the world that has a National Book Week, during which almost everyone attends a book fair and buys books.
Israel is a country where the same drivers who cuss you and flip you the bird will immediately pull over and offer you all forms of help if you look like you need it.
Israel is the only country in the world with bus drivers and taxi drivers who read Spinoza and Maimonides.
Israel is the only country in the world where no one cares what rules say when an important goal can be achieved by bending them.
Israel is the only country in the world where reservists are bossed around and commanded by officers, male and female, younger than their own children.
Israel is the only country in the world where "small talk" consists of loud, angry debate over politics and religion.
Israel is the only country in the world where the ultra-Orthodox Jews beat up the police and not the other way around.
Israel is the only country in the world where inviting someone "out for a drink" means drinking cola, coffee or tea.
Israel is the only country in the world where bank robbers kiss the mezuzah as they leave with their loot.
Israel is one of the few countries in the world that truly likes and admires the United States.
Israel is the only country in the world that introduces applications of high-tech gadgets and devices, such as printers in banks that print out your statement on demand, years ahead of the United States and decades ahead of Europe .
Israel is the only country in the world where everyone on a flight gets to know one another before the plane lands. In many cases, they also get to know the pilot and all about his health or marital problems.
Israel is the only country in the world where no one has a foreign accent because everyone has a foreign accent.
Israel is the only country in the world where people cuss using dirty words in Russian or Arabic because Hebrew has never developed them.
Israel is the only country in the world where patients visiting physicians end up giving the doctor advice.
Israel is the only country in the world where everyone strikes up conversations while waiting in lines.
Israel is the only country in the world where people call an attaché case a "James Bond" and the "@" sign is called a "strudel".
Israel is the only country in the world where there is the most mysterious and mystical calm ambiance in the streets on Yom Kippur, which cannot be explained unless you have experienced it.
Sunsets in Jerusalem are gorgeous every evening, regardless of the season.
Israel is the only country in the world where people read English, write Hebrew, and joke in Yiddish.
Israel is the only country in the world where the coffee is already so good that Starbucks went bankrupt trying to break into the local market.
Israel is one of the few places in the world where the sun sets into the Mediterranean Sea.
Israel is the only country in the world whose soldiers eat three sets of salads a day, none of
which contain any lettuce (which is not really a food), and where olives ARE a food and even a main course in a meal, rather than something one tosses into a martini.
Israel is the only country in the world where one is unlikely to dig a cellar without hitting ancient archaeological artifacts.
Israel is the only country in the world where the leading writers in the country take buses.
Israel is the only country in the world where the graffiti is in Hebrew.
Israel is the only country in the world that has a National Book Week, during which almost everyone attends a book fair and buys books.
Israel is a country where the same drivers who cuss you and flip you the bird will immediately pull over and offer you all forms of help if you look like you need it.
Israel is the only country in the world with bus drivers and taxi drivers who read Spinoza and Maimonides.
Israel is the only country in the world where no one cares what rules say when an important goal can be achieved by bending them.
Israel is the only country in the world where reservists are bossed around and commanded by officers, male and female, younger than their own children.
Israel is the only country in the world where "small talk" consists of loud, angry debate over politics and religion.
Israel is the only country in the world where the ultra-Orthodox Jews beat up the police and not the other way around.
Israel is the only country in the world where inviting someone "out for a drink" means drinking cola, coffee or tea.
Israel is the only country in the world where bank robbers kiss the mezuzah as they leave with their loot.
Israel is one of the few countries in the world that truly likes and admires the United States.
Israel is the only country in the world that introduces applications of high-tech gadgets and devices, such as printers in banks that print out your statement on demand, years ahead of the United States and decades ahead of Europe .
Israel is the only country in the world where everyone on a flight gets to know one another before the plane lands. In many cases, they also get to know the pilot and all about his health or marital problems.
Israel is the only country in the world where no one has a foreign accent because everyone has a foreign accent.
Israel is the only country in the world where people cuss using dirty words in Russian or Arabic because Hebrew has never developed them.
Israel is the only country in the world where patients visiting physicians end up giving the doctor advice.
Israel is the only country in the world where everyone strikes up conversations while waiting in lines.
Israel is the only country in the world where people call an attaché case a "James Bond" and the "@" sign is called a "strudel".
Israel is the only country in the world where there is the most mysterious and mystical calm ambiance in the streets on Yom Kippur, which cannot be explained unless you have experienced it.
Sunsets in Jerusalem are gorgeous every evening, regardless of the season.
Jerusalem Bust Stop Bombing - People Still Hospitilized
Friday, March 25, 2011
Prayer for the Wounded
Eleven People Still in Hospital After Jerusalem Terror Attack
by Elad Benari
Wednesday’s terror attack in Jerusalem left as many as 50 people wounded from physical injuries as well as from trauma.
At present, eleven of them are still in the hospital and two
are in still listed in serious condition. On Thursday, the One Family Fund issued a call to pray for their quick and complete recovery:
- Odelia Nechama bat Michal suffered serious head injuries and is in intensive care. Her life is still in danger.
- Natan Daniel ben Shulamit, a 17-year-old student, suffered massive internal injuries and has had a number of internal organs removed.
- Leah Bracha bat Shoshana, a 19-year-old seminary student, suffered burns to her legs and arms as well as serious shock.
- David Amoyal, the owner of the snack stand next to the bus stop who told the people who were in the area to run away and then called the police, and was on the phone with them when the bomb exploded. Amoyal suffered injuries to his legs, feet and lower body and is listed in moderate condition.
- Sasson ben Shulamit suffered lower body injuries and serious post-traumatic symptoms.
- Ad Shapira, an 18-year-old who is about to complete high school, suffered light orthopedic injuries and is in good condition in hospital.
- Shilo ben Ofra, 15 years old, suffered burns and fractures to his legs and lower abdomen. He is sedated in intensive care.
- Daniel ben Nurit, 13 years old, suffered lacerations and shrapnel injuries to his lower extremities, and is likely to be released from the hospital before Shabbat.
- Elchanan ben Alona, 14 years old, suffered serious injuries to his feet. One ankle and three of his toes were crushed. He has had one operation and will require more surgery. He will likely be in the hospital at least 2-3 weeks.
- Netanel ben Shlomit, an 18-year-old who works as a security guard at the bus station, was injured in the abdomen had surgery. He is now recuperating in the hospital.
The terrorist or terrorists who planted the bomb fled the scene, but Palestinian Authority security forces have arrested tow members of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization in connection with the blast.
The two, Khaled Jaradat and Tarek Ka'adan, were picked up in Jenin on Wednesday night, and the Islamic Jihad claimed the PA forces had been working in coordination with Israeli security personnel.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Gaza Missiles inch closer to Tel Aviv
Map: Gaza missiles inch closer to Tel Aviv
- Israel Today Magazine
Thursday, March 24, 2011 | Ryan Jones
Gaza-based Palestinian terrorists again escalated their confrontation with Israel on Thursday when they fired foreign-built missiles at towns just 10 miles south of the heavily-populated Tel Aviv metropolitan region.
Eight missiles fired from Gaza landed in or near the port city of Ashdod and a number of central Israel towns, including Rishon Lezion and Yavne.
Israeli responded with tank fire into Gaza. A Hamas facility in Gaza City was destroyed by the retaliatory barrage. Israeli aircraft also attacked terrorist cells attempting to launch additional missiles into Israel.
Thursday’s back-and-forth was a continuation of the escalating war between southern Israel and Hamas-ruled Gaza. The situation began to spiral out of control over the weekend, when Hamas-allied terrorists fired more than 50 mortar shells and rockets into southern Israel.
Israel has responded hard to the provocative attacks. Israeli retaliatory strikes on Tuesday killed nine Palestinians, including four civilians, whom the terrorists were using as a human shield. Many others were wounded.
In a demonstration proving that it is not Israel’s intent to harm Palestinian civilians, an eight-year-old Gaza boy wounded in Tuesday’s exchange was rushed to an Israeli hospital for emergency treatment.
Eight missiles fired from Gaza landed in or near the port city of Ashdod and a number of central Israel towns, including Rishon Lezion and Yavne.
Israeli responded with tank fire into Gaza. A Hamas facility in Gaza City was destroyed by the retaliatory barrage. Israeli aircraft also attacked terrorist cells attempting to launch additional missiles into Israel.
Thursday’s back-and-forth was a continuation of the escalating war between southern Israel and Hamas-ruled Gaza. The situation began to spiral out of control over the weekend, when Hamas-allied terrorists fired more than 50 mortar shells and rockets into southern Israel.
Israel has responded hard to the provocative attacks. Israeli retaliatory strikes on Tuesday killed nine Palestinians, including four civilians, whom the terrorists were using as a human shield. Many others were wounded.
In a demonstration proving that it is not Israel’s intent to harm Palestinian civilians, an eight-year-old Gaza boy wounded in Tuesday’s exchange was rushed to an Israeli hospital for emergency treatment.
Map shows range missiles are traveling from Gaza to Ashdod (30 km) and Rishon Lezion (50 km):
Elizabeth Taylor - A Friend of Israel
Elizabeth Taylor's pro-Israel record comes to light
- Israel Today Magazine
Thursday, March 24, 2011 | Ryan Jones
Iconic American actress Elizabeth Taylor passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79. While most will remember Taylor as one of Hollywood’s most famous actresses, few today recall that she was also a staunch supporter of Israel with a stellar track record of defending the Jewish state.
Taylor herself converted to Judaism in 1959. That same year, she purchased $100,000 in Israel Bonds, and helped sell an untold sum of Israel Bonds to others. The fledgling Jewish state was selling the bonds in a desperate effort to raise capital for the defense of the besieged nation.
In 1967, Taylor played a major role in raising $840,000 for Israel at a gala event in London. That same year, she cancelled a visit to Moscow after the Soviet Union harshly criticized Israel’s actions in the Six Day War.
In 1975, Taylor joined 59 other prominent women in signing a letter to then-UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim condemning the UN General Assembly’s equation of Zionism with racism.
A year later in 1976, Taylor offered to take the place of 104 Israelis and foreign Jews who were being held hostage by PLO terrorists at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport. She made the offer while in Israel fund-raising for the Jewish National Fund. The hostages were freed shortly after in a stunning IDF rescue operation.
In the following decades, as her star in Hollywood began to dim a little, Taylor visited Israel frequently. She became a close friend of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
During these later years, Taylor auctioned off her legendary collection of jewelry, and donated a sizable chunk of the earnings to the Israel War Victims Fund, one of her favorite charities.
Taylor herself converted to Judaism in 1959. That same year, she purchased $100,000 in Israel Bonds, and helped sell an untold sum of Israel Bonds to others. The fledgling Jewish state was selling the bonds in a desperate effort to raise capital for the defense of the besieged nation.
In 1967, Taylor played a major role in raising $840,000 for Israel at a gala event in London. That same year, she cancelled a visit to Moscow after the Soviet Union harshly criticized Israel’s actions in the Six Day War.
In 1975, Taylor joined 59 other prominent women in signing a letter to then-UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim condemning the UN General Assembly’s equation of Zionism with racism.
A year later in 1976, Taylor offered to take the place of 104 Israelis and foreign Jews who were being held hostage by PLO terrorists at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport. She made the offer while in Israel fund-raising for the Jewish National Fund. The hostages were freed shortly after in a stunning IDF rescue operation.
In the following decades, as her star in Hollywood began to dim a little, Taylor visited Israel frequently. She became a close friend of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
During these later years, Taylor auctioned off her legendary collection of jewelry, and donated a sizable chunk of the earnings to the Israel War Victims Fund, one of her favorite charities.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Ephraim and the Orphans in Liberia - Sleeping in Bus Station
Shalom Dad,
How are you and the entire family doing today? I hope and pray that you all are doing great in the Lord.
Dad, I feel real bad sleeping in the buses station with the kids as it's not safe at all. I thank you once again for saving our lives from beeen killed in the hands of the Ghana police, but it's like living in Ghana was much better then the situation that we find ourselves into. Every night I can't sleep, as I am watching over the kids and our things from being taken away.
Dad, you have been doing well for us wish I highly appreciate,but it will be a pity continue sleeping here and then get kill. Honestly Liberia is a country thatjust from war and there are alot of criminal activities that are going on here every dasy and night, it is just by the grace of Adonai that we're alive here. From last night the owner of the bus station that we're sleeping said that if we don't leave or fine place to go by next week he will be left with no option then to kick us out of the place. I'm afraid what is going to become of us if this man put us out of this place.
It's not that i'm just here to be asking you for money. It's not my aim to keep asking you always for money. But if the situation with us is very bad and we don't know any other person as father to turn to. Even though you are not working right now, But if we continue sleeping out side here, any bad thing can happen to us at any time which we're not praying for. I really feel bad bothering you each time for money. But I'm kindly appealing to you so that you can try your possible best to help us pay for the Renovation of this place.
I pray that you'll not find this as embarrassment to you.
May the good Lord of Israel touch your heart and provide for you to rescue us from here. All the kids extend their greeting to you and MOM.
Ahava and shalom,
Son
How are you and the entire family doing today? I hope and pray that you all are doing great in the Lord.
Dad, I feel real bad sleeping in the buses station with the kids as it's not safe at all. I thank you once again for saving our lives from beeen killed in the hands of the Ghana police, but it's like living in Ghana was much better then the situation that we find ourselves into. Every night I can't sleep, as I am watching over the kids and our things from being taken away.
Dad, you have been doing well for us wish I highly appreciate,but it will be a pity continue sleeping here and then get kill. Honestly Liberia is a country thatjust from war and there are alot of criminal activities that are going on here every dasy and night, it is just by the grace of Adonai that we're alive here. From last night the owner of the bus station that we're sleeping said that if we don't leave or fine place to go by next week he will be left with no option then to kick us out of the place. I'm afraid what is going to become of us if this man put us out of this place.
It's not that i'm just here to be asking you for money. It's not my aim to keep asking you always for money. But if the situation with us is very bad and we don't know any other person as father to turn to. Even though you are not working right now, But if we continue sleeping out side here, any bad thing can happen to us at any time which we're not praying for. I really feel bad bothering you each time for money. But I'm kindly appealing to you so that you can try your possible best to help us pay for the Renovation of this place.
I pray that you'll not find this as embarrassment to you.
May the good Lord of Israel touch your heart and provide for you to rescue us from here. All the kids extend their greeting to you and MOM.
Ahava and shalom,
Son
Here is a photo of Ephraim before they left Ghana.
If you can help us help them, we are a 501(c)3 ministry and accept gifts through our website: http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ on the "Gifting Opportunities" page. Thank you.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Ahava Love Letter - "Raise & Release - Not Catch & Cook"
“Raise Up & Release – Not Catch & Cook”
“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Eph. 4:16 NLT) |
Dear family of friends,
Back in the day, in a real small section of southwest Minnesota, my older cousin Richard Shultz and I “went fishin’.” Well, I tagged along at least. I was about 12.
We hiked along the cold spring stream, poles and gear in hand. The former “Catch & Keep” fish pond, that had been stocked with bullheads (and some good fish) for nearby state park campers, was just a mile from his house. It had been shut down for years. We didn’t cut the barbed wire to get in. That would have been wrong. So we just pulled it apart. With a town of less than 200, no one cared about this forgotten hole anymore.
I had never caught so much fish before in my life. It had always been too boring back at the golf course pond in Cedar Falls, IA. But here was a different fish story! It was great! Toss the line. Reel it back in. Pull the bullhead off the hook and do it again. After 32 of them (no, I don’t exaggerate, but I did count them!) we had our work cut out for us in getting them back to his house and preparing them to fry. (Now you know my good wife would never allow these “unkoshered” fish in our house this current day!)
Remembering that story brings me to this one. Laurie and I, on our earlier prophesied “labyrinth journey” these past 33 years together (labyrinth – “an intricate structure of interconnecting passages through which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze”) has taken us to many locations and experiences (*see below.) Many of you have gone on this journey also. (Maybe still are!) Along the way, we had good, and needed, training times.
The places we tremendously appreciated over these past years were the organizations with leadership who had hearts to “raise up and release” those the Lord had entrusted into their hands for a certain period. Those places with the “catch and cook” mentality were more of a challenge. Though some members were indeed called to stand alongside and serve with the appointed leadership for many years, many others were brought into their care for the purpose of training, supporting, releasing and walking together in unity, even more so, as each moved onward.
If you are a member of a church family that treasures each and every part of the Body, you are indeed blessed. If you need to be in one that is truly seeking to raise up and release people for God-given callings, and you are not experiencing that, then my prayer is that the Lord will direct your steps to another place. If that may mean a move for you, then seek the Lord for His response. Then hear and obey.
It is going to be very vital and important, even right now, that you and your family are in the right place. Each member of the Body of Christ needs to know their place and part, and be it. We are going to need each other, even more so in these coming days and years of trial.
As for my final thought, I don’t think we are getting “raputured out of here” before a lot more happens. That keeps my perspective in line, to raise up and release, not catch and cook.
Ahava to you my family of friends,
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.
P.S. Our 2nd annual “Ahava Adventures” service trip to Israel is set, with flights, hotels, and ground transportation in place. On the date of Oct. 29, 2011, only ten will depart from Charlotte (or join us in Philadelphia) to spend six days/nights in Jerusalem and two days/nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias (only $2495 for the entire trip!) Our Israeli friends will meet us there, as we further connect with the believers in The Land.
This isn’t your “basic tour” time. We go where not many can, or would go, for we want to be more adventurous, more supportive, and experience even more what Israel’s people and land is about in this day and age. We do see spiritually and historically important locations, but our primary focus is to bless the ones living the day to day life there. Curious enough to find out further? Contact info is below.
Can’t go yourself? Please consider sponsoring a friend, family member, or person in your church, especially of “the next generation” age group. Trust the Lord to highly impact their lives for life, to impart to them a heart for His people that will never leave them, and give them an adventure they will never forget. (Heh, it is tax-deductable for you too. In part or full, it doesn’t matter.)
One special note: When we are there in The Promised Land, we will spend time with three local organizations that serve the youth and so many more of Israel, each in their special ways. One of these will be with us at the Beit Tikvah meeting on March 25, 2011. Friday night, 7 pm, Antioch International Church, in Fort Mill, SC. After meeting him, you may want to come and see what they do first hand with the youth in Jerusalem!
We also will be having a Passover Seder on Good Friday, April 18, 2011. We can only hold 200, so please get your $10 registration tickets ASAP at Antioch International Church, home of Beit Tikvah.
*Our Labyrinth Connections
I. Churches
A. Victory Community Church – LaSalle/Peru, IL 1977-1980
B. Shiloh Fellowship/New Covenant Christian Church - East Lansing, MI 1980-1987
C. Good News Church – Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 1987-1992
D. Cornerstone Church – Davie, FL 1992-1994
E. All Nations Church (part of the founding members of five couples) – Ft. Lauderdale, Fl & Charlotte, NC 1994-2001
F. Cornerstone Church – Pineville, NC 2001-2004
G. St. Giles Presbyterian – Charlotte, NC 2004-2007
H. MorningStar Fellowship – Fort Mill, SC 2007-2010
I. Antioch International Church – Fort Mill, SC 2010 to present (on the pastoral team)
II. Ministries
A. Derek Prince Ministries (1987-1990, 2001-2005
B. Mahesh Chavda Ministries (1987-2000)
C. Vision for Israel (2005-2010)
III. Boards
A. Christian Friends of Israel (USA) 1994-2009
B. Christians for Messiah Ministries 2008-present
C. Love For His People 2010 to present (Founders/President & VP)
Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)
©2011 Steve Martin Love For His People, Inc. P.O. Box 470035 Charlotte, NC 28247-0035
E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com
Facebook pages: Steve Martin and Love For His People
Twitter: martinlighthous and LovingHisPeople
Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858. Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)
On the Sea of Galilee heading towards Capernaum.
Photo by Steve Martin
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Ephraim Shaul & the Oprhans in Liberia - latest report
Ephraim Shaul Report from Liberia
March 19, 2011
March 19 at 12:40pm
Ephraim,
Shabbat shalom. Tell me how you all are doing now that you have gotten out of Ghana and made it to Liberia safely. Are you in a town, city, out in the country? How is the food?
We are praying for the Lord's daily provision for you and the orphans.
Ahava,
Dad
Shabbat shalom. Tell me how you all are doing now that you have gotten out of Ghana and made it to Liberia safely. Are you in a town, city, out in the country? How is the food?
We are praying for the Lord's daily provision for you and the orphans.
Ahava,
Dad
Ephraim Shaul March 19 at 1:32pm Report
Shabbat Shalom Dad,
Praise be to Adonai for his life care towards us. We're doing well by his grace. Some of the kids were sick,they were suffering from Malarial and fever, but through our Master and Yahshua, now they are doing well. As i told you the other time that before leaving from Ghana i bout some malarial treatment that I'm now treating the kids, and they recover.
We're in Liberia Grand Gedeh county. It's at the east part of Liberia. We're not too far from one of the city name Zwedrue, the capital city of this county.
Dad, it's not that I'm keeping on asking you for money. I know that if you have money, you'll bless us with it. But it's because of the situation with us that's why I'm asking you always. I don't want all your support and effort to go in vain. I think i told you the other day that the Lord reveal this to one of the ladies on our bus that you really love us and and you have more passion on us. You're always with us in prayer.
It just happen that we're in New Land, a new country which we have not seen before. So please don't be up set of i ask you for any thing. You are the only father we have right now on the earth. If i don't mind you next to God in our LIFE. Our Creator is using you to safe our life. Todah for your email and let us keep in touch and prayer. I know that you love us and care for us here.
Still we don''t have place to sleep. And we know that you're with us in prayer. I talk with brother Ben Martin and he's also etxtend his great love to the Kids.
I'll like to stop here for now. Please extend our greeting to MOm and the entire Martin family there.
May the Lord bless you more for your great love and concern towards us. You behave like a true father to us.
Ahava and Shabbat Shalom,
May the Lord bless you more for your great love and concern towards us. You behave like a true father to us.
Ahava and Shabbat Shalom,
Son and the kids
Ephraim with Israeli flag
Ephraim with the boys he cares for.
Ephraim teaching Shabbat class in Ghana before they had to flee in March.
Ephraim on Skype when we spoke to him.
Beit Tikvah celebrating Purim
The King & Queen - (a.k.a. Gloria & Chuck Williams)
Geoff Graham and Laurie Martin
Colleen Baker
All dressed up for Purim celebration!
Little Big Eagle & Steve Martin
Laurie & Steve Martin
Steve & Laurie Martin dress up for the Beit Tikvah Purim celebration
at Antioch International Church in Fort Mill, SC.
With the worship team and the reading of the entire book of Esther, we had a great time!
Peter Wyns & Steve Martin
Peter Wyns
Senior Pastor Peter Wyns reads the story of Esther (Hadassah), whom the Lord used to save the Jewish people. Thus the beginnings of Purim, celebrating deliverance. Once again!