A letter to my Mom. Steve Martin

A photo of Mom from May 2025 in Charlotte, NC that I sent to her on Mother’s Day.

Nov. 24, 2025

Shalom you all.

I wrote this email back to my Mom (Lila Martin, age 90 in Charlotte, North Carolina) after she had written to me on my 71st birthday (Nov. 23, 2025) while I am here in Jerusalem, Israel with my good wife of 48 years, Laurie.

Mom said she had been reading my books, which I am very grateful for. Please read what I wrote in response because it may touch a place in your heart too.

I share her letter so you have a more fuller picture of my response.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin in Jerusalem

P.S. I did do some slight edits to better explain “the back story”.

Mom’s email to me on Nov. 23, 2025.

”Happy 71st 🎈🎂 

Hope you enjoyed your day.

I just finished the 3rd book of yours since you left. (Steve: Laurie and I came to Jerusalem Oct. 16, 2025 for three months service with a Christian ministry.)

I never really could understand what you did to help others (in Israel) as you write on Facebook and take a lot of videos and pictures you post, but never really came to me what you do to help others, until I read your book (my 39th) “Love For His People” this week.

Also some interesting places you visited with the three men, “Ahava Adventures - The Louis Brothers in Israel” (2018). I had not been there so was interesting to me.

“Ahava Love Letters” (Steve: my 2nd book in 2011 I wrote after my first trip to Israel after forming Love For His People Ministry in 2010) was kind of like devotionals. Also enjoyed that.

One book I had read earlier made me very sad and sad for you, telling of all your disappointments. (Steve: My testimony of my early years through 2005, “The Promise” 2011.)

What is your weather there? Is in 70's here.

Take care. Love you, Mom

My response:

Dear Mom,

Thanks Mom for reading my books and sharing on each one. Most are like devotionals as I took my weekly messages and put into books for longer keeping.

“The Promise” did have disappointments but as I look back, as we all do, we can see the hand of our Lord in it all. One major way He draws us to Himself and keeps us seeking Him.

And here I am. I walk to these places again right here in Jerusalem and know that our good Savior knows all and loves all.

My testimony now is to testify about His faithfulness in each of our lives as we continue in His ways.

Laurie has had a less better time here but I know the Lord has a good plan for her too. She misses home and the kids very much, as a good Mom and Grandma do. We have heard that several have come as a couple and the wife goes back for a short time to be with family while the husband is still “deployed”. We will seek the Lord for His perfect plan.

Love you Mom! I am so happy you are reading my books. I have 39 you know!

Be well. Keep being a real testimony to those He has given to you as you are there being a light for Him. Please greet and give my love to those who know me there. Let them know I am singing and worshipping the Lord in the city He is coming back to soon.

Love you. You have been a true inspiration to me.

Steve

My books on our home books shelf in Charlotte, North Carolina