All About Him - Steve Martin message

Tristan and Galya Hall’s daughter lead worship at the Sucatt Hallel Christian Friends of Israel - Jerusalem gathering. Oct. 7, 2025 (Photos by Steve Martin)

A view from the Succat Hallel window looking down on Jerusalem.

ALL ABOUT HIM

In 2025 Christian Stanfill and Passion came out with the song “All About You”. Like most songs which I end of loving and playing repeatedly, I had to listen to it first a few times. Worship songs such as this must grow in your spirit, become embedded in your inner being. And this did so.

As I have written before, Laurie and I arrived in Jerusalem on Oct. 16, 2025. We had come to serve with Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem for three months. Little did we know that they were planning a large gathering of their 20+ international directors of CFI, for as many as could make it. (The count was over 14 who did), with family, board members and friends.

 

For the staff of CFI-Jerusalem it was an incredibly challenging weeks of preparation. Laurie and I fit right in, coming at the perfect time in our Lord’s perfect plan. (The staff comfirmed this!)

Having myself administrated 44 conferences over the 24 years with previous ministries, I was fully aware of the prep. It takes a team, and the CFI staff was up to the challenge.

What a delight to meet those coming from the U.K., Germany, South Africa, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and of course the USA with our very own CFI-USA Director Hannele Pardain.

To close out the full (and I mean FULL) four days, we gathered together at the 24/7 prayer location of Succat Hallel, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, and most of Jerusalem, from the south. Rick and Patricia Ridings began this awesome prayer, worship, testimony, declaration, and praise center over 25 years ago on Feb. 7, 2000.

As I can remember, one of the early locations for Succat Hallel, on one of my many trips to Israel, was in an adjacent room next the the Mount Zion Hotel, which faced the Upper Room, Schindler’s gravesite and the Armenian Quarter of the Old City, and more from across the Hinnon valley. It was my joy at that time to hear a young and upcoming Messianic Jewish worshipper. His name was Joshua Aaron. (Black hair and all.)

This past Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, as I entered the month of my 71st birthday, Laurie and I had the great honor of starting the CFI gathering with the first half hour of worship. A dream come true for her and I. Worshipping our Messiah and Lord Jesus, Yeshua) next to the mountain in Jerusalem where He promised to return to. Soon.

We led with songs we have often led worship within the USA, and the Holy Spirit’s presence brought love, joy, and passion as we lifted up the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach.

As I reflected later, of this simple setting, in the average size room for a gathering such as this known worldwide, the Holy Spirit spoke to me.

“There are no flashing lights, no fake holy smoke, no “big name” Christian performers and awesome moments of instrumental solos. It is all about Me. All about Me.”

You know, that is what worship of our Lord is. It is all about Him. Even as the Charlie Brown Christmas animated show also spoke about decades ago, when life was simple and true.

It is all about Him. Jesus. Seated on the throne. Preparing for His return to the very city, Jerusalem, sat that very exact moment when the Father says, “NOW is the time. Go.”

Worshipers worship. No hype. No glitter. No need to impress with beautiful vocals and powerful instrumentation (as much as I love those who can!)

It is ALL ABOUT HIM. As it should ever be in each of our lives.

Worship in a simple, heartfelt, honest way - the Living God of Israel. Worthy of pure praise. Worthy of our constant love and thanks.

Let Him be the focus, the purpose, the reason why we give our all to Him.

For it truly is all about Him.