“No Fear” - message by Steve Martin

I love camels. They love me, or so I hope. (Steve Martin at Sea Level on the way to the Dead Sea, Israel. Nov. 1, 2025

Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men and boys gather in Jerusalem Oct. 30, 2015 to protest the law in the works to draft them into the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Photo by Steve Martin 10.30.25

NO FEAR by Steve Martin

“There is no fear in love. On the contrary, love that has achieved its goal gets rid of fear, because fear has to do with punishment; the person who keeps fearing has not been brought to maturity in regard to love.” 1 John 4:18 CJB)

David Wilkerson, an American preacher, many knew as the author of The Cross and the Switchblade” (played by Pat Boone in the movie of the same title) went from a small town in Indiana to the ghetto gangs of New York City.

The Lord, Lover of all, had called him. In obedience he heard the command and set forth, not really knowing what he was getting into.

Being a man whom I consider one of having an adventurous spirit, I would have done that too. Only because I know the One who is leading me, the same one I trust leads you, knows what He is sending us into.

He knows. Think about that. That’s pretty much what you need to know.

The same One who sent David before Goliath. The same One who put Daniel in the lions’ den. The One and Only Who knows the end and the beginning, will call us to go “where no man has gone before” (Star Trek days).

No fear needs to be. If our faith is resting on His promise to always be with us, His love will clear the way before us. We can therefore walk in no fear.

I have heard from reliable sources here in Israel to be alert when walking among the Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) due to their rigid stand on their understanding of biblical law. Never be within the community if you do not adhere to what they believe is truth.

And yet, the 3-4 times I have walked in Mea She’arim, the close-knit area in north Jerusalem, I think I was more inquisitive than “fearful”. I attribute it to the love of the Lord. No fear. His love.

As Nicolene Swart (Christian Friends of Israel co-worker) and I made our way through throngs of men and boys, clothed in solid black and white, trying to get back to the ministry office, my heart was of love. These had made the trek to come here, overcoming west Jerusalem as they converged on the capital city protesting IDF (Israel Defense Forces), I had no fear.

I don’t agree with their stance, but there is no animosity or disgust in my heart towards them. Yeshua’s love, whom they have yet to know, casts out my fear.

Our Lord loves them. Yeshua HaMashiach died for them too. His heart cries daily for their salvation also.

Having been brought to Jerusalem to share His love for them and all takes me to different persons (from me) and unknown places some would not venture to go. But I have Lord told the Lord repeatedly, “Lord, send me.”

And you know what? He has.

My hope and sincere prayer for you is that that which He has called you to do, you will do. Not because of your strength, your determination, in your power…but because, like David of old, and David of the NYC street gangs, you too will overcome any fear and do it.