Why I Am Here by Steve Martin

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Elisabeth  Laurie, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, Steve

Why I Am Here

 

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces for the sake of my brothers and my friends I will now say, “May peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.” (Psalm 122:6-9, NASB)

 

 

The winter season at any army base can be a bit more brutal than elsewhere in a country. Making do with government supplies and equipment just does not make one feel “warm and cozy” at times, while in the realm of protecting one’s country. Especially when the setting is out in the fields of the low country, with winds coming off the sea nearby.

 

 

Though one wouldn’t expect soldiers to have it all, “as at home”, we do want them to be alert, prepared, and ready for their active duty when called upon. We want (need) them to have the resources that one would expect them to have. But they always don’t.

 

 

So it was with the IDF soldiers, whom the volunteers with Christian Friends of Israel came to connect with, befriend, and share the love of Yeshua through practical means. We want them to know, whom most are Jews, that the Father has sent Christians to “bear them up” and bring some of His provision from the nations.

 

 

Laurie and I (USA) and Elisabeth Oelwein (Germany) did just that in the middle of December, arriving when the sun had set and the cold wind blew. We came to bring His love and warmth.

 

 

After the two-hour trip to collect the military clothing near Ashkelon, meeting with Rani at Galtex, we drove further south to meet with tne commander at a base near Nahol Oz, the one raided, partially destroyed, and saw the murder of 18 women soldiers monitoring the security system, by Hamas killers.

 

 

With his duties requiring him to be on mission that afternoon, after a three hour wait, we drove to another base 45 minutes away to meet with Noar, a 43-year old volunteer commanding a force of young soldiers. The excitement and enthusiasm he revealed, when accepting the warm blanket and supplies which he called “as candy for the men”, we heard back from the commander that he had returned to base.

 

 

Returning to the base, the two young soldiers who greeted us there, David and his “brother-in-arms”, who had lost a brother on Oct. 7, 2023, were so filled with gratitude and acceptance when we unloaded the van full of winter clothing and toiletries.These two were younger than some of our grandsons. A father’s heart for them indeed welled up inside me. Just as His heart does daily for all of us.

 

 

Christians, helping Jews, in their Promised Land given to them by the Living God of Israel.

 

 

Christian Friends of Israel, here in Jerusalem and in the nations, are helping to fulfill the mandate given to Christians from the Lord, to lift the Jewish nation’s arms as they return to, and fight to keep, their Land.

 

 

One reason why I am here.

 

Ahava and Shalom,

 

Steve Martin

Love For His People Ministry

Jerusalem, Israel

 

 

P.S. Please read as to why Laurie and I are here in Jerusalem to begin with. As ones who stand with the Jews, alongside Christian Friends of Israel, and what this great ministry has done for 40+ years, you can read what part we are doing.

 

Look here on our website, Love For His People Ministry

 Martins in Jerusalem

 

 

Please subscribe to Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem’s Facebook page, radio programs, and more on social media. Ask Galya Hall, Media Director!

 

 

We welcome your prayers and support as we together bless Israel and His people in their Land.

 

 

Contributions are welcome online on our webpage. Look for the little DONATE button on the right-side column. DONATE HERE.

 

 

Love For His People Ministry    P.O. Box 1113    Pineville, North Carolina 28134 USA

 

 

Message #18 of my new “Jerusalem 2025”series. “Why I Am Here” Dec. 19, 2025