Rebuilding the kibbutz Nahal Oz near Gaza.

An old plow used in the early days of Kibbutz Nahal Oz in Israel near Gaza.

Dec. 12, 2025 Jerusalem, Israel

Shalom,

On Dec. 8, 2025, I had the opportunity to travel to Kibbutz Nahal Oz, next to the IDF Army post across the highway, just a few miles from the Gaza border. On the way there we could see Gaza City. And it wasn't destroyed as the international press (American press included) would have you think. But the Jewish lives across the border, and the army base, had many murdered people on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas and multitudes crossed over into Israel from Gaza. Hamas and the Palestinians are the ones who started the horrific war in their attempt to destroy Israel from many fronts. 

But the Living God of Israel intervened, as He always does.

My friend Gert from Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem and I traveled the several hours to the kibuutz to help bring restoration and much needed repairs. During the six hours there we laid new laminate flooring in a bedroom. The teenager who had occupied the room would not go back to the room as a result of the destruction and his memories during that horrible time. We pray the Lord heals those memories and shows Himself strong on his behalf.

Following are a few photos I took.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Love Fro His People Ministry

From Jerusalem, Israel

Nahal Oz community center with busted out windows.

The bedroom being restored.

The shelter which did save some lives.

Insect nests inside the shelter.

A German church group was there for the week also helping with restoration.

Restoration in progress.

Tomas (Germany), Gert (Netherlands), Steve (USA)

A member of the Nahal Oz kibbutz who helped direct the projects.

#Rebuilding #kibbutz #NahalOz #Gaza #GazaCity #Jews #Oct72023 #Christians #ChristianFriendsofIsrael

 

Your “Go To Place” - message by Steve Martin

The “Go To Place” - the place you go to be alone with the Lord

 

“After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.” (Matthew 14:23, NASB)

 

When I sat in the large tannish brown, upholstered chair that had become my “go to” place here in Jerusalem, before the sun came up over the eastern horizon, I was asking the Lord a few things. As the Bible says, “Jesus went alone to pray.” David also often inquired of the Lord.

 

So do I as I have learned over the decades.

I realized, as I relished this quiet and alone time, that my spirit needed refreshing, a “re-charge” as some used to say. The days had been long as Laurie and I have served at Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem these past row months (which I love), but the spirit, soul and body needed time alone with the Lord.

Service for the Lord is one thing. Spending time alone with Him is another. We need both in order to fully walk out His plans and purposes for us. Jesus did it with His a father. So must we.

David got alone with the Lord daily. He needed that encouragement, that renewed strength, that time to again see things from the Lord’s perspective, in order to get his perspective right.

In this world of lies, those railing against the truth, the meanness, greed and all things that go against the Lord’s ways and His written Word, we definitely need His perspective daily. We will be buried underneath the same rubble if we don’t.

As I sat waiting in that chair, I realized I was missing my favorite worship songs, due to the lack of Internet and WiFi on my phone in the apartment. I needed that spiritual jolt, that “energy” that He provides for us through praise and worship music, connecting us even more to Him. My spirit was longing for that “hidden place” where I could be in His presence through the senses He has given each of us.

As Don Moen sang in my mid-adult years, which I know I wore out the CD (if that is possible, or maybe it was on cassette then, if you remember those days), the song “I Just Want To Be in Your Presence” (Integrity Music, was coming back to me.

“Lord, I just want to be in Your presence, dwelling daily in Your presence. Take me to the place where You are.” (Integrity Music, https://youtu.be/MydWQgUOPH4?si=jeLEoHSjoO-l5mDT)

My daily time with the Lord usually includes listening to songs of praise and worship. If I had my way, and when I do, I turn the volume up loud and let my spirit soar into the heavens, filling up my spirit as it lifts Him up with my being.

And as I do, His love and refreshing brings renewing, restoration, recreating that which has been given out, or lost, stolen, or destroyed by the works of our enemy.

In His presence He brings to us what we need once again.

Whatever your “go to place” is - the latest believing song to repeat over and over from your playlist; the daily devotional bringing inspiration from those who have faithfully walked the walk and made it; that time of day when you know you just “need to be with Him” - be sure you make it a daily priority. I need it. You need it.

 

He wants us to be with Him in that “go to” place.

Church of the Beatitudes atop the hill where Yeshua (Jesus) gave His Sermon on the Mount. Near Tiberias, Israel

Church of the Beatitudes atop the hill where Yeshua (Jesus) gave His Sermon on the Mount. Near Tiberias, Israel.

From Matthew 5 in part: "Seeing the crowds, Yeshua walked up the hill. After he sat down, his talmidim came to him, 2 and he began to speak. This is what he taught them: 3 “How blessed are the poor in spirit! for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

4 “How blessed are those who mourn!
    for they will be comforted.

5 “How blessed are the meek!
    for they will inherit the Land![a]

6 “How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness!
    for they will be filled.
7 “How blessed are those who show mercy!
    for they will be shown mercy.

8 “How blessed are the pure in heart!
    for they will see God.

9 “How blessed are those who make peace!
    for they will be called sons of God.

10 “How blessed are those who are persecuted
because they pursue righteousness!
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."

    

The Christmas season Nativity Scene,

The road leading up to the church overlooking the hill where Jesus gave His sermon. 

The Sea of Galilee in the background.

A December rose grows among the beuatiful flower gardens.

#ChurchoftheBeatitudes #Yeshua #Jesus #SermonontheMount #Tiberias #Israel

 

Russian Messianic Jews in Tiberias befriend us, and we them. Bless the Lord Yeshua!

 

Dec. 5, 2025 Tiberias, Israel

Laurie and I had the blessed time spending a few days in Tiberias at the home of Igor and his mother Raisa (Rachel). We had the delight to share a Shabbat meal in their home. 

We give thanks to the Lord in meeting new Jewish friends, and these believers from Russia.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

I pray at the Shabbat meal time with Igor, Raisa and Laurie.

#russianjews #messianics #Tiberias #Shabbat

Elvis Resturant near Jerusalem. I thoroughly enjoy it! Steve Martin

I enjoy the Elvis American Restaurant, about 5 miles west of Jerusalem on Hwy. 1, very much! Each year they have an annual mug. I have now collected at least 11.  Enjoy the videos below.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People ministry on my 30th trip to Israel.

Annual mug with coffee is only 18 shekels, about $5.00. Such a deal!

Travel to the Sea of Galilee region to be with Messianic believers in Israel.

Dec. 5, 2025. Israel

Laurie and I took three days from our Jerusalem service to head to the north to spend time with decades long friends.

Along the way to northern Israel and the Sea of Galilee region (Tiberias) we also stopped by and spent an hour with Barry Segal at the Vision for Israel ministry just west of Jerusalem.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People

Chaim Malespin speaks at his local congregation KEHILAT Poriya above Tiberias.

The evening stay and meal with Russian believers Igor and his Mom were extra special. In their home in Tiberias above the Sea of Galilee.

Barry Segal, co-founder of Vision For Israel, gave us a full tour of their 4-story humanitarian aid ministry building.

Russian believers share their Shabbat meal with us in Tiberias.

Barry Segal, Laurie and I.

Vision For Israel Millennium Center in Moe’din, Israel.

KEHILAT Poriyah worship time near Tiberias. Poriyah Illit town

Laurie watches as the Shabbat candles are lit in Igor and his mom’s home in Tiberias.

Overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the Russian believers apartment.

The Mount of Olives early morning view of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Also the Promenade video.

Dec. 6, 2025

I was out early morning around 4:00 am and drove up tot he Mount of Olives, using the narrow road behind the Church of All Nations and Gethsemene.  What a view!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry in Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem's Promenade Light Show

#MountofOlives #Jerusalem #Jesus #Yeshua

ARISE, SHINE, FOR YOUR LIGHT HAS COME by Cathy Hargett

“Arise, Shine, For Your Light Has Come" Cathy Hargett

12/2/25

Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord rises upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)

We are once again in the season of many beautiful traditions. Those who follow Yeshua the Messiah with all their hearts praise Him for any and every opportunity to celebrate that the Light of the World has already come to us, and He is coming again.

In the Messianic community, there continues to be a running dialogue, questioning when Yeshua was born into this world. Some say it was at Pesach (Passover), some say Succot (Tabernacles). Hardly anyone believes it was on December 25th, as celebrated in the traditional Christian church. Many assert that there are pagan roots to the cultural season of Christmas. There is also the argument against creating the man-made holiday of Christmas, since it was not a Feast that God told us to celebrate.  

From my grateful perspective, it seems that there is now more of a deep softening of heart, at least among the Messianic community that I know. When we acknowledge that there are some cultural traditions that can be celebrated in faith, we can accept each other and better accept the different traditions (Romans 14-15). (I trust that it's obvious that I am not suggesting that we accept idol worship.) 

We even note that Yeshua celebrated the cultural tradition of Hanukkah, even though it was not one of the biblical feasts appointed by the Lord in Leviticus 23. There seem to be less arguments about whether or not this holiday should or should not be celebrated and whether it should be celebrated on December 25th. Perhaps we really are becoming "one new man", as we settle the question of "what would Yeshua teach us about these things"? 

As I pondered all this again as we enter this season, He led me to focus not on all these different perspectives that we re-hash ever year, but on something else.  He turned my heart to proclaim the so very obvious, but sometimes hidden, reality of how Yeshua and Israel reveal the truth together, as one people. The similarities are so absolutely striking that once you see them, you will not be able to think of Yeshua without thinking of Israel. And you won't be able to think of Israel without thinking of Yeshua.

And, oh, how very beautiful it is to celebrate the birth of Yeshua, and the dawning of the Messianic Kingdom. It has already begun. Oh, Hallelujah! God, the Savior of the World has already come to earth one time in the flesh, exactly as it was foretold by the prophets. This truth so guarantees that He will come again, just as He said, a second time! 

For those who still get a "disconnect" about the relationship between Yeshua and Israel, let's look at Isaiah 60 and just marvel together! Read this Chapter twice - the first time, read it and ask God for the revelation to see how this Chapter is speaking of Israel and her coming Glory among the nations. Read it a second time and ask the Lord to give you the revelation of Yeshua, our Messiah, coming back to us. Notice the parallels of how the nations turn to Israel, and how they also turn to Him, and how the Glory comes to Zion. 

"Lift up your eyes and look about you: all assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy..."

(Isaiah 60:4-5)

Every knee will bow at the coming of Yeshua (Philippians 2:9-11). Every soul will cast all their crowns and everything they have at His feet in worship. And also look at the parallel - Israel's destiny - the nations will serve her (Isaiah 60:10-12). The kingdoms will bring their wealth into the Land. How prophetic is Israel's calling and revealing of Yeshua, our King?

All nations and every tribe will come to worship Him. He is the Gateway into Life (John 10:7). We see also the imagery of gates related to Israel. We read that Israel's gates will always stand open (Isaiah 60:11). Ponder that He is the Gate, and ponder Israel's gates. Can you see how Yeshua and Israel reveal the same picture of God's plan? 

Of Zion, God says,

 "...you will call your walls Salvation (Yeshua) and your gates Praise (Yehudah/Judah)"

(Isaiah 60:18)

We see the Oneness of God and Israel - Israel's walls are called Salvation. Yeshua is Salvation. Israel's gates are called Praise. Yeshua is Praise, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Judah means Praise. He is the Light of the World, and fulfills the prophetic word about Israel through Himself.

"Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord rises upon you".

(Isaiah 60:1)

Soon, His story will be completed, and we will enter the fullness of the Messianic Kingdom and it will flow into the eternal Kingdom. He is coming again. All His promises will reach their final and complete fulfillment on this restored planet. Israel will have totally fulfilled her destiny to be the blessing to all the nations through the revelation of Yeshua the Messiah. And Elohim, Father, Son, and Spirit, will be glorified forevermore in Zion. 

"For my eyes have seen Your Salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all the nations: a Light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the Glory of Your people Israel."

(Luke 2:30-32)

Cathy Hargett, Highway to Zion Ministries

http://www.highwaytozion.org

“Comfort” by Steve Martin

Steve and Laurie Martin with Danny ben David (Danny Boy) and Yosefa on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem, Israel (Nov. 28, 2025)

Holocaust survivors from 1945

Comfort My People

 “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1, NASB)

 

Most Christians have never been taught the responsibility we have been given to bless the Jews. Some are even told from the pulpit that the Old Testament is not for us to read, being it is “only about the Jews.” Some would even think that Yeshua (Jesus) is no longer a Jew, but a Christian.

Well, I totally disagree with that.

Yeshua Himself said He was a Jew and agreed with those He walked amongst.

"So the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” (John 4:9, NASB)

 And so, because our Lord and Savior is a Jew, and continues to be a Jew, when the Bible tells Christians to comfort His people, He is speaking about His people from whom He came through, the Jews.

The books of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament clearly give His Jewish lineage.

Comforting the Jewish people seems to have been totally lost in the history of the Christian church. Even before the time of Constantine (300 A.D.) when he tried to eliminate “all Jewishness” from the church, Christians have spoken against, led crusades against, performed pograms (“an organized massacre of a particular ethnic group, in particular that of Jewish people in Russia or eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.” Oxford dictionary) and murdered millions, as Hitler did “in the name of Christ.”

As we ask for their forgiveness, and indeed seek to comfort the Lord’s people, May He guide us into their friendship, their support, and a repayment in many ways for all they have given us, and the world.

“So now says Adonai, who formed Me from the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, to gather Israel back to Him.

For I am honored in the eyes of Adonai

and My God has become my strength.

So He says, “It is too trifling a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved ones of Israel. So I will give You as a light for the nations, that You should be My salvation to the end of the earth.”

Thus says Adonai, the Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, to the One despised to the One the nation abhors, to a servant of rulers:“Kings will see and arise, princes will also bow down, because of Adonai who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel who has chosen You.” (Isaiah 49:5-7 Tree of Life Bible)

If you know a Jew, befriend them. If you can give to their well being through good ministries, do so.

Support Israel and the people here. You will then be doing our Father’s will. It will go well with you too. I like that.

Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry in Jerusalem, Israel

When Jesus talked about the sheep…

When Jesus (Yeshua) talked about the sheep and their shepherd the people knew exactly what He was talking about.

Centuries have past, but the shepherds among the Bedouin in Israel do as they did then.

Watching the herd to the south of Jerusalem amazes me. And the shepherd keeps careful eyes on them.

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹² The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. ¹³ The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

¹⁴ “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:11-18 NIV)