Back in Charlotte after 3 months in Jerusalem, Israel

Jan. 18, 2026 Charlotte, North Carolina

Greetings from our home base here in Charlotte. After what I call another “deployment” to Israel, and also an Ahava Adventure (Ahava is love in Hebrew), we landed late on Jan. 12, 2026. Thank you David and Pam Lauka for the “midnight ride”!

I wasn’t thinking about doing a “we are home” email, thinking it wasn’t needed, but thanks to Lisa, who encouraged me to do so while at church this past Sunday, here you go.

This will be a bit different from the ones you received from me while Laurie and I were in Jerusalem, Israel these past three months from Oct. 16, 2025 to January 12, 2026. 

I don’t have a message to share at this time. Only a big “Thank You” to the CFI-USA board, headed by Hannele Pardain, with Brian and Pat Cockfield, Allen and Nan Robertson, and of course, Laurie, my good wife.

And a special additional shout out to Allen Robertson, who helped edit my forthcoming book, Back To Jerusalem, due out in a few weeks. This is my 40th book, written while I was in Jerusalem. I know you will like it. And the men will like the photos, numbering over 120. (I know men.)

I also want to especially thank the leadership and volunteer staff of Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem. Laurie and I now have at least 30 new, great friends. Sharon Sanders (co-founder with her late husband Ray), Tristan and Galya Hall, International Director and Media Director, respectively, and each and every one else who all have come from the nations to bless Israel and His people…thank you!

Ministering the love of Yeshua, in action more than words, was the joy we had each and every day in the Land. Though this assignment is now completed, I look forward to the ones the Lord already has planned. (As early as March 10 for me.)

My new book, Back To Jerusalem, has 28 chapters of this adventure. And with all those photos, another great joy I had while in Israel photographing, you will want to get the hard back or paperback edition. I am especially excited to have a prominent Christian prophetic artist, James Nesbit, grant permission to incorporate one of his beautiful paintings on the front cover. Yeah Lord!

So…have a good week. As you pray earnestly throughout this new year, expect our Lord to move in your life beyond what you now think or imagine.

He did for us. He will do for you too!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

P.S. And one more “big thank you” to those ministries and individuals who supported us before and during this three-month service. You were channels of the Lord’s blessings indeed!