Christian Friends of Israel - Steve Martin

Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem

As my heart for Israel and His promised people, the Jews, is set, I have also joined with  the 41-year old organization in Jerusalem, Christian Friends of Israel.

Starting back in 1992 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I was a founding board member on the CFI-USA representative office with Hannele Pardain, now in Charlotte, North Carolina. I served for 14 years. Now my wonderful wife Laurie has been on the board since 2021.

Together, Laurie and I volunteered to  serve  in Jerusalem with CFI for three months, Oct. 16, 2025 through Jan.11, 2026. You can read of that wonderful experience in my 40th book published a month later, BACK TO JERUSALEM, in February 2026. 

The many chapters in the book also come with over 150 photos. ( I have found that the men will look at the photos while the women actually read my books! Speaking on a general basis, of course.)

And now, after having had four cancelled flights to Israel in  the spring of 2026 due to ongoing conflicts continually against Israel,, my good friend David Lauka and I have returned to the Land to once again serve six weeks with CFI.

Now led by the International Director Tristan Hall, with his wife Galya (four children Eliora, Moriah, Ariella, and son  Hosea), CFI was found in 1985 by Ray and Sharon Sanders. 

Ray passed on two days before the horrible onslaught against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Sharon continues serving  with her foundational strength,  vigor and encouragement,  with speaking engagements, regular  teaching through  books and magazine articles, and overall care for the multiple of volunteers and leadership the Lord has brought to continue the love for His people.

And so now with my time here, I will share what the Lord gives us to do alongside them to  bring comfort to His people.

“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. With gentle words, tender and kind,
assure  Jerusalem, this chosen city from long ago…” Isaiah 40:1 NASB

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin