Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
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
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.
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
“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
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 (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)
Hear ya go !!!
“But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.
Jeremiah 16:15-16
Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. Ezekiel 11:17
”It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”…"A Tale of Two Cities," written by Charles Dickens and published in 1859, is a historical novel set during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution, exploring themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the struggle between oppression and liberty.
Although Dickens was describing London and Paris, to me, this is a perfect example of Jerusalem over the last handful of months.
We have gone from a period of no incoming or outgoing flights to Israel, except El Al, thousands killed, hundreds captured, no tourists, hotel and restaurant closures, to almost every airline resuming service to Israel, return of all living hostages, tourism increasing daily, and businesses being resurrected. We have some degree of ‘quiet’. We will not have “peace”, until the Prince of Peace returns.
Regarding our ministry, House of Compassion, we already have four Mission Trips scheduled for next year, many inquiries, and we have put together a full Israel Tour, scheduled for the end of June, which will include some service opportunities, as well as a few special places that the typical tours don’t get to see. For those that might be interested, the link below will give you all the information.
When House of Compassion was birthed in 2015, we not only had the vision of hosting mission teams and sharing the ‘Good News’ whenever we could, we had the vision of assisting new immigrants in the process of relocating to Israel…making Aliyah.
The Lord has promised to bring the Jewish people back to the land of Israel, recorded in scores of scriptures. As per the above verse from Jeremiah, we feel fortunate that we were of the group that were “lured” to Israel, Jeremiah used the word “fished”, almost thirty years ago. What comes next are the “hunters”, which have already begun to assemble.
Our newsletters have, for the most part, been concise, but I’ve included a report from the Ministry of Aliyah and Intergration, which is extremely important. Israel sees the writing on the wall. You have a role the play, as do we.
ARTICLE:
Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the National Emergency Authority just ran a full-scale drill in Ramla simulating a sudden influx of tens of thousands of Jews fleeing exploding antisemitism and security crises abroad. The scenario: planes landing one after another, with thousands of new arrivals needing housing, jobs, schooling and basic care all at once.
Officials rehearsed how Israel would absorb around 800 new arrivals per day over two weeks with no prep time, many lacking full paperwork or even clear eligibility under the Law of Return. The exercise stress-tested everything: airport handling, medical screening, temporary housing, food supply, schooling and rapid work placement, with government ministries, security bodies and NGOs all plugged into one joint command picture.
The drill builds directly on lessons from the Russia–Ukraine war, when roughly 75,000 Jews arrived in a short burst, forcing Israel to improvise emergency housing and integration tools almost on the fly. It also connects to a broader trend since October 7, with tens of thousands of Jews already choosing aliyah amid surging antisemitism in Europe and North America and a sharp rise in aliyah inquiries from Western countries.
Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer told participants the scenario “can definitely materialize” given the spike in global Jew-hatred, stressing that Israel must be ready to offer a fast, dignified escape route if Jewish communities come under real threat. The message between the lines is clear: the Jewish state is not just watching the antisemitism wave—it is actively gaming out how to rescue entire communities if the red line is crossed.
END OF ARTICLE
We have been a part of several meetings in various locations throughout the U.S. with hundreds of Christians who have heard from the Lord and directed them to begin to prepare a place in their home or property, to assist Jewish people at a time of great trial.
We ask that you pray about being a part of the “Senders”, that are being assembled throughout the U.S. If you have any questions, you can email us at:
LarryandBess@Gmail.Com
Our job here in Israel, as‘The Receivers’, we will continue to provide a place for new immigrants on a short-term basis in our home, recruit Israelis to make their home available as well, and as the need increases, find rental property that can house multiple families.
We would ask that you pray about supporting us In that work.
You can DONATE HERE.
To Download the Israel Tour Brochure: http://tri.ps/erUJG
Blessings,
Larry & Bess
Contact: http://HouseofCompassionIsrael.org
Another God Appointment
“God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Yeshua the Messiah our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:19, Tree of Life)
Knowing of those who have gone before, who have been faithful to the end, are the ones I want to learn from. They are the men and women of our Lord who have finished the race, endured the trials and tribulations, and kept the faith along the way.
Let me repeat. I want to follow in the footsteps of those who have been faithful to the end. They knew the Living God of Israel, Yeshua (Jesus) and believed in His plans and purposes as they walked His ordained walk.
One such man, whom I have often written about in several of my books, was Derek Prince. And then to have now been in his last home on earth before his passing in 2003 at the age of 88, here in Jerusalem, was extraordinary.
This was a God appointed moment.
The 10-member family (8 daughters) of Mark and Ruth, who now occupy the home, were so willing to give Laurie and I a brief tour of Derek’s former place before they were heading out. And how that happened was of itself indeed a God-appointed time.
Laurie and I had ventured out on Nov. 28, 2025, looking for his home address, which I had gotten from the Derek Prince Ministries office in Charlotte, North Carolina before we left in October 2025 for Jerusalem. But once Google Maps took us to the “supposed” location, it did not seem right. This was not what I remembered from the Christian Friends of Israel-USA tour in 2004.
So, we went searching on foot. That is how adventures in the Lord start. One foot at a time, as directed by the Holy Spirit.
As Laurie walked ahead on the street sidewalk (I was preparing photos and videos on my iPhone as I came behind) she was passing directly in front of the new US Embassy, singing Hodu L'adonai (Psalm 136:1-3 by Barry & Batya Segal ‧ 1994) (“thankful to the Lord”in Hebrew).
A car with four occupants slowly passed by and then stopped.
“Are you looking for Derek Prince’s home?”
“Yes!” She answered.
And thus, Mark and his wife Ruth led us a few yards back to the place. Exactly as I had remembered - the outside three story apartment building with the car park next to it. Derek’s last place on earth.
After getting in the small elevator to the third floor, we stepped out and turned left. There, above the #10 door, was a beautiful artwork piece of Jerusalem. And to the left, just above a small ledge, on a mosaic plaque, were the names Ben Haim/Prince.
Of course, I recorded a video as walked through the multiple first floor rooms, but for privacy's sake will not put it on social media. But I am including a few screenshots.
I love how the Lord directs our steps, as we give ourselves to His wonderful work, to be a blessing to others as He has so wonderfully been to us.
And here in israel, where Derek, Ruth, and Lydia chose to live and be buried, in Jerusalem, Israel, we too are doing what our Lord has given us to do.
May you know His ways and walk in them. He has many God-appointed times ahead for you too.
Entry way to Derek Prince’s former residence in Jerusalem, Israel.
Derek Prince’s former bedroom next to his home office.
Eric and Taundi Hoover, YWAM David’s Tent leaders, were married Nov. 28, 2025 atop the building of Succat Hallel, in Jerusalem, Israel.
Having been in Israel for many weeks, the couple Wed just days before their return to Washington, DC.
Participating in the wedding were members of their team - Grace Dillon (Concord, NC), Mary Wilkerson (Texas), Broney (Idaho) and Anna.
Taundi had received her dress through the work of Christian Friends of Israel Bridal Salon in Jerusalem.
The Old City of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives served as the backdrop to the wonderfully joyous celebration.
In attendance were staff of CFI-Jerusalem, and also Steve and Laurie Martin of Charlotte, North Carolina.
David’s Tent team members
CFI-Jerusalem team join David’s Tent team. They served together for two weeks in and around Jerusalem.
Mary Wilkerson of Texas
(L-R) Leader, Mary Wilkerson, Bronwy, Anna, Grace Dillon
Steve and Laurie Martin family (2015)
“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says Adonai: “My Ruach who is on you, and My words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, or from the mouth of youroffspring, or from the mouth of your children’soffspring,” says Adonai, “from now on and forever.”
(Isaiah 59:21, Tree of Life)
Steve and Laurie Martin, Galya Hall (Christian Friends of Israel - Jerusalem)
Prayer at the Knesset! Galya Hall and Steve and Laurie Martin from CFI USA were honoured to attending the 'Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem' event at the Knesset today, initiated by MK Tatiana Mazarsky.
It was inspiring to hear from different members of Knesset and Christian leaders including Ambassador Mike Huckabee, but most importantly it was uplifting and wonderful to praise God and to pray together 💙🇮🇱🙏
Sergeant Major Chaim Malespin
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee
Blessings to All.
I have been extremely busy over the last few weeks, speaking engagements, organising and travel, hence the lack of communications.
Yesterday, I was on a Forum discussing revival in New Zealand on a live TV out of Houston, and yes, there were a couple of problems with some of the connections. However, it went well at my end, and the message I spoke on was the need to get back to the basics. What I mentioned was based on the message I am sending out today.
We, Christian Friends of Israel, NZ, have just sent $6500NZ to our Jerusalem office. I thank you dearly for your support of the work of the ministry, and what we are blessed to be able to do for the Jewish people, be blessed.
In the Name of the Lord,
Dennis and team.
Is the Cross Important to Remember
What was the greatest message ever delivered by Jesus? Surely it was the message given at and through the Cross! I was told a short time ago that Jesus was NOT the ultimate demonstration of God’s love.
Then what was, and what does the Bible say, 1 John 4:9? How God showed His love to us by sending Jesus so we might have life. The cross is our greatest weapon against all evil because that is where Jesus bled; we are saved by the blood of the lamb. Revelation 12:11. We are redeemed, sanctified, and given new life only by the blood to where the life is found. Leviticus 17:11
Our first step to salvation is the message of the Cross, so why is it ignored in our services? Without the knowledge of the cross, the Bible could become just another storybook. The weapon of our warfare is the fact Jesus was crucified on the Cross. We need to get back to this fact; we need to return to the basic message of salvation.
Without the Cross, are we not but a sounding gong? 1 Corinthians 13:1 that Paul speaks of, are we not leaving out the greatest story of love that ever took place? What message do we have to give to the world? Without the cross, we have no message to give. It is the cross that disarmed all powers, Colossians 2:14-15. Our value, our worth, is found in the cross; it is the actions of Jesus’ suffering that shows the price God was willing to pay for us. Acts 20:28
How wide is the door to the world to come? How wide is the narrow way to salvation, the only way to salvation? It is only as wide as two outstretched arms, held in place by two Roman nails. It is the cross we can hold on to, so we don’t stumble while walking the narrow path, which can become very slippery at times when the storms of life occur.
The Cross is the door that all must pass through to reach our ultimate destination, the room the Father has waiting for us when our journey is ended. John 14:2-6
We all most likely know the story of the Pearl of great price, the story of a man selling everything. Again, our worth is shown within the price God was willing to pay for our redemption. Jesus came, He wept, bowed before the Father, pleading, do I really have to do this? The Father answered with the cross, and the Son agreed. Luke 22:42-44
Let us look at this in the opposite direction. What would we be willing to give up to obtain the prize of a great pearl, that is to be with the Lord, to enter into the gates of Pearls? Revelation 21:21
Are we willing to give up all we have because of His cross? Are we willing to obey the words; Give up all and follow me? Or, take up your cross and follow Me! I have heard many teachings on these two verses over the years. I am yet to see many put this actually into action. As leaders, we have to be prepared to lead with our own actions before we can expect others to follow.
Without the cross as the central aspect in our lives, have we fully surrendered to the message of the Lord? The message we understand and partake in, which is lived out when we kneel before the Lord and receive communion. All while remembering the words of our Lord, do this as often as you do to remember my death, until I come again. And yet, communion is very seldom taken in most churches. Or, it is relegated to a few minutes in the middle of the service.
Yet to me, it is the most important part of our worship before the Lord. It is bringing the message of the cross into focus before the non-believer who is visiting the building for the first time. It reminds the Believer sitting there on Sunday morning, who has just lost a loved one, what the love of God means to them at this time.
A picture of more than a thousand words could ever do on a dozen Sundays. The act of taking communion has saved many people, raised people from their deathbeds, and healed the sick. But by relegating it to only a small part of the service, are we not relegating it to a could know instead of the must know, to quote a teaching term.
We pray to God for revival and leave the cross, the starting point for the salvation of the world, on some dusty corner shelf. We ask the question, How can we get revival, then remove the answer from the service before the question is spoken. We have painted the walls black in the church, lit by flashing lights to attract people to the building, but what message do we have if we ignore the cross to bring the people into the Kingdom?
It is often said, let us put Jesus back into Christmas; surely, we should be saying, let us put the words of Jesus in His reference to the cup of redemption with His words; This is the Cup of the New Covenant, take drink as often as you do to remember My death until I come again. 1 Corinthians 11:25-26.
Jesus conquered death by His own death, so is it not logical to remember this each time we meet? 1 Corinthians 15:26-27 We would still be in our sins if it were not for what Jesus did for us on the cross. 1 Corinthians 15:12-18.
Worth commemorating, yes?
