The Seeds Were Waiting - Christian Friends of Israel

Some days remind us that God's plans are always greater than our own.

On our journey to visit an IDF base near Hebron, the Lord led us to two unforgettable encounters in the heart of Judea and Samaria.

Our first stop was the community of Telem, where we visited an ancient wine press discovered just 3 years ago. After it was carefully cleaned and restored, grapevines began growing once again — from seeds that had lain dormant beneath the soil for ages.

​

Fixing Our Eyes In Jesus

​

Watchman’s Prayer Letter August 2026 - Jewish Year 5786

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5 NKJV)   It has often been said, both of the suffering of the Jewish people, and of the need for Christians to remain strong in the face of adversity, that the darker the darkness becomes, the stronger the light will shine.  This is certainly true of our common situation today, as increasingly, Jews and Christians are joining together in support the world’s only Jewish state, even as some established churches turn against her.   As we go to press, the Jewish nation worldwide is entering its saddest day, a solemn fast, Tisha B’Av.  On this date in the Hebrew calendar, some of the worst events happened, such as the destruction of both temples, the first murderous crusade launching across Europe, and the expulsion of the Jews of England.   In England today, supposedly far more advanced and sophisticated than in 1290, just a few days prior to this solemn date, the established Church of England agreed to ‘hear’ a dangerously anti-Israel and anti-Zionist motion, Kairos II.  The majority in the house of bishops present voted in favour giving credence to a text which can only inflame tensions between communities, at a time when the UK Jewish community is already under attack.  A few bishops spoke against but then abstained.   Evoking some of the statements of the Early Roman Church in the 3rd/4th centuries AD, such as the need to separate from the Hebraic heritage of the faith, support for Kairos II puts the Church of England at odds with the Bible and the God of Israel.  The text condemns Christian Zionism (including the faith of the Puritan intercessors) as the launching pad of the restoration of the Jewish state.  It moves along a slippery slope towards deconstruction of anything mentioning Jews, Judea, Zion or Israel, within the Scriptural texts (which could ultimately lead to the erasure of the words of Jesus himself).   Some of the statements in Kairos II include inflammatory language such as the following:   “Israel is a colonial, settler, and exclusionary entity”; “Zionists do not want us to remain on our land. Their plan for us is displacement, death or submission. The genocidal war on Gaza is the continuation of the Zionist project to seize all of Palestine, emptied of its Palestinian people… This genocide has been carried out by Israel after decades of apartheid, settler colonialism, political repression and the deliberate policy of killing any possibility of a political solution”;

File:A Talit, Keffiyeh and Palestinian scraf.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

“We see creative resistance embodied in the popular Palestinian movements confronting occupation, settlement expansion, settler terrorism and apartheid…”; and, “In addressing ourselves, we say: ‘We are the sons and daughters of the first Church — descendants of the apostles and the saints of the first Christian centuries…’”.   Let us pray that the enemy has overstepped himself so severely that this will lead to exposure of this anti-biblical movement which, falsely wearing the cloak of true Christianity, is a politicised Palestinian-ism.   Last year, CFI Jerusalem published an article about Beit Lechem (Bethlehem).  From the ancient prophecy, “But you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler, who will be the shepherd of my people Israel” (Micah 5:2), through to its fulfilment with the Saviour’s birth, and right up until the present day, the ‘little town’ is a source of both great joy, and sadly great deception.   The Kairos movement began at Bethlehem Bible College (BBC).  While many well-meaning teachers and students have passed through its programmes, some are known to have had an historical grievance with Israel.  While certain individuals who have genuinely suffered loss may graciously speak lovingly and seek to progress on the path of forgiveness, others are unfortunately obsessed with dehumanising Israel.

File:BritLib Cotton Nero DiiFol183v Persecuted Jews (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Pray for truth to prevail… and act accordingly

•Thank the Lord that the land of Israel is his.  Praise him for his plans, promises and his unfailing word. (see Isaiah 40:8) [Book by the Church of England’s Faith and Order Commission available via CFI UK resources or pdf link below: https://www.cfi.org.uk/Gods-unfailing-word https://www.jcrelations.net/article/gods-unfailing-word.pdf   •Give thanks that there were those, including CFI UK’s Jacob Vince, who spoke against the Kairos II motion, with various amendments passing, and that a fair number voted against the final amended motion with others recording abstentions. (see Psalm 71:16)   •Pray that those contending in the Church of England know the right strategy going forward to encourage understanding of Israel and Jewish people in this key part of the wider and historic church.  For those favouring Israel standing in the upcoming elections for the General Synod governing body - where policy is decided upon. (see Genesis 24:40a)   •Pray for all theological deception, which in the 1930s and 40s, helped enable the Holocaust, to be fully exposed to the true God-seekers in both the Church of England and wider Anglican communion, and in Arab communities. (see Proverbs 6:16-19).   •Thank God for the strengthening of Jewish-Christian partnership in the UK and beyond.  May God turn this awful situation for the good of Israel and the nation where we reside. (see Genesis 50:20)   •Pray for the UK Jewish community as some consider making Aliyah, for all the support that they need. (see 2 Chronicles 36:23)   •Pray for provision, protection and courage for true Arab/Palestinian believers living under unjust and corrupt governance, that the Lord will reveal his word in truth, and deliver them from all evil. (see Philippians 4:19)

Thank you for joining with us in prayer to our Father in heaven, who hears and answers as we bring our petitions before him in Jesus’ name, Ruth Richmond - CFI Jerusalem   Christian Friends of Israel – Jerusalem

prayer@cfijerusalem.org

PO Box 1813 Jerusalem 9101701 Israel Phone: 02 623 3778

Love For His People Ministry was founded in 2010 by Steve & Laurie Martin. Charlotte, NC USA

Christian Friends of Israel supporting IDF bases

Christian Friends of Israel supporting the IDF bases

There is something incredibly special about returning to visit friends. On this visit to an IDF base in the Judea/Samaria region, we had the privilege of bringing practical supplies and treats to encourage the soldiers who work tirelessly to protect the people of Israel. 

We delivered Tanach Bibles, chocolates, snacks and much-needed plates and cutlery for the kitchen, where meals are prepared for around 400 soldiers — three times every day.

​

Created for His purposes.

 

We love the Lord's creation.

Cardinals and Israel.

#creation #cardinal #IDF #Steve Martin #2005 #CFI #ChristianFriendsof Israel

The Martins - with Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem

Christian Friends of Israel - our upcoming volunteer time in Jerusalem -

 Steve and Laurie Martin, Love For His People Ministry

July 8, 2025, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Greetings to all,

Laurie and I had a Zoom call on the morning of July 3 with the Christian Friends of Israel-Jerusalem Director, Tristan Hall, and Nicolene in HR. We will be volunteering for three months in Jerusalem, Israel, at the CFI ministry, beginning October 15, 2025, through January 14, 2026.

During the call, they informed us that Laurie will assist with outreach efforts to support individuals as needed, as well as participate in daily lunches for the 30 staff members.

I will be involved with social media and, hopefully, IDF (Israel Defense Forces) connections.

Pictured (L-R) Gayla Hall, Tristan Hall (CFI-Jerusalem), Steve Martin, Hannele Pardain (CFI-USA), and baby Hosea Hall. Photo taken in Charlotte, NC, May 28, 2025, at the CFI 40th ministry anniversary celebration.

We will share more information as it becomes available. During our time in Jerusalem, we would like to schedule Zoom calls with all interested parties to establish a weekly update schedule. Plus I will continue my FB, website and blogs to share with you from Jerusalem.

Both of us will be on the worship team and also help lead worship during the daily staff prayer times.

CFI will provide housing and bus passes for us. (We already have bus passes with our photos on them from a few years ago. We were anticipating this time years ago!) Plus, daily lunches are provided. 

We would appreciate monthly support during our Jerusalem service to cover supplies and other needs not covered. 

First, though, we booked our flights. Those two tickets amounted to $3,145.

You can make a donation online now by using the donate button located in the right-hand column of this Love For His People website.

In addition, we are seeking someone (or a couple, preferred) to stay in our home for three months, with minimal rent covering utilities and other expenses.

The Lord has led and continues to lead.

Yes, Lord!

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve & Laurie Martin

From a dear friend when she heard we were volunteering at CFI-Jerusalem:

July 6, 2025 Asheville, North Carolina

“SHABBAT SHALOM, Steve and Laurie!  Just had to pop in to say how absolutely rejoicing I am to hear that you two 

will soon be volunteering for 3 months with CFI-Jerusalem!!! PRAISE GOD!!!  There are no words to express how 

fruitful and fulfilling--truly immeasurable joy and blessing--Bill and my many years of volunteering were, and I know 

it will be the same for you! 

Congratulations on this new step into all God has purposed and planned for your life!  Love in Yeshua~ Cindi

Here is another confirming word and prophecy regarding our going to Israel at this time:

July 6, 2025 Charlotte, NC

“Greetings Hannele.

This is a prophetic word I received from Jeremy Lopez, whom I believe is a very gifted prophetic man, from whom 

I and several others have received accurate words from over the past 2 decades.

I have never met him in person, and only give my name when I have asked for a prophetic word, on his website.

As I was looking through some files this morning (07.05.25, 6:30 am) that I had saved on my phone, this one 

was found from 2008, 17 years ago!

At the time, I highlighted several words that stood out to me. One was his word about Israel. (Again, I never have 

told him about my connection to Israel.)

But on the 2nd page, there is a word which I never highlighted. Why?  Because I honestly never believed it at 

the time.

You know the exact amount of the check you gave Laurie and me (Love For His People) after the CFI-Jerusalem’s 

40th ministry anniversary celebration here in Charlotte, May 28-31. You even told me, when you handed me the 

envelope with the check a few days later, that you had one amount in mind, but the Lord gave you this amount 

to give us for our future involvement in Israel with CFI.

Unknown to anyone but me of the timing, I had given Tristan and Gayla Hall, and Sharon Sanders, my resume, 

after I had left the hotel at 1 am to come home and print copies out for them, to give to them that Saturday morning 

on the last day of the conference!

I myself am amazed! And totally grateful to Him and again to you for hearing His word, and fulfilling this prophecy!

We believe our Lord. We know we are blessed, and in His Name and power, provision, and encouragement, through you and many others, we will go onward with His love and provision always - to Jerusalem!

Ahava and Shalom Hannele,

Steve

 

Theresa Harper	Mon, Jul 7, 11:15 PM (9 hours ago)
to me

Thank you for sharing this with me.  It is a joy to watch how the Lord is unfolding His plans for your life 

and Laurie’s.  When I say “unfolding” I saw the Lord unfolding a large map. He laid it out before you.  

It was so big you couldn’t see the whole map.  This was a map of your life, Steve. 

He will show you more of the map as you go along.  Much like Abraham was called to leave the familiar, 

not knowing where he was going, you will know as you go.

The Lord richly bless you and Laurie in all your ways,

Theresa

From my good friend Morris Ruddick, Denver, Colorado, when I told him about our 

Zoom call from CFI-Jerusalem coming on July 3, 2025.

June 27, 2025 InBox:

Morris Ruddick

I tend to be big on praying spontaneously .... as the Spirit prompts .... so I was just revisiting praying for 

yours/ Laurie's upcoming zoom meeting. The upshot being that the Zoom meeting is only the landing 

point .... because the outcome has already been determined. Which dovetails with a key Word the Lord 

gave me years ago: "Whatever sphere of influence you walk into .... immediately begin looking 

beyond it, lest it overwhelm you." 

Sure hope you guys got your bags packed.

In His love and mine,

Morris

Come walk with me on tour at Christian Friends of Israel (CFI) in Jerusalem, Israel (4 videos)

A staff member graciously gave David Peterman and me a tour of the main office of CFI in Jerusalem, Israel. Now celebrating their 40th anniversary, founded by Ray and Sharon Sanders, I learned things I didn’t know, even after serving as a founding board member of the CFI-USA, beginning in 1994 and continuing for 14 years.

Laurie Martin now serves on the USA board, which has been faithfully directed by Hannele Pardain since 1994. This is a 4-part video, so you'll want to listen to it through to the end.

#CFI #christianfriendsofisrael #jerusalem #israel #volunteers #cfi-usa #cfijerusalem #tristanhall #loveforhispeople