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Meal in Abu Ghosh (5 miles west of Jerusalem) with friends.
Why do I go to Israel so much?
I have been to Israel 29 times (as of May 2025) since 1989 (36 years now) and have been asked the question, “Why do you go so much?”
My simple, quick response is, “Because I want to visit my friends, to encourage and support them in their Land.”
And then they typically ask, “But couldn’t you take that money instead (i.e., $1500 for a plane ticket, another $1,500 for lodging, food, transportation, etc., for 10 days) and send it to them for needs they have?”
So I ask them, and now you (if you similarly think as they do)…
Do you give your spouse, kids, or friends just money, for their needs, and never actually be with them, to eat with, talk with, in person, or do things enjoyable together? Are your relationships built on money only?
I have thought about how Yeshua (Jesus) walked from the Galilee (in northern Israel) to Jerusalem (central Israel in Judea) on several occasions during His earthly ministry. For one reason, among others, to be with His friends. Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and more who lived in that area.
Have you ever walked the distance between Capernaum, His Galilee base, and Jerusalem (125 miles on foot, taking at least 30 hours one way, while climbing the hills all along the way? Could not Yeshua just send money on someone’s donkey and let it be at that?
He didn’t have a car, nor an airplane option of course, but He did “pay the way” to go in person Himself.
His actions were about relationships. He encouraged people with words and in person, giving hugs, blessings, and meals together. True, faithful, long-lasting friendships were developed and maintained.
That is why I spend the money (my own) to go to Israel so often. (And at this time, our friends in Israel need our encouragement even more. You can talk the talk, but walking the walk is far better.
Ahava and shalom (love and peace),
Steve Martin
Love For His People
