Hadassah “Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope, to an inheritance that cannot decay, spoil or fade, kept safe for you in heaven.” 1 Peter 1:2-4, Complete Jewish Bible “You will always have a place to stay with us,” Hadassah told me when I last lodged at their housing in Givat Ze’ev, about 5 miles north of Jerusalem in Israel.
Nissim and Hadassah were just that way. They opened their 3-bedroom home to those making Aliyah (immigration as Jews) from the nations, and Gentiles like me who came to bless Israel and the His chosen people.
Originally known as Margaret and John Lerner, they had lived in Norfolk, Virginia, before themselves taking their five children to the Land given to the Jews. With new names and big hearts, decades later they formed His Lighthouse. This ministry had open doors and open arms to all people coming to Israel.
When I came from Charlotte, North Carolina, the first time to their home in 2013, they hardly knew me. Facebook friends sometimes do become real ones in the flesh. But their passion and my passion joined together for His plans and purposes.
Hadassah would take the time to show me all around Jerusalem. She’d have an answer, or get one, for every WhatsApp question I sent her way. They both were so encouraging in allowing me to use their place as a launching pad, for what the Lord was laying as a foundation in my life, and for future plans He was preparing for me and others in Israel.
I and so many more will miss Hadassah. On Aug. 16, 2025, after a year-long battle with cancer (chemo, radiation, and surgery), the Lord Yeshua called her to her heavenly home, to her great reward. My good wife Laurie last saw her in April 2025 in Haifa. David Peterman and I were with her and Nissim in their home in May 2025. She went to glory three months later.
Most likely her front door has a sign on it saying, “All are welcome. Come on in.” Ahava and Shalom, Steve Martin P.S. With Laurie and my upcoming volunteering in Jerusalem, Israel, with Christian Friends of Israel for three months, Oct. 15, 2025 – Jan. 12, 2026, He has indeed prepared for us the way. For many years He has given us good friends living there, such as Hadassah Lerner was, and Nissim continues to be. Read all about it: Steve & Laurie - Time Coming for Jerusalem Volunteers. We welcome your prayers and support as we together bless Israel and His people in their Land. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here on our webpage, when you look for the little DONATE button on each side column, Love For His People uses. DONATE HERE. Are you new to these messages, or has another shared them with you? Sign up here to receive it directly in your email InBox. Go to our website and click on the nice, “full of brewed coffee mug” with the Love For His People logo on it, found on either side column of the webpage. You will be glad you did! Sign Up for Steve Martin's Messages
Please request to have your name added to our Signal group “Love for His People” for regular updates, especially when we are in Jerusalem. Email Steve here to connect more: Love For His People Love For His People Ministry 12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, North Carolina, USA Message #13 in my new series (2025): “Hadassah" - Aug. 20, 2025
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