First full day, again, in Jerusalem!

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Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026

Our first full day in Jerusalem. Back again!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

When we arrived in Jerusalem last night we walked across the street of our hotel, Lev Yerusaliym, and visited our shop owner friends. Uri Shaklim, who is seen pressing new t-shirts and hoodies for me.

Steve Martin

Our hotel room.

Arrived in Jerusalem

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Sept. 16, 2026 Wednesday

We made it to Jerusalem early Wednesday evening and quickly saw friends we have made over the past 20 years.

Avraham Saidian (85) above on Ben Yehuda Street. Below are of Uri Shaklim making me a new Jerusalem/USA hoodie. Mine must have gotten dropped on the street after we got off the light rail train, lugging our luggage down Jaffa Street to the hotel Lev Yerusaliym.

Great to be home in Jerusalem!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Uri Shaklim in his clothing shop on Ben Yehuda Street.

David Lauka and Steve Martin arrival off the high speed train from TLV airport.

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

Walk With Me as I travel to Jerusalem. Video playlist.

Steve Martin and David Lauka’s Fall 2026 Ahava Adventure 6-week trip to Jerusalem begins here.

The Walk With Me Israel/Jerusalem Fall 2026 playlist starts with an encouraging word at our home group on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.

I will be adding videos, including shorts, to the playlist as the six-weeks in the Land of Israel develop.

Come WALK WITH ME and see what the Living Hod of Israel is doing with His people.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Other videos you will see:

CFI 40th in Charlotte, North Carolina

In May 2025 Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem celebrated their 40th anniversary here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Lord blesses Israel and His people through them.

Photo collage: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vjAWyy5NDrpioCgM6

Tristan and Galya Hall lead the team in Jerusalem.

Thank You, Yeshua!

Wall of Prayer - Jerusalem

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View in browser  About New! Shop Jerusalem “‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.’”Zechariah 2:4-5 (NIV) “Yerushalayim shel zahav” renders the popular song by Naomi Shemer: “Jerusalem of gold”. In spite of the many centuries of battles and bloodshed, Jerusalem today literally shines in the sunlight, from vantage points from the Old City, to Mount Herzl, to the Mount of Olives. For many of us, Jerusalem is our favourite city. This makes no sense logically, considering that there are far more dazzling and romantic cities in the world. But no other city claims its position in the naval of the planet (see Ezekiel 5:5) and as the centre of the three monotheistic religions of the world. Has it ever occurred to you, that while there are kings and queens of countries, there is only one city which has ever had a king so strongly associated with it? The ancient City of David, now wonderfully undergoing excavations, was mapped out specifically (Nehemiah 2: 11-17) to become the seat of the Davidic kingdom, with the Temple of the God of Israel at its highest point, Mount Moriah.  And so Jerusalem was destined to always have a king, an eternal throne (II Samuel 7:16). When you walk her streets in the knowledge that she still has a King, the eternal Davidic Messiah, she shines even brighter as the ‘City of the Great King’ (Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35). Special places off the beaten track Of course there are often crowds in the Old City shuk (market streets) or at the Kotel (Western Wall). So you might just want to find some peaceful nooks and crannies in the King’s City, next time you’re here. Here are just a few: Prayer Garden, Christ Church: At the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East, Christchurch, Jaffa Gate, there is a beautiful little oasis behind the building, a rose garden with an almond tree and a lemon tree, a vine-covered seating area for picnics, and sometimes the sound of singing from the church. Abu Tor Viewpoint: Inside the Abu Tor neighbourhood there is a park called the Elie Sebag Garden. If you take Avigayil Street and turn left before Oved Street, you come to a little synagogue and a patch of ground now named ‘Yeshurun’. Previously untouched, it is now becoming a community garden, but there is still ample peace and quiet and a stunning view of the Old City and the Temple Mount.  Mount Zion (Psalm 74:2): There are several sites to see on Mount Zion, including the traditional room of the Last Supper; the possible Upper Room where Yeshua appeared after His resurrection; the Tomb of King David; and the Dormition Abbey: all very touristy. But if you keep walking up the steps to the roof of the tomb/Upper Room/Last Supper room, you arrive at a special open-air viewpoint where you can see the tiny ‘President’s Room’, which is open on certain Monday mornings. At this site, Jewish people used to gather to pray, while Jordan was occupying their holy sites, from 1948 to 1967, and they could not access the Western Wall of the Temple. Israel’s second president, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, had a special place of solitude and study here, and invited Jewish pilgrims to join him during Jewish holidays. Botanical Garden, Mount Scopus: Another beautiful place to walk, sit and pray, and then can be followed by a visit to the wonderful Maps Library at the Hebrew University, or the incredible Roman amphitheatre in the university grounds. Arrangements must be made in advance by written request via the Hebrew University website, or by going with a staff member or pass holder. Yad Ben Zvi: In the beautiful Rechavia neighbourhood, there is a little library and archive tucked away down a narrow street. Especially if you are of an Anglican persuasion, you can find some old documents from the original British consulate, which was situated on the grounds of the Christ Church compound. The Garden Tomb: Of course this site is popular and there may be crowds, but it is possible, out of season, to find a quiet place of prayer at this, another beautiful oasis, in the midst of a busy city. Pray for Jerusalem ...the one city in the world for which we are commanded to pray, and for which there is a blessing (Psalm 122:6). From our key verse in Zechariah 2, thank the God of Jerusalem (II Chronicles 32:19; Ezra 1:3) for His protection over His city, and for His glory within.  At this time of Rosh HaShana, the culmination of the month of Elul, when the Jewish saying is, “The King is in the Field”, remember Yeshua as King of Jerusalem, from the line of David, and pray for revelation of His glory more and more – 2 Corinthians 4:6; Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 53:6 – and for Him to be welcomed back (Matthew 23:39). Here are some more first-hand requests from Jerusalem’s inhabitants: Salvation for His people! Pray for the churches and congregations in Jerusalem – for unity rooted in the Word of God, for the leaders, and for the youth, the next generation.  Pray for protection from without and within. [There have of course been seasons of terrorism in the city due to malign influences from certain quarters in the land, and even from some areas of the city.]  Pray for miraculous housing provisionto be made available to returning olim and also young sabras who are trying to start their own families, who are struggling to find affordable housing in Jerusalem due to the now very wide gap between median incomes and housing costs (whether rents or mortgages). Pray for peace in the city of peace, especially between the different ethnicities and religious groupings who dwell therein. Pray especially for a quelling of the ultra-orthodox rioting against military conscription, which has already led to unnecessary loss of life earlier this year. Rather than chaos , confusion and tumult, ask the Father to release the opposite; order, justice and shalom.  We pray for righteous governmentunder the Lord, and for His outcome in the October general election. And don’t forget! Receive your very own blessing from Jerusalem! Read Psalm 128:5 and Psalm 122:6b.Thank you for standing with the Lord and His People. Please continue to pray a covering over all CFI personnel serving in Jerusalem. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people” (Psalm 125:2). Rivkah Levi Wall of Prayer Team, - Jerusalem CFI Jerusalem Jerusalem, Jerusalem

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

The Munchkins carry our bags.

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No better way to travel. Hire the Munchkin kids.

On our way…in no time!

Steve Martin in Charlotte, North Carolina

Prayer as we are sent out from Antioch International Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina on Sept. 13, 2026.

Back to Jerusalem…

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Soon and very soon.

Steve Martin and David Lauka

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

Bridal Salon to Bless - Christian Friends of Israel

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The Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem Bridal Salon. Blessing those who need our help!

Time to head back. To Jerusalem

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Time to go back. Let’s go!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

“Direction. Get some.” New book by Steve Martin

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Amazon for $5.95 paperback

Click here:  https://a.co/d/00iBJ5k9

In these times of the unexpected and the unknown, it is good to have the Solid Rock on which to stand. To have His direction, the Lord Jesus (Yeshua), and His Word is necessary for our lives these days.

Publishing life’s journey, for others to follow, has been a joy to share with you. This book contains some of what I have experienced.

A few of these messages were written while with the Christian Friends of Israel ministry team from Jerusalem; I have included them as they were sent out via email.

I hope you are blessed and encouraged, and that your walk with our Lord is strengthened in your reading time.

And…I included photos and images which I enjoyed taking and creating!

Buy now on Amazon: paperback for $5.95

Click here. https://a.co/d/0gbCJh0S

“Remember” by Steve Martin

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Remember

 

Most of our memories from “way back when” are good ones. The ones we cherish and look to as guideposts and solid rocks on which our lives were shaped and refined.

Those “markers” in days gone by when we lived the moment, and we swore we would never forget them, are good memories. 

“Keepers” for the future to tell our children and grands. (My son Ben often says, “That’s a good memory” after a new one has been completed.)

In May 2023, nine of us from our home group and beyond went on a journey overseas. In time it became known as the “Nine By Design,” as together we traveled the land where Jesus (Yeshua) walked. In this the Land and nation of Israel, we saw and remembered what He did and still does.

By all accounts, out of the mouths of the bonded  friends, “that was a good memory” as we reflect on that trip past.

“I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; I will certainly remember Your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11 NASB

Often our Father’s Word encourages us to remember. Sometimes it is even a command, for He knows we best not forget His promises, His provision, His ongoing faithfulness in our lives. Because of Who He is, and our need for Him daily.

“Since God us assured us, I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” Hebrews 13, The Message

Give some time to meditate on what the Lord has done, for you, your family, your nation. If you do not end up with a “Thank You, Lord” in your spirit, then you have not thought long enough.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Time To Return by Steve Martin

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Aug. 27, 2026 Greetings once again from Charlotte, North Carolina. I first want to thank Moses Julius, Light TV in Pakistan, for publishing my book BACK TO JERUSALEM in the Muslim country. He sent me three copies. (Photo above.) On September 15, David Lauka and I begin our return trip to Jerusalem, Israel. We will have six weeks with Christian Friends of Israel, bringing comfort to the nation as the Lord gives us the ongoing opportunity.  If you would also like to bless the people there in this time of their need, all contributions are appreciated. (Donate below by going to our website. Thanks!) As time quickly speeds on, in the years ahead, I want to focus more on and in Israel, especially as the nations continue to turn away, including the USA. We must stand strong alongside our Jewish friends. I will continue sending these messages from Jerusalem on this 31st trip for me, along with more updates posted on our website, LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE.  And of course I will be uploading new WALK WITH ME videos as I have always done previously. Yeah Lord! Our younger generations especially need to know and walk in the truth. It is our job to lead them. In line with this, my newest book, BACK TO BASICS, was published this week. (See below.) Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin P.S. Photo below: The Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem team heads home this week after three months in the USA having had numerous meetings in several states.(I like my ChatGPT rendition I did below.) P.S.S. Please share these messages with others. I am thankful as you do. Steve’s newest book, BACK TO BASICS, published August 2026. Everything that is to last a long time needs to have a firm foundation to hold during the times of pressure and uncertainty. Life is no exception. And humanity received that solid rock on which to stand when Moses was given the tablets of stone with life’s directives to take to the people. We all want to enjoy having the good things in life, and often do that which is good, or not so good, to achieve that goal. But what if we sought the One who created us to find out what His thoughts are, what His ways were meant to be, and to actually walk in the chosen path He ordained for each of us to follow? I personally think we might discover the best way to live and find real purpose in discovering and walking out His perfect plan and purposes for you and me. These messages, drawn from decades of walking with my Lord Jesus,will help to encourage you to get on the path that He, the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, specifically created for you to also walk on. Life has purpose. Life has meaning. If we look to the Creator, we will know what that is. Enjoy the reading, and seek the Living God in all His ways. You will surely be rewarded for it, now and forever, amen. Buy now on Amazon: BACK TO BASICS For more and to subscribe visit our website LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE Love For His People Ministry | 12120 Woodside Falls Road  | Pineville, NC 28134 US