Jerusalem Log #8 - "Thankful" Monday 05.08.17 Jerusalem, Israel

"Thankful"

Jerusalem Log #8

Monday 05.08.17

Jerusalem, Israel

Be blessed this day, as I write once again from Jerusalem.

This is my last 24 hours in Israel for this “almost annual” trip. Though each day I didn’t have a schedule, the Lord truly did direct my steps. As I committed myself to Him, He led me to new places, meet new people, and see His hand upon this Promised Land of the Jews.

With the friends I stayed with, time spent with shop owners and others along the way, standing with the people of Israel continues to grow stronger in my heart. This is the Lord’s plan. This is the Lord’s purpose – for believers to stand with their Jewish brothers and sisters, looking forward together for the coming of the Messiah. For some, it is in Yeshua’s (Jesus’) return. For others, it will be meeting Him for the first time, as He comes as King this time.

As I have written often, we are blessed if we pay back in the natural as we have received in the spiritual. It is through the Jews that the Prophets, the Written Word, and the Messiah have all come. Our support for them, as they come back to the Land and themselves are a witness to the world of His faithfulness, will bring the blessing even more upon those who stand with them.

Thank you Israel for your commitment to be who you are called to be. Our commitment is to be with you.

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Israel!

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People

Jerusalem Log #7 - Saturday 05.06.17 Jerusalem, Israel - “Why”

A few members of the Nissim and Hadassah Lerner family

"Why" - Jerusalem Log #7

Saturday 05.06.17 Jerusalem, Israel

Steve Martin

Greetings from the land of the Messiah, Who came for all of us.

Why does anyone come to Israel? Of course to experience the spiritual reality of walking where Jesus (Yeshua) walked; to see for yourself the historical locations mentioned in the Torah and the Covenants, the full Bible; and to stand in support of the people, even more so as the world around them grows more hostile and committed to destroying them, as they have sworn to do.

My purpose for these many journeys to their Land is to personally let them know that I too believe what the Scriptures say, what the prophetic truths have declared, and to be a part of the plans of the Lord God of Israel. Simply doing my part.

My heart, and that of Love For His People ministry, is to do what we can, with what we have. That is to love the Jews, living in their Land, given to them through Abraham, from the Father above.

Over these past 40 years many personal relationships have developed with those who have paid the price, made the move (Aliyah), and now walk in faith for that which has been given to them. After centuries of hate and destruction from so-called “Christians”, my actions as a true believer must be to show them the love of their Lord and mine, from a Gentile (non-Jew) as I am. My presence here in Israel demonstrates my commitment to them. It is putting my money where my mouth is.

One relationship that has developed over the last three years is with that of the Lerner family, living north of Jerusalem. Nissim and Hadassah have opened their door to my wife Laurie and I, and we are so grateful for their hospitality and love shown towards us.

Birthday party for the 16th grandchild on his 1st birthday

Having made aliyah with their family of four sons and one daughter in 1989 from the Virginia, USA area, they have put their roots down here, and are seeing the fruit of their determination to live as the Lord has directed. Now with 16 grandchildren and counting (their daughter has nine children!) they are living their lives with the strength provided from above.

Nissim works with CBN, and has seen his important, “behind the scenes” part in the ministry grow and flourish, as the TV and Internet presence of CBN News continues to increase, broadcasting weekly from Jerusalem. Also, Nissim is an excellent cook!

Hadassah lays her life down by being fulfilling the important role of being grandma to her 13 grandchildren also living in the same community. Whatever is needed, both her and Nissim are here to give encouragement to them all. Her postings on social media (primarily Facebook) certainly helps give the truthful position on what really is happening in Israel. I myself have reposted many of what she has put forth.

Both her and her husband have certainly been very hospitable each time we have come and stayed in their home. They often open their home to others who come, for a few days or months. Even now they are hosting a Chinese Jewish girl going to school here at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Their son Timothy actually taught her in China when she was younger. He is fluent in Mandarin and leads many Chinese on tours in Israel as their certified tour guide.

Hadassah, Tim, Shan Shan and I at the Jerusalem Zoo May 6, 2017

Giving thanks to the Lord for what He has done here in Israel, which is miraculous to say the least, is the first thing we regularly do. Giving love for His people is the natural outcome of His love and truth shown to us. We are a blessed people to be grafted into His plans and purposes, into the tree of life. Seeing Him through all this is awesome.

That is why we stand with the people of Israel.

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Israel!

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People

Jerusalem Log #6 - Friday 05.05.17 Jerusalem, Israel - “Ice Cream in All Flavors”

 “Ice Cream in All Flavors”

Steve Martin

Jerusalem Log #6 - Friday 05.05.17

Greetings from the land of Israel.

I certainly have enjoyed writing these brief daily logs. I hope you have found pleasure in reading them!

We each have our favorite flavor of ice cream. For some, the standard, foundational choices of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry satisfy just fine. Neapolitan I believe if you want all three at once. For the bold and adventurous type, Rocky Road, Mint Chocolate Chip or Carmel Pecan does it for you.

For me – it’s Rocky Road baby! (Mint chocolate is a close second.)

When it comes to the inhabitants and amazing cultures in Israel, here too there are many flavors. Just among the Jews themselves you have variations ranging from the Ultra-Orthodox, the Messianics, the secular, and a few in between each.

Birthday party near Jerusalem

Then there are the Arab Christians, the Arab Muslims, and I suppose just Arabs. I know a few shop owners in the Old City who would probably adhere to one label, but really not devoted to religion but primarily their daily business.

And within the mix of all this, especially in the larger cities of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat and Tiberias, of course you have the tourists. Now there for sure is a wide choice of creams in all colors, shapes and sizes.

Not only have the Jewish people returned to their Land permanently with aliyah, to join those already living here, you also have in the Land at all times the tourists coming for a few days or a few weeks. They too have arrived from England, France, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, India, Brazil, Kenya, Canada, and of course the good old US of A, from where I reside in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Walking through the historical and spiritual sites, you hear all the different languages and thank the Lord that He is not a “one flavor” God. He creates and loves them all.

Tourists from India in Bethlehem

For those who have had the great joy of coming to Israel on a tour or to visit friends as I do, you know what I am talking about. For the ones reading this who never have, and hope to, I am glad to share my heart in words, pictures and videos with you. May you experience a taste of Israel through these, and enjoy your favorite ice cream while you do! (Pass the chocolate syrup please.)

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Israel!

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People

Jerusalem Log -Thursday 05.04.17 Jerusalem, Israel #5 - “Jerusalem Wall of Life” mural by Steve Martin

 

“Jerusalem Wall of Life” mural

Steve Martin

Jerusalem Log #5

May 4, 2017

Jerusalem, Israel

Greetings to you from the Promised Land!

It sure is great when the Holy Spirit guides you. Once you ask Him to of course.

After driving the short 25 minutes from Jerusalem to King Herod’s Palace and tomb (three videos I recorded are here), when I was finished, and tired from the many steps, I asked “Where next, Lord.” His reply was “Derek Prince’s gravesite.” And so I went back to Jerusalem, to Germantown.

I had been to the Alliance Church Cemetery twice before, but wanted to see it again. It is in the southern part of Jerusalem, in what was/is known as Germantown. I somewhat knew the way, but again was asking the Lord to direct my steps (as I drove.)

Traffic is packed full of buses, taxis, motorcycles, mopeds and cars no matter where you drive in the capital city of Israel, and with a rental car, parking is even more of a challenge. But I found a lone spot two blocks from the cemetery entrance.

Once inside, I started the circular walk to the right, with Derek’s grave not too far from the metal door entrance, part of the stone/block wall that surrounds the Alliance Church Cemetery. To my amazement the mural, which I had first heard about on the 700 Club on CBN a few years ago, was completed! It began in the right, southwest corner of the walled-in resting place, and filled the 12 foot tall wall the entire 70 yards (my estimate) of the right side. Then it turned the corner and ran another 30 yards or more on the eastern wall. What a glorious site!

From Genesis to Revelation, with Abraham, Moses, Joseph and to the reign of Jesus (Yeshua) in Revelation, the complete Bible story is told, painted by Patricia Solveson from Wisconsin, USA. It took her six and a half years.

And how do I know that? When the lady sitting on the wooden bench at the end of my walk around the area, after taking several photos of graves, asked me if I was a photographer, I replied, “I like to take pictures.” I asked her who she was. She softly said, “I am Patricia. I painted this mural.” Wow!

Patrica Solveson

Patricia then went on to say how the Jerusalem Wall of Life came about, beginning over seven years ago when she was asked to do the mural. The director of the cemetery had seen her painted artwork she brought to Jerusalem for several years, giving it away as gifts, and wanted her to paint the mural. Once started, six and half years later, when coming in the spring and fall with her husband Carl, Patricia beautifully put the story of salvation on the Jerusalem wall.

Many people visit the cemetery to see graves of the believing Gentiles buried there. As she shared stories with me, she described how a Jewish man would come often, asking her why this and that was depicted. In time, as she explained the plan of God to him, he too became a believer and now still comes regularly to visit. Other Jews who come in off the street, out of curiosity most times, wonder why the Star of David and Christian symbols are on some sites.

The last few years have seen several Messianic Jews laid to rest here. May the Holy Spirit continue to share the message of hope and salvation to all who come.

You can read more about Patricia and the mural at the website Jerusalem Wall of Life - It is Finished!

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Jerusalem!

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People

P.S. I had the honor and privilege of working with Derek Prince Ministries for a total of eight years – three in Fort Lauderdale and five in Charlotte, NC.

Patricia said she painted the computers in this section, "To show we have modern day idols."

Patricia Solveson near Derek Prince's gravesite.

Jerusalem Log #4 - Wednesday 05.03.17 - “Louie” by Steve Martin

Louie

Jerusalem Log Wednesday 05.03.17

Jerusalem, Israel

#4 - “Louie”

Greetings to you once again from Israel.

The love for Israel goes beyond being in wonder at the landmarks, the historical sights and the Jewish culture. It is loving the people themselves, even as Yeshua did when He came the first time. Showing the Father’s heart for the people He created, with His love, is what it is all about.

My heart for Israel began to grow in the 1980’s when I connected with Christian ministries that were presenting the truth about the plans and purposes God has for His Chosen ones. Derek Prince, Mahesh Chavda and Barry Segal (three men and their wives having ministries I worked with for over 24 years) spoke the written word of God, explaining the Scriptures and prophecy, revealing Jesus (Yeshua) and His love for the people.

Coming here to Israel, now for the 13^th time, my commitment to stand in support of what the Lord is doing here is solid. He continues to bring them back to the Land promised to them through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Loving the people is what it is all about.

My friend Louie owns a shop just within the Jaffa Gate of the Old City in Jerusalem. He says I first met him in 1998, and goes on to say that his birthday makes him three months older than my son Ben, also born in 1979. Louie has a good memory. Each time I see him I try to support his livelihood with purchases from him. Buying Israeli goods, made in Israel, not only helps the local economy, but it also provides gifts for my family and friends, which I especially enjoy.

Jaffa Gate entrance

Today Louie told me times have been tough for him. He now has his own shop, after sharing many years with his brother Solomon. But rent is higher and certain tour groups don’t spend as much as us Americans do. My objective was to buy an olive wood camel as an appreciation gift for my sister doing our family reunion organization this year. Before I left his place, I had much more in the bag. (Gotta watch these shopkeepers. They know how to sell, by convincing you “you just need this one more item.”)

After completing the transaction and giving me a fresh cup of pressed orange juice, Louie took me to his brother Solomon’s shop. Of course I had to kindly stand my ground and not buy anything more, even after a hot cup of mint tea was served in their “friend’s back room”, having more beautiful goods. I had done this before, so was wiser than the last time.

Before I could get a sip of the hot brew, Solomon introduced me to Thomas. Of course he then pulled out the Roman coins and the ancient widow’s mite, and wanted to make me a good deal. Once again I kindly explained that Louie had already emptied my wallet. Thanks, but no thanks.

Then Thomas explained that he was on dialysis twice a week, and uncovered his left arm. From his wrist to his elbow, his blood vessels had large bubbles in several spots. He asked that I touch them, and when I did I could feel his blood pumping through. I was shocked. I had never seen this before.

I then asked him if I could pray for him, and he said yes. So I prayed in faith that the Lord God of Israel, Yeshua, would quickly provide a donated kidney, and for complete healing for Thomas. I believe the Lord heard that prayer.

His heart, for His people, is why I come to Israel. May they know the living God, and call upon the name of the Messiah Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach, as their Lord and Savior.

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Jerusalem!

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People

Jerusalem Log #3 - Tuesday p.m. 05.02.17 Jerusalem, Israel ("Picnic and Praise")

"Picnic and Praise"
Jerusalem Log #3

Steve Martin

Jerusalem Log - Tuesday p.m. 05.02.17
"Picnic and Praise"
Jerusalem, Israel
#3

Greetings to you.

After commemorating Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers (Yom Hazikaron) the Israelis celebrated their 69th birthday of the modern Israel state on this May 2, 2017 (Yom Ha'atzmaut). Actually they began the annual celebration the evening before at sundown, with loud music in many parks, followed by louder fireworks and more music until late into the morning hours. Here in Jerusalem several of us went to the Haas Promenade area overlooking the city from the south to be part of the fun.

After a few bands and a dancing Zumba group did their thing on stage, the fireworks started exploding at 10:30 pm, right over our heads. Literally, we were 30 yards from the area where the fireworks were set off. I had never been so close as I was to them last night. With the city lights filling the business area and residential hills below us, it was quite the sight. And one could actually see two other sites within the city – uptown and out west – setting off fireworks. Amazing view!

I liked the band that ended the night at the Promenade. It was a popular one, as the crowd knew the songs, and the lead singer had special escort on and off the stage. People thoroughly enjoyed their songs, and I liked them too, even though I didn’t know a word they were singing in Hebrew. They sang emotional music, and pleased the people by bringing on stage a young guy, about 15, to come and sing along. He was good. The crowd mouthed the words too.

This morning we caught the city bus #7 to Sacher Park near the Knesset. I remember this park as the starting point of the Jerusalem March held during Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles) in which I participated in several years. Great memories. Taking along a portable grill and the works for hamburger and chicken lunch, we joined many families and groups gathered in the spacious, green area. The IDF Air Force made several scheduled pass overs of many different planes as part of the country’s nationwide celebration.

 Young Israeli group gathered at Sacher Park for the festivities

Oscar and his owner enjoy the day

We left the park in time to attend the Day To Praise gathering at the Ramat Rachel Conference Center in southeast Jerusalem. The CJCUC (The Center For Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation) began this event in 2014 during Sukkot. Now Orthodox Jews and Christians are coming together to have these Hallel (praise) services, enjoying music, messages and reciting a series of Psalms on Independence Day also, here in Jerusalem and around the world.

David Nekrutman, CJCUC

From the CJCUC website:

In January of 2008, a historical moment took place between the Synagogue and Church, when Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and David Nekrutman established the first Orthodox Jewish institution, the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation (CJCUC), to religiously dialogue and actively cooperate with Christians. In less than a decade, CJCUC has moved to the forefront of theological advancements in Jewish-Christian relations. CJCUC has changed the paradigm by interfacing with tens of thousands of Christians through bible studies, faith based events that bring Jews and Christians together, and providing humanitarian aid.

Several Christian groups had representatives taking part in this “shouldering together”, including Sharon Sanders from Christian Friends of Israel and Bridges for Peace personnel.

A bit weary and with red foreheads after the long day, we returned to the apartment for rest before we begin again on Wednesday.

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Jerusalem!

Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People

Other Independence Day photos by Steve Martin (more on my Facebook page.)

Israel Air Force flyover

Jerusalem Log #2 - Monday 7 p.m. 05.01.17 - Steve Martin

Jerusalem Log Monday p.m. 05.01.17

Jerusalem, Israel

#2

Greetings once again from Jerusalem!

My first full day back in the Land. This Monday it was Memorial Day, with the sirens going off all over the country at 11 am, causing the Jewish people to stop everything (driving included) in honor of the memory of fallen soldiers. It was awesome being right in the heart of Jerusalem and seeing Jaffa Street totally shut down, with people, trains, buses and all stopped, remembering their friends and fallen. Everyone in Israel has lost a close one over these 69 years.

And tonight at sundown begins Independence Day, when the annual celebration begins!

Bus #74, before it got packed

I began the day getting on the city bus #74 on south Hebron Street, taking it to the Central Bus Station at the end of Jaffa Street, before catching the light train back down Jaffa to Ben Yehuda. (Just for the fun of it.) In between I stopped in at the Distribution Center of Christian Friends of Israel, which has for more than 25 years been helping Jews making Aliyah get settled in Israel. Other projects provide needed humanitarian supplies for IDF soldiers, Holocaust victims, wedding dresses for those lacking funds, and much more.

Visiting shop owner friends on Ben Yehuda is always a joy. David, Dahlia and the Saiden family, owners of two shops, always give me special deals at Golden Jerusalem and David and Dan. I met their father Avraham over 10 years ago when I first walked into his Judaica gift shop. We have been friends ever since.

Dahlia Saiden

My good friend at Shkalim Fashion blesses me as I bless him, filling my hoodie, fleece and t-shirt orders from family and friends.

               Hoodies and t-shirts at the Shkalim Fashion shop on Ben Yehuda

Leaving the shopping center, I made my way to the Western Wall in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, I first walked on the Ramparts, which I had never done. This is a walk on top of the outer wall, formerly used by Jordanian soldiers to fire their guns at Jews prior to the 1967 Six-Day War. This end of May marks the 50^th anniversary of when the Jews took back control of their city for good, reclaiming what was theirs in the beginning, when King David made it the capital of Israel.

The Western Wall (Kotel in Hebrew) has always been close to my heart. Last night a Memorial Service was held in its plaza, remembering the fallen soldiers who fought the many wars of defense during these 69 years of present day Israel’s existence.

Memorial Day at the Kotel (Western Wall)

It was good spending the afternoon at the Liberty Bell Park with a family of seven whom our ministry Love For His People has supporting going on seven years now. We are grateful for these relationships, giving us the opportunity to bless Israel and the people.

Until tomorrow…

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Jerusalem!

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People