“Life is precious. More so the blood.” Steve Martin, Love For His People. In Jerusalem.

Life is Precious. More So the Blood”

“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” Rev. 12:11, NASB

As a young kid about 10 I was whittling on a piece of stick to make a knife. Imagine that - using a sharp knife to make a wooden knife. I was then going to pretend I was going to kill a rabbit in our yard with that homemade weapon.

And then I cut my left thumb (I still have the scare 60 years later to prove it) as I sliced across the wood.

But to make the half-carved piece of stick look like I had killed a rabbit with it, I let my life-giving blood drip down onto it. Young boys do weird things.

Going to Bet Shemesh, just about 19 west of Jerusalem, the Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem staff, numbering close to 25, visited the ZAKA Search and Rescue organization on Oct. 22, 2025. CFI-Jerusalem had earlier provided funds for a highly sophisticated drone, which we were told had already saved a life from being taken by yet another terrorist.

Then we were told through testimony and film of the heroic, but very exhausting and superhuman efforts performed by ZAKA after the murderous, mutilating, hellish evil acts on Oct. 7, 2025 by terrorists, killing over 1400 Israeli Jews and other nationals. In addition, over 251 IDF soldiers and civilians were taken hostage back to Gaza.

Life is so precious to the Jewish nation of Israel. Not only did the ZAKA volunteers remove every Jewish body - those of slain babies, young children and adults of all ages who had been shot or sliced apart mercilessly - but they also treated the dead terrorists bodies with respect.

They meticulously cleaned up every drop of blood they could find - in the homes, bomb shelters, vehicles - because they know and understand that precious life is found in the blood.

What other nation would do that? I know not one.

But the Living God of Israel, HaShem, sent His Only Begotten Son Yeshua (“salvation” in Hebrew) over 2000 years ago to save His people, and all those who too would choose salvation found only in His Name, Jew or Gentile.

Being in this Land of Israel, among these God-fearing Jews, brings me closer to our Lord’s plans and purposes for mankind. He desires that they too know Him in spirit, soul and body.

Our prayer is, “Save Your people, Lord. May they call upon the Name of Yeshua (Jesus) and see Him. May they know the saving power of Your precious blood shed on their behalf too.”

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace),

Steve Martin

(Above photo: Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem visit ZAKA Search and Rescue field operation in Bet Shemesh, Israel. Oct. 21, 2025)

The blood. President Trump’s ear. (A kippa on the streets of Jerusalem, Israel.)

Touch of Heaven, Night of Worship - Billy Funk, Bethel Music

He Refused To Convert To Islam During Captivity in Gaza | Rom Braslavski's Story

We spent an evening with Rom’s mom just before his release!

He was starved, beaten, and promised food if he converted to Islam. He said NO. Read the story of former hostage Rom Braslavski:

There are things that should outrage every decent human being. One of them is this: a 21-year-old Israeli Jew, kidnapped from a music festival by Islamic terrorists, held in a dark tunnel in Gaza for over two years, tortured, starved, and repeatedly offered a full plate of food if only he would betray his God and his people. And he said no. Every. Single. Time.

Rom Braslavski didn’t just survive Hamas captivity, he defied it.

You need to understand what that means. While weak politicians rewarded Hamas by recognizing Palestine, while pro-Palestine protestors chant lies in Western capitals, while people pretend this is “complicated,” a Jewish boy sat alone, shackled in a cell underground. And his captors, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, backed by Iran, kept making him the same offer: renounce Judaism, convert to Islam, and we’ll feed you.

They starved him to the bone. They showed him fake videos claiming Iran bombed Israel. They told him his parents gave up. They offered him the Quran instead of a slice of bread. He could have bowed. He could have whispered the words they wanted to hear, just to get some rice. But he didn’t.

And when he came home, the first thing he did was put on tefillin and say, “I am Jewish. I am strong.”

Two Years in the Dark

Rom was a young man working as a security guard at the Supernova festival on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists stormed in and took him.

His mother, Tami Braslavski, has now shared the details that he shared with her. For most of the two years, he was held completely alone. Shackled by all four limbs. No bathroom, just a bottle. Fed half a flatbread at night, with a spoonful of rice if he was “lucky.” And when the abuse intensified this past spring, they whipped him “with things I won’t even mention", she said.

Then came the bribes: read the Quran, fast for Ramadan, convert, and we’ll treat you better.

He refused. Repeatedly.

One day, starving, he broke free from his restraints. He tried to cook pasta with a fire he made from a terrorist’s uniform and a book. Smoke filled the apartment where he was kept. Locals banged on the windows. He hid, terrified he’d be lynched.

His captors showed him videos from Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square and told him his face wasn’t there. They said no one remembered him. That his country was gone. That Iran had wiped out Israel. But in his soul, Rom never left Israel. He never stopped believing. “Mom, I always knew it would end,” he told her.

“I Am Jewish. I Am Strong.”

When Rom finally emerged, on October 14, 2025, after 739 days in captivity, he didn’t ask for a phone, a TV, or a celebration. He looked at the sky, the sun, and the air, and said, That’s all I want.

You cannot buy that kind of strength. That is something deep in the bones of the Jewish people. It’s the same thing that kept Daniel praying in Babylon, kept Esther silent in Persia until the moment of truth, and kept the Maccabees fighting when the world told them to quit.

The book of Daniel tells us:

“But the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” (Daniel 11:32)

Rom stood firm. And now it’s our turn to take action.

This War Is Not Over

This war is about good versus evil. It’s about a culture that raises its children to hate and kidnap and murder, versus a nation that sends its sons to rescue, not destroy. Israel is fighting barbarians who use Islam as a weapon and Western naiveté as a shield.

Rom’s story is proof: Hamas isn’t interested in peace, only domination. Islamic Jihad doesn’t want coexistence, they want surrender. And when they didn’t get it from Rom, they tortured him. When they couldn’t break his spirit, they tried to starve it.

But he came out stronger than they’ll ever be. Rom won, they lost.

Rom’s mother said it best: “This isn’t over. There are still hostages and fallen soldiers whose bodies must come home. Families are still waiting, even if their loved ones’ hearts have already stopped.”

So don’t look away. Don’t say “both sides.”

There is only one side that takes hostages, tortures kids, and demands conversion under starvation. And there’s only one side that raises boys like Rom Braslavski, boys who’d rather starve than betray their God.

hnaftali.com

ZAKA - Search and Rescue. The ones who went into Israel towns ravaged on Oct. 7, 2023

On Oct. 22, 2025, the Christian Friends of Israel Jerusalem went to Bet Shemesh, about 15 west of Jerusalem, to see the result of the support they have given ZAKA Search and Rescue.

These volunteer teams are among those that went into the Israel towns along the Gaza border which the Hamas murderous terrorists had gone into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

They rescued who they could. They carried out the murdered and tortured Israeli Jews. They cleaned up literally every drop of blood that they humanly possibly could.

Marnix Van Ede and his ZAKA team also went to Texas from Israel, helping the river flood victims in the spring of 2025. He spoke highly of Franklin Graham and Samaritans Purse as they worked alongside each other.

Above: Dir. of Intl. Relations Marnix Van Ede speaks to us in part 1 of 3 short videos.

Above: Part 2 of 3 Nachman Dyksztejn - ZAKA Intl. Commander

Above: Dir. of Intl. Relations Marnix Van Ede speaks to us again in Part 3 of 3.

Feeling at Home in Jerusalem - Steve Martin, Love For His People

 

Oct. 22, 2025 Greetings to you once again. From Jerusalem! Laurie and I have now settled into the wonderful Christian Friends of Israel apartment provided for us these next three months. It is located just a mile from the USA Embassy (Hi Mike Huckabee!) in SE Jerusalem, and close to where Derek Prince passed on after his 15 years living here in the Land of Israel. I share more below. Ahava and shalom always to you, Steve and Laurie Martin P.S. We are amazed at how the Lord God of Israel has provided. Thank You, Lord! (Top photo: Sunrise over Jerusalem Oct. 21, 2025 from our apartment porch/veranda. The other: Laurie's ankle brace still on as the swelling in her broken ankle continues to occur. Thak you for praying! (Photos by Steve.)

Israel Photo of the Week: Steve and Laurie with Sharon Sanders, co-Founder of Christian Friends of Israel, with her late husband Ray (who passed on Oct. 6, 2023). She had invited us to lunch in her home in Jerusalem. Midwest style egg salad sandwhiches! (Oct. 19, 2025)

Feeling at Home in Jerusalem

“And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them.” Exodus 14:19, NKJV

Have you ever wondered how many different ways the Lord leads you? He speaks to us using several methods. Either by Scripture (His written Word, logos), a spoken word (rhema), direction that seemingly comes out of nowhere through another person, or a prophetic word given in ministry through His vessels having that gift of the Holy Spirit. He speaks and guides even through songs we hear, books we read, movies we see, or His ministering, guardian angels.

I can’t say that I have seen or felt an angel in my presence, but heh, I will accept anyway the Lord, the Living God of Israel, choses to guide me. May that be the case with you too.

 

Laurie and I arrived on October 16, 2025, in the Holy City, the capital city of Israel, the city where Yeshua (Jesus) walked 2,000 years ago. In English it is called Jerusalem. The Hebrew name is Yerushalayim.

 

The Lord had spoken to us to bless the Jews and their Land beginning in 1989 at a conference in northern Michigan. Renowned Bible teacher, Derek Prince, among others, was one of the speakers. As many have heard my story before, his message, “Our Debt to Israel” was planted solidly in my heart. Our journey towards Jerusalem had begun.

 

Having then served a combined 24 years with one major ministry that was residing in this Land of the Jews (Vision For Israel with Barry and Batya Segal), two in the USA (Derek Prince Ministries and Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda Ministries), and 14 years on the Christian Friends of Israel USA board, the seed grew and flourished.

 

Laurie has been a great helpmate, providing in our Charlotte home, helping raise our four children Joshua, Benjamin, Hannah and Christen whom the Lord had blessed us with, and working with 2-year-olds for 20 years at Calvary Development Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. At the same time, we both established Love For His People Ministry in 2010.

 

Each of us had been, and continue to be, prepared for this time we are now in. Forty eight years of marriage also helped! (Trust me. Marriage takes the rough edges off. And then some.)

 

We feel right at home here in Jerusalem. Called, prepared, sent out, and now doing what the Lord knew from all eternity we would be doing. Hearing, obeying, and following the Holy Spirit’s (Ruach HaKodesh) leading got us here.

 

His grace, His mercy, His provision, His mentors kept us along the way. Each and every one were needed, and we are so grateful for all, as we have walked together in His plans and purposes.

 

I know so many of you are doing what you have been called to do also. Together we are all so blessed. Blessings on ye heads!

 

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace),

 

Steve Martin

P.S. We started our volunteer work with Christian Friends of Israel on Oct. 22, 2025, for three months. We walk in faith and believe the Lord to continually show Himself strong on our behalf. You can read further of our time here: The Martins in Jerusalem

We welcome your prayers and support as we together bless Israel and His people in their Land.

Contributions are welcome online on our webpage. Look for the little DONATE button on the right-side column. DONATE HERE.

Love For His People Ministry     P.O. Box 1113     Pineville, North Carolina 28134 USA

Message #2 in my Jerusalem 2025 series: “Feeling at Home in Jerusalem" – Oct. 22, 2025

My latest book was published on Aug. 18, 2025. Love For His People" Steve Martin (444 pages, 372 photos/images) Remained #1 on the Amazon New Releases List for "Jerusalem Travel Guides" for a month. (I love taking people with me to the Land of Israel.) In several of my previous 38 books, I wrote stories and chapters on Israel and our friends in the Land. Their lives, their courage, and the Ahava Adventures we have had, sharing our time with them in Eretz Yisrael. In my desire to share these stories with you in a more concise manner, I have chosen the “best ones” and included in my book, “Love For His People – The Land and Friends in Israel”. (Aug. 2025) Having given 39 years so far (and this being my 39th book!) to loving and supporting the Chosen People, as the Living God of Israel so ordained throughout the Bible of Christians and the Jewish people, it is proper and time to publish. Sharing this book, containing some of my experiences in Jerusalem and all of Israel, is a joy, and also a promise to always stand with Israel. I know it will stir your heart as He reveals more of His plans for all. Special Note: I have reduced the price on the hard cover and paperback, to just over my cost. I want you to have one. I will receive minimal royalty. Buy now on Amazon, Hard cover $18.55, Paperback $12.95, Kindle $2.95 We certainly are grateful for your support, which we will use for our three volunteer months in Jerusalem. Contributions are welcome online by clicking here: DONATE HERE ON OUR WEBSITE

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Love For His People Ministry | P. O. Box 1113 | Pineville, NC 28134 US #Feelingathome #Jerusalem #SteveMartin #Israel #Yeshua #SharonSanders #ChristianFriendsofIsrael #Derek Prince #Charlotte #RuachHaKodesh

Jerusalem’s shuk, Mahane Yehuda outdoor market. Love it! Walk With Me, Steve Martin

Succat Hallel - 24/7 praise, prayer and worship in Jerusalem

Succot Hallel in Jerusalem. 24/7 praise, prayer and worship for decades. Founded by Rick Ridings.

I asked and received permission to take these photos inside this holy place.

Steve Martin Oct. 21, 2025 Jerusalem, Israel

Summary of Redeem the Dance / Micah 4:8. Richard & Carolyn Hyde from Heart of G-d Ministries

 

A 501-C3 non-profit ministry in Israel Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,  Praise Adonai for the privilege of leading 80 prophetic artists from 18 nations as we danced on injustice, worshipped our King and shared His love everywhere we went, from Zion Square to the Kotel, kibbutzim near Gaza to restaurants, Zedekiah's cave to the Lambing Fields and more. The Presence of G-d truly went before us every step of the recent PAJ, Prophetic Artists Journey, as we fulfilled the calling to REDEEM THE DANCE at Re'im exactly two years after the Oct 7 massacre. His timing was impeccable as the day before, our hostages were released from hamas captivity! Photos and the artists' impressions barely capture all that happened, but hopefully they tell some of the story: The PAJ was used to connect Heaven and earth through heartfelt relationships as each one's actions impacted the whole network. There was a moment in time in the Gerar riverbed when we redeemed the dance and reopened Isaac's wells in sync with G-d's heart. Many said if we stayed longer, water would have bubbled up from the wells! Now G-d will make a way for the Gospel to flood Israel! The Father put us in alignment in this season with the hostages' return, the Fall Feasts and the ancient paths that opened before us. We thought the PAJ would be impossible, but heard G-d say “Don’t limit Me”; this has been a Hebrews 11 story of faith.  G-d was seen in the darkness of Zedekiah’s cave as well as the ruins of the Lambing Fields, the Hill of the Daughter of Zion. Such a community with so many gifts and love! We from the nations are called to bring the kind of love that transforms hearts in Israel. The dance moved through strongholds and gave testimonies without words. G-d intended the dance to play a part in the redemption of the Jewish people and it will also play a part in the redemption of the nations. Thank you for creating a safe place for us to operate in our prophetic callings. From one of the men in our group: “After walking through the portraits of the slain at the Nova grounds, we felt the immense sorrow of the trauma it left in the Holy nation. In contrast, I was drawn to loud singing nearby, where men danced with Torah scrolls while cheering women encircled on this Simchat Torah, exactly two years since Oct 7. Suddenly I was grabbed by a Jewish man, handed a Torah scroll and pulled into the river of joy! As I marched around with the Torah, the men cheerfully kissed the scroll. I was clearly a foreigner, yet warmly welcomed into this intimate celebration. It was a great honor I will never forget after coming from such a place of despair beforehand. There is great hope in the promises and Covenants of G-d that He wrote on our hearts. He is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. May the joy of the Torah only increase - Amen! From Carolyn: In the Chabad tent, I spoke with dati (Orthodox) women who said, “We’ve come here to redeem the Land.” So I said, “So have we.” When I told them who we were, they were surprised but not hostile. Then we joined another dati group dancing with the Torah, crying and rejoicing at the same time! When the women asked my non-Jewish friends why they came, they replied, “Because we love your G-d and we love you.” This caused a stir and many dati women came to hear more and give hugs! Thank you for your love, prayers and support for our family and the Tree of Life Israel team, which now includes 16 evangelists, 13 of whom we have the privilege of raising salaries for! Blessings in Yeshua's love, Carolyn and Richard Heart of G-d Ministries When invited to lead worship at a conference in Adelaide, Adonai confirmed with several dreams, so we're prayerfully seeing this journey come together; please contact us if you'd like us to minister. Jan 29-31 Canberra / Feb 1-6 Oceania Summit / Feb 7-10 Melbourne  Feb 11 Gold Coast? Sydney? / Then New Zealand… We write L-rd or G-d or יהוה (a Jewish custom Carolyn grew up with) out of reverence for the Holy One of Israel. Thanks for understanding.

Heart of G-d Ministries | PO Box 803 | Stuart, FL 34995-0803 US #RedeemtheDance #Micah4:8 #RichardCarolynHyde #HeartofG-dMinistries #Israel