“Blaze the Trail” by Steve Martin

Blaze the Trail

As a young boy I loved reading biographies of Christian explorers and missionaries, who went to places never gone before, as they knew it, to take the Gospel to the nations.

I enjoyed the exploits and explorations of David Livingstone in Africa, Chariots of Fire Eric Liddell in China, and the various saints who lived for the Lord Jesus and followed His leading daily.

These were ones who blazed the trail, which meant being among the first to step out and do that which was beyond the norm, facing the fears, and praying daily for courage, boldness, and just plain sheer determination to fulfill their calling from the Lord.

As spoken in the “Star Wars” TV series words, by Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) in the original 1966–1969 television series, the full speech is:

"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before!"

 

“To boldly go where no man has gone before” is truly an adventurous calling one receives when the word is spoken by the Captain of Hosts to you.

Ruth in the Bible also spoke it correctly when she said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” Ruth 1:16, NASB

Will you blaze a trail? Will you be one available to go when called and do what needs to be done in His Name?

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

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

“All in the Lord’s Hands” by Steve Martin

All in the Lord’s Hands

I can’t say this was the “best trip” I ever had to Israel (and there have been dozens.) Three days after landing in Jerusalem (by train) I get the beginning of pneumonia which lasted past three weeks. No fun.

Not what I had planned on, as I had come for six weeks to serve with Christian Friends of Israel. My plan was to be continually on the go, doing the marvelous work.

In an earlier message I had written, “Why Ask Why,” we often proclaim that our times are in our Lord’s hands. As for me, my times still are. His hands are certainly big enough, as His heart is always for us, so our trust in Him and His care must grow even as affliction comes our way.

I most likely won’t be writing my 44th book, with chapters of this time, least of all about the events that never happened on this trip. There is just not enough material after spending those first three weeks sick and not doing much.

A personal prophetic word received before coming on this adventure was about “noticing.” I must say I have noticed more than one important thing in these days.

As a Christian, my support for Israel and the Jews remains strong, as the world, deceived in so many ways, continues going the wrong way. Now more than ever believers must stand with the Lord’s choice, those He has brought back to their Land of Israel.

I also noticed that I can bless Israel from my home in the United States. These past 31 trips over the decades enabled me to make many one on one friendships, in person, Jew and Christian, that will last for eternity.

Now I will still encourage them. Only it will be just a bit farther away on this small planet. Words written and hearts shown go a long way.

And here is another final thought as I close out this journey and head home. We each are called to give an account of our days, seeking the God of Israel to know what those days are to be, as clearly as we can.

Following in obedience will take you places you never dreamed of; blessing people you never knew but now do; and seeing His miracles happen right before your eyes, in those places He has and continues to direct your steps.

 Maybe even in the land where Yeshua (Jesus) is returning to. And soon.

My beloved friends here, in good cheer, have said to me, “Next year in Jerusalem.” I smile and quietly say to myself, “Lord, Your will be done. You lead. I will follow. And may that be so all the days of my remaining life.”

“The Lord will send His goodness in the daytime; and His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8, NASB

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Jerusalem, Oct. 18, 2026

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

“We Must Tell the Truth” by Steve Martin

We Must Tell the Truth

 

On Oct. 7, 2023, three years and one week ago, the horrific attack on innocent Israelis, living in kibbutzim (small villages) along the Gaza/Israel border, took place, as over 1000 residents were tortured, murdered, burned alive, beheaded, plus over 200  taken captive back to Gaza.

What does the world cry out? “Genocide!” “Starvation!” “Killing of our innocent kids!”

But they are not crying out for these Israelis who were the actual innocent ones tortured and murdered that day.

I went along with 40 others from the nations, volunteers at Christian Friends of Israel in Jerusalem, on Oct. 14, 2026, to Kibbutz Kfar Aza along the Israel/Gaza border. Three years, one week after that murderous day, the few people left in the small community preserve the homes of those murdered.

That the world will see and know the truth. If they will but look.

This is what the people of the nations needs to see, and these who miraculously survived want the world to see it still, as it was that day.

Continually the nations march in their parades with their pre-made banners and prepared slogans, to make Israel the “evil, racist, genocidal nation” that it certainly is not. By doing so the anti-Semitic liars cover up reality and the truth.

But to this day the truth remains evident. These homes in Kfar Aza have been preserved, from that day as they were so ruthlessly shot, and innocent young residents murdered in them.

Come see the truth. Come know the truth. Reject the world’s lies and stand alongside those who love life and want to live in peace.

We must tell the truth, the way it actually is.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Oct. 14, 2026 Jerusalem, Israel

Tiberias, Israel videos

Some videos from our trip to Tiberias Oct. 10-11, 2026.

The first two are just audio as the Russian Jewish congregation did not want video taken.

Be sure to view the walls along the Sea of Galilee and more.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, in Jerusalem

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

“Why Ask Why” by Steve Martin

Why Ask Why?

Having had pneumonia the first three weeks of those 24 days in Jerusalem was not expected. 

Something one just never plans for, given the time we have in Israel doesn’t occur every day.

I guess I could do what comes natural and ask, “Why, God?” but then we don’t always need to know why, do we?

Have we not often prayed and declared with all our faith, “My times are in His hands!”

Have we not said, “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8, NASB

We pray for guidance and protection. We ask for His Holy Spirit to direct our every step. We seek to know His will and walk in it.

And then the unexpected happens; that sickness, that accident, that moment or lengthy time of the “this won’t happen to me” happens to me.

So, what do we do? Moan and groan? Complain? Yell at the Lord for “not being who I expected You to be” and keep me from all harm, injury, and difficulties?

We are here for a certain time. We are called to walk as we know to do, heeding His Word and listening to His voice.

Even after decades of doing just that, we are not “guaranteed” the life of a perfect life. No beloved of the Lord has. 

We are guaranteed that He will always be with us and not forsake us.

We may not know why now. But someday we will. And in Him we shall trust everyday, until that day.

Until then we keep saying, “My times are in Your hands” and believe Him.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Jerusalem 10.10.26

Remembering Oct. 7, 2023 in Israel. Mt. Herzl National Military Cemetery

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Remembering October 7, 2023 in Israel. IDF soldiers killed, and others, and now buried at Mount Herzl National Military Cemetery in Jerusalem, Israel.

Photos by Steve Martin in Jerusalem Oct. 4, 2026

Steve Martin and David Lauka

The Baton

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Sept. 30, 2026 Greetings once again from Jerusalem, where we are thankful for the Lord’s mercy everyday.  I am also most grateful for His healing grace. When the enemy tries to take your joy and high expectations and attacks you with pneumonia instead, you can either keep your eyes on the Lord or give up. Eleven days of cough and fever, lacking the will to do anything…enough of that. We all face obstacles and difficulties. The Bible has plenty to say of those who seek to walk in our Lord Jesus’ ways and what they will face. He will always be our CHIEF example of facing the wind and just keep going. Until it is done. Thank you for your prayers, and to the ones who sent funds to cover the medical bills. I hate meds and such but sometimes all things are necessary. As I consider this trip, I am at peace that going forward I can support our Jewish friends from home best, and that will be the way to go from now on.  Passing the baton was always a favorite race for me in high school during the 440 yard relay.  Now it is another’s time to carry the work of the Lord to His wonderful Land and people.  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3, NASB We must carry on the work as He directs our steps. The time is short. Ahava and shalom, Steve Martin P.S. While we still have 4 weeks left in Israel we will make the most of it. Support the young soldiers protecting their families; bring comfort to the weary; give some joy as their Redemption draws nigh. Back home Oct. 21. All of Steve Martin’s books are available in hardcover, paperback, audio and e-books on Amazon. Search the “title, Steve Martin”. Read of our journey earlier in 2015-2026: BACK TO JERUSALEM YouTube - Walk With Me videos Visit our website We appreciate your sharing with the work in Israel, to “bring comfort to His people.” Use the blue website button tab above for online giving.

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Alive still in Jerusalem. Steve Martin

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Alive again in Jerusalem. Walk with me, Steve Martin

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

The Expected Unexpected

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​The Expected Unexpected

It began as the normal “squeeze” onto the Light rail train down the main east-west corridor on Jaffa Street. With the mid-afternoon riders, the usual after school crowd and early “get me home” people, you got on before the doors closed and off to the next stop.

I hadn’t quite prepared myself for the forward lurch that came, for I was being stared at by a black-haired man about a foot away. I tried to “smile” with my eyes, believing he didn’t speak English, but his eyes just glared at me.

With the sudden move of the train I lost my footing. He grabbed my arm, stared as if a demon resided in him, and squeezed his nails into my bare forearm. No smile. Nothing more.

I gave him another look as if to say, “What was that all about?” And then I broke any curse he had put on me.

He got off at the next stop and I told David Lauka, next to me, what had happened.

Jonathan Cahn’s book, THE ALTAR OF PERGAMON, arrived at my house in Charlotte a few days before our departure to Israel. After hearing of his airplane story and reading bits here and there, the expected unexpected comes.

After the first five days here in Jerusalem, wanting to start our six-week volunteer service with Christian Friends of Israel, I caught the virus that so far has effected 11 out of the 34 other volunteers. For four days I didn’t eat, and slept as much as I could.

Spiritual battles are real. Some places more than others.

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8, NASB

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

 

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

Elvis in Israel!

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Always a great time to go to the Elvis American a restaurant just 5 miles west of Jerusalem in Israel.

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