Ahava Love Letter (#51) - "40 years ago..."

“40 years ago…” “They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh  and began to talk in different languages,  as the Spirit enabled them to speak."  (Acts 2:4 Complete Jewish Bible)

Dear family of friends,

When Terri Smith asked me to go to the meeting, that April in 1973, I thought, "OK. I am curious."

It was our senior year at Columbus High School in Waterloo, Iowa. I was looking forward to graduation a month later, with the other 108 classmates. Our last varsity spring baseball season would also be finished in June. (In case you were wondering - we didn't make it back to the baseball state finals, as we did my junior year.)

I really appreciated our small Catholic school, except when we got beat up, playing the three large public schools of East, West and Central Waterloo in football. Even my home town Cedar Falls High School always ran the score up on us. Sailor power only went so far. But we did triumph in basketball, track and field, and baseball of course.

Maybe something would happen at this prayer meeting that would last beyond high school.

It was somewhat known by a few in school that the Catholic Church had gotten involved in the Charismatic Movement back in '67, but I wasn't too much aware of it. My Mom had been going to some prayer meetings for some time. I was enjoying high school. (And in a good way.)

In His preparatory way, the weekend TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) event that I had gone on, for seniors back in November, had triggered something in my spirit. So I wanted to see what else would happen.

It was a small group who had gathered in Terri's house. Maybe five or six total. If I remember right (again, it was 40 years ago) someone talked and then several prayed. Over us. With hands on our heads. Praying in a different language, other than English or Spanish. They were quietly asking the Father to baptize us with His Holy Spirit, to "fill us", with "tongues” following.

And thus He came. Ruach HaKodesh. The Holy Spirit. And so did the evidence of speaking in tongues. For me. For the others there.

As these decades have passed, I have been continually aware of His presence, the Third Person in the Holy Trinity. He is The Comforter. He is the One who whispers to us, directing and imparting, if our internal ears and eternal spirit are open to listening and obeying.

Time spent in intercession, speaking in my prayer language, has increased immensely over these years. He uses my tongue to intercede for my beloved family and friends, for the office staff, for our  falling nation, and especially for the Jewish people of Israel.

Have you received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? You can. And then you get to pray in tongues, the first gift He'll give you to use in power for daily victory.

And yes...there is something about the #40. This year I certainly am finding that out.

Ahava to my family of friends,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider sending a monthly charitable gift of $5-$25 each month to help us bless Messianic Jews in Israel. You can send checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

©2013 Steve  Martin      Love For His People, Inc.  12120 Woodside Falls Rd. Pineville, NC 28134      

E-mail: loveforhispeople@gmail.com martinlighthouse@gmail.com

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Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.  Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation.

Ahava Love Letter #51   Date: In the year of our Lord 2013 (05/01/13 Wednesday 3:33 a.m. Charlotte, NC)

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"Heroes of Faith" - Morris Ruddick

"The heroes of faith operated in oneness
with the priorities and issues of God's heart,
without any vestige of variation between Truth
and what they heard from the Spirit. 

Their impact on history was defined by their view
of things from a big-picture God perspective. 

They heard from God and they embraced His word,
regardless the cost. 

That's commitment that requires discipline. 

It's also the foundation for maturity.

While intimately concerned with the details impacting
the lives of individuals, the Lord's priorities are strategic. 

He orchestrates things from the stance of generations
and the community of His people within a generation. 

As I look back over four decades of walking with the Lord;
that walk has been shaped by a series of milestone words
God has imparted that have raised the bar with a
long-term, big-picture perspective." 

Morris Ruddick

Editor's Note: I have the highest respect and admiration for Morris. His books (listed below) brought a tremendous encouragement to me, providing clarity in focusing in on the direction the Lord had given me years ago. 

I am truly appreciate of Morris and his ongoing, "faithful to the end", work of getting it done in the nations.

Most assuredly, I recommend that you contact him directly. And read his books!

Steve Martin

P.S. At the end of this Blog page is also a link to a teaching video of Morris that I recorded. Check it out, and be taught key principles he brings.

Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;" and "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available in print and e-versions from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets. Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize the least of these our brethren. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or email us at sign@strategicintercession.org for access information on our secure web-site. 2013 Copyright Morris Ruddick - sign@strategicintercession.org Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check:http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick Global Initiatives Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org Listen to Morris  speak on YouTube:  The Jewish Gift - Morris Ruddick (#1 of 3)

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MILESTONE WORDS - PART 1 (c) Morris E. Ruddick

MILESTONE WORDS - PART 1 (c) Morris E. Ruddick    Note: About a month ago, I was uniquely led to go  back and review milestone words the Lord has  imparted to me over the years. I found it a riveting  experience. Our natural tendency is to be either  overwhelmed or side-tracked with short-sighted  minutiae, rather than keeping our eyes on God's  big-picture goals.  Those at the forefront need to overcompensate  for the seductive traps, whether personal, cultural  or doctrinal. The bar has been raised. Imparting  righteous power in corrupt, defiled settings is not  possible without God. We've entered a season in  which the Western hop-skip-halleluiah model will  fall short. May these words from my journey stir  you in yours.  Morris________________________________ "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, and  like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?"  Jer 23:29   The heroes of faith operated in oneness with  the priorities and issues of God's heart, without  any vestige of variation between Truth and what  they heard from the Spirit.  Their impact on history was defined by their view  of things from a big-picture God perspective. They heard  from God and they embraced His word, regardless  the cost. That's commitment that requires  discipline. It's also the foundation for maturity. While intimately concerned with the details  impacting the lives of individuals, the Lord's  priorities are strategic. He orchestrates things  from the stance of generations and the  community of His people within a generation.  As I look back over four decades of walking  with the Lord; that walk has been shaped by  a series of milestone words God has imparted  that have raised the bar with a long-term,  big-picture perspective. My walk with the Lord began in the early  70s with a dramatic encounter as I was  seeking to know Him, to really know Him.  I was serious and understood the realities.  At that juncture, I had spent over two years  of my life in heavy combat as a US Marine.  I understood what it meant to believe in  something bigger than myself and I understood  the importance of the dynamics of discipline  and commitment. With the years that have passed since my  salvation experience, I recently was prompted  to outline key words the Lord has spoken to me  over the years; personal milestone words shaping  my calling, my priorities and who I am.  As one of my mentors during those days once shared  with me; if we can just get the door open sufficiently  to capture a glimmer spiritually from God's perspective,  it will be enough.   The Priority That first encounter; the first time I ever heard  the voice of the Lord came from a time of spiritual  seeking. Having been brought up in the church,  I understood basic precepts of faith, but while I  knew about Him, I really didn't know God.  Having met people who did, I was hungry for that reality.  An old combat friend, Ted Gatchel, wisely just  stuffed a New Testament in my shirt pocket,  telling me that I'd find what I was looking for in God's word of truth. My spiritual hunger increased. Finally, I began  plowing through Matthew, then Mark, Luke  and John. After starting the book of Acts, I f ound myself pausing as I read the story of Stephen.  Stephen was facing a life and death situation  without hesitation or waffling. It was a commitment  I could relate to. He knew what he believed in. The combat encounters I had had in which I didn't  know whether I would come out of them alive  probably numbered more than three dozen. As I  reflected on Stephen's story, one of a man willing  to die for what he believed in, I began reflecting  on what I believed in; what I had been willing to  die for: my country, my Marine Corps, to be  remembered for being able to face the ultimate  test with honor. At that point, I heard the voice of the Lord for  the first time. In light of what had been going  through my mind at the time, He simply asked  me: "Would you be willing to do that for Me?"  With that question, I understood who Jesus  was and what was being asked of me; was I  willing to make the Lord the priority I had made  as a US Marine. Knowing the cost and commitment,  my response was immediate: "Yes Sir!" The Mission My encounter with the Lord had taken place on  a training mission in the Caribbean. Upon arriving  home, I found that remarkably my wife Carol  had had a similar personal, life-changing encounter  with the Lord. Spiritually, we were like sponges.  Then, having found an active Bible-believing church,  we read great swaths of the Word of God, attended  Bible studies, participated in fellowship gatherings  and counseled with our pastor. At that juncture, I came in contact with a simple  phrase that became like a fire in my soul: "God has  a perfect plan for your life." I had chosen a good plan,  one that I'd been excelling in with my military career;  but what God began holding out before me was t he prospect of a higher purpose, a plan for my life  that would redirect my mission to one that served  Him directly. I really didn't know what God had in store for me,  other than the fact that I would be serving Him.  I suspected my future and my calling might involve  a role within what was at the time becoming known  as the "para-church ministry," but the reality is that  when I resigned my Marine Corps commission, what  Carol and I stepped into was something akin to an  Abrahamic journey. Knowing the importance of preparing, although I  already had a college degree, I enrolled in  Oral Roberts University where I could dig deeper  into God's word and be immersed in a Christian culture.  In the interim, we served as full-time trainee-ministers  for a small AG ministry, participated in intense Bible  training and helped start a coffee-house ministry. The time at Oral Roberts University was filled with studies, activities and relationships that laid the foundation.  At the core of this setting was the mantle to " Train up young people who hear God's voice to go to  where God's light is dim." Additionally, the value of  my time at ORU was punctuated by two mentors,  Paul McClendon and Harold Fisher. These incredible  men of the Spirit had prayer lives, a strategic outlook  and a spiritual maturity that set the standard for what  lay ahead. Toward the end of the year we spent  at ORU, the Lord led me to enroll in a graduate program  at a local secular university. Not long into this program,  I began to realize I may have bitten off more than  I could chew. The Gift The program I was in had required courses in statistics,  which I had no background in. Somehow the school had  overlooked this with my entrance into the program. I  soon found myself scrambling and going to the professor  for extra help. Then in the midst of what seemed as sinking sands I was  encountering with this required course work in research  designs and statistics, the Lord spoke a clear word to me  from Psalm 119. That word was: "I'll make you wiser  than your teachers." Yet, my efforts didn't begin to approach what this  word suggested. Despite rapt attention during classes,  fervent study, getting extra help and praying, I was not  grasping the subject matter. Then far too quickly, we were  facing a mid-term exam.   My faith shaken, I began to think that somehow I had  misfired with what I thought I had heard from God to  enroll in this program. The night before the exam, having  done all I knew to do, I repented for my presumption.  The next day I felt no better as I walked into the exam.  I placed my name on the exam paper and read the first  question. The only way I can describe what happened  was that it was like curtains were pulled back and I had  complete understanding of what the question asked. I went through the entire exam that way. As I read  each question, not the answer but understanding was  imparted. I was pretty excited as I turned in my paper  and left the room. Outside were some of the better  students in the class, complaining about how hard the  exam was. The star pupil stated he thought it was the  hardest test in the subject he had ever had. Doubt  encroached at my door and my faith went through the floor. A week later the professor, with a scowl on his face,  entered the classroom with our graded papers in hand.  He growled that the median grade was a 62 and he  then proceeded to call out the name of each student  along with their grade, as he handed the graded exams out.   One doctoral candidate had a 29. The class star had a 73.  Finally he called my name and stopped. He looked down  again at the paper and then at me and back at the paper. I  had a 98. Clearly something supernatural had taken place.  Fulfilling the word from Psalm 119 I had to take independent  studies in multivariate statistics and psychometric designs to  complete the task I had embraced for my thesis. God had  given me a gift that would become foundational in the work I was  to do. The Gateway During this time, we had developed a unique relationship  with a man who was a partner in a media ministry in  South Africa. Our friend Peter Church had been visiting  the US to gather information to help with his plans for a  Christian media production and entertainment center.  I had been invited to become General Manager of this  operation upon completion of my graduate program  coursework. Then with a matter of weeks before our  intended departure, Peter's plans changed. He and his  partner had a falling out and Peter and his family had  decided to immigrate to the land of milk and money (the US). So, here I was having left a stable career in which I was excelling;  approaching the end of my time of retooling, without any  prospects whatsoever before me. While in prayer, I asked  the Lord for an answer to what I should be expecting. He  gave me one. With clarity, I heard Him say that I was going  to be a consultant. Without even a realistic idea of what that  meant and without any formal background in business,  this word strangely gave me great peace. Then, having put this "word" on a shelf, I found myself  becoming very practical with the need to obtain  employment to support my family. Following up on an interest  in the advertising world, I learned from one executive  I spoke with of an opening that existed within a firm that  he seemed convinced that I'd be perfect for. His conclusion  was based on the "gift" God had given me with research designs.   So, without really understanding what I was pursuing,  I followed up on his suggestion. What unfolded was  something of a whirlwind that resulted in my being hired  by this firm. What I didn't realize during this process was  that I had just been hired by a research-based consulting firm. The Calling During those early days in my new "career," again I was in prayer  trying to grasp how this all fit together on this pathway, this  adventure that was unfolding with the Lord at the helm.  At that juncture, the Lord spoke a word to me that riveted  me and subsequently defined the path of my calling.  The words the Lord spoke to me were: "Just as in the days of Joseph and Daniel, I am going to  bring out mighty works at your hand. As you are led into  the midst of the world, kings, rulers and leaders will be  converted and humbled. You'll work beside them and  your counsel will be heeded for their good." Once again, I had received a word that I didn't fully  understand. However, I knew that I had heard from  the Lord and it brought great peace. The Spiritual Gift Then came another unexpected word that has  complemented the natural gift the Lord had given me.  While on a business trip for my employer, I checked  into my hotel. As I went into the room to drop my bags,  I noticed an open Gideon Bible on a table across the room.  The thought passed through my mind: "I wonder if the  Lord has a word for me." So I went over to this open  Bible and my eyes fell upon Jeremiah 51:20: "You are My battle-ax and weapon of war; for with  you I will break nations in pieces; with you I will destroy kingdoms and  strongholds." I was gripped by this word, but couldn't seem to see  its application in what the Lord had been telling me  that I was to do. I left for the meetings I had set up.  That evening, I opened my own Bible to read and it  just happened to fall open to Jeremiah 51:20. I pondered  it and prayed. The next morning as I opened my Bible;  to spend some time in the word to start my day, it again  opened to Jeremiah 51:20. I knew God was telling me  something, but I just wasn't sure what it was. Upon returning from this business trip, we met with  some friends who we prayed with who were older  and much wiser in the things of God than we were.  I shared my Jeremiah 51:20 experience. Connie  replied that "Maybe the Lord is leading you into some  type of intercession ministry." My off-the-cuff response  was "I know, but there's something more to it than that."  Actually I hadn't "known" that, but the process was  serving as a catalyst to unveiling a prophetic and authority dimension to my calling as a consultant that would become very key in the days ahead. During the next three years, I began learning the tools of the  trade; the trade of being a consultant.  Faith and Risk I then had a most unique encounter that I describe  in the last chapter of my "God's Economy" book. The Lord  told me I was to start my own business. That first year of  business I felt like Peter who had stepped out of the  boat to walk on the water and had started sinking.  Again, I was taking on something that was far beyond  my experience level. I began realizing that faith involves  risk and risk carries a cost. I traveled the country, gave presentations and attended  conferences. Yet, during that first year of being in  business for myself, very little of what I did seemed to  take root. I managed to sell one (underpriced) assignment  during that time, along with compiling sufficient debt to  seriously wonder if we were going to lose our home.   Then in a week in time came a most remarkable breakthrough.  It began a time of favor and growth. The next several  years the greatest challenge was in keeping up with the  growth. We grew to have offices in three cities and  27 full-time employees. I was also beginning to realize  the fulfillment of the words God had spoken to me  before entering the consulting world about being  called like Joseph and the influence I would have on my clientele. I was doing assignments for Fortune 100 companies,  as well as a number of respected media ministries.  My firm was like a David amidst a group of Goliaths in  terms of our competitors, consulting firms like  Arthur D. Little and Booze Allen Hamilton. My role  as the head of my firm resulted in exploits far  beyond my natural abilities. For example, in work I did for Xerox during the early 80s,  I recommended that they enter the facsimile business.  It proved to be their most profitable division. Feedback  from clients included statements such as: "It's like your  recommendations were prophetic." Such were the words  that God had spoken to me years prior: "Your counsel will  be heeded for their good." Such is the calling of a  modern-day Joseph. The Shaking There was a wonderful season of an upward spiral of  opportunity and fast growth. But then came a sudden  turn and the bottom dropped out of the primary market we served. We didn't seem able to back-pedal and  downsize fast enough. Sadly we eventually shut down  this amazing God-birthed phenomenon. We shut down  honorably, but not without much pain in the process. Simultaneously one of my clients in the banking industry  took over as President of a statewide financial institution  with 34 branch locations that had just undergone serious  losses the year before he joined them. He reached out to  me to join him as his SVP of Marketing and Planning in his  as chief architect of a corporate turnaround. I'm still not  sure which was the frying pan and which was the fire;  between what I had left behind and this new "opportunity."  Details on that stage in my career are also found in my  "God's Economy" book. We completed a successful corporate turnaround,  putting the organization back in touch with the marketplace  and restoring profitability. Then came the subtlety of  corporate politics; the games people at my peer level  had played that had brought this firm to the place where  they needed the corporate turnaround in the first place.  So it was that the man, who had recruited me and corporately  had become my mentor, became the victim of the ambitions  of a dog-eat-dog culture. Being on the wrong side of this  political infighting, I also found myself without a job. Note: Part 2 will describe New Horizons; Raising the Bar;  Applications for Change; Set Times; Convergence and  Preparedness; and The Discipline: Actively Hearing God and  Obeying. Part 2 will be posted to the SIGN list in roughly two  weeks; or can be finished by picking up at the New Horizons  section at http://strategicintercession.org/2013/04/milestone-words/  where the full piece is already published.___________________________________________________   Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the  call of God in the marketplace since the mid-90s. As founder of  Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy  Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope and  equips economic community builders where God's light is dim  in both the Western and non-Western world. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;"  "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;"  "Something More;" and "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World,"  which address the mobilization of business and governmental  leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings.  They are available in print and e-versions from Amazon.com,  BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.   Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a  tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the  generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose  vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize the least of these our  brethren. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives  and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or email us at  sign@strategicintercession.org for access information on our secure  web-site. 2013 Copyright Morris Ruddick - sign@strategicintercession.org Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor.  Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized  prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues  impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more i nformation on SIGN, check:http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick Global Initiatives Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org

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Praying in tongues...

I've had this "mind battle" about praying for those on my list, while still keeping in contact on my social media. Time issue. 

So what did the Holy Spirit (Hebrew - Ruach HaKodesh) say? (But in English to me...)

"Pray in tongues as you connect and share My love on your pages!"

He sure is smart. He always has the answer.

And so I am praying in tongues as I post away...

Steve Martin
Love for His People, Inc.

From the Complete Jewish Bible:

"Dear Theophilos: In the first book, I wrote about everything Yeshua (Jesus) set out to do and teach,

(2) until the day when, after giving instructions through the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to the emissaries whom He had chosen, He was taken up into heaven.

(3) After His death He showed Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. During a period of forty days they saw Him, and He spoke with them about the Kingdom of God.

(4) At one of these gatherings, He instructed them not to leave Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) but to “wait for what the Father promised, which you heard about from Me.

5 For Yochanan (John) used to immerse people in water; but in a few days, you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit)!”

6 When they were together, they asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra’el?”

7 He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under His own authority.

8 But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh comes upon you; you will be My witnesses both in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and in all Y’hudah (Judah) and Shomron (Samaria), indeed to the ends of the earth!”

9 After saying this, He was taken up before their eyes; and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

10 As they were staring into the sky after Him, suddenly they saw two men dressed in white standing next to them.

11 The men said, “You Galileans! Why are you standing, staring into space? This Yeshua (Jesus), who has been taken away from you into heaven, will come back to you in just the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:1-11 Complete Jewish Bible

Israel from heaven.

 Where Jesus 

(Yeshua HaMashiach) 

WILL return to.

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Zola Levitt Letter - May 2013

Zola Levitt Newsletter - May, 2013

(Select above link to read current issue.)

One of the several interesting articles 

in this May 2013 issue.

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Derek & Ruth Prince - graveyard in Jerusalem

Derek & Ruth Prince graveyard in Jerusalem 

(German Colony district)

Derek & Ruth Prince, residents of Jerusalem for over 20 years, are buried in this German Colony district of Jerusalem.

Lydia Prince is also buried here. She was Derek's first wife, who died about five years before Derek married Ruth. Lydia and Derek had adopted nine Jewish/Arabic/African kids. Lydia had adopted and raised raised eight of them as a single woman. Her incredible book, "Appointment In Jerusalem", tells the story.

I am most appreciative of having had the opportunity to work on staff at their ministry - first from 1987-1990 in Fort Lauderdale, Fl., and then again at the Charlotte, NC location, from 2001-2005. The ministry had already relocated to Charlotte, in 1994.

Derek Prince Ministries staff in Charlotte, NC 2004

The 2006 Vision for Israel staff, where I served as USA Director, is also in the photo above. These two framed photos, of both ministries, are on the top shelf of my current office in uptown Charlotte, NC.

As the Director of Operations and Finance at Derek Prince Ministries, I served with David Selby (Intl. Executive Director), Jack Alongi (Director of Donor Relations), Peter Wyns (USA Outreach Director) and Derek Wesley Selby, (Director of Communications.) Another 22 staff members assisted us in these departments.

For more information on Derek Prince Ministries, please click on the name below.

Derek Prince Ministries

My son Ben Martin (who also worked at DPM for many years) and I are now part of Love For His People, Inc., founded by my wife Laurie and myself in 2010.

Also in 2010, Ben and I initiated this new ministry's annual Ahava Adventures service trip to Israel, when I was able to take the above photo of Derek's burial location through the front gate. (It is a gated cemetery, and wasn't open on that Saturday morning. Shabbat in Jerusalem is highly respected.)


As a side note, I had been inside the gated cemetery where Derek is buried on two previous occasions. Once with Mahesh Chavda Ministries, when I was the Administrator for 14 years, from 1987-2000, and again on tour with Christian Friends of Israel (CFI), as a board member, on several "Meet and Greet" trips.

Come join us on our next Ahava Adventure! 

(Use the search box for "Ahava Adventure" 

on this blog site for current information.)

In addition to this Blog website, Love For His People has another site, with info on our complete work in support of Israel and our friends who live there.

Love For His People

Shalom,

Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People

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Vision. Needed.

"If people can't see 

(have no vision)

what God is doing, 

they stumble 

all over themselves; 

But when they attend 

to what He reveals, 

they are most blessed." 

Prov 29:18

(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language 

© 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Photos by Steve Martin (Love For His People, Inc.) at the Charlotte Center City Partners "Vision Awards"event, April 18, 2013 in Charlotte, NC.

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Jews Celebrate Lag B'Omer This Week.

Jews Celebrate Lag B'Omer This Week 

How was it commemorated 90 years ago?

Today Jews around the world are celebrating Lag B'Omer, 

the end of a month-long mourning period when traditional Jews 

refrain from weddings or joyous gatherings.  The mourning remembers 

the thousands of students of Rabbi Akiva, a reknowned spiritual 

leader at the time of the Talmud.  They died in a great plague 

that ended on Lag B'Omer. 

Dancing at the Meron tomb (Central Zionist Archives, 
Harvard Library,  1925) 



Meron and tomb of Shimon BarYochai

 (circa 1930) 

I

The tomb on the hill (enlarged)

In Israel, Lag B'Omer is celebrated with bonfires, 

hikes along nature trails, and gatherings at the 

tombs of of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in the Galilee 

town of Meron and of Shimon the Just (Hatzaddik) 

in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. 

Bar Yochai, a student of Rabbi Akiva's, was known 

for his opposition to the Roman rule in the Land of Israel.  

He and his son were forced to flee to the Galilee where

they hid in a cave for 12 years.  Lag B'Omer is the 

day of his death, but it is actually celebrated in recognition 

of the Torah teachings he gave over to his students.

Hundreds of thousands of celebrants are expected to 

visit Shimon Bar Yochai's tomb in Meron by Wednesday night.

Shimon Hatzaddik was a High Priest of the second Temple 

in Jerusalem for 40 years.  

Jewish women praying at the Shimon

Hatzaddik tomb (Central Zionist

Archives, Harvard Library, c. 1930)




According to Jewish tradition, Shimon clothed 

himself in his High Priest's vestments to receive 

Alexander the Great as he marched toward Jerusalem.  

Alexander stepped from his chariot and bowed to Shimon, 

who, he said, had appeared to him in a dream 

predicting his victories. 

Jews gathered at Shimon Hatzaddik's tomb in Sheikh Jarrah,
Jerusalem (Central Zionist Archives, Harvard Library,
c. 1930)

Children's Lag B'Omer procession
near Shimon Hatzaddik's tomb (1918)



Shimon Hatzaddik's tomb today

Many traditional Jews who cannot travel to Meron 

in the Galilee celebrate Lag B'Omer at Shimon Hatzaddik's 

tomb located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in northern Jerusalem. 

 

Jewish homes around the tomb had to be evacuated 

in the 1948 fighting.  In recent years Jewish families

 have returned to the neighborhood. 

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