Remembering 9/11

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Good morning. It’s September 11. We will never forget. Epoch News Post 09.11.26 Ivan Pentchoukov   My high school was across the street from the Twin Towers. After 25 years, I’m sharing my memories from that day.    Before that, here are today’s top stories: President Donald Trump on Thursday evening addressed a crowd in Dallas, touting his administration’s achievements on the closing night of the two-day midterm convention, laying out a flurry of proposals that he said Republicans would pursue in the coming two years. President Donald Trump said he is providing $500 rebate checks to nearly 1 million people who he said were “wrongly overcharged” through the Affordable Care Act—President Barack Obama’s healthcare law, known as Obamacare. The night before, Trump promised a $5,000 dividend check to every adult in the U.S. if Republicans win the midterm election in November. Supporters at the first Republican midterm convention told The Epoch Times that to triumph in November, the party should emphasize its economicwins while challenging what they called the democratic socialist pitch of “free things.” Three people narrowly avoided being trafficked to China, where they allegedly would have had their organs forcibly removed, after being lured by fake online postings offering illegal work, according to prosecutors in the northern Taiwan city of Taoyuan. 🍵 Health: Protein is your body’s primary repair engine. However, finding your personal magic number takes more than a glance at a food label. Your needs vary depending on whether you are sedentary, fit, or older.

9/11 Visitors watch over the reflecting pool at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial during the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, in New York, on Sept. 11, 2021. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) The Day Has Come Deep in my bones, I still remember the impact of the jetliners.   The tremor that shook the windowless building of our high school across the street from the twin towers felt like a minor earthquake.   Mr. Capo, our energetic accounting teacher, stopped the lesson mid-sentence and sat down at his desk. The class fell quiet.   How did the jitters hush a class of teenagers who would usually take over if a teacher disengaged? Did the vibrations that traveled down the steel beams of the north tower, into the ground below, and up to our room carry in them the last heartbeats and agony of the souls that perished above?   The principal’s voice on the intercom broke the silence.   “We are going to shelter in place,” he said, likely not realizing that none of us knew what was going on. The top two floors of the building had windows, and he saw what we didn’t.   If it was quiet before, now it was ominous. I closed my eyes and rested my head on the desk.   The school trembled again, sharply this time. The south tower was just 500 feet from our building at 100 Trinity Place. I didn’t believe in the unseen at the time, but that tremor carried with it a cold, electric pulse of anxiety. As I kept my eyes closed, images flashed before me of feet clad in heels, and sneakers, and black leather oxfords running in terror over the polished floor of the mall beneath the towers.   I knew the spot where all these feet rushed by. I passed by it every morning with the crowd of commuters who poured out of the turnstiles from the A, C, and E trains. I had bought strawberry-banana smoothies from Mrs. Fields Pretzel Time here after school. I wonder whether the lady who worked there made it out alive.   The principal was on the intercom again. “Line up against the wall outside the classrooms,” we were told. We filed out and stood in silence with our backs to the walls. Messages crackled over the radios of the security guards, and we were told to go down the fire escape.   The stairwell had steel safety bars separating us from the outside. A surreal rain of ash and paper came down steadily, on and on. It had wafted onto the landings and the stairs.   As we came out onto Thames Street, we were met with the figure of a soot-stained, ash-covered firefighter, collapsed in a motionless heap on the curb, staring into space. After years of risking his life, after rushing into a burning skyscraper, what did he see that stunned him so? From stories from those who were near the buildings that day, I think that I know.   The teachers corralled us down Thames Street toward Greenwich Street, where the burning towers would come in full view and where I would experience what psychologists call peritraumatic dissociation and micropsia. Instead of seeing the full view of the disaster, my field of vision became a black canvas, in the center of which a tiny black-and-white television showed the footage of the towers burning. I had the sense that I could turn its controls to change the channel.   My buddy Mohammed patted me on the back and shook me out of it. I now saw the towers burning in full frame, debris snowing down, fire and smoke roaring. The school staff hustled us away, downtown on Greenwich Street toward Battery Park.   The English teacher told a group of us that this was a terrorist attack and that planes had crashed into both towers. Mohammed and I had a bright idea. We'd split from the group and go see the airplanes sticking out from the other side of the buildings. We broke off and headed to Broadway, which was abandoned except for our gym teacher, his hands on his waist.   He asked where we were going. We told him about our plan. I thought that he might join us.   He said, “You guys are [expletive] stupid.” He may have saved our lives. In roughly the amount of time it would have taken to walk to Ground Zero, the south tower collapsed.   We watched the dust wave race up Greenwich Street toward the park, and then we were engulfed, and everyone panicked. We ran into the park, feeling ahead of us as it was hard to see. The class clown, Freddy, followed another kid who crawled under a bench.   We grasped around the park until we found the river and sat there with nowhere to go to flee the cloud. As the dust settled, the Statue of Liberty rose in the distance. I had an intense fear that they would hit the statue next.   Someone said, “This is war.”   Small ships and ferries began to arrive and pick up some of the crowd stuck in the park. The only way out was by water.   Mohammed lived in Queens, and I lived uptown. None of the ships were going our way.   So we stuck around. We watched the second tower fall, and another cloud of dust engulfed the park. We made face masks out of our T-shirts. A man with a van showed up and passed out water, Band-Aids, and gauze. All of the ferries were going to New Jersey, but after a while, The Screamer, a tourist speedboat, pulled beside us and the captain asked whether we'd like to get on. I asked where they were going. The captain looked at me like I was the most ridiculous kid on Earth and said, “Chelsea Piers.” We got on.   The eight-or-so of us were all covered in the dust and ashes from the towers. The captain gave us life vests. He said he would go slow for us and steered uptown. The Screamer sailed in silence.   I walked east on 23rd Street and caught the subway home to Washington Heights.   I still remember the tears of our chemistry teacher. Before the first tower collapsed, we ran into him, a small-statured man who was passionate about his job. He was leaning against a wall with two streams of tears steadily running down his face and wetting the top half of his shirt. I asked him why he was crying. He said he'd realized that hundreds of people had died in the towers that day.   It would be a long time until my psyche let a genuine emotion like this surface. I dealt with the shock mostly in nightmares in the years that followed. When our building was dug out of the rubble six months later, I looked the other way while ducking through the crowd of gawkers who came to see the pile.   I still can’t bring myself to visit the 9/11 Memorial. I sense that when I look at the reflecting pools, I will be like my chemistry teacher for the first time. After 25 years, I feel the day has come.

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

Shana Tova 5787

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We love the joy of the Lord’s celebrations.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin, Love For His People

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

“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

“Reunion” by Steve Martin

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REUNION

 

Reunions among families, sports teams, high school and college graduates, band of brothers…these are special times for those involved. The great memories shared, times “relived” of days gone by, even if a bit embellished from the last time you heard that same story retold, all are times we look forward to.

My Martin family reunion set for Labor Day weekend 2026 will be special. Why? Because I am in charge. I have been planning for months to make it so.

I designed a logo for the event, and had it placed on coffee mugs, light blue polo and t-shirts, and have wonderful prizes for games in mind.

Reunions can really be awesome.

The one I am particularly looking forward to though is when the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, returns for those who call upon His Name, and have received His salvation, redemption, which has been offered to all.

This reunion will be the greatest of all. His return, the Lion of Judah, will cause the peoples of the nations to proclaim His Lordship and bow down in worship.

 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True…” — Revelation 19:11 (KJV)

And it continues in Revelation 19:16-16, “And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.

From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (NASB)

As we grow weary of the wrongs being committed before our eyes; the evil put on people, especially the Jews; the injustice proclaimed as “peace and love” by the louder voices…we who know the Lord and Savior are “keeping our eyes on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2

This reunion will be historic, beyond comprehensive.

The Bible is true. Reunion time cometh!

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

Know Your DNA? Steve Martin

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Know Your DNA?

Many of us have wondered, at some point or another, “Who am I?” And so we order a DNA kit, swab the mouth and mail it in.

And so I did. For the third time. Different company of course.

I knew the general area from where my heritage line of ancestry came from, based on previous accounts from several sources. I wasn’t expecting the 30% Scottish part, nor the 11% Irish segment that this last one reported.

I guess I had always wondered why I liked the Texas Longhorns (I.e.. Scottish Highlander cattle) and St. Patrick so much. Now I know.

With the last name of Martin I had also heard a Jewish speaker at a Jerusalem Aliyah conference years ago say many Hispanics in Central and South America, with the last name of Martinez, most likely have Sephardic (Spanish descendants) Jewish DNA within. Millions of them do not know it.

No connection there though.

Being “grafted in” is what is most important for most of us.

Romans 11:11:17-18 says, “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the [j]rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.”

Because of the Jews, whom God the Father chose to hear and write the Bible to reveal Himself. and sent the Messiah Yeshua to the nations through them, we the goyim (Gentiles), now also have the promise of life with Him as we believe and receive His salvation.

DNA research can be helpful in revealing your ancestry.

The Bible, God’s Word, is best for determining your eternal ancestry.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

A Scottish Gentile from the goyim (if I am saying that right!)

“My Heart Cries” by Steve Martin

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My Heart Cries

This past week, as we traveled on the interstate in North Carolina for a weekend in the western mountains, my knowledgeable wife, Laura Jean (I like her full name) told me of a recent poll saying 60% of American youth favor Hamas and the Palestinians (who voted for them) over our friends, the Israeli Jewish people.

I couldn’t believe it. My heart immediately felt the pain. How can this be?

Has deception gotten so bad that since the Oct. 7, 2023 slaughter of 1200 Jews and others at the Nova music festival and surrounding villages (kibbutz), by Hamas from Gaza, who slaughtered our friends, be their choice of support?

If this poll is true, collaborated by others, far too many of our young people here in the USA would actually support killers, rapists, murderers, and barbarians. They just do not know the truth.

Have these, who primarily get their news from supporting liars,  now stand with those who would just as well have killed them if they had been there?

I went to the Nova Festival location in southern Israel, just a few miles from the Gaza border, in October 2025. I have seen the memorials displaying the enlarged photos of these hundreds of innocent loved youth, gunned down where they stood.

No mercy. No place to run. No objective by the murderers but to kill and destroy anyone and everyone Jewish.

I need not tell you again how many times I have been to Israel; how many friendships I have established there over these past 30 years and those Laurie and I continue to stand with. They are great people. They love life, and peace.

My heart cries for my Jewish friends, and also the youth here and around the world who know not what these true, decent, honorable, family people are, but would instead support the murderers.

Israelis want to live safely, raise their families, and above all love their God (which, by the way, is the same as mine) and yet  anti-Semitism continues to grow as the lies and hatred spreads here in the USA and the nations.

Will it stop? Will the growing hatred of Jews and soon others (i.e. Christians) who stand for Israel, come to an end?

Very sad to say, based on Bible prophetic words written long ago, it will not. Not until the Messiah, Yeshua HaMashiach, comes back to save them and us who stand with them.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 

He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.

From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:11-16, NASB

Yeshua the Messiah is coming back. To save His people and to also destroy the enemy.

Bo Yeshua. Come Jesus. Quickly.

Ahava and Shalom,

Steve Martin

A true friend of Israel and His people

“Glory of Israel” computer worship and speaker video playlist plus photos

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Videos and photos (Steve Martin). from the Israel support g conference in the Charlotte, NC area.

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

Paul Wilbur and Zion Dance team at Glory of Israel 2026

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Listen and watch all 20 videos!

“Under 50?” Message by Steve Martin

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Under 50?

Listening to Tucker Carlson, Candice Owens, and others on TikTok or YouTube will give you a strong opinion about world events. Especially about Christians and Christianity. And even more so about Israel and the Jews.

A strong biblical foundation is necessary if one is to have a good perspective of this world and the direction it is going. And those who call themselves “Christians,  and yet speak vehemently against biblical truth, are not. They simply are not Christians.

You can call yourself something you are not, but your walk tells others who you really are. Remember, “You will know them by their fruit.”

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will [p]know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?

17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will [know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7, NASB

I grew up under the teaching of Derek Prince, an Englishman who came to the USA in his 60s and later started Derek Prince Ministries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was on staff a total of eight years with his ministry. His strong stance and clear, solid teaching on deliverance, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and especially Israel gave me the  biblical foundation I needed.

His message, “Our Debt To Israel” which I first heard in 1979, changed my life forever. I was 25 at the time.

When modern day teachers, prophets, podcasters and “influencers” speak lies and half-lies of Israel, in time the One Who knows all will remove them. He always has judged those who oppose His plans and purposes. Study world history and see for yourself.

I pray daily for my children and grandchildren, as a good father and grandfather should. They are under 50 (yet) but they too need the strong, biblical truths buried deep in their hearts, so when the “liar of all lies” spews out his words, from those among us, they too will know the truth and stand strong on His Word, not theirs.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

A Gentile

Loveforhispeople.blogspot.com

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

“Wealth of the Nations” by Steve Martin

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Wealth of the Nations

For a long time I would often quote the Bible verse, “The wealth of the nations will come to you.” Isaiah 60:5, NASB And use it for “me.” After all, I was taught that all those “positive verses” in what we have called the Old Testament, and put on our refrigerators (at least we have) were for us as believers. And we would/could “claim them” for us.

Maybe so. Maybe not.

If you read the chapter of Isaiah 60 in full context, Jesus (Yeshua) quoted it when He walked through Israel between 30-33 A.D. as we understand the time (give or take a few years.) And who did He quote these  Isaiah verses to? His people, the Jews. In their synagogues.

And yet we as Christians have often dismissed that accurate part of the Bible and say it is only for us.

Really? I think not.

Have you ever thought of the billions of dollars that the nations of the world have invested in Israel these past decades? I “googled” that question and was amazed at just how much it has been, especially from the USA, from tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and more.

Check it out for yourself. It is true.

And it goes on to say this, in Isaiah 60 this amazing verse, which we see literally happening in our day too. For Israel. For the JEWS.

“Foreigners will build up your walls, and their kings will minister to you…the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession.” (Isaiah 60:10, NASB)

Have you been to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa,  even Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee lately? How about Beersheva and the Negev Desert? I have. For the 30th time this year, 2026. Have you seen all the building going on; the desert blooming?

The fields near Ashdod and down the Med Sea coast literally reminded me of Iowa and Illinois, where I grew up, with their John Deere tractors in the field. Wow!

Mark Twain wrote in the late 1890s on his visit to this land that the place was desolate. Well it certainly isn’t anymore after the multitudes of Jews have made aliyah, coming back to their homeland. And the Living God of Israel pouring out His blessing on them. As He promised.

Reading Scripture with open eyes, and not based on replacement theology, reveals a whole lot of  what and how the Lord, the Living God of Israel, is moving in these last days.

I hope you are taking notice.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin