“And my God shall supply all you need
according to His riches in glory
by Messiah Yeshua (Jesus)”
Philippians 4:19

Dear Friends and Visitors,

A while back, I used these words from the pen of Paul the apostle in the “thank you” greetings I wrote on the contribution receipts for the gifts so many of you sent during the season of my wife Jennifer’s valiant battle against cancer.  Jenny and I often remark to one another how we are still humbled and overwhelmed by the love, concern, and generosity shown toward our family during that time.  I was reminded of the above passage recently in my devotional reading, and thought it would be an encouraging word of blessing to all of you, especially in the midst of trying economic times.  We hope this little note finds you well, and we “pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2)

Allow me to give you a brief update on our activities since last I wrote.

My trip to Israel was wonderful!  I stayed in Jerusalem, along with a tour group from Calvary Chapel Albuquerque, and every day had a sense of being in the center of the world, spiritually speaking.  Each morning about 4:30, loud speakers on the mosques would begin blaring calls to prayer (with little concern about awakening either residents or tourists!).  Soon the city would come alive, and it was thrilling to be part of that life, if only for a short time and from the limited perspective of a western visitor.  Often, I walked or jogged (slowly) near the Hebrew University campus, and from that elevation could see a portion of the walled Old City.  I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that Yeshua Himself will (soon) return to that very place.  How awesome it will be when the Jewish people cry, “Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai, Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the L-rd!” (Mt. 23:39)

The conference at which I sang and played was called “Epicenter”, and was hosted by Joel Rosenberg, the New York Times best-selling author of the book by the same title.  People attended from all over the world and I felt extremely privileged to be able to participate in some small way.  During the course of the conference, I rejoiced to see many believers who live in “the Land”, folks Jenny and I have known over the years.  My only frustration was not having the time or opportunity to spend time with all of them.  I did, however, have a first night dinner with David Katz, a Messianic Jewish tour director who has lived in Israel for many years. One afternoon I hung out with Joel Chernoff, Messianic artist, extraordinaire.  He was there with “The Joseph Project”, a humanitarian relief organization he heads.  We had a great time talking, walking, and grabbing a falafel at a roadside restaurant.  Also, between sessions, I had lunch with Messianic leaders and musicians Avner and Rachel Boskey, their sons, and their friends, and caught up with each other just a little bit.  While we ate, I greeted other friends I hadn’t seen in a long time.  That’s one of the perks of having a meal in the city bus station.  (I’d never before gone through security just to get a table ---- but hey, it’s the Middle East!)

In addition, I was able to join Skip and Lenya Heitzig, and others from their group, in a walk around Jerusalem.  Fabulous!  Skip, as pastor of Calvary Chapel, is extremely knowledgeable about Israel, having lived there and  visited there numerous times.  Even though he is not Jewish, he gave ME many history lessons about my own people and the piece of earth G-d has promised them.  I joined his tour group another day for trips to different sites, such as those which are thought to be the places of Yeshua’s crucifixion and the Garden Tomb, traditionally considered the place of His resurrection.  Skip and his worship team lead a communion service there.  It was inspiring, and I was grateful to be a part of it all.  The whole experience was a reminder to continue to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” and to be a “watchman on the wall,” taking no rest and giving G-d no rest “till He makes Jerusalem a praise on the earth.”  (Ps. 122:6; Is. 62:7)

I don’t ordinarily travel much internationally, but this has been a unique season.  Jenny and I went to Jamaica!  A little background is required here, I guess.  Years ago, when I was young and single, I was hired to lead the singing for a group of “Million Dollar Round Table” insurance men and estate planners.  It was called the MDRT Study Group and was designed as a time of fellowship, Bible study, and teaching to prepare these high producing businessmen spiritually before attending their high-powered conferences held in different locales every year.  What I thought was going to be a one-time engagement, turned into a 25-year commitment!  The men (and occasionally women, or periodically, wives and children) are wonderful people and strong believers who all have amazing life stories and testimonies.  Many lifelong friendships have been formed over the years.

One such relationship is with a man named Tony Williamson.  In addition to being very successful in his field, he is (and has been since the 70’s) a leader in the spiritual renewal of the believers in Jamaica.  For a long time he has said to Jennifer and to me, “Come to Jamaica, mon!” This year he made it happen. I was the “psalmist” at three days of meetings with the “Covenant Family of Churches.” Along with their wonderful worship teams, I was privileged to offer my songs as part of their celebration, as they honored their past, considered their present, and prayerfully prepared for their future.  I felt a little embarrassed that I had no reggae tunes to play but the people clapped on the “2” and “4” beats of my Messianic music --- so we were thankfully on the same page!  They received us so graciously and treated us so well.  We were overwhelmed!  Tony even treated us to a couple of nights at a seaside hotel – just the two of us.  Interestingly enough, we shared the beauty of the Caribbean with scores of other Jewish travelers there for vacations, weddings, and other things.  By the end of our stay, we jokingly referred to the island as “Jew-maica!”  (Next task --- Messianic reggae praise and worship music!)

Thank you, Tony and Jean and the saints of Jamaica, for welcoming us so royally.  We are undeserving, but eternally grateful.  What a blessing to share with all these brothers and sisters, both in Israel and in the Caribbean, in the body life of our Messiah and Lord, Yeshua (Jesus)!

Never before have I been so aware of the implications of passages such as this:

“Therefore receive one another, just as Messiah received us,
to the glory of G-d. Now I say that Messiah Jesus has become
a servant to the circumcision for the truth of G-d, to confirm
the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might
glorify G-d for His mercy, as it is written:
“For this reason I will confess to You among
the Gentiles and sing to Your name.”
Romans 15:7-9

I am always amazed that people continue to want us to participate in what they are doing in and for our Father’s kingdom.  My family and I are perpetually awed and appreciative that we are valued by “all y’all” and others, both here in America, and I can humbly say, around the world.  Baruch HaShem – Praise the Name of the Lord!  But as I sang in the midst of believers from diverse places and backgrounds these last few weeks, I realized profoundly that we are ALL headed in the same direction.  We are ALL one body in one Lord, and we are ALL being called to attention by the same G-d---the G-d of Israel—who is also Sovereign over every nation!

Simply put, I, as a Jewish believer in Yeshua, saw with new eyes the beauty of the saints of G-d  from every nation, assembled to worship the risen Redeemer, who will one day return to His city, Jerusalem, to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords!  I rejoiced to witness it, but with “great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart” that so many of my own Jewish kinsmen do not yet know Him or love Him.  (Rom. 9:2)  How blessed we are to be known by Him and to be learning to serve Him at “such a time as this!!” (Esther 4:14)

In addition to these adventures, we have had some marvelous ministry opportunities with both churches and Messianic congregations alike.  How grateful we are to all you who support what we do, invite us to come, and send us on our way “in a manner worthy of G-d.”  (3 John 6)

We thank the Lord for you and we thank Him for His goodness to us. Jenny is feeling great and all medical reports indicate that she is healthy.  Your prayers have been answered.  Bless you!!

Misha just concluded her junior year of high school and did very well. We can’t believe she will be leaving us in a short time to attend college!  Boo-hoo!!  Please pray for her little heart, truly broken over the sad loss of Maria Chapman, daughter of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman.  She attended school with their son Will and served on a chapel worship team with him and his brother Caleb. She fell in love with their family, and was deeply affected, as were many of her friends, by this tragic event.

I am asked all the time, ‘how are your eyes?’ The answer is, ‘not what they used to be.’  However, I have no complaints, and do pray that the damage in my right eye from the “branch retinal vein occlusion” will be healed, and that even the severe “floaters” I experience will ‘float’ away!  That would be cool, and cause for much thanksgiving.  Whatever the case, I do appreciate your interest and concern.

These are certainly “the best of times and the worst of times” for so many.  One thing is certain; “(Our) times are in (His) hands”. (Ps. 31:15)  So I emphasize once again the promise of Philippians 4:19. May none of us allow the fears and insecurities of these days to keep us from giving generously, believing boldly, and living courageously! It appears that many of us are being forced to wake up from our “American dream” in order to have our vision of kingdom reality revived.  If that is the case, L-rd, “let it be unto (us) according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Please remember our Jewish families in your prayers, particularly our moms, Florence and Gloria (or Flo and Glo) who are learning to navigate life without their husbands, our fathers.  They really need the help of the L-rd, (as do we all).

Please continue to check our website for our schedule to see if we will be in your area. Perhaps you can attend whatever event we’re doing and can even bring a friend, Jewish, or otherwise!

We still receive encouraging reports on our newest recording, “Hope of Glory,” produced masterfully by our friend, Tom Howard. You can certainly order this and other materials from us, right here.  Either my wife Jenny, or our faithful assistant, Rebekah, can help you with whatever you need.

As for me, I will be keeping in touch, fighting the fight, and running the race --- along with all of you in the days ahead!

The Best is Yet to Come! “Amen. Even so, come L-rd Yeshua!” (Rev. 22:20)

Love and Shalom~ Peace,

Marty, Jenny, and Misha Goetz