URGENT UPDATE: A group of 40 members from Calvary Chapel Summerville, South Carolina, has safely returned to the U.S. after being stranded in Israel due to escalating violence and the closure of airspace. They were just hours away from their scheduled flight home on February 28, 2023, when the situation deteriorated.
The church group, which landed in Israel on February 20 for an eight-day trip, faced chaos as airstrikes began and travel became perilous. Pastor Vic Carroll described the harrowing experience of sheltering in bomb shelters for days before making the tough decision to leave. “It felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders,” he stated. “I just prayed and asked God to give me wisdom.”
As violence intensified, the group was forced to evacuate the airport, with Carroll explaining the risks of traveling through a war zone. “If a siren goes off while we were on the road, we would need to get on the ground face-down for at least 10 minutes until the threat was gone,” he said. Fortunately, they navigated safely to the airport in Jordan and caught a flight back to the U.S. early Thursday morning.
Their ordeal highlighted the financial strain of such emergencies. Melanie Carroll, the pastor’s wife, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the unexpected costs, estimating over $2,500 per person for lodging, flights, and transfers. Incredibly, the group surpassed their goal of $100,000 within three days, showcasing the generosity of their community.
The group returned to the U.S. on Thursday night, landing at JFK Airport in New York. Melanie shared her relief in a text, stating, “We are so thankful!!!!! It’s surreal!!”
As the situation continues unfolding in the Middle East, nearly 24,000 Americans have returned home since the start of Operation Epic Fury. The U.S. State Department is actively monitoring the situation, urging citizens to remain cautious.
With ongoing conflicts and travel disruptions, the Carrolls express their gratitude while continuing to pray for those still trying to leave the region. This urgent situation emphasizes the unpredictable nature of travel in volatile areas and the strong community bonds that emerge during crises.
