A group of 40 members from Calvary Chapel Summerville in South Carolina faced unexpected challenges during a recent trip to Israel after violence erupted, forcing them to evacuate. The group had arrived in Israel on February 20, 2024, for an eight-day exploration of the Holy Land. They were just hours away from returning home on February 28, 2024, when airstrikes led to the closure of Israeli airspace.
As the situation escalated, the group found themselves stranded at the airport, unable to board their flight. Vic Carroll, the pastor of Calvary Chapel Summerville, shared the emotional weight of the situation, stating, “It felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders and I just prayed and prayed and prayed and asked God to give me wisdom.”
With the threat of ongoing violence, the group was instructed to shelter in place, frequently moving in and out of bomb shelters to stay safe. Faced with a critical decision, Carroll and the group considered whether to remain in Israel or travel by bus to Jordan, where they might catch a flight back to the United States. Carroll explained, “We ultimately made the decision between what was bad and what was worse. I thought the worst would be to stay.”
The journey to Jordan was fraught with tension. The group had been informed that if a siren sounded while on the road, they would need to stop, lie face down on the ground, and remain there for at least ten minutes until the threat passed. Fortunately, the group traveled safely to the airport in Jordan and boarded a flight out of the region on Thursday morning.
Despite the fear surrounding their situation, Carroll emphasized their reliance on faith, saying, “We’re just having to trust that we’re making the right decision, and this is our only option to get home, so we [were] just trusting in God.”
The group returned to the United States on Thursday night, landing at JFK Airport in New York City. Melanie Carroll, the pastor’s wife, expressed their relief in a text, exclaiming, “We are so thankful!!!!! It’s surreal!!”
The extended stay in Israel came at a significant financial cost. Melanie Carroll initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the increased expenses, which she estimated would be upwards of $2,500 per person for lodging, flights, and transfers. The group successfully raised their goal of $100,000 in less than three days.
As they settled back into their routine, the Carrolls continued to pray for others still trying to escape the Middle East. According to the State Department, nearly 24,000 Americans have returned to the United States following the onset of Operation Epic Fury, which has prompted a mass exodus from the region.