UPDATE: A group of forty members from Calvary Chapel Summerville in South Carolina has finally returned to the United States after being stranded in Israel for nearly a week amid escalating violence. Their return comes just days after travel plans were derailed when airstrikes prompted the closure of Israel’s airspace.
The group arrived in Israel on February 20 for an eight-day journey, with their flight scheduled to depart on February 28. However, chaos erupted as the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, forcing travelers to evacuate the airport just three hours before takeoff. Vic Carroll, pastor of Calvary Chapel Summerville, described the tense situation, stating, “It felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders and I just prayed and prayed and prayed.”
During their time in Israel, members of the group were forced to shelter in place, frequently moving to bomb shelters for safety. Faced with uncertainty, Carroll had to make a critical decision: stay put or take a bus to Jordan in hopes of securing a flight home. “We ultimately made the decision between what was bad and what was worse,” he explained. “We were instructed that if a siren goes off while we were on the road, the bus would pull over, and we would all need to get on the ground.”
Miraculously, the group made it safely to the airport in Jordan and boarded a flight back to the U.S. on Thursday morning. Before leaving, Carroll expressed their fear yet unwavering faith, stating, “We’re just having to trust that we’re making the right decision. This is our only option to get home.”
The group landed at JFK Airport in New York on Thursday night, with Melanie Carroll, Vic’s wife, exclaiming via text, “We are so thankful!!!!! It’s surreal!!” Unfortunately, the sudden extension of their trip led to significant costs, with expenses rising to over $2,500 per person. To assist with these unforeseen costs, Melanie created a GoFundMe page, surpassing their goal of $100,000 in under three days.
As the situation continues to unfold, the couple is praying for others still trapped in the region. According to the U.S. State Department, nearly 24,000 Americans have returned to the U.S. since the onset of Operation Epic Fury last week, highlighting the urgent need for assistance and safe passage for those affected.
The emotional toll of this harrowing experience underscores the human impact of ongoing conflicts in the region. As the situation develops, families and friends await news of their loved ones still in the Middle East, hoping for their safe return.