A group from Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham found themselves stuck in Israel after fighting broke out between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, but as of Oct. 9, they’ve traveled safely to Jordan and have flights booked to return to Alabama.
The team of 11 were in Israel for a missions trip when the conflict started but were “safe,” “secure” and “in a very good spot” by the time Pastor George Wright updated the congregation during their worship service Oct. 8.
On Oct. 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel from Gaza. On Oct. 8, Israel officially declared war on Hamas.
Praying for a safe way home
Wright said the church gathered “with a very heavy heart” in light of the conflict, and he called them to pray for peace in Jerusalem alongside praying for their missions team. He asked for prayer for them to find the “best, safest, wisest way to get across the border and get to where they can fly home,” and this morning (Oct. 9) a representative from the church said those prayers had been answered.
A group from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne has also been in Israel since Friday, according to the church’s Facebook page. As of Oct. 9, they were hoping to get out on a flight to the U.S. by way of Dubai later this week.
Baptist churches in Israel
Bader Mansour with the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel said the “situation in the southern part of Israel has been devastating; it brought us a deep feeling of sorrow, anger, confusion, and concern for the future.”
He said in the northern part of the country, where their association’s churches are primarily located, they are all safe.
“During this morning’s church service in Nazareth, many congregants found comfort in tearful prayers,” Mansour wrote in an email update Oct. 8. “Despite the continuous influx of bad news, the Lord encouraged us through songs and scripture.”
He asked for continued prayer:
- For a quick end to the war
- For those who have been wounded or are grieving the loss of loved ones
- For wisdom and discernment for leaders to make decisions that lead to lasting peace
- For local followers of Jesus to be shielded from extremism and hatred
- For God to empower the Church in Israel to be an effective witness during this time.
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