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This was the church of the holy sepulcher this morning. Submitted photo -
Immigration at the Jordanian border. Submitted photo -
Church group from Fernandina Beach trapped in Israel. Submitted photo
The Palestinian group Hamas carried out a surprise attack on Israel Sunday, Oct. 7. According to news reports, the death toll on Monday had risen to 1,600, 11 of whom were Americans, and an unknown number of Americans are missing.
In the states, learning about the conflict has depended on news sources, social media sites and second-hand reports from people in Israel. However, for a local group of 54 travelers, most from North Florida and Southern Georgia, the conflict is happening in real time, not far from where they are sleeping.
Pastor Zach Terry of the First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach is leading that group. He told the News-Leader the trip was planned over a year ago, when “it seems that all of Israel was unaware any trouble was brewing.” The group is on a historic learning trip, touring many of the sites where events mentioned in the Old and New Testaments occurred.
He said that, while his group is relatively far from the fighting, it is still affecting them.
“We are staying in Jerusalem. The central conflict is in the Gaza Strip,” Terry said. “It is around an hour and a half from us. A large number of missiles have been fired into Jerusalem, however. Israel’s Iron Dome Defence system has destroyed most of them so far. A few have landed within five miles of our hotel.”
He called his experience being a pastor in Israel at this moment in history “surreal.”
“It was a surreal experience to stand up on the Mount of Olives and read the words of Jesus from Matthew 24, ‘… you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…’ In the distance, we could see the smoke of war rising on the horizon.”
Terry said the group is adjusting their schedules and activities as needed.
“We are trying to ensure we are in safe quarters before the sun sets,” he said. “It seems most of the attacks happen after dark.”
The pastor said that while the group’s mood changes throughout the day, they are optimistic that they will “get through this.” However, understandably, “when we hear sirens, people get nervous.”
As to whether his group will come home earlier than planned, Terry said his chief priority is to get his group to a safe zone. He said Congressman Aaron Bean has “been a tremendous help as we discern the best route of action,” along with Senators Rubio and Scott.
The Israeli people, Terry said, are “are alert and aware but strangely accustomed to this sort of thing.” He said their Israeli tour guide went so far as to offer up his home if they were unable to stay in a hotel.
“The hospitality has been amazing,” he said. “They are very concerned that Americans are safe.”
Terry said his faith gives him hope that the war, and all wars, will end.
“We are confident in His promise that He will one day return and rule as King. On that day, swords will be made into plowshares and tanks into farm tractors. Until then, we are trusting him to get us through this,” he said, adding the request, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”
jroberts@fbnewsleader.com
