Just hours before their flight was expected to leave Israel Saturday, 41 church members from Calvary Chapel Summerville found themselves caught in the newly launched war on Iran.
“They were in line for security check points and the alarm goes off,” says Assistant Pastor Charles Timmerman. “And they had to shut down the airport.”
Timmerman did not attend the religious retreat, but he’s been in close contact with church members now stranded in the Middle East. He says they were forced to leave the airport and return to their hotel in Jerusalem as explosions roared overhead.
“And in one case, one of the missiles or the debris from a missile perhaps, impacted within 300 yards of their hotel,” says Timmerman.
The assistant pastor says the group had to hole up in a bomb shelter at least 30 times over a 24-hour period.
Among the group is Senior Pastor Vic Carroll. He posted a video on social media Sunday from what looks to be a hotel room, letting people at home know the group is okay.
“We so appreciate your prayers,” said Carroll. “We’re safe. We are trusting in the lord.”
Timmerman won’t say exactly where the church members are now, to protect their safety. But he says they are hoping to get a flight home either Thursday or Friday.
What’s more, Timmerman says, the group has heard from South Carolina leaders, Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham as well as Congresswoman Nancy Mace who are all assisting with their safe return.
While the congregation waits, Timmerman says they’ve been getting calls from people who oppose the war. He says some of those calls, although not direct threats, have been concerning. So, the church has increased security and alerted local authorities.
And even though church members were stranded Sunday, Timmerman says they held worship services in a bomb shelter.
“My pastor said it was one of the sweetest moments that they've ever had in a worship service, and they will remember it forever.”
Meantime, the church has started a GoFundMe to help pay for the group’s extended travel expenses.
