A Church Escapes War in Israel, Finds Safety in Jordan
A North Florida church with a group of 54 safely crossed the Jordanian border this weekend after a violent war between Israel and Hamas threatened to trap them overseas.
Zach Terry, the pastor of First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach, told The Epoch Times that it is his church’s fifth pilgrimage to Israel, but never before was a trip cut short due to the sound of aerial rocket blasts and machine gun fire echoing in the streets below their rooms.
“It didn’t seem real. It was like watching a movie,” Mr. Terry said. “The city sounds would drown out the explosions during the day, but we could hear them in the distance at night. The automatic weapons were much closer. We hoped it was coming from Israelis rather than Hamas.”
Saturday morning was supposed to start with a calm boat ride over the Sea of Galilee before heading to Capernaum, the city Jesus Christ adopted as a home after being driven out of Nazareth, written in the New Testament.
But instead, the group awoke that day to the noise of war erupting.
“We first heard about the attacks Saturday morning, the 7th. At the time, we were in northern Israel, near Tiberius. Our group began to receive notifications via social media” regarding Hamas’s military invasion, Mr. Terry said.
The congregation quickly changed their plans and moved to Jerusalem to get closer to the United States Embassy. Soon, Mr. Terry realized he needed to get his people to safety outside the boundaries of Israel. The best solution was escaping into Jordan, the closest safe zone, he said.
Mr. Terry explained that border crossings into Jordan were unpredictable and would close randomly, without notice. When he and his group found a viable route, they waited more than four hours to cross the Jordanian border.
Members of First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach wait to cross the border into Jordan after escaping from Israel following its war declaration on Hamas. (Courtesy of First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach)
“As we drove into Jordan that night, the streets were filled with boys and men,” he said. “At first, we were concerned that this may be an attempt to disrupt those coming into the country, but we discovered this was their custom, and there was nothing to worry about.”
Mr. Terry and his group breathed calmly again after arriving in Jordan and experiencing their warm hospitality, he said.
They all stayed in touch with family and friends through social media while also receiving a bombardment of posts, with some deliberately spreading misinformation, Mr. Terry said.
“Our local friends were super helpful in filtering true from fake news,” he said.
“The people were most concerned when we woke up each morning, as we read the news from overnight. As the day went on, they settled down and trusted the process.”
To keep church members calm and distracted from the bloodshed, Mr. Terry took his group on trips to Petra and Mount Nebo while staying in Jordan. But now, they are coordinating flights back to Florida.
“Our interruption was the least of our worries. The Jewish people have endured warfare since the days of Abraham. Hamas attacked without any concern for ethnicity, religion, or civilian status. What they did was beyond brutal; it was demonic,” he said.
U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) and his wife are First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach members and heard about the onslaught the same way as most—through news and social media.
U.S. Congressman (R-Fla.) Aaron Bean poses in front of a “Stand with Israel” sign. (Courtesy of Rep. Aaron Bean)
After texting with several friends in the church group and realizing all flights in and out of Israel had stopped, Mr. Bean contacted the State Department to get his congregation registered for aid.
His congressional team went full hands on deck, looking for available flights at airports in neighboring countries like Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon, as well as private charters.
Mr. Bean’s next-door neighbor, U.S. Congressman Cory Mills (R-Fla.), personally rescued 32 Americans from Israel this week and is hoping to make return trips for more citizens left stranded in the war zone.
Mr. Bean said the most important thing to do for any American in Israel right now is to contact the State Department and register immediately.
“If they have not told the United States government that they are there and that they need help getting out, they’re not counted,” he said.
“We’re not going to rest until they’re on American soil again,” Mr. Bean added.
“My heart aches for anybody that suffered this extreme, brutal violence, and it’s just unspeakable,” he said.
“Any civilized person will recognize [Hamas] are brutal savages, that there’s no rehabilitation, there’s no negotiation—they have to be eliminated. Doing what they’ve done, they’ve forfeited the right to coexist—there is no coexisting with people that want to do this,” Mr. Bean said. “They’re terrorists, and they want to instill terror.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Thursday to provide “logistical, rescue, and evacuation operations” to Floridians and other Americans stuck in Israel who wish to return home.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 19, 2022. (Wade Vandervort/AFP via Getty Images)
“Today, I signed an executive order authorizing rescue operations in Israel to bring Floridians home and transport supplies to our allies. We will not leave our residents behind. To the many Floridians who are stuck in Israel, trying to get home—help is on the way,” Mr. DeSantis wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
His order mentioned requests from Americans stranded in Israel who are struggling to find flights home through the U.S. Embassies in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The order utilizes resources from the Florida Division of Emergency Management to bring Floridians and other citizens who are immobilized in the war-torn country home.
While searching for return flights, Mr. Terry discussed past Israel visits and a trip to Greece that followed the travels of the Apostle Paul. He and other First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach members are planning a future journey to Egypt to follow the Exodus of Moses in the Old Testament.
Mr. Terry’s current group consists of church members and listeners to his church’s radio ministry service, Maximum Life.
Once the conflict ends and the dust from rocket explosions and gunfire finally settles, Mr. Terry plans to return to Israel with his congregation.
“When, and if, things settle down, we will return. The land and the people are dear to our hearts. Israel is like a second home,” he said.
Mr. Bean urges anyone still trapped in Israel to immediately contact the U.S. State Department by filling out a form or by calling 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.
What impact did the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas have on the church members’ experience in Jordan?
Hospitality. They were welcomed by the local community and provided with shelter and food for the duration of their stay in Jordan.
While the group was relieved to have escaped the violence in Israel, their hearts were heavy as they saw news reports of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. They worried for the safety of their loved ones back in the United States and prayed for peace to prevail in the region.
During their time in Jordan, the members of First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach took the opportunity to visit various historical and religious sites, including the ancient city of Petra and the baptismal site of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River. They found solace and inspiration in these sacred places, strengthening their faith and bringing them closer together as a community.
Through this harrowing experience, the church members learned the importance of solidarity and support in times of crisis. They were grateful for the collaboration and assistance they received from various organizations and individuals, both in Israel and Jordan, who helped them navigate the uncertain circumstances and find safety.
As they prepare to return to their homes in North Florida, the group plans to share their story and raise awareness about the impact of conflicts on innocent civilians. They hope to inspire others to seek peaceful resolutions and promote understanding and empathy among different communities and nations.
The church members are also immensely grateful for the support and prayers they received from their families, friends, and fellow church members back home. The outpouring of love and concern reminded them of the power of faith and community, even in the face of adversity.
While the journey to Israel was cut short, the experience has left a lasting impression on the members of First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach. They have emerged stronger and more resilient, cherishing the blessings of safety and peace, and vowing to continue their mission of spreading love and compassion to all.
In this challenging time, their story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and the opportunity to find refuge and solace in the arms of those who extend care and support.
