The Attacks on Israel Trapped Tourists From First Baptist Church Fernandina Beach, Causing Many To Work Together
“Hamas is a terrorist organization working with other organizations like Hezbollah, and it’s evil. We need to see it put to an end,” Terry explained because he and the group were so close to the attacks.
The gruesome attack on Israel by Hamas and other terrorist organizations came as a surprise—by land, sea, and air. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation in a video message, providing encouragement and declaring war.
“There are good people in the Gaza Strip. There are good people in Israel,” Terry said while the group was still in the Middle East. Christian leaders, including David Jeremiah and Greg Laurie, continue to urge others to pray for Israel.
An overwhelming number of friends, family members, and those praying reached out to the group while they were stuck in the Middle East. “We got hundreds, thousands of text messages, Twitter, Facebook, you name it. It’s just been overwhelming, the response, especially here on the First Coast,” Terry said.
Rep. Aaron Bean of Fernandina Beach attends First Baptist Church and did what he could to get the entire group home. Bean shared with News4Jax, “This is my pastor from the First Baptist Church. So we’ve got tons of friends, and we’ve actually got staff members who have family members on that trip, so bringing them home safe is our No. 1 responsibility.”
Other government officials, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, and members of the State Department, were helping with communication to bring the U.S. citizens home.
