Pike residents make it outof Israel

When attacks started on Feb. 28 in Iran, there were five Pike County residents visiting in Israel.
As Iran returned fire, airspaces were closed and cruise ships and tankers have been unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz with major airlines canceling flights to and from the area. After many days of time in bomb shelters and hastily developed travel plans, all five Pike residents returned safely home.

Stephanie Elder, executive assistant at Christ Chapel Zebulon, was with a group that she met when she arrived overseas. She and members of her group spent time in bomb shelters and were quickly moved from the city to rural areas. They traveled to France and were able to fly to the United States on March 4.
“Besides keeping me at complete peace and getting me home safely, your prayers showed me just how supported and loved I am. Y’all truly have no idea how much your words and interactions helped my mind get through this,” said Stephanie. “I won’t lie – I already miss Israel. Part of my heart is there, and it feels heavy for the people… not just there, but for all the innocent people who have to live with that kind of uncertainty every day. My prayer is that one day they will experience the freedom that we so often take for granted.”

She also shared an old Hebrew prayer the Jewish guide shared with the group as they began their journey to Egypt.

“May the God who called our father Abraham to journey into the unknown and guarded him and blessed him, protect us too and bless our journey. May His confidence support us as we set out, may His spirit be with us on the way and may He lead us back to our home in peace. We commend those we love to His care. He is with them, we shall not fear. As for ourselves, may His presence be our companion so that blessings may come to us and everyone we meet. Blessed are you, Lord, whose presence travels with his people.”

Two Pike couples – Brian and Ellen Carden and Chris and Cara Cook – were traveling with former pastor of First Baptist Zebulon Dr. Ed Hoard when the attacks started.

Members of the group returned to the United States March 7-8 as the group was split up with some remaining an extra night overseas.