A group of Texans say they are grateful to be home.
What began as a trip of a lifetime to Israel for a group of Texas pastors and their church members suddenly turned chaotic when the Middle East strikes began.
“We became a part of history without realizing we were going to become a part of it,” said Nic Collins of Rockwall.
The group was on the first leg of their journey in northern Israel when sirens began to sound. They were forced to return to their hotel and seek safety in bomb shelters.
“It was really packed in there, tight with people from the hotels and locals. Everybody was kind to each other and loving, but everybody was worried about what was happening,” Collins said.
Collins organized the trip and documented their experience on his Facebook page.
His videos of missile strikes and their journey through Israeli and Egyptian checkpoints were viewed thousands of times.
He said the most difficult moment came when the travel agency informed them that they were on their own in trying to get home.
“Had some real tight days there where we were wondering because the planes were filling up, flights were selling out, some of the seats were up to $7,000 a seat. We couldn’t afford that,” Collins said.
Their growing following on social media brought prayers from all over the world. Some people sent funds to cover costs.
The last leg of their journey included multiple flights and delays, 29 hours of travel from Cairo to Washington D.C. to Houston to DFW.
“It’s good to be in Texas soil,” said Pastor Scott Matthews. “I told my wife I wanted to kiss the ground. She wouldn’t let me, so I kissed her lips when they landed that plane. Praise the Lord that we’re here.”
A journey to the Holy Land that became a test of faith.
“I’ve been a pastor for 13 years, but my faith is even stronger now because of what I’ve just experienced,” Matthews said.
The group said they are thankful for the many people in Israel and Egypt who helped them in their journey home and will continue to pray for peace in the region.
Great Job Katy Blakey & the Team @ NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth for sharing this story.
