Calvary Chapel members in Summerville, South Carolina, returned safely Sunday after being stranded in Israel amid escalating Middle East military operations during their annual church trip.
Stranded Experience
The group of about 40, including first-timer Valorie McClelland, was in Tel Aviv—three hours from boarding a flight—when fighting erupted, triggering repeated phone and hotel alarms with terrifying sirens. Pastor Vic Carrol described evacuating to a bunker as a missile struck 300 yards away, feeling a pressure “whoosh” shake the building during the rush from meals or sleep.
Journey Home
They endured four extra days in the chaos before a grueling 27-hour trip back, greeted at church with tears, hugs, flowers, and overwhelming joy. McClelland empathized with locals facing this as daily reality, noting the surreal departure that didn’t fully feel like “coming home” or leaving.
Church Reaction
Carrol called it more than a service—a emotional homecoming celebrating divine protection—highlighting the congregation’s relief after global tensions trapped them near the conflict’s front lines.
