GOOD HOPE, Ala. – Daystar Church and Lead Pastor Jerry Lawson have set the wheels in motion to help Alabama residents leave Israel amid growing turmoil. Approximately 15-20 missionaries from the Birmingham area have been stranded in Israel, a country now embroiled in war with Palestinian militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel Saturday, Oct. 7. According to the Associated Press, “The war, which has claimed at least 1,900 lives on both sides, is expected to escalate.”
Lawson said he was approached by one of the families in his congregation who sought out the church’s help. He said he and his church have banded together and made plans that will hopefully bring the Alabamians home.
“They are in a relatively safe place, but they need to cross the border of Jordan,” said Lawson. “But they’re looking for safe passage across the border. We’re praying that there are no more attacks from the terrorists. We’re praying that the border to Jordan is not closed.”
Rescue efforts are being funded by Daystar and its congregation, along with help from the community.
Said Lawson, “Local people have been just trying to help out. I know one family in our church paid $1,800 for some hotel rooms for them to stay. The church has bought $25,000 worth of flights. They do have tickets to fly out on Friday the 13th; they have to get into Amman where they can fly back to America.”
Donations to the mission can be made to Daystar Church. Most of all, Lawson asked for prayers for all involved.
“We’re praying that there are no more attacks from the terrorists. We’re praying that the border to Jordan is not closed. And we’re praying for their safety,” he said. “And we’re praying for the peace of these family members here who are so worried about their family because they’ve seen the images of the horrible atrocities that are happening. We’re praying for their peace, and most of all for God to protect those people over there.”
