A pastor from Ossipee who was visiting Israel when war began with Iran has been able to return to New Hampshire.Marc Swenson, pastor at First Congregational Church of Ossipee, was touring religious sites with his wife, Ruth, when fighting broke out.The Swensons were part of a group of 50 people visiting the northern part of Israel. Shortly after they got to Jerusalem, sirens started going off, warning of potential rocket fire.”As the pastor that we were there with was teaching this group of folks that were on this holy tour – and it was actually talking about Jesus’ return, which is supposed to happen on the Mount of Olives – as he’s teaching, the sirens began to blare, and it was absolutely surreal,” Marc Swenson said.They said church leaders and an Israeli guide found a route to go south. The Swensons said they drove through Egypt before flying home last week. They also said they’re grateful for the support of their neighbors and their faith community.
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
A pastor from Ossipee who was visiting Israel when war began with Iran has been able to return to New Hampshire.
Marc Swenson, pastor at First Congregational Church of Ossipee, was touring religious sites with his wife, Ruth, when fighting broke out.
The Swensons were part of a group of 50 people visiting the northern part of Israel. Shortly after they got to Jerusalem, sirens started going off, warning of potential rocket fire.
“As the pastor that we were there with was teaching this group of folks that were on this holy tour – and it was actually talking about Jesus’ return, which is supposed to happen on the Mount of Olives – as he’s teaching, the sirens began to blare, and it was absolutely surreal,” Marc Swenson said.
They said church leaders and an Israeli guide found a route to go south. The Swensons said they drove through Egypt before flying home last week.
They also said they’re grateful for the support of their neighbors and their faith community.