Area church group safely evacuates Israel as war escalates with Iran

30 residents from the Twin Lakes Area touring the Holy Land say they are all safe and waiting to return home after a last minute evacuation.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A group of 30 residents from the Twin Lakes Area in Arkansas, led by Pastor Sam and Annette Bailey of Twin Lakes Baptist Church, were touring Israel when they were informed over the weekend that they would need to evacuate immediately due to escalating military operations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The group quickly gathered their belongings and traveled by bus, crossing into Egypt shortly after midnight on Saturday.

Why it matters

The evacuation of the church group highlights the growing tensions and potential for conflict in the Middle East, as the United States, Israel, and Iran engage in military operations. The safety of American citizens traveling abroad is a major concern, and this incident underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness when visiting regions with geopolitical instability.

The details

The group, organized by David Huckabee, son of former Arkansas governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, had been visiting Jerusalem and Bethlehem and participating in a baptism in the Jordan River. While eating lunch, they were informed they would need to leave Israel immediately. The group quickly gathered their belongings and traveled by bus, crossing into Egypt shortly after midnight on Saturday.

  • The group was informed they would need to evacuate over the weekend.
  • The group crossed into Egypt shortly after midnight on Saturday.

The players

Sam and Annette Bailey

Pastor and his wife from Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas, who were leading the group touring Israel.

David Huckabee

The son of former Arkansas governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who organized the tour group.

Mike Huckabee

Former Arkansas governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

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What they’re saying

“We are very fortunate to have crossed out of Israel when we did.”

— Brother Sam (KTLO)

“The group has leaned on their faith and each other to remain calm through the tense ordeal.”

— Brother Sam (KTLO)

What’s next

The group plans to fly home directly from Cairo, Egypt on Monday evening and go straight to Washington D.C.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for American travelers to be vigilant and prepared when visiting regions with geopolitical instability, as the safety of citizens abroad is a major concern for the U.S. government. The quick action and calm response of the church group during the evacuation likely prevented a more serious situation.