Florida Church Group Rescued From Israel Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict

Members of GT Church in Florida were visiting Israel when tensions escalated, leaving them stranded until a private rescue group intervened.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Members of a Florida church were visiting Israel when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks. The group, led by Pastor Randy Helms, scrambled for shelter as sirens sounded repeatedly, but said they received no help from U.S. authorities in trying to return home. Eventually, they were able to connect with a private rescue organization, Grey Bull Rescue, which helped evacuate the group from Israel.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the challenges faced by American citizens caught in the middle of geopolitical conflicts abroad, and the limitations of government assistance in rapidly evolving crisis situations. It also underscores the role that private rescue organizations can play in filling gaps when official channels fall short.

The details

The group from GT Church in Florida was visiting Israel when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks. Pastor Randy Helms said sirens sounded 17 or 18 times, forcing the group to rush to bomb shelters. Desperate to return home, Helms said he contacted U.S. authorities for help but received none. Eventually, they connected with Grey Bull Rescue, a private organization that was able to quickly evacuate the group from Israel.

  • On Saturday, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
  • Sirens sounded 17 or 18 times in Tiberius, where the Florida group was staying.
  • The Florida group was able to cross the border out of Israel on an undisclosed date.

The players

Randy Helms

Pastor of GT Church in Florida, who was leading a group visiting Israel when the conflict escalated.

Bryan Stern

Founder of Grey Bull Rescue, the private organization that helped evacuate the Florida group from Israel.

Scott Wayne

An Aventura, Florida resident who is still stuck in Jerusalem and struggling to get assistance.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz

A U.S. Representative from Florida, whom Scott Wayne contacted for help in getting out of Israel.

U.S. State Department

The government agency that is urging Americans to depart Middle Eastern countries and is in contact with approximately 3,000 Americans looking to leave the region.

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What they’re saying

“We contacted the State Department, anyone else we could think of to help us. Called airlines, called travel agents. You get no help. No one could help us get out of Israel.”

— Randy Helms, Pastor, GT Church (cbsnews.com)

“Big thing with us is that we have no bureaucracy. I don't answer to anybody. The only people I answer to are the people we're trying to rescue.”

— Bryan Stern, Founder, Grey Bull Rescue (cbsnews.com)

“I've contacted the White House. I've contacted the STEP department. I've sent multiple emails to Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and I can't get any help getting out of Israel.”

— Scott Wayne, Aventura Resident (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The U.S. State Department has announced it will begin chartering flights to evacuate Americans from the Middle East, though it remains unclear when those flights will begin.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges faced by American citizens caught in the middle of geopolitical conflicts abroad, and the limitations of government assistance in rapidly evolving crisis situations. It also underscores the important role that private rescue organizations can play in filling gaps when official channels fall short.