Columbus Pastor Travels to India and Middle East for Mission Work Amid Conflicts

Pastor Eddie Parker and his wife shift travel plans to reach their destinations safely despite regional tensions.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A central Ohio pastor, Eddie Parker, and his wife are planning to travel to India and the Middle East this week for their annual mission work. However, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, their original travel plans have been disrupted. They will now take a longer route through Asia to reach India, and Pastor Parker also plans to spend time mentoring other pastors in Abu Dhabi, if the airspace reopens.

Why it matters

Pastor Parker and his wife have been traveling to Hyderabad, India for 11 years, providing essential supplies and training local church leaders. Their mission work highlights the challenges and risks faith-based organizations face when operating in regions with political and military tensions, but also their commitment to serving communities in need despite the obstacles.

The details

Pastor Eddie Parker serves at The Word Church of God in Christ in Columbus, Ohio. He and his wife were originally supposed to fly to the United Arab Emirates and then travel to India, but due to the conflict in the Middle East, the airspace is currently shut down. They have now adjusted their route to fly through Japan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka to reach India, which will take over 54 hours of travel time. In addition to delivering essential medical supplies, Pastor Parker also plans to spend a few days mentoring other pastors in Abu Dhabi if the airspace reopens.

  • Pastor Parker and his wife were originally supposed to depart this week for their mission trip.
  • Due to the conflict in the Middle East, they had to shift their travel plans on Saturday.

The players

Pastor Eddie Parker

A pastor at The Word Church of God in Christ in Columbus, Ohio, who has been traveling to Hyderabad, India for mission work for the past 11 years.

The Word Church of God in Christ

The church where Pastor Eddie Parker serves in Columbus, Ohio.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're not being neglectful with our safety. We are being very wise. But we are definitely going because I can't stay home and be safe when I know someone else is in harm's way.”

— Pastor Eddie Parker (abc6onyourside.com)

“It has changed my focus quite a bit. I brush my teeth, and the water runs. They don't have water to run like that. They don't have heated water. They don't have refrigeration. The things that we take for granted are luxuries for them. But they're some of the happiest people on the face of the earth.”

— Pastor Eddie Parker (abc6onyourside.com)

“We can't control or manage world politics and world wars. What we can do is we can manage our mental health through meditation, through prayer, through focus. And what we do is we draw close to what we have, loving those who are with us and appreciating what we have, and living in the present, and not fearing what could happen. Danger is a reality, but fear is a choice. Fear is a choice. And if we choose not to fear, do the simple things and leave the deep things to God.”

— Pastor Eddie Parker (abc6onyourside.com)

What’s next

Pastor Parker is hoping the airspace in the Middle East reopens so he can complete his planned visit to Abu Dhabi to mentor other pastors before returning to the United States.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges and risks faith-based organizations face when conducting mission work in regions with political and military tensions, but also their unwavering commitment to serving communities in need despite the obstacles. Pastor Parker's message of managing fear through faith and focusing on the present resonates during uncertain times.