Shannon Elliott shares, husband and daughter shelter in place in Isreal

Davidson Local intern Riley Elliott and Father County Commissioner Chris Elliott posed for a photo before being trapped during missile attacks. {Contributed Photo}

Operation Epic Fury=
God’s new itinerary

On February 25 my husband (Chris) and 17 yr. old daughter (Riley) landed in Israel to embark on a life changing  adventure. The plan was to see where David fought Goliath, cross the Sea of Galilee, visit the Temple Mount, float in the Dead Sea, see where the battle of Armageddon will happen and so much more. Riley was the most excited about having her dad re-baptize her in the Jordan.  She wanted to walk and explore the land of her Savior. On February 28, that itinerary went out the door and God said have y’all not learned anything. I have plans that may not line up with yours. On that morning Operation Epic Fury began. On that day the whole trip flipped from a non stop hands on biblical experience to shelter in place. As the sirens sounded they sought refuge in bunkers. And Riley sought refuge in journaling a thought. I’m going to share what she sent to me:

“Personally, I first came to Israel to go on a pilgrimage. I came to visit the holy sites, go on tours and learn more about the bible. But now I see that God had a different plan and more in store. Too many times in America we don’t realize how lucky we are to go through our day to day lives safely. Not to worry about bunkers and sheltering in place. This has opened my eyes as to how I need to put more faith and trust in God. Even though we are hearing bombs and sirens going off we must have the faith of a mustard seed to perserve and make it through. I may not have been able to re-baptized in the Jordan and finish my journey but I know I’m going to come back with a story to tell, one that will hopefully change lives.” ~Riley

Be thankful for the small things, it could change in the blink of an eye!

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”