Dunlap missionaries barely escape Israel before Hamas attacks

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) — Dunlap missionaries, Debbie and Gerald Morrison, departed from Jerusalem just before bombing started on Saturday.

Debbie said, “Thirty minutes after we crossed the border, they shut the border. Then we’re like… Now what do we do?”

The Morrisons have taken groups to Israel for years with their nonprofit Serenity Pointe. 

What was supposed to be a two week longer trip was cut short by Hamas attacks.

The Morrisons would have been in the direct area that was hit this week if they stayed according to their schedule.

The missionaries were in between groups with three days off when they decided to go to Jordan to see Petra.  

“We booked to go to Jordan at the last minute. We were on the bus thirty minutes before the bombing started. We crossed the border and thirty minutes later the border closed. To such a time as this, there’s a purpose. And we’re home. So while we’re home, we want to make a difference,” Co-Founder of Serenity Pointe Debbie Morrison said.

The couple had to fly through three countries and three airlines in order to get back to their home in Dunlap. 

Debbie said there are still Americans in Israel that have yet to return. 

“30% of the economy for Israel is tourism. And there are several Tennessee groups that by the busloads, have not been able to leave Israel. So please pray that everyone does make it home safely,” Debbie added.

The Morrisons are happy to be back in Tennessee where they can support Israel from over here.  

“It didn’t stop when we got on a plane and came home. We have been contacted probably by ten sources already in Israel asking us to please send things. Israel as a whole is a small country. They don’t have a whole lot of manufacturing in it. This ministry for years has already sent items of need to it. And I have a long list of things we’ve already been asked to send,” Debbie added.

Debbie said Tennesseans can help Israelis through donations and supplies. 

“It’s not good. And Israel as a whole, our friends who are there, are telling us they’re expecting it to get worse before it gets better,” Debbie said.

Serenity Pointe has funded two bomb shelters in Israel where the recent attacks have taken place.

Debbie said she is so thankful they were able to bring these resources years ago before the attacks occurred.

“Let’s gather Chattanoogans, let’s gather Tennesseans, and let’s help make this humanitarian thing continue on even though we’re not there in person,” Debbie said.

They want to raise awareness of the impact of this war and how Americans can support Israelis.

For more information on their ministry, visit https://serenitypointe.org/why-israel-matters/.