Lufkin church group rescued from war-torn Niger
Posted/updated on: August 4, 2023 at 12:33 am
LUFKIN – The Texas Tribune reports that members of an East Texas church have been safely relocated to Rome on Wednesday after being stuck in Niger during a coup, according to U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions’ office. The rescue mission was orchestrated by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger. This week, Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin raised concerns about 12 members of its congregation who were in Niamey on a mission trip. As the group found shelter, the church held nightly prayer services in hopes of their safe return. Their concerns grew as Niger’s airspace closed and White House officials said there are no plans to evacuate the American citizens in the country, while European countries were moving to do so.
“We are thankful that our team is currently in a safe place, and we are incredibly proud of their positive attitude and steadfast faith,” the church said in a statement Tuesday.
As a way to keep the Harmony Hill members safe, the church said it would not release specific details, names, activities or their locations.
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