A group of Texas churchgoers on a mission trip to Niger was evacuated after being stranded in the country following a military coup that toppled the democratic government.
Thirteen members of the Harmony Hill Baptist Church in east Texas were on a mission trip to Niger when a group of mutinous soldiers overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. The United States quickly announced its opposition to the coup, along with France, which is threatening military intervention. The political situation has raised the possibility of violence toward Westerners, including the members of the mission trip, who were stranded after the junta closed the country's airspace.
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Adding to Harmony Hill's worries was White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby's announcement on Tuesday that the U.S. would not be participating in evacuation flights, as it felt U.S. citizens were not under threat.
Nevertheless, intervention from several U.S. officials helped to arrange a spot on an Italian evacuation flight, according to the church. The group was flown to Rome, Italy, where they will soon depart and be flown back to Texas.
"The tireless dedication of the church community and the prayers of countless individuals have borne fruit as the missionary team embarked on their journey back home from Niger. Last night, the Lord's divine providence opened a way for the team's homeward journey, marking a joyful moment of triumph and celebration for the entire congregation," a press release from the church read, adding that the congregation had been praying for their safe return every night.
The church specifically named Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), and Lufkin Mayor Mark Hicks as "making the missionary team's repatriation a priority." It also thanked representatives from Italy for making space on the flight.
Speaking with the Washington Examiner, Harmony Hills Baptist Church TechArts Coordinator Charles Roberds said the church will refrain from giving media interviews for now. He provided a picture of the mission trip group, which took a selfie after reaching safety in Rome.
In a statement, Cruz expressed his appreciation to the State Department and Sessions for their role in the evacuation.
“Heidi and I thank God that students from Harmony Hill Baptist Church who had been traveling and trapped in Niger are now on their way home," he said. "I want to express my deep appreciation to officials and staffers at the U.S. State Department, who ensured the safety and eventual evacuation of these young Texans. They worked tirelessly and stayed in constant contact with me and Representative Pete Sessions, as well as the church and the parents of these kids. This was an incredibly delicate and dangerous situation and everyone is grateful it has been resolved.”
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Sessions, who represents the district where the church is from, expressed his satisfaction over the result to the Texas Tribune.
“They worked around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of our young Texans,” Sessions said. “Their families back home can now rest easy.”