Longtime news anchor and Kids to Love founder Lee Marshall is headed home after sheltering in Israel amid the escalating conflict, where she traveled with approximately 120 female leaders on a faith-based mission trip.
Marshall, widely known across North Alabama for her work advocating for foster children, has long said her love for children drives her mission. But that compassion extends far beyond one community — reaching people of all ages around the world.
She is currently in the Sea of Galilee region as part of an Eagles’ Wings “Awakened and Empowered” women’s leadership delegation. The 10-day trip brought together female leaders from around the globe for what organizers describe as an intentional act of solidarity and prayer for Israel.
“We are secure,” Marshall said in a Facebook Live update.
Lisa Nelson of Eagles’ Wings echoed that reassurance: “We are secure. 100%.”
Marshall said the group sheltered at a modern resort built with bomb shelters, including three bombproof floors. Throughout one day, the delegation moved in and out of shelters as alerts sounded across the region.
“We’ve been in and out of bomb shelters ten, fifteen times today,” she said, comparing the alerts to tornado warnings in Alabama — except for the possibility of missile strikes.
According to Marshall, the most intense fighting was two to three hours away from their location. However, the Tel Aviv airport had been closed, and the observance of Shabbat has further complicated travel logistics.
During the ordeal, the delegation worked through contingency plans to cut the trip short and return the women home safely.
“We knew that this trip could be at risk before we came,” Marshall said. “We still came.”
As U.S. ships and aircraft operated in the region, Marshall reflected on her hometown’s role in national defense and the fact she felt secure.
“I just think about the irony of Huntsville’s role in national defense,” she said. “That’s what we do at home and we build that.”
Huntsville — home to Redstone Arsenal and a cornerstone of the nation’s missile defense industry — has deep ties to the military presence Marshall referenced.
The ministry leading the trip, Eagles’ Wings, issued a public statement affirming support for joint U.S.–Israel efforts and asked for prayers for U.S. Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces.
“Our Awakened and Empowered Women’s Leadership Mission is currently there and is safely sheltered at this time,” the organization stated.
Marshall said the women have spent extended time in prayer and worship during the escalation.
“We literally seized the moment today and spent over two hours in prayer and praise,” she said.
Marshall shared a video of one of the group’s worship-filled moments.
“It’s actually an honor to be here,” she said. “You trust Him completely or you don’t.”
Born into foster care and adopted at age two, Marshall spent 20 years in television news before launching Kids to Love in 2004. The nonprofit has since impacted more than 300,000 foster children through housing initiatives, workforce training, and trauma-focused mental health services.
Her background in trauma therapy has also proved relevant during this trip.
“There are many here on our team that have been working this morning… with ladies that are dealing with the trauma associated with bombs going off in the region,” she said.
Marshall said while the delegation remained sheltered near the Sea of Galilee, they worried about when they would be allowed to return home, while many of the locals serving as tour guides had greater worries.
“We’re worried about leaving,” she said of the visiting group. “They’re worried about living.”
Today, Marshall shared that the journey home has begun.
“We are making the journey home. Everything went as planned today and we are good!!” Marshall wrote in a social media post.
Marshall reminded everyone the group still has a long way to travel before they reach home and prayers are still appreciated.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
