As winter begins to descend on war-ravaged Syria, Barnabas Fund is providing heaters and blankets for displaced Christian families to help them survive the impending bitter weather.
In the last week, we have sent funds for 1,500 heaters and 3,750 blankets, which our partners on the ground will distribute to the most vulnerable Christians. The cold is yet another threat to the besieged Christian community, many of whom have been driven from their homes by the violence and lost their income in a country that is increasingly hostile to their presence.
We are continuing to meet other needs, including food, milk for babies and medicine. A committee comprising representatives from all Christian groups in Syria and Lebanon is distributing aid from Barnabas Fund to those trapped in the war-torn country as well as those who have fled across the border.
The situation of Christians in Syria today has never been worse. Churches are still being attacked… Christians are increasingly targeted by the armed extremists through kidnap or summary executions. The death toll of Christians has sharply risen, which poses legitimate concerns among Christians about the grim future awaiting them if extremists reach power.
Islamist factions among the anti-government forces are growing in strength and confidence. Rejecting the new Western-backed National Coalition for Syrian Opposition and Revolutionary Forces, Islamist groups in the key battleground of Aleppo last week declared an Islamic state.
They have been wreaking havoc among the dwindling Christian community there for many months. A number of churches have been deliberately destroyed, and at the end of October, a church leader was brutally murdered.
Earlier this month, we received news that two members of staff from the Syrian Bible Society had been kidnapped in Aleppo and a ransom of 10 million Syrian Pounds (£90,000; US$140,000) demanded. Eventually they were both released unharmed.
Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, said:
Winters in the Middle East can be extremely bitter, and the cold weather will compound the suffering of the Christian community in Syria. The small contribution of a blanket or heater makes a significant difference, not only relieving the physical discomfort of a Christian family, but also reminding them that their plight has not been forgotten by their brothers and sisters overseas.
