Syria: Wells dug on church grounds amid water shortages

Barnabas Fund partners in Aleppo are digging water wells in church grounds (Photo: Barnabas Fund)

Church grounds are being used to source new water wells in the embattled Syrian city of Aleppo.

The wells are being dug by a Barnabas Fund partner in Christian areas of the city to provide clean water for around 400,000 residents.

The city has seen some of the worst fighting in the conflict and residents are struggling to cope with the chronic shortages of food, water and other basic items.

The shortages have been exacerbated by a blockade imposed last month by opposition fighters.

According Barnabas Fund, the city's main water supply was damaged last year and the back-up pump can only meet half of the demand. Some parts of the city are only receiving water for a few hours twice a month.

Barnabas Fund's Aleppo partners are refurbishing existing underutilised water wells and digging new ones in land belonging to churches, Christian schools and other Christian bodies.

There are plans to create 14 wells in total.

In addition to supporting the water project, Barnabas Fund is distributing hygiene kits in the city and covering the cost of medicine and medical treatment for residents.

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund said: "Christians in Aleppo are in particular need of our prayers and support at this time as a rebel blockade restricts the movement of people and goods in and out of the city."

News
Royal aides attempt to ease fears about Prince William's faith
Royal aides attempt to ease fears about Prince William's faith

The Prince of Wales has never publicly indicated holding any form of personal Christian faith.

Who’s shaping our kids? Why the Church must engage with today's hyper sexualised culture
Who’s shaping our kids? Why the Church must engage with today's hyper sexualised culture

Given that our young are living in a hyper-sexualised, post-Christian world, they need the best possible strategies to enable them to thrive.  

UK investor offers to buy church and give it rent-free to Christian ministry
UK investor offers to buy church and give it rent-free to Christian ministry

A local businessman and YouTuber known for offering controversial wealth-creation advice says he is so frustrated by empty church buildings in England that he has offered to buy one and rent it free of charge to a Christian community willing to use it for worship, evangelism and serving the homeless.

Report raises concerns about anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe
Report raises concerns about anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe

Dozens of anti-Christian incidents were recorded in February, including a violent assault on Christians at a pro-life event in Germany.