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
Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett asks evangelist whether he's going to hell
Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett asks evangelist whether he's going to hell

Apologist Wes Huff explained what decides who goes to Heaven or Hell to influencer and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett.

Christian charity fears for struggling mums amid funding cuts
Christian charity fears for struggling mums amid funding cuts

Christian charity launches Mother’s Day campaign amid fears funding cuts could leave vulnerable mothers without support.

Liam McArthur accused of 'shameful dodge' during assisted suicide debate
Liam McArthur accused of 'shameful dodge' during assisted suicide debate

McArthur was vague about what doctors should do in the event that assisted suicide drugs do not work.

From despair to deliverance: The Gospel at work in a former drug mule and prisoner
From despair to deliverance: The Gospel at work in a former drug mule and prisoner

Jemimah Wright, deputy editor at Premier’s Woman Alive magazine, speaks to Christian Today about her latest project - an amazing story of redemption in the life of a once-hardened drug mule.