By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (Worthy News)-- Barnabas Aid is sending emergency relief to Christians trapped in Homs after the withdrawal of anti-government forces from the Baba Amr district.
The relief effort will aid residents struggling with severe weather without power and basic necessities now that the Free Syrian Army is finally pulling out following a month-long siege by Syrian government forces
A Christian leader told Barnabas Aid that residents had been stopped from leaving Homs by anti-government forces that wanted them to remain as “human shields” for protection against government troops.
Following the fall of the Hussein regime by the US-led invasion of Iraq, the Christian community was subjected to intense religious violence, forcing thousands to flee to secular Syria. However, the same pattern is re-emerging as Islamic militants are now kidnapping and killing Christians in Syria.
Some Christian families are now leaving Syria to seek refuge in Lebanon.
Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Aid, said: "While I am relieved that the withdrawal of anti-government forces from Baba Amr provides the opportunity for a respite for some of the suffering residents of that city, I fear that the crisis in Syria is only going to intensify ... Today we have a window of opportunity to alleviate the distress of the Christian families who have been trapped in Homs. Please help us to help them."
"Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts .... " (Ps. 95:7-8).