SYRIA (ANS) -- A humanitarian group has received an urgent prayer request from its partners in Syria for Christians in the city of Aleppo, whose major residential areas have been invaded by opposition fighters.

Aleppo seems to be falling to opposition forces

According to a news release from Barnabas Aid, on Thursday the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and its allies entered al-Syriaan al-Jadide and put two checkpoints in front of a Baptist church building. They also took over a local Christian school.

Barnabas Aid said the other main Christian district, al-Syriaan al-Qadime, has also fallen to the opposition. Snipers have been positioned on the roofs in both areas.

Meanwhile, Barnabas Aid said, armed FSA groups have attacked the al-Zukhur district of the city, which is home to many of the – mainly Christian – Armenian community.

Barnabas Aid said it appears that Aleppo is now largely in the hands of the opposition. Clashes with government forces are still being reported, but the regime may now be abandoning the city.

Barnabas Aid asked, “Pray for Christians in Aleppo, both during the fighting and afterwards. The opposition generally regards them as government supporters, and some Islamists will attack them simply for being Christians. Pray that the Lord will shield all those who take refuge in Him.”

Barnabas Aid provides hope and aid for the persecuted church. For more information go to www.barnabasfund.org

 

Jeremy Reynalds is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Homeless in the City." Additional details on "Homeless in the City" are available at http://www.homelessinthecity.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@comcast.net.