Many of you have probably seen a video or article pop up recently on the devastation in Aleppo. I know I have scrolled past a few feeling almost helpless in the midst of the tragedy. I am, however, glad that Aleppo is getting some screen time on our devices. I know that I am more inclined to talk about something if I am informed about it. So in writing this article, I hope to raise more awareness of the events in Aleppo and how we can help across the sea.

First off, being informed. This website helps explain some of the events going on in Syria five years into their civil war. Have a read...

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/26/syria-a-quick-guide...

Another site that is helping to continually update and inform the world about the war in Syria is Planet Syria.

https://www.planetsyria.org/en

With the information we take away from these sites, and any additional videos and articles on the internet, we should in turn use our knowledge to help out the families in Syria. And there are many sites listing different relief efforts. For example...http://www.cidi.org/syria-ngos/#.WFiBHPkrLIV We can also aid in supporting the White Helmets who are ordinary people risking their lives to save others. https://www.whitehelmets.org/en If you are skilled in medical practice, you can even donate your knowledge to SAMS ( Syrian American Medical Society http://www.sams-usa.net/ ) by aiding the medical efforts on the front lines of crisis relief.

Even if you do not have the finances or medical knowledge to donate to the cause, prayers are of more help than we often think. The Lord hears our cries, so if nothing else, pray over the families in Aleppo. Pray for the hearts of Syria. Pray for safety. Your words will not go unheard.