BWA Calls for Prayers, Mourning and Donations for Beslan Victims

The Baptist World Alliance called on its member churches to donate to the ‘Beslan Appeal’ to care for the physical and psychological needs of the surviving children and families
By Pauline J. Chang

The Baptist World Alliance called on its international members to mourn and pray alongside the victims of the Beslan slaughter that claimed the lives of over 330 innocent civilians last week. According to the BWA, one of its member pastors lost three of five children to the terrorist attack, and many other Baptists are awaiting news of family members.

“The tragedy of the hostage crisis in Beslan, Ossetia hit home to Baptists with the Baptist pastor of the church losing three of his five children, and his brother, a church elder four

of his children!” wrote the BWA. “One of Pastor Sergei Totijev's surviving children is severely injured and the other has lost his sight. Four of elder Taimuras Totijev's children are still missing and only one is alive. Another Christian Baptist family, the Dzhioyevs, have lost one child.”

The BWA, through its relief program, gave $2,500 to help care for the physical and psychological needs of the families. The aid will be distributed through one of the BWA members in the region, Mission Vera.

According to Mission Vera Vera directors Yevgeniy and Nadia Zhigulin, the physical and psychosocial needs of the surviving children and families are monumental.

"There are a lot of families in Beslan town who have many children, but they are needy ones," reports Zhigulin. "During the days of deep grief our (Mission Vera) employees leave for Beslan for funerals of victims, providing material assistance where needed."

The BWA and Mission Very called on international Baptists to help the effort by donating to the “Beslan Appeal.” Such donations can be made online at www.vwanet.org/BWAid/Donate.htm or via phone by calling Phone: +1 703 790 8980.

“We continually pray that all of our disaster appeals and approved projects will be fully funded, and celebrate when God answers prayers. If the project to which your gift is designated has been funded, we will direct your gift to a similar need,” the BWA wrote.

Donations can also be mailed to the BWA headquarter in Washington.

Earmark the donations 'Beslan appeal'

Baptist World Aid

Baptist World Alliance

405 North Washington Street

Falls Church, VA22046, USA

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories