The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) has appealed to Baptist organisations, churches and individuals to make contributions to help displaced Syrians who are affected by the civil war in that Middle Eastern country.

The need is urgent as large numbers of Syrians continue to cross the borders into other countries, especially Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

The BWA has already sent aid to help refugees in Lebanon and internally displaced people (IDPs) inside Syria itself, notably in Homs, one of the cities hardest hit by the crisis. The BWA, along with its partners, act as advocates for displaced people and develop plans to respond with compassion and hospitality to the needs of displaced persons.

An average of 8,000 refugees cross the Syrian borders on a daily basis. In September 2013, the United Nations estimated the number of Syrian refugees to be more than two million.

In addition, millions of Syrians are displaced inside of the country as they flee their homes and livelihood due to the ongoing conflict. It is estimated that by the end of 2013, half the population of Syria will be in need of aid. Some 3.45 million Syrians will be refugees in other countries and another 6.8 million displaced inside Syria by the end of the year.

In a resolution passed by the General Council in July this year, the BWA recommends Christian ministry to all refugees and encourages Baptist Christians to pray for those who are displaced and to respond with compassion.

BWA General Secretary Neville Callam said, 'The need is great. People are suffering. Families are being displaced. Children cannot go to school.

'Many do not have access to adequate healthcare. As responsible Christians, we need to respond, and we need to do so urgently.'