Christians in Georgia open doors to needy

Two weeks after conflict erupted in South Ossetia, Russia is withdrawing the bulk of its troops from Georgia whilst churches open their doors to the needy.

An estimated 100,000 people have been displaced by the violence.

Union of Evangelical Christian Baptists churches in North Ossetia are sending people to visit injured people in area hospitals, according to Mission Network News.

"They are trying to help the refugees with food and clothing. And you can be sure that they are seizing every opportunity to share the Gospel with them," said Joel Griffith of Slavic Gospel Association, a partner of UECB.

Griffith said the victims in the hospitals are telling heartbreaking stories.

"They've been talking about bombings, people crushed by tanks, and others being burned alive," he said.

In addition to SGA and UECB, Baptist World Aid is helping by making an initial grant of $10,000 available to Georgian Baptist to help those in need.

"We condemn this wanton taking of human life, and mourn the death and suffering of all the peoples of this region," said BWAid director Paul Montacute.

"Baptists of the world pledge their support for all in need with their prayers, expressions of concern and their giving."

Western states remain at loggerheads with Russia over a number of troops remain in Georgia, which Russia says are needed as peacekeepers to prevent further conflict.