Beslan — The Russian terrorist attack on hundreds of school children involved the children of two evangelical pastors in the area, according to NCN News. The North Ossetia province is the only one with an Orthodox Christian majority in an otherwise Muslim north Caucasus region. Eight children of two evangelical pastors, who are brothers, were in the Beslan school that was under siege. Six of their children were killed and two are wounded in the hospital.

Carla Sunberg, Nazarene missionary to Russia, stated, "We cannot imagine the horror of all this for these two pastors and their wives. We must lift them, along with all the other families, to the Father in prayer. Many people here are on edge. Parents are afraid to send their children to school and people are afraid to get on airplanes. Please pray that in the midst of all this that people will seek God. We are all very grateful for your love and support."

The Russian government has put out a plea for assistance during this time of crisis. Though the borders to Northern Ossetia province are sealed, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Russia is partnering with a Christian organization that has access to those who are wounded and in need of help. Urgent needs are medical supplies for the injured, funeral expenses, and crisis counseling for the families, including the children who survived the traumatic ordeal. The latest CNN report states that the death toll in the hostage crisis has topped the 350 mark, including 156 children.