Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in Asia, with military rule, civil unrest, mass displacement, and poor infrastructure cited as factors contributing to its slow economic growth.
About 70% of the population lives in rural areas, and about 26% of the population lives below the poverty line (World Population Review). The majority of the population lives in rural settlements along the Irrawaddy Valley, farming beside the river delta.
The country has been in the midst of a civil war since 2021. According to UNHCR, an estimated 3.5 million people are internally displaced due to conflict and natural disasters.
Universal access to safe drinking water is a fundamental need and human right, and in most countries, the burden of water collection continues to fall primarily on women and girls. According to UNICEF, more than 60% of households in Myanmar have no safely managed drinking water service, and one out of three households lack basic hygiene services.
Five Talents and its partners have started savings groups in several regions across Myanmar. The leaders help group members evaluate market conditions, improve product value, expand marketing, and experiment with new ways to increase the success of members’ businesses. As members gain opportunities for financial inclusion and increased business skills, communities become self-reliant, resilient, and able to support each other and their local churches.
Member Quote: “I am very encouraged to be a member of the savings group. I can see that I have the ability to work. I have more confidence, and I can help people who are less advantaged than me.”
Over the years, we’ve discovered a wealth of treasure in the Parable of the Talents. That’s why we’ve prepared this free guide to Matthew 25, featuring reflections from pastors and Christian leaders.
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