The Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM) is made up of six dioceses and three missionary dioceses, with its provincial office in Yangon. The church community includes more than 60,000 people, many from Karen, Kachin and Chin backgrounds.

CPM plays a vital role in reaching people affected by conflict and natural disasters, often being one of the first to respond when crisis strikes. All development and emergency response efforts are coordinated through the provincial development desk in Yangon, which strives “to build healthy and self‑reliant communities and churches”.

ABM AID works closely with CPM to deliver programs that improve access to clean water, safe sanitation and better hygiene, while also strengthening livelihoods through small business training and improved farming practices.

AID is committed to strengthening the skills and capacity of church staff, ensuring they are equipped to respond confidently and effectively to the development challenges facing their communities.

1. Clean Water and Food Security

ABM AID supports CPM to work closely with local communities, in mainly remote parts of the country, to access clean water and achieve food security*.

[* Food security  = having access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. – The World Bank.]

Community members are involved in every step of the program, from planning, through implementation, and ensuring long-term success with ongoing maintenance provided by local volunteers. The resources of the local community are identified and used as part of the program. This means the program looks different in every community, reflecting their unique set of circumstances and resources.

Naw Kho Ree Nar’s village now has a supply of clean water, allowing the village to thrive throughout the year, not just in the cooler months. © CPM. Used with permission.

Training in hygiene and sanitation has transformed daily health. Instead of digging holes for basic sanitation, families now use proper toilets, wash their hands regularly, and understand why toilets must be built at least 15 metres from wells. Education on gender issues, domestic violence, and gender equality has further strengthened the community.

Su Su Zin Maung makes crosses from yarn which she then sells for income. © CPM. Used with permission.

Strengthening livelihoods is another pathway to food security. Communities identify the existing resources and skills (also known as strengths) within the community and use them to address an agreed problem. Individuals are equipped with additional skills to help them better utilize their existing strengths. The responses are unique to each community, improving sustainability of outcomes. From making and selling craft items to raising and selling chickens, individuals increase their financial stability and are better able to meet their family needs.

2. Emergency Responses to People Displaced by Conflict and Disaster

Since early 2021, ABM AID has been supporting the urgent needs of people in Myanmar displaced by conflict and natural disasters through an ongoing emergency appeal.

You can learn more about how you can be the Light of Christ by supporting vulnerable displaced people during the protracted crisis in Myanmar here https://www.abmission.org/appeals/appeals-emergency/myanmar-emergency-appeal/

Myanmar is one of the largest countries in South‑East Asia, home to around 54 million people from many different ethnic backgrounds. Agriculture remains the heart of daily life. Almost half the population depends on farming, livestock or fisheries to earn a living.

Yet Myanmar is also one of the world’s poorest nations and the poorest in South‑East Asia. In the 2023 United Nations Human Development Report, it ranked 144 out of 193 countries. Poverty affects 32% of people, and another 30% are considered economically insecure. Rural communities are hit hardest, falling far behind in health, education and basic social services.

COVID‑19 and the 2021 military coup have deepened hardship, triggering widespread displacement and increasing conflict. On top of these challenges, the country remains highly vulnerable to cyclones and flooding, placing even more pressure on people already struggling to survive.

God of compassion, we thank you for all who work to improve water availability, sanitation and health, and food security in Myanmar.

Bless those whose kindness provides clean water, safe hygiene, or daily bread.

We honour the courage of the people, whose resilience persists through the coup, devastating floods, and the earthquake.

Strengthen communities as they withstand strained circumstances.

Protect the vulnerable and sow hope. May ABM AID’s partnership with the Church bring dignity, justice and peace, along with a future where families thrive.

Guide those who implement the programs, and let justice, safety, and health flow freely for all.

Hear our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.