Myanmar

From Sawiki

The Salvation Army was first established in Burma in 1915 under the administration of India. Thirteen years later it became a separate command.

Despite the restriction on reinforcement from overseas, Myanmar Salvationists continued to develop their witness and service. In 1994, Myanmar joined the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory. This work comes under the direction of a Regional Officer.

Myanmar's national gates are opening slowly. Opportunities for service and ministry abound. Much can be done. However, current limitations in human resource and finances tend to put a lid on growth. As resources increase with time, the Army hopes to reach out to do more for the people of Myanmar.

The Army has a total of 45 evangelical worship centres in Myanmar, spread between the capital city of Yangon (also known as Rangoon), Central and Upper Myanmar. Real growth is evident in this region as new corps have been planted in recent years.

The Myanmar Region runs a total of three children homes. Two are in Yangon - a home for 50 boys and another home for 50 girls. Both homes are situated in the Tarmway area. Further north in Pyu, the Region has a home for 50 children.

A wide-ranging community based HIV/AIDS programme is operating in Upper Myanmar, Community education and support for families affected is proving very helpful.

Education is a privilege. Many children do not have an opportunity to go to school during the rainy season due to the overflooding of the rivers. As a result, The Salvation Army opened a primary school at Tamar district in Upper Myanmar. Conditions are primitive and equipment non-existent. To finance this school, children have to bring 10 bags of rice from the harvest. The school then sells the rice and this realises US$700 to run the school for a year.

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