For many people in Myanmar, what they earn may be just enough for today - and very few people have 'reserves' to pay for emergencies or crises like illness or funeral expenses or the consequences of floods or crop failure. In these situations, many people have to borrow money. Getting bank loans is not easy - usually only wealthier people or landowners have the necessary security. For most people private money lenders provide loans - but at a very high cost. Interest rates can be as high as 30%, making it all but impossible to get out of the debt cycle. Children carry over the debt burden, often leaving families in a spin cycle of poverty and debt.

 

Praise:

• For organizations such as the Myanmar Council of Churches, Save the Children, World Vision, Leprosy Mission International and many others who seek to provide low-cost loans to help poor and disadvantaged people out of the debt and poverty cycle.

Pray: 

• For more justice in the economic system to reduce the disproportionate burdens placed on the poor
• For a 'Year of Jubilee' – a miraculous release from the debt cycle for thousands of families with no other hope
• For relationships with people benefiting from low cost loan programs, so they can understand the total release that comes with Jesus