A Path to the Future

A new footpath and bridge provide opportunities for isolated villages in Myanmar

Three small villages lie within a few miles of each other along the banks of the Bogale River in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta. People in these communities have lived the same way for hundreds of years. They struggle to eke out a living, and they do not have access to clean water, electricity, health care, education, or industry.

The villages were isolated. Villagers had no choice but to paddle 15 miles each way in order to make their way into the nearest town, where they had access to a school, a clinic, a market, and socialization with neighbors.

The five-hour boat ride was fraught with danger. Boats were small and easily overturned by the rough river, and insects and poisonous snakes plagued the muddy waters.

Things began to change when Samaritan's Purse was given permission to work in this impoverished area in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, which ravaged the area in 2008. Samaritan’s Purse, through the World Food Program’s Food for Work program, employed local villagers to construct a five-mile footpath.

The journey that once took five grueling hours by boat was now reduced to an easy hour-and-a-half walk on a safe and sturdy path. For the first time, villagers had easy access to trade, health care, education, and communication. Three thousand people use the footpath each day.

Because of increased foot traffic on the new path, Samaritan’s Purse also realized the need for a safe bridge to further connect the once-isolated villages. The bridge is 45 feet long, 18 feet high, and provides villagers with safe and easy access across the river.

The efforts of Samaritan’s Purse have transformed these once-isolated villages, and the villagers couldn’t be more grateful.

“All are very happy now,” a Samaritan’s Purse employee said. “They now have an easier life.”

As a result of the tangible help Samaritan’s Purse has been able to provide to these villages, the local people are open to learning about things of eternal benefit.

“Because they have heard that Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian organization, and that our donors are Christian too, they have seen and known the love of Jesus Christ,” our worker said. “It is now our harvest time.”

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

PRAY:

Through our support of local believers and the work of our staff, thousands of people are hearing the Gospel for the first time. Please pray as we continue to serve the people of Myanmar in Jesus’ Name.