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Myanmar
Most families live together as extended families to save expenses. A plot of land and renting a house is not affordable for the middle classes. So how are we living? – Either in Church compounds, or living with parents or with friends or relations and looking after their land. What about a family’s income? Without mentioning income we cannot talk about health. The head of the family is the man. Middle class people or government employees will not earn enough to buy a 50 kilo rice bag, the very basic principal food. What about oil, vegetables, salt, firewood or electricity? The majority of the family have to work extra hours just for daily living. Most of them fall into debt. Once you are in debt, you will never escape from it.
So what will happen next? Health becomes the problem. Even for daily living everyone has to struggle really hard. If you become ill, most of us use traditional medicine which is cheap and get advice from friends and medical personnel. If you get well, there is no problem. If the illness becomes serious, then you may meet the local GP once or twice. Medical care in Myanmar is not free: cotton wool, spirit swabs, bandages and tablets all cost, as do the consultation fees. By the grace of God most people are near to God because they are frightened to become ill. God’s blessing is asked each day to overcome. There is no future as Christians among the majority Buddhist community.
This is about urban areas. What about rural areas? Life ends at 40. There are fewer resources, less educated and more extended families. Malaria, tuberculosis, gastro-enteritis, worm infestations are common.
So among families health is a major issue. What can we do about it? We must do something for our fellow Christians in Myanmar to help provide clean water, mosquito nets, nets for fishermen, farming equipment for farmers, shelter and medicine.
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