Regions We Serve
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MembersLatin America
Haiti
Our work in Haiti began in 2009 when Merle Burkholder and Lyndon Swarey launched the first program in Cadiac. What started as a small effort has grown into a vibrant movement with more than 60 staff serving communities across the country. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with nearly 60% of people living below the poverty line. In a nation often struck by natural disasters and instability, savings groups provide a powerful source of resilience and hope.
Mexico
The Mexico program began in 2015 and has since expanded to serve diverse communities—from the remote Sierra Tarahumara to the bustling towns of Sinaloa. Each group provides a safe and supportive place for people to save, share, and grow together. While Mexico has achieved economic growth, inequality remains high, especially in rural and indigenous areas. Savings groups help close this gap by offering financial inclusion and opportunity where it is most needed.
Guatemala
Launched in 2015 in partnership with MAM, the Guatemala program has experienced rapid growth. Today, it continues to reach new communities with training, coaching, and opportunities to thrive. More than half of Guatemalans live in poverty, with rural indigenous groups facing the greatest challenges. Savings groups bring dignity and hope by breaking cycles of generational poverty.
El Salvador
Our work in El Salvador began in partnership with AMA. Though still small in numbers, the program is making a strong impact by offering quality financial teaching and support. In a country with one of Central America’s smallest economies and limited banking access, savings groups provide a critical bridge to financial stability.
Colombia
In 2022, we launched a new program in Colombia, serving immigrant communities near the Venezuelan border. This initiative is already bringing transformation to families who have endured displacement and hardship. Colombia has welcomed over 2 million Venezuelan migrants, many arriving with nothing. Savings groups offer these families a chance to rebuild with dignity and hope.
Venezuela
Shortly after launching the Colombia program, groups began spreading across the border into Venezuela, blessing many amid the country’s ongoing crisis. With hyperinflation and severe shortages leaving more than 90% of households in poverty, savings groups have become a lifeline—helping families manage daily survival and restore a sense of community.
Africa
Ghana
In 2024, through a partnership with Crusades for Christ, this program launched with strong momentum. We anticipate substantial growth as savings groups continue to provide value to the Ghanaian people. Ghana has made progress in reducing poverty, but nearly one in four people still live below the poverty line, especially in rural areas. Savings groups strengthen communities by promoting both economic and spiritual growth.
Uganda
Our program in Uganda is building hope in one of the youngest nations in the world. With high unemployment and rural poverty, many families struggle to provide for their children. Savings groups give households the tools to build financial stability and create brighter futures.
Kenya
Launched in 2013 through a partnership with AMA, the Kenya program has continued to grow steadily. In a country known for innovation in mobile banking, millions in rural areas are still excluded from formal financial services. Savings groups bridge this gap, ensuring that vulnerable families gain access to practical tools for stability and growth.
Tanzania
Our program in Tanzania is serving communities where traditional banks rarely reach. Although Tanzania has experienced steady economic growth, nearly half the population lives on less than $2 a day. Savings groups bring opportunity and resilience to families striving for a better future.
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, one of Africa’s most populous nations, our program is taking root among vulnerable communities. While poverty has declined overall, rural households remain highly vulnerable to drought and food insecurity. Savings groups provide resilience and hope against these ongoing challenges.
Malawi
Through a partnership with Heralds of Hope, this program was launched in September of 2025. As the poorest country in East Africa, Malawi faces widespread poverty with more than 70% of people living below the poverty line. Savings groups and biblical financial teaching provide stability and hope, especially during the frequent “hungry season” between harvests.
Asia
Thailand
In partnership with the Thailand Karen Baptist Convention, we are bringing the Savings Group program to the Karen people, who emigrated from Myanmar and live mostly in the northwestern part of Thailand. The Karen face marginalization and economic hardship as refugees and migrants. More recently, the program has spread into other regions of Thailand. Savings groups help strengthen their churches and communities with hope and self-sufficiency.
Nepal
Our work in Nepal began in 2017 with three staff members under the leadership of Lyndon Swarey. Later that year, Delvin Zimmerman joined as supervisor. The program has expanded significantly over the last few years. Nepal remains one of Asia’s poorest countries, with most people dependent on agriculture and limited access to banks. Savings groups are a vital tool for these rural families.
India
We work with several partner organizations in India, and we anticipate substantial growth in the years ahead. With a population of over 1 billion people and vast inequality between urban and rural regions, millions lack access to formal financial services. Savings groups bring practical solutions that empower communities to thrive.
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