September 2025

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

(Matthew 5:9)

Thank you for your faithful support and prayers for the work of Five Talents. We know that peace is not simply the absence of violence, but the presence of wholeness. As we reflect on the work of our partners and the tens of thousands of savings group members across rural Africa, we are mindful of how their resilience and hope is so often a catalyst for building peace within their communities. At a time when we are painfully aware of the violence, unrest and conflict around the world, we give thanks for all those who are builders of peace. 

This month please join us in giving thanks for:

• News of improved health and recovery for some of the program partners and their families who have been unwell recently.

• The joyful launch of the Upper Southern Nyanza program in Kenya. This area covers Kisii and Nyamira counties. Kisii County is home to over 1.15 million people, where over 50% of the population live below the poverty line. Nyamira County has around 605,000 residents, most of whom rely on small-scale farming to make a living, and nearly 40% live below the poverty line.

• Some positive signs of moves towards peace on the border between DR Congo and Rwanda - the recent peace deal has been bolstered by the Aru Peace Protocol, which has meant some deescalation and demobilization of armed groups. We are thankful that despite the hugely challenging environment the program in Aru is proving resilient and effective, with all objectives being met. We give thanks for the amazing dedication of the local team. Please keep them in your prayers as there is still a high degree of unrest and insecurity in the area.

• Tour de Talents - Five Talents UK saw a successful annual August Bank Holiday campaign that followed the FTUK Team in tracking the 3,000 mile journey from South Sudan to Malawi. Five Talents supporters from around the globe came together to join in the virtual adventure, where each mile logged raised $4. Participants logged an impressive 3,691.7 miles, exceeding the 3,000 mile goal and raising a total of $14,767.

Please join us in praying for: 

• Tanzania: The forthcoming elections where there are some signs of unrest.

• Uganda: The safety of the program facilitators in Karamoja as they travel on their motorbikes to meet groups. In this tense time of build up to the elections next year, the team and groups are sometimes stopped as they are mis-associated with political parties or thought to be political conspirators. Program activities have to be postponed if campaign rallies are happening so please pray for peace during this time.

• Burundi: Easing of the fuel and power shortages. The lines at fuel stations are up to 3 weeks long, where vehicles are left for a paid driver to move them along bit by bit. Fuel costs are very high due to the shortage, meaning that the diocesan trainers are not able to visit groups consistently.

• Myanmar: Peace. The ongoing civil unrest has led many to flee some areas. As a result there are many internally displaced people being hosted by churches in several areas where we work. Insecurity has made monitoring of groups challenging.

Thank you for continuing to faithfully partner with us in prayer.