Things have strangely returned to normal in the city five weeks after Nargis. Phone service returned two days ago. Most of the big trees have been cleared away. People smile and laugh on the streets again enjoying having more of a normal routine.

Depression hung in the air the initial weeks after the storm. Massive trees collapsed against crumpled buildings and horrific pictures of bodies hurled high onto tree branches. Pondering the reality of 100,000 killed in a day, brought home the sobering job we have been given to do.

• May we all be more responsible to pray and bring the message of God’s rescue to people.

One encouraging trend: Despite all the complaining about the government keeping foreign aid workers out, the local churches mobilized to bring help to their kinsmen. Foreigners helped in the background with funding. People mature when they are forced to take responsibility, and many churches of the golden land stepped up.

• Thanks for praying.