Have you been keeping up with the news from Myanmar (also known as Burma)? What are your thoughts about the military regime's response to the Cyclone Nargis disaster, or lack thereof? How do you think we as individuals can help? The following is a post by Ash Barker [Urban Neighbours of Hope, Bangkok] on Phil Baker's blog:

Could I ask for your urgent prayers and action for Burma today? Yesterday, I met with Burmese friends here in Bangkok to get the latest news on the Cyclone Nargis disaster and to ask how UNOH could best help with the relief effort. Dr San Aung, Maung Maung and Zin Linn are part of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB). Led by elected Burmese MPs from the National League for Democracy (NLD), this is the peak body of Burmese leaders working for democracy.

As I heard their tragic news and saw the latest photos I felt a wave of nausea hit me. The death toll is now over 100,000 people, but over 2 million survivors are still homeless, living in makeshift camps and monasteries. Many survivors have not eaten food or drunk water for a week. Children are being found alive among their parents' dead bodies. Water-born diseases are now starting to gain momentum, taking their deathly toll. Yet, the junta are still saying 'Only the Burmese can help; we don't need foreigners'. They even went ahead with a constitutional referendum to enshrine military power on Saturday.

I have been deeply moved by the situation in Myanmar, watching so many people unable to help themselves and frustrated by the military junta refusing any outside help and seemingly unconcerned by the plight of its people [CNN]. But even though the situation may appear overwhelming, I AM IN A POSITION TO ACT. We all are. We can give money to aid organizations who are doing everything they can to get into the country. This is, as a member of the Junky Car Club, why I choose to live with less so I can give more at times like this. We're not into promoting any particular organization, but here are some agencies that are working to provide emergency relief in Myanmar:

U.S.-based organizations

International Rescue Committee

International Medical Corps

Save the Children

World Vision

ADRA International

Other U.S.-based charities

Global organizations

International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies

World Food Programme

UNICEF

UN Refugee Agency

CARE International

The Salvation Army

So what are your thoughts? What are you doing? We'd love to hear from you.