Christian Worship Rises amid Vanuatu Destruction

Christians gathered to worship this weekend in Vanuatu, only a week after a deadly cyclone killed nearly 20 people.

Pastor Barry Phillips told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that they have joy despite the circumstances.

"The cyclone is the biggest one in ... but people are still happy. They have joy because they know that God is with us," Phillips said. "The trees are damaged, the buildings are damaged, but surely it will be rebuilt."

Rebuilding efforts are underway on the Pacific Island nation but there's concern that many of the outlying islands still don't have any way to communicate with the outside world.

Many people are still worried about basic necessities like water, shelter, and food.