“Mission accomplished, Chile,” read a sign held by one of the six rescuers who had descended more than 2,600 feet to organize the exodus of 33 miners from the mine in northern Chile that collapsed August 5. The miners had been trapped 2,600 feet below the surface of the earth for 69 days. For the first 17 days after the collapse, it was not known if the miners had survived.
Drilling crews from all over the world were finally able to break through the hard rock to the tunnel where the trapped miners were located. The shaft became the narrow escape route for a makeshift elevator, a metal capsule little wider than a man’s shoulders dubbed “Phoenix” after the mythical bird that rose from the ashes.
Prior to making their ascent, each of the miners donned green coveralls made of moisture-resistant material and personalized with their names. Each stepped into the capsule, which was equipped with communications equipment and a supply of oxygen. Each wore sunglasses to protect his eyes — which had become accustomed to the darkness of the caved-in mine.
The job of hoisting the miners was completed late Wednesday, 22 hours and 36 minutes after it began. All 33 miners were rescued!
What began as a “possible tragedy, with the help of God, is ending as a true blessing,” said Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. *
A greater tragedy is to be on the “broad path” of SIN destined for destruction (see Matthew 7:13-14).
But the god news (the Gospel) is that because of His great love for us, God sent Jesus into the world to rescue us from sin (John 3:16). When we were trapped in sin and hopelessly lost, Jesus “descended” from heaven to earth to provide the “narrow way” of salvation (see Philippians 2:5-8). In fact, He IS the Way!
Jesus said, “I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:6
Jesus will save those who: place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will bring to eternal safety those who continue to follow Him faithfully (1 John 1:7).
Jesus has opened up the “narrow way” to eternal life in heaven (see Heb 2:19-22). His mission of salvation can be accomplished in YOUR life if you will trust and obey Him.
Won’t you?
–David A. Sargent; www.creekwoodcc.org
