Dennis Bloodworth

Chilean mining disaster

On Thursday, August 5^th 2010, 33 miners at the San Jose mine in Chile became trapped under several tons of rubble when the mine caved in. They were over 2000 feet beneath the surface.

Initially, the outlook wasn’t good. Even if they had lived through the collapse, they would most likely starve to death before being found.  So bleak were the circumstances, that when other miners heard about their plight, they came to the site and hammered 33 crosses into the ground, fearing the mine had become their tomb.  (after all, they 8 people had died in the mine years prior to this accident)

On the slim chance that they could locate the miners, crews drilled 9 holes into the ground in hopes of finding any evidence of their survival.  Miraculously, 17 days later, one of the drill bits hit a hollow spot deep below the earth where the miners had gathered. As the tiny drill bit retracted from the chasm, attached was the message “We’re great down here in the refuge—the 33”.

What ensued was one of the largest search and rescue operations in world history.  Chile would enlist the help and expertise from countries around the world. They would combine their resources. They would coordinate their efforts. Their plan was radical: drill down to them and build an escape capsule large enough to hoist them out. NASA would design the capsule. The process took over two months.  It cost tens of millions of dollars.

But finally, 69 days later, with 1700 journalists from 39 countries assembled,  all 33 of them were pulled to safety one by one.  And when they reached the surface, who do you think was more excited?  The ones who had found life again?  Or the rescuers who had given it to them?  The answer is: BOTH of THEM!

This remains the single most-watched event in human history, captivating a worldwide viewing audience of over 1 billion people. Why?

Because the world loves a great rescue story!

John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

What’s your response?  Have you “staked a cross in the ground” and given up on reaching your lost friends & neighbors? Is it easier to “stay on the surface”?

Let’s be a part of God’s great rescue.

What will it take?  The largest coordinated effort in history.

What if EACH ONE REACHED ONE?

This was Jesus’ plan.  He started with a FEW and he’s counting on YOU.

Eternity is worth the effort!