The above video shows the rescue of the first Chilean miner. All 33 miners are safe – there were 17 days when there was no knowledge if they had survived and searching for them was nearly abandoned. In that time they lived on some spoons of tuna, a little milk and a biscuit every 48 hours, eking out a two day supply of rations. In hope. Hope is the name of the camp which sprang up, Campo Esperanza. In the end they were underground for a record 69 days.
In this event are thoughts and images of leadership, perseverance, cooperation, selflessness, community, family, friendship. And prayer.
Even our very secular newspaper had “Miners prepared with prayer” as the large headline leading the World section.
St Lawrence, patron saint of miners, complete with miner’s lamp and helmet took up pride of place. The whole rescue mission was named after him, “Operation San Lorenzo”. The miners requested Christian images and prayed together regularly.
We, with the miners, friends, and families can take this opportunity to reflect, pray, and learn some lessons.
I was reminded of Psalms 139:8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
Thanks, Tracey – one of my all-time favourite psalms!
¡Gracias a Dios!
Thanks be to God!
Ps 13 is also one of my favorites.
(Forgive my levity, but San Lorenzo in that photo looks like Boy George in priestly drag!)
Ps 139.
It seemed that during the rescue the whole world was praying.
Always looking up with faith knowing the father is near, new birth with the savior in each heart and spirit that dwells within.