33 Chilean miners trapped

The incredible news came last Sunday in a note from 2,300 feet underground:
33 Chilean miners trapped for 17 days are still alive! The miners wrote the
note and attached it to a drill being used to reach them. "All 33 of us are
well inside the shelter," said the note. The news brought celebration
throughout Chile and the rest of the world.

The San Jose gold and copper mine collapsed on August 5, and until rescuers
made contact on August 22, the trapped workers struggled to get by on meager
supplies, stretching a food supply meant to last two days into rations for
two weeks. "They had two little spoonfuls of tuna, a sip of milk and biscuit
every 48 hours," said Dr. Sergio Aguilar, a rescue team physician.

Meanwhile rescue efforts continue.

Rescuers have been able to get food, water, and air to the miners through a
narrow hole. Two smaller boreholes are also being drilled to bring in
much-needed air to the sweltering men. Although the men have survived
almost three weeks since the collapse, rescuers say it will take months to
safely dig them out due to instability within the mine. *

The plight - and hope! - of the 33 Chilean miners pictures ANOTHER great
rescue effort.

Due to our wrong choices, WE are "trapped" in sin and doomed for
destruction. And just as the Chilean miners are doomed without help from
above, we are also powerless without "HELP FROM ABOVE" to save ourselves
from sin!

But God, because of His great love and mercy (Ephesians 2:4), sent Jesus to
our rescue. Jesus gave His life to save us from sin (Ephesians 1:7).
Through Him we can be saved.

"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the
ungodly. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were
still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified
by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." - Romans 5:6,8-9

Jesus will save those who: place their faith and trust in Him (Acts
16:30-31), turn from their sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him
before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) in His name 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).

"Knowing that someone is coming for you makes it easier, "said John Urosek,
head of emergency operations for the U.S. Mine Safety and Health
Administration, concerning the hope of the trapped Chilean miners.

The Good News (the Gospel) is that Jesus has ALREADY come to the rescue of
those trapped in sin! He is ready to save those who will trust and obey
Him.

Won't YOU accept His salvation on His terms?

David A. Sargent