Mission accomplished, Chile

"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 lost on the "broad path" of sin and destined for
destruction (see Matthew 7:13-14).

But the GOOD 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