Millions of people around the world were captivated by the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners who had been trapped underground for 69 days after a mining accident.
Countless prayers were lifted up on their behalf.
Following is a story from a different perspective. Rick White, pastor of The People’s Church in Franklin, could relate somewhat to the families of those miners. His dad worked in a mine for 33 years and he had an uncle killed in a mining accident.
Enjoy the story, remembering that God does indeed answer prayers and miracles still happen.
Franklin pastor “tweets” about rescue
Baptist and Reflector
FRANKLIN — Rick White, pastor of The People’s Church here, had more than just a passing interest in the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued last week after spending 69 days trapped underground.
White’s father, Alvie White, was a red ore miner in Jefferson County, Ala., and spent 33 years working underground, White said.
White said he was “riveted” to the television as he watched the dramatic rescue of the miners.
As he watched, White would “tweet” messages via Twitter, a social networking tool that has gained popularity in recent years.
On Oct. 12, before the first miner was rescued, White tweeted, “My dad worked underground as a miner for 33 years. My uncle died in a cave-in. Watching this rescue brings back lots of memories. Praying.”
After the first miner was rescued, White tweeted, “Thank you God for the first one. Now please bring them all to safety. …”
He later tweeted, “In the middle of nowhere the world is watching a miracle before our very eyes. May God give grace and mercy to all.”
In an interview with the Baptist and Reflector White said he found it interesting that a medic had to go down before the miners were brought up.
That’s a perfect example of the gospel, the pastor observed.
“Christ had to come down so we can go up to God.”
White said he felt some deep emotions watching the rescue as he remembered stories his dad (now deceased) would tell him of mining accidents and rescues.
White said his dad was in some minor cave-ins, but was able to escape with outside help.
White recalled there was “always that anxiety” knowing his dad was working underground.
The Franklin pastor can even recall going to the mines when there was an accident (none involving his dad) and watching families gather awaiting word on their loved ones.
While watching the rescue of the Chilean miners, White was pleased to see the “sustaining spirit that faith brought to these men,” noting that almost every man who was rescued cited how God had sustained them through the ordeal.
In his final tweet that night, White wrote, “The best 24 hours of TV in a long, long time. God bless the miners of Chile and all who had a part in their rescue. Thank you Lord.”
