I was transfixed to CNN's website as the Chile Miners were freed from 1/2 a mile under the earth after 69 days. Every man they brought to the surface, one at a time in the capsule, caused a celebration--tears, laughing, clapping, national pride, hugs, and other means of celebrating. The Chilean government, private donors, and the mining company "spared no expense" translating into a 10-20 million dollar venture. They had to discover a “creative access” to reach the miners—inventing a special capsule. I watched as often as I could during those hours. There was a sense of urgency. Every man counted, and every man was important, and every miner rescued caused celebration--the first for sure. The 33rd and last miner brought cheers from around the world. The rescues that impressed me the most--#25, 26, 27, 28. They weren't the first nor the last. The rescuers were tired and had been up 20+ hours at this point. Yet, #25-28 still received applause, celebration, and warm greetings. Each was important!
I can't help but think of the resemblances to the church and our mission here at Boise State. There are nearly 20,000 people on campus, most of them caught in the mines of despair, discouragement, drugs, alcohol, sex, idolatry, pride, etc. But unlike the miners, for many, there seems to be no hope.
I can't help but think of the resemblances to the church and our mission here at Boise State. There are nearly 20,000 people on campus, most of them caught in the mines of despair, discouragement, drugs, alcohol, sex, idolatry, pride, etc. But unlike the miners, for many, there seems to be no hope.
Yet, we have a heavenly father who also spared no expense to "rescue" those caught in these mines. He paid the ultimate price--his son's death. And now, we get an opportunity to become part of his rescue team.
It took 17 days for the miners to be confirmed alive--to establish contact with the outside world. Can you imagine those days with no hope--wondering if there would be contact? Imagine the hope that came from establishing contact, a glimmer that made life more bearable despite the time it would take to rescue them. Campus ministry is like that as well...slow, intentional, offering a little hope and working toward rescue.
According to CNN, the cost for the Chilean rescues will come from three places: the government, the company, and PRIVATE donors. Those private donors made the difference in rescuing the miners, covering up to 1/3 of the cost. Crosswalks relates here as well. We cannot carry on the "rescue" effort without private donors. There are many already, and we are so grateful for everyone who has given in some way! But the need is still great, and we continually need more people to get in the game. We need people who are willing to help with the rescue effort. Could that person be you?
You, too could make a difference in a student's life, much like Jonathan. Three people at unrelated times informed me about Jonathan, a freshman from Maryland studying at Boise State. I was able to have coffee with him and share that three unrelated people told me about him. His response, "Wow. I feel really loved!" Jonathan could see that God was passionate about him. For Jonathan, it was a moment of hope, a moment of ongoing rescue and encouragement.
As each one comes to be rescued/encouraged--hopefully every last one--we get to celebrate. The angels in heaven, like the people in Chile, celebrate every person who repents or is rescued. And though the journey seems slow, because people pray and because people give, the rescue effort for God’s kingdom moves forward.
It took 17 days for the miners to be confirmed alive--to establish contact with the outside world. Can you imagine those days with no hope--wondering if there would be contact? Imagine the hope that came from establishing contact, a glimmer that made life more bearable despite the time it would take to rescue them. Campus ministry is like that as well...slow, intentional, offering a little hope and working toward rescue.
According to CNN, the cost for the Chilean rescues will come from three places: the government, the company, and PRIVATE donors. Those private donors made the difference in rescuing the miners, covering up to 1/3 of the cost. Crosswalks relates here as well. We cannot carry on the "rescue" effort without private donors. There are many already, and we are so grateful for everyone who has given in some way! But the need is still great, and we continually need more people to get in the game. We need people who are willing to help with the rescue effort. Could that person be you?
You, too could make a difference in a student's life, much like Jonathan. Three people at unrelated times informed me about Jonathan, a freshman from Maryland studying at Boise State. I was able to have coffee with him and share that three unrelated people told me about him. His response, "Wow. I feel really loved!" Jonathan could see that God was passionate about him. For Jonathan, it was a moment of hope, a moment of ongoing rescue and encouragement.
As each one comes to be rescued/encouraged--hopefully every last one--we get to celebrate. The angels in heaven, like the people in Chile, celebrate every person who repents or is rescued. And though the journey seems slow, because people pray and because people give, the rescue effort for God’s kingdom moves forward.
