Two extremes: Children's Cup and Chilean miners

Today, the Christian community mourns the passing of a special man. Dave Ohlerking, the founder of Children's Cup -- a ministry for orphans in Swaziland, Africa -- leaves a legacy of love, service, and faith in Jesus. I only met him twice, each time his genuine love for the children of Africa shined through. He knew his purpose and he walked each day in God's plan for his life.

Today, the world celebrates the rescue of 33 Chilean miners trapped 2,300 feet below ground for 69 days. Can you imagine 69 days in total darkness? 69 days in a dirt tunnel far below the ground? Can you imagine 69 days without "all the comforts of home"? I can't! Yet, these men survived. Their rescue is front-page news. Their response to their situation worth noting. One of the miners said that those of them with faith prayed the group through and those of them without faith now have it. In the worst situation, faith in God helped them through.

Today, two extremes. Neither is a surprise to God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To everything there is a season, and
a time to every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war; and a time of peace.

Dear God,

Thank you for the life of Dave Ohlerking. Thank you for calling him to start Children's Cup and for guiding him each day. Thank you for all the children who have regular meals, learn their schoolwork, and most importantly, learn of your love because of this man's faith in You. God, I lift his family, his friends and the Children's Cup ministry to you. Comfort them with your love and peace. Continue to lead them as they share the gospel -- as they are the gospel for lost and hurting orphans. 

Thank you, Father, for protecting the Chilean miners these past 69 days. Thank you for their testimony of faith in You. As they return to their families and lives, Lord, continue to give them strength. Be with them through the adjustments, Lord. You saved them and we praise You for it.

We don't understand why some must leave us and others get to stay a little longer, but it's all part of Your plan. We know you will comfort the grieving and give strength to the weak. Through it all, God, I praise you for being the God of the universe. 

In Jesus' name,

Amen