Prayer alerts

I used to work in a coalmining area of Pennsylvania...so my prayers were with the miners in WV and their families...

The reports they were still alive were wonderful, but then the report said only one ambulance left...and no one wanted to question that the real news was bad...

Mining is dangerous work...there have been several mining disasters in China and the Philippines in the last few weeks, which have had much less news coverage...and mining disasters in Africa rarely even get onto CNN...

This is from an editorial from a Bluefield WV paper:

"...And, we are sure, this disaster has led to expressions of comfort from people across the world, as our global community is known for its charitable nature and ability to put aside political or social discord when disaster strikes.

Here in the heart of Four Seasons Country, we, too, prayed for the miners trapped underground, and their families, who, even before the explosion Monday, lived daily with the knowledge their loved ones worked in a profession known for its dangers.

We, like those who labor underground across the two Virginias, the United States, China, Russia and other countries where coal is pulled from the earth, realize miners and their families are special people.

It is not just the physical demands that make coal mining a difficult job, but the emotional toll that comes with the knowledge of what could happen on any given day.

Each morning, when a miner kisses his wife and children good-bye before heading underground, he is aware of the risks of that day’s job.

And, more than likely, so are his wife and children.

Today we offer prayer for a special blessing for the miners in Upshur County and their families — as well as the thousands of brave men and women who labor in this field every day....
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Update:

LiveFire Ministries has a sad first hand report:
First report here
Second report here

and local news report HERE


....In nearby Buckhannon, a sign outside the Donut Shop that had read, “Prayers & Wishes for our miners & their families” was changed overnight. It now reads, “Only One Miracle.”

As if to mock the families, the pall of fog and mist that had shrouded the mine site for two days lifted Wednesday. The sun beat down on the now all-but deserted little church as men with hoses steam-cleaned the muddy carpet and pew cushions.

Linger left the church at 6 a.m. but was back by 10, scrubbing the walls with disinfectant. Despite the turmoil of the last days, she said, “You still feel a peace.”

Casto was there, too, his eyes puffy with exhaustion and emotion. Standing below the cemetery, Casto recalled his own silent prayer of thanks when he’d thought the men were safe.

“A lot of people say he didn’t answer,” he said, tears glistening in his swollen eyes. “But God never lets a prayer go unanswered. The Lord says there’s a time to be born and a time to die. I know that this is a sorrowful time, but it was their time to go.”