/// Ideas > Breaking News Comments [ 1 ] Likes [ 1 ] Miners Face Prolonged Entrapment Stephanie Martin August 27, 2010 Copiapo, Chile -- Officials are carefully breaking the news to 33 trapped Chilean miners that they shouldn't expect a quick rescue. The miners, stuck 2,300 feet underground since an August 5 cave-in, may not be freed until Christmas. Authorities worry the men's morale will plummet if they learn the extent of the situation. Psychologists, nutritionists, and even NASA experts are determining how to best sustain the miners during the challenging months ahead. Miners are now receiving cards from family members, and they'll likely receive anti-depressants once evaluations are done. Health minister Jaime Manalich said the "initial euphoria" at being found will give way to depression. "It would be naïve to think they can keep their spirits up like this." But Manalich added that officials will do everything possible to keep the miners from dwelling on their grim situation. The trapped miners are requesting items such as playing cards and religious statues to make survival easier in their living-room-sized shelter. They're being encouraged to sing and exercise, and they'll be given chores. Chile's mining minister, Laurence Golborne, said the men have already shown "gigantic fortitude." Before contact was made with people above ground, the miners followed their shift foreman's directions and made a two-day emergency food supply last 17 days. Chilean president Sebastian Pinera, speaking to the miners via microphone, promised to reunite the men with their families as soon as possible. "You will not be left alone," he said. "The entire country is with you all." Sources: Associated Press, msnbc.com, cnn.com Discussion Questions: What must be going through the miners' heads right now? If you were in their predicament, would you want to know the whole truth, even if the news wasn't good? Explain. In your opinion, are officials being kind or deceptive by withholding information? Has anyone ever withheld the entire truth from you because they didn't think you could handle it? How did that make you feel? Can you think of a time when you would've rather remained unaware of bad things that were happening? Explain. What does it feel like to be the bearer of bad news? What's the best way to do this, and why? What types of situations make you panic? How well do you cope with bad or uncertain news? Do you usually dwell on the negative side of a situation or try to find something positive about it? Explain. When times look the darkest, what helps sustain you and keeps your spirits up? If you were trapped in a mine or facing a similar bleak stretch, what items would you request to keep you going, and why? What difference does it make to know that you aren't alone in a tough situation? When challenges loom, what kind of a person do you like to have in charge, and why? How does it feel to know that other people are relying on you? Does that give you strength for the task ahead or make you feel overwhelmed? Explain. How good of a "wait-er" are you, and why? During challenges, how can you remember that God hasn't abandoned you? Scripture links: Deuteronomy 31:8; 2 Samuel 18:19-33; Psalm 46; Lamentations 3:1-26; Romans 8:35-39; and Philippians 4:19. Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado. share this article 1 of 1 /// Related Articles World Rejoices at Successful Mine Rescue October 15, 2010 San Jose Mine, Chile-After surviving for 69 days almost half a mile underground, 33 miners emerged to cheers this week. The rescue, which went off without a hitch, was the culmination of weeks of international cooperation and... Likes [0]Comments [0] Grad Student's Beliefs Could Lead to ExpulsionAugust 5, 2010 Augusta, Ga. -- Graduate student Jennifer Keeton is fighting back against her university, which says she must reconsider her ethical convictions. Keeton, a 24-year-old who's getting her master's degree in school counseling, says... Likes [1]Comments [0] Man Plans to Tweet Entire BibleSeptember 2, 2010 Durham City, England -- In an effort to reach more people with God's Word, a British man has undertaken the task of using Twitter to summarize one Bible chapter per day. Chris Juby, a 30-year-old Web developer and worship director,... Likes [1]Comments [0]
World Rejoices at Successful Mine Rescue October 15, 2010 San Jose Mine, Chile-After surviving for 69 days almost half a mile underground, 33 miners emerged to cheers this week. The rescue, which went off without a hitch, was the culmination of weeks of international cooperation and... Likes [0]Comments [0]
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