Palau Chile Festivals Reveal Two Thirds of Trapped Miners Turned to Christ During Their Ordeal
 

145,000 hear Gospel at two major festivals

By Peter Wooding
 

CHILE (ANS) -- Twenty-two of the thirty-three, or fully two-thirds, of the Chilean miners turned to Christ whilst waiting to be rescued.

This remarkable statistic was revealed by miner Jose Henriquez when he joined Luis Palau on stage at one of two huge evangelistic festivals held in Chile last month. Henriquez was the 24th man to be brought to the surface and assumed the mantle of the spiritual leader of the trapped men, who called him 'The Pastor'.

Photo: Luis Palau, Jose Henriquez, Andrew Palau

He also disclosed on stage that he had requested and received biblical audio messages from Palau whilst underground. Henriquez shared his testimony at the Santiago festival on October 29.

Speaking to tens of thousands of people who had come to hear Palau, Henriquez's story clearly made an impact on those in attendance, helping lead thousands in public commitments to Jesus Christ. He then commented privately to Palau, "I do hope they will follow through and walk with Christ for life." The following night, Palau spoke to the crowd whilst wearing the same shirt that Henriquez was wearing when he was rescued. He used it as an illustration for his own evangelistic message, sharing the hope we all have in Jesus Christ.

A total of 145,000 people attended the six day mission, which also encompassed the seaside city of Vina del Mar. Palau, who was accompanied by his son and co-evangelist Andrew, also spent 30 minutes with President Sebastian Piñera.

They discussed several significant issues, including the importance of public officials recognizing God in their statements and speeches. Palau pointed out the promise made by God in the Bible, "Those who honour me I will honour."

The evangelist also shared the biblical story of the prodigal son with President Piñera - a picture similar to that of the president welcoming the miners one by one during their rescue operation. "I don't believe it's sacrilegious," said Palau, "to say that during that operation you were a picture of God the Father welcoming those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ, whom He welcomes one by one."