FROM THE editors July 19, 2004 Issue

Keeping watch through the night

In the summer of 2002, the United States became focused on the fate of nine miners trapped in the Quecreek Mine in Somerset, Pennsylvania. Across the nation, the news media covered the ongoing rescue efforts, while millions of people around the country prayed for a safe outcome.

One great-grandmother in Florida, who knew no one personally involved, heard the news and immediately responded by praying for the miners. As the days wore on, she continued praying, and then one night, as she prayed, the clock ticked well past her bedtime. Yet she remained praying. All through the night, without sleeping, without flagging, she prayed, into the morning hours—she prayed until, one by one, the miners emerged, alive and safe.

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