Rescue efforts have resumed for the four trapped men that may still be alive deep beneath the earth, four days after the West Virginia coal mine disaster.

The blast killed 25 miners; 18 of their bodies have yet to be recovered. From the Associated Press: “Officials and townsfolk alike acknowledged they didn’t expect to find any of the four missing miners alive more than two days after the massive explosion. Poisonous gases have filled the underground tunnels since Monday afternoon’s blast.” Understandably, however, families are clinging to hope today.

Church leaders have been leading prayers for the rescue and recovery efforts:

• W. Virginia bishop says Mass for victims of coal mine explosion (Catholic News Agency)
• Prayer for Victims of the West Virginia Mine Explosion (Beliefnet)
• Bishop T.D. Jakes on the W. Va. mining tragedy (Dallas Morning News Religion Blog)

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