GARY LUTES had never been lost in a cave before. Twenty years a cave explorer, member of the National Speleological Society, he knew his way around caves—knew the safety rules, knew how to prepare for emergencies. So he filled his pack with food and water and extra flashlights for a short exploration with his two sons, Gary Jr., 13, and Timothy, 9.
On Monday he parked his car at the entrance to New Trout Cave and he and the boys began their spelunking adventure. Finding a small opening that led off into a side trail, Gary put down his pack to squeeze through the hole. Leaving the pack to be picked up when they came back to the main trail, the three ventured further into the enticing unknown passage.
Then disaster struck.
One by one their lights went out. White lights slowly turned yellow—faded—died. As the last flashlight failed, Gary Lutes and his two sons felt the darkness in the cave closing in, pressing in on them, a darkness so thick it could almost be felt.
Blackness of darkness forever is one description of hell, the eternal state of those who die without God, for God is light. Without Him there can be no light. There can also be no love there, for God is love. No light—no love!
The three in the cave had no light, but they had love in abundance. Having each other, they encouraged each other and took turns keeping watch for the rescuers. Sitting quietly to save energy, they prayed for rescue and recited Bible verses and Psalms. As day after day passed and hope faded, they were still glad to be together, each one happy to be with the others no matter what the outcome might be.
Not until Friday, four days after they entered the cave, did the search for them begin. Then, starting from their car parked at the cave entrance, some 25 cave rescuers and policemen began searching the cave. At 12:30 Saturday morning the pack was found, and an hour and a half later they reached the lost family.
Tired and dirty, hungry and dehydrated, how thrilled they were to get out "to see the light of day, even though it was night!" said one of the state troopers. Starlight—moonlight—lights from distant farm houses and towns—how beautiful it all was.
Lost in the darkness-some would have said their experience was "hell on earth." But no-love was there. And there was an important difference from eternal hell: they had hope. Gary said, "I prayed so hard I'd be given a second chance, and it came through."
There will be no second chance for anyone who does not avail himself of God's free offer of salvation now. Now is the day of salvation, when the night comes it will be final. Nothing will remain for those who go unbelieving and unsaved into eternity-nothing but endless night.