Hit by two powerful quakes in less than two weeks, Mexico City once again has reeled from the disasters that claimed hundreds of lives, demolished scores of buildings and left thousands homeless.
Amid all the disaster, one special group of rescue workers has given their services to locate survivors. They go where they are needed and freely give of their time and safety. Who are they?
Founded in 1986, the “Tlatelolco Moles” is a volunteer search and rescue group formed by a group of youths who pulled victims from the rubble of Mexico’s 1985 quake which killed over 5,000. These volunteers now tackle dangerous rescue operations, filling in the gaps when a government needs them. Hector Mende, one of the group's original founders, says they will go in and under debris where no one else will.
Assisting in at least 22 countries so far, including the 2001 World Trade Center attacks and the 2004 Indonesian Tsunami, they have travelled to disasters in Haiti, Nepal and the Philippines. Some of the team had only just returned from relief efforts after Hurricane Irma when the recent earthquakes hit their homeland.
They are unpaid workers doing life-threatening work. Why do they do it? One member said it was for the joy of finding someone alive. Initially having no formal training, the Moles are now instructed in rescue strategies, collapsed structures and risk management. With the help of the Civil Protection Agency of Mexico, the Moles now train others locally and participate in international disaster training.
They locate and triage victims, clear rubble, find bodies and even help develop long-term recovery plans. From the safety of their own homes, they go into the dangerous rubble. Knowing they may not come out, they go in anyway.
Our Lord Jesus did this on a worldwide scale in eternal fashion. He left His heavenly home voluntarily to find and rescue people from the rubble of sin in the world, in order that He might rescue us from eternal death. Jesus went into the world, knowing He would have to give up His own life in this rescue.
He was crucified for us, buried and returned to life, that all who trust Him might be saved from the crushing weight of their sins. He is now with us every day in this troubled world with its dangers and ongoing need for rescue.
”And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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