For 69 days, 33 miners from Mina San José, Chile were trapped 2,300 feet below the earth's surface, surrounded by more than 700,000 tons of unstable rock. They were trapped underground longer than anyone in recorded history, and the world had no insight into their survival for 17 days following the August 5 cave-in. As the last rescued Chilean miner came above ground, the world watched in awe. Editorial Vida, the Spanish-language division of Zondervan, a world leader in Christian communications, has signed a publishing agreement with José Henríquez, one of the miners rescued last year and regarded as "the pastor" of the group, for a book titled "Miracle in the Mine," in which he will tell his spiritual journey leading up to the mine collapse and following the heroic rescue--a faith which kept the miners alive.
"I'm eager to share how our faith in God helped me and my friends to survive this experience," said Henríquez. "Although, I have not fully embraced our so-called ‘celebrity' status, if writing this book will serve to bring others to know the truth of God's Word, then my experience will have been for good."
The book will highlight aspects of Henríquez's spiritual background and speak to the events which followed the 69 days he was trapped underground. This includes Henriquez's collaboration with Marcelo Leiva, a Baptist pastor above ground, who helped him create custom Bible studies for the miners to share in together during their ordeal. The book will also highlight aspects of the spiritual leadership Henríquez provided, which helped them to make use of their faith in God as a means to survive.
Editorial Vida, will publish "Miracle in the Mine" in all Spanish-speaking countries, while Zondervan will publish the book in English in the United States and Canada. The contract with Henríquez was signed in Talca, Chile, his hometown, approximately 257 km (160 miles) south of Santiago.
"The experience of the Chilean miners captivated the attention of the entire world for more than two months and we are absolutely thrilled to help tell this awe-inspiring true story of faith and recovery," said Lucas Leys, Publisher at Vida. "Jose's steadfast faith in God played a key role in helping these men survive this remarkable ordeal and we hope the experience of these men will touch the hearts and inspire everyone who reads their story," added Verne Kenney, EVP at Zondervan.
The book will release worldwide on October 12, 2011, the anniversary of the rescue, for $11.99 (Spanish), $19.99 (English) with announced first printing of 250,000 copies.
