WOULD YOU RISK YOUR LIFE IN A SLOT CANYON?

 CASE OF THE STORM WARNING

THREE DETECTIVES SCRAMBLE

Diego and Sofia arrive at the trailhead to Little Wild Horse slot canyon in Utah.  

Diego says to his newly wed wife, "Sofia, have you ever been in a slot canyon before."  

Sofia answers, "No Diego, where is it?  All I see is one tree in a sandy wash."

After hiking 1/2 mile they see a sign.  Sofia asks, "Do you want to go to Bell Canyon or Little Wild Horse?"

Diego smiles, "Little Wild Horse has better narrows.  Some people hike the 8 mile loop.  But we didn't bring water to hike 4 hours."

They come to a huge crack in the sandstone wall.  Sofia says, "How are we going to squeeze through that?  What if I can not fit through it?"   

Diego laughs, as the enter the slot canyon.

Walking up the slot canyon, Sofia stares at a bizzare gray rock formation with holes in the wall.  She says, "Diego do you see that?  It reminds me of a horror movie."

Diego climbs up a chokestone rock and grabs her hand pulling her up.  Diego states, "Are you having a fun?"

Winding up the slot canyon, they hear three voices coming down.  Sofia says, "Diego, can we stop and rest for a moment?"

Sofia and Diego observes the high walls of the sandstone canyon seeing a Raven fly by.

Three Detectives come down the slot canyon, and stop to talk with Sofia and Diego.

Jack the lead detective speaks, "Where are you from?"

Sofia speaks, "I'm Sofia, and this is my newly wed husband Diego.  We're from Redondo Beach, California."

Gloria writes down notes, saying, "We are the Three Detectives and would like to ask you a few questions about your experience in the slot canyon today."

Valerie holds her cell phone to video the interview.  She asks, "Is this your first time hiking in a slot canyon?"

Diego replies, "Yes, I never knew that Utah was so fun.  It's like one big playground."

Sofia adds, "Fun for you and all work for me!  We are on our honeymoon."

Gloria asks, "When you were a child, did your mom ever warn you not to touch hot pans on the stove?"

Diego laughs, "Many times!  After a few burns, my mom showed me her pot holders."

Jack talks, "Are you aware there are two types of warnings.  A warning not to do something, like touching something hot, and a warning to do something, like seeing a warning sign to slow down before driving around a sharp curve."

Sofia adds, "I don't like to risk my life racing around curves."

Valeria asks, "Do either one of you have any bars on your cell phone?"

Diego replies, "Nada, no bars!"

Jack speaks, "Utah has Monsoon storms during August afternoons.  Have you check the weather report today?"

Sofia replies, "When we started it was sunny and blue sky.  No clouds anywhere."

Gloria speaks, "We met Joshua carrying a satellite phone.  He warned us to turn back, because of a severe weather alert and possible flash flood heading to this area."

Valerie states, "You need to turn around and leave right now.  The storm can be miles away and still cause a flash flood in a slot canyon."

Glorias says, "I want to warn you that water can get high in this canyon and sweep you off your feet." 

Valeria adds,  "You'll see new waterfalls pouring over steep cliffs, with falling rocks."

Diego hesitates, "A little water never hurt anyone.  Besides, Utah is the second driest state in America."

Valerie asks, "Do you believe in God?"

Sofia replies, "I met Diego in church.  He is so handsome."

Jack says, "Adam and Eve were warned not to eat of the tree of good and bad knowledge.  Because they did not listen, God said, they shall surely die."

Gloria states, "Noah was a preacher of righteousness, building an ark and warned people to turn back to God, before the great worldwide flood.  Did they listen to his warning?"

Diego replies, "That's Old Testament."

Gloria asks, "Are you Born Again?"

Both Diego and Sofia have blank faces.

Valerie reads, "Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.”  (John 3:5-8  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sofia replies, "I believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Why do I need to be Born Again?"

Diego hurries, "We are going to continue hiking up Little Wild Horse.  Do you know how many miles until the end of the narrows?"

Jack speaks, "It's 3.6 miles total each way and 505' elevation gain. I'm not sure how many miles we have all ready hiked.  If the storm comes, wait on the other side, and get out of the wash for a few hours until the weather clears."  

Valerie adds, "You can hike north on the 'Behind the Reef' dirt road 10 miles to the 'Temple Mountain campground' and beg for a ride back to your vehicle."

Gloria says, "Can we pray with you before you leave?"  Diego walks away up the canyon, ignoring them."

Sofia turns her head, saying, "Sorry, we're in a big hurry.  Enjoy the rest of your hike."

Valerie talks,  "Let's go, it's time us to get out of here.  It's their free choice to do what they want."

With sorrow they watch Diego and Sofia disappear around sandstone walls.

Suddenly, TWO BLASTS of THUNDER RUMBLE the canyon walls!!!

Sofia SCREAMS!

Sofia and Diego hurry back down, meeting the Three Detectives once again.  Diego's face in shock, and Sofia's body shaking.

Dark clouds appear above their heads.

Diego cries out, "Let's get out of here!"

Everyone hurries down the slot canyon.  No one stops for breaks.

Valerie shouts, "HOPE WE DON'T HAVE A HAIL STORM."

Diego says, "Sophia, be careful, don't slip and fall.  I want you back in one piece.  It's our honeymoon."

After exiting the narrows, they enter the dry wash, feeling rain drops on their heads.

Jack yells, "IF YOU SEE WATER COMING DOWN, GET OUT OF THE WASH IMMEDIATELY AND FIND HIGHER GROUND!"

Wind blows with lightning and THUNDER.

Running through the sandy wash they reach their vehicles in 12 minutes and were out of breathe.

Everyone is soaking wet standing in the parking lot.

Sofia asks the Three Detectives, saying, "Before you leave, we would like to know how we can become Born Again."

Jack says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NASB)

The rain lets up with a cool breeze.

Gloria states, "Repent from your sins, make Jesus the Lord of your life, trust in Him, and ask for the Holy Spirit."

Sofia looks into Diegos' eyes, saying, "Would we risk our lives on our own, or follow Jesus knowing he will lead us and give us everlasting life?"

Jack leads them in prayer, as they huddle together with arms wrapped around each other.

Diego shouts out, "I'm a new man, a new creation in Jesus Christ!"  

Sohia has a great big smile on her face with dripping wet hair.  Diego and Sophia kiss.

Jack concludes, "Go tell all your family and friends that Jesus is your LORD and SAVIOR."