Cave In
Wheelies 4 Jesus
Published: 4/27/22
By: Gordon Dawson
Located in Minford, under the hills of south-central Ohio, there's an incredible adventure that awaits you. White Gravel Mines, originally named Warren Mines, is a deep labyrinth of man-made caves to mine white quartz gravel. In the early 1920s and for over 40 years, men used the power of dynamite, donkeys, and muscle to burrow out the gravel and sand to supply the industrial needs of the region. Used primarily as construction aggregate in Portland-cement concrete, the mine's content gave rise to numerous building and bridge foundations, new interstate highways and sidewalks, and many modern commercial buildings. The power of gravel and sand also plays a dominant role in producing asphaltic concrete (blacktop, if you will), the preferred paving material. Other resource uses include fill material, drainage and filtration beds for water treatment facilities, molding sand for casting in foundry operations, and sandblasting abrasive and traction enhancement.
The Warren Mines worked through the 1970s, delivering massive tons of the aggregate to the General Refractories Company for the modern development of their silica (or "fire") bricks. These special bricks were essential for the government to produce steel for weapons and other defensive materials during WWII. Later, the fire bricks would find a more commercial use by companies like Owens Corning and Raytheon in manufacturing steel and glass products.
As more of this industry fell victim to cheaper overseas development, the mines eventually became unnecessary and began closing. However, at a year-round temperature of +-55 degrees, the caves gave refuge to multitudes of wanderers (Hippies) finding their way through this scenic area of Ohio, especially during the winter months. State and county officials were finally called in to help Warren seal the openings to eliminate the trespassing and subsequent vandalism that occurred. While this helped the main problem, many local kids could still find their way inside the abandoned caves. Today, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources lists 33 abandoned mines within this area of Scioto County.
In 2009, Tom and Mindy Martin initially approached the Warren family for permission to use the mines as a paintball experience with the local Boy Scouts of America. However, Tom had additional thoughts for the mines and asked to purchase the mines and surrounding land. At first, the Warrens were reluctant to sell but agreed that as long as buyer guaranteed the land for good community use, they would agree to a selling price for Tom and Mindy. So, in lieu of paintball, a vast cleanup operation was conducted with the Boy Scouts and other volunteers, removing truckloads of trash and debris. The Martins' goal was to take an area laced with assorted bad behavior and develop a positive influence with an attraction to lead all to Christ.
Free and open to the public, White Gravel Mines became host to thousands per year, seeking the unique experience of touring an abandoned mine, only to exit having heard and seen the gospel. Each year, the mine transforms itself from the Easter experience, including vast amounts of artwork, lights, music, and scripture boards telling the truth of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, to the Christmas experience using the same medium to tell the story of His birth. Many other smaller venues happen throughout different times, and individuals can contact the Martins for private events and occasions.
I learned of this adventure through my affiliation with a mission group called Luke 5 Adventures, an outreach program that takes disabled people on hikes into excursions their wheelchairs cannot possibly reach. Our ability to take children, adults, veterans, and anyone with a mobility restraint into deep woods, across rocks, up mountainous terrains, through creeks gives an unbelievable experience to both the giver and receiver. We are the only outfit in America providing this service with our amazing Joëlette single-wheeled transport bike, and it's incredible to see how quickly our services are being used and sought after.
Luke 5 found the White Gravel Mine by doing a Facebook search of area places to take our unique hikes. Unfortunately, the disabled are some of the least witnessed communities. Luke 5 Adventures was birthed to share God's creation with those who cannot walk, hear, see, or talk. Now, the Joëlette allows White Gravel Mine to offer an experience for the disabled community. It's truly a remarkable experience to take someone into an area they could never reach and watch the reactions.
Context
Thoughts
– Do you serve in any capacity?
– Is it prideful to tell how you serve?
– Could you be a troglodyte?
