Pastor Mark and Tim Dahl Stuck in Europe; Pastor Emeritus Recognition As Scheduled

Dear St. Paul's Congregation,

Tim Dahl and I are sending out this e-mail from Berlin, Germany, where we are currently staying with Andy and Claudia Rauhut. If you have been watching the news, you know that virtually all air travel in Europe has been grounded because of the volcano.

After our flight was cancelled this morning, the earliest flight we could book was next Friday, April 23rd. However, we are now considering taking a bus south to Madrid, Spain (about 1600 miles) where there is a possibility of getting a flight back to somewhere in the USA. This would be a 30 hour bus ride, and there is the possibility that the ash cloud could shift and then we would be stranded in Madrid. (The trains in Europe are fully booked).

We ask for your prayers for wisdom in making decisions. The news says this is even a larger interruption of air traffic than 9/11. Thankfully, Andy and Claudia, and Andy's brothers (who also live in the Moabite neighborhood in Berlin) are very gracious to keep us here as long as needed. But we are also interested in getting home to see our families and continue the work of God in St. Louis.

In the meantime, life at St. Paul's will continue as normal. We will continue with the recognition of Pastor Stemler as Pastor Emeritus tomorrow. Also, you should be very interested to hear Jim Hertzler preach a message dealing with the martyrdom of three personal friends in Turkey tomorrow, which is the "Global Day of Prayer for Turkey."

Tim and I have much to report when we get home about the Berlin Church Planting project, and also the Church Planting Summit we attended here. God is truly at work here. Tim and I are trusting that even this disruption in our travel is part of God's shepherding in our lives.

Grace and peace to you all!

Pastor Mark Friz