One Room Left and Two Hours Late

Vacationing in Europe, I found myself in Rudesheim on Friday, June 16, 1995, for my last weekend in Germany.

That morning, I read the devotional entitled “Take Time” in the women’s devotional A Gift of Love. Turning to the biographical section, I learned that the author, Sylvia Renz, lived in Darmstadt and had a connection with Adventist World Radio (AWR). I had to go to Darmstadt! The hotel clerk called information for me.

There were fifteen people with the last name Renz, so I couldn’t call Sylvia. I went on the Rhine cruise as I had planned. Later, I retrieved my suitcases, walked to the station, boarded a train for Wiesbaden, and transferred to Darmstadt.

I wrote in my journal, “I’m going on faith, Lord. Can I find the Adventists in Darmstadt and lodging for tonight? I’m testing You. Let me know I am Your child, please. Amen.” My “angel” was a clerk at the bookstore at the Bonhof in Darmstadt.

I’d attempted to call AWR, but the coin-operated phone booth was out of order, and I didn’t have a telephone card. I explained this to the clerk.

He just grabbed his business phone, called AWR, and handed the phone to me. The English-speaking secretary, Yvonne, told me to take a taxi to Marienhohe, the Adventist seminary, and said she would see me at church tomorrow.

The next morning, I attended church, and afterward, I met and thanked Yvonne for her help. I even met Sylvia Renz, who was only at this particular church because of graduation! The next morning, transportation to the Frankfurt airport was a challenge. I had to be at the airport three hours early for my flight.

My new friends at AWR made the arrangements for me.

I did not get to the airport until 10:40 for my 11:10 flight —but my flight was delayed two hours! God enabled me to arrive on time, even though I was two hours late! God saved a room for me and held the flight to enable me to get on board.

What a loving God who cares about every detail of our lives.

Patricia Hook Rhyndress Bodi