19. Sep 2025

Degendorf - Landau

Photo 1: Degendorf city center where I started for the day...

Photo 2: I followed the Isar River all day, often walking on the flood wall...

Photo 3: ...and going under and over bridges.

Photo 4: Large poplar trees along the river...

Photo 5: Ulla and Werner Bayer are good friends of mine. We have know each other since forty years. I will be their guest the next three evenings and speak at their church in Dingolfing on Sunday morning. On my way to Landau where Ulla picked me up, the path I took on the south side of the river suddenly ended in an unpassable jungle. I made my way out of the brush, up a hill and through a field to the road. At the next bridge I was able to get back on the river path. I saw a woman walking with a young man coming my way. I asked them if this path will go all the way to Landau. They assured me that it did and then wanted to know where I was from and where I was going. Then came the question whether I had walked the whole distance alone. I said that Jesus was my Good Shepherd who was always with me and watching over me. The woman, Astrid, responded that they were at odds with the Lord at the moment. Silence followed. She continued: "My son, Thomas, (the 26 year old young man) is sick and no longer wants to live." I asked Thomas if he believed in Jesus. He shook his head no. I said a few words and asked if I could pray for them. Astrid began to cry as I prayed. It was a special moment for her and perhaps God was able to knock on Thomas' heart as well. Had I not gotten on the jungle path and needed the extra time to come clear, this encounter would not have happened. God knows... and cares.