Prayers have been said locally for the safe return of a senior churchman missing abroad. Fifty-two-year-old Rev. David Fox, a former minister of the Tenby group of United Reformed Churches - including St. Johns and Ebenezer URC, Amroth, was on a walking holiday in Slovenia when he disappeared. A popular and much-loved figure in the United Reformed Church in Wales, Mr. Fox, currently minister at the Elfed Avenue URC in Penarth, was reported missing from his hotel on Monday, June 23. Local police mounted a widespread search, using a helicopter, and the local media have appealed for information about him. However, despite an extensive search in the Bohinj area, also involving mountain rescue, no trace of him has yet been found. Mr. Fox, minister of the Tenby group of churches between 1983 and 1991, was due to return to Wales on Wednesday, June 25. There was to have been a surprise party to mark the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a minister at his church this week. Sue Cole, speaking on behalf of the United Reformed Church, said: "We are increasingly worried. We know David as a quiet, sensitive thoughtful man. He has no close family; indeed, the church is his family - and he is family to us." The leader of the United Reformed Church in Wales, meanwhile, flew home from Africa to support church members in Penarth waiting for news of their missing minister. The Rev. Peter Noble, Moderator of the United Reformed Church in Wales, said: "David is a wonderful pastor and has been a great source of comfort to many. I want to offer the same sort of help to his church members, as they wait for news. He is also a most valued colleague as synod clerk - our senior administrator in Wales." The congregation are now holding daily vigils of prayer, as they wait for news. Members are meeting every evening at 5 pm and hope to do so until their minister is found. Mr. Noble, who was with church members on Monday and Tuesday, added: "They (members) are sad, but are supporting one another. They remain hopeful that David will be found alive, but they recognise that as time goes by there is less likely to be a happy outcome. "They are overwhelmed by the support and caring concern shown by other churches in Penarth, and from the United Reformed Church across Wales, Scotland and England."  Church secretary, Margaret Oliver, has received numerous cards - many from people who knew Rev. Fox earlier in his ministry in Tenby, Bettws (Newport) and Holywell (Clwyd). There have also been supportive messages from people who met him during his holiday in Slovenia or who have known him at some time in the past.