A prayer answered
āThe harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.ā (Matthew 9:37,38)
Jesus spoke those words to his disciples after seeing crowds of people who were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.
What happens to flocks when no one cares for them? The same happens to people.

Rev. Dan Rautenberg, installed as pastor at Peridot and Grace.
And Jesus doesnāt like it.
And who would? Who likes being harassed? Who likes being helpless? Do you hear a pained sadness in Jesusā voice when He compares the size of the harvest to the number of workers?
One is plentiful, the other is few. What was true then is still true today.
Considering the dire situation then and now, Jesus urged: āAsk!ā
So people asked. And He answered.
God answered a big ask by guiding Pastor Dan Rautenberg and Mr. David Thompson to accept their calls as pastor and pastoral assistant. Together they will be serving the dual parish union of Peridot Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church, both on the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona.
What better way to thank God for this blessing than to hold a worship service and install the shepherds in front of a flock of Jesusā sheep! Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, was indeed a joyous occasion!
The installation service was filled with the Word of God in every aspect. The late Rev. Kirk Massey, Jr. led the worship liturgy, Rev. Gary Lupe preached the sermon, the choir and congregation sang hymns and gifted musicians played their instruments. The area pastors and leaders participated in the laying on of hands, sharing of Scripture and words of encouragement. Not to mention all the amazing food prepared by congregation members. All done to the glory of God!
The sheep at the two congregations are very blessed to have these two shepherds. Like David of old, they are men āafter Godās own heart.ā

Mr. David Thompson installed as pastoral assistant
Mr. David Thompson has been involved at Peridot Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church as a confirmed member since 2013. He speaks Apache and shares the gospel in Apache! David and his wife, Samantha, have a family āflockā of their own: five children and three foster children!
Rev. Dan Rautenberg began serving in Native American ministries 24 years ago. Except for serving three years in Grenada, his whole ministry has been on the reservations of Fort Apache and San Carlos. The people know him and he knows them. Pastor Dan and his wife, Katie, have four children, all born and raised on the reservation.
Join us, wonāt you, in thanking God for his big answer to a big ask.
Written by Rev. John Holtz, world missionary on the Native American mission team
Exactly a month after this installation service, God called home to his side Pastor Kirk Massey, Jr. āI am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.ā (John 11: 25-26). āDeath has been swallowed up in victory.ā (1 Corinthians 15:55)
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