After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Luke 10:1-9
David Pemdleton Oakerhater (Cheyenne) is the first Indigenous person to be made a saint on the Episcopal Church calendar. I remember how big a deal it was. Native leadership from across the church showed up to celebrate in Syracuse where he was baptized and ordained a deacon. He spent all of his ministry at home in Oklahoma among the Cheyenne people. Although he was never priested, he remained faithful to the people at home, founding schools and churches, and attending lovingly to human need. Once he had been a mighty warrior, then a captive of the US government. when he returned to Oklahoma Indian Territory in 1881, he was quoted as saying -
You all know me. You remember when I led you out to war I went first, and what I told you was true. Now I have been away to the East and I have learned about another captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is my leader. He goes first, and all He tells me is true. I come back to my people to tell you to go with me now in this new road, a war that makes all for peace.
Great Creator, you liberate us and love us
giving us small roles that can change the world
and freeing us from the captivity of heart and mind.
Your servant David Oakerhater was called Making Medicine
and you brought him peace and hope while imprisoned
bring us hope when we are captive to our own limitations.
Make us faithful laborers in your fields and your followers
renew our energy when our spirits fail and we feel lost
and guide us with your love so we might care for your people. Amen.
