House of Prayer's 70th: Embracing Tradition with Navajo Leaders at the Forefront

For the first time in their 70-year ministry, the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission’s House of Prayer has a Navajo speaking leader. In fact, they now have two!  

September 10, Bishop Hutterer joined the House of Prayer congregation in Rock Point, Arizona for the 70th anniversary celebration and historic installation of both Patricia Charley and Patterson Yazzie. Patricia was installed as Primary Wisdom Keeper, and Patterson was installed as NELM Executive Director and Wisdom Keeper. In their roles as Wisdom Keepers, Patricia and Patterson are the spiritual leaders for the only ELCA presence in the Navajo Nation. 

Through this journey have been supported by the NELM board, Deacon Kate Adelman, Parker Adelman, and many pastors including (but not limited to) Peter Perry, Conrad Braaten, Scott Summers, and Kurt Fangmeier.

During worship Patterson shared, “Jesus’ ministry was about preaching, teaching, and proclaiming the Gospel and that is what we have done these past 70 years, and will do in the next 70 years.” NELM and House of Prayer is a wellspring of life for Rock Point residents as they serve 70 meals a day three times a week, house the community food pantry, and offer fresh water to all who are thirsty—offering support without strings attached.

House of Prayer and NELM has been a Lutheran community for their entire 70 years of ministry. Having leaders that speak Navajo and know the Navajo culture is a gift to the community and to the church! We give thanks to God for Patricia and Patterson’s leadership, and those who have supported them along the way, as they, with the help of God, step into this new role and responsibility.