David Pendelton Oakenhater. Cheyenne Deacon and Missionary, ca 1847-1931

                                Psalm 26:3 

your

love 

is 

before 

my 

eyes; 

I have 

walked faithfully with you.. 

 
  David Oakenhater's 

name was Okuh hatuh, 
Sun Dancer. He was 
born around 1847 
in Indian Territory which, in 1907, became Oklahoma  He later adopted the name Pendelton from a Mrs Pendleton of Cincinnati who gave financial assistance to him and 2 others who had been taken prisoner by the US Army in the war over land rights. (The land was theirs, right?)

After his was taken prisoner, through the example of individuals living out their Christ-ian faith, he was converted and ”moved to answer the call to transform his leadership in war into lifelong ministry of peace.” He returned to Indian Territory after his ordination in 1881, where he remained until his death on August 31, 1931. (Which is fun for me because my Dad's mother was born in a covered wagon in Indian Territory in 1881). which gives me a connection to the story.) 

“Liberate us, who com-memorate him today, from bond-age to self, & empower us for ser-vice to you 

& to the neighbors you have given us.  - Collect