St. Johns Lutheran Church in Ottertail will once again be serving their annual Oktoberfest German dinner on October 11. This event has raised funds and supported a number of worthwhile community and church projects throughout the years. This year’s event will be no exception as the funding for the dinner will have a global mission outreach.

In 2008, Robert Lutz a former parochial school teacher who worked at St. Johns School, began his mission journey in Yambio, South Sudan. He initially taught seminary students and during this time he saw the dire need for more humanitarian assistance to this part of the world. He constructed a Lutheran high school and then in 2019 opened House of Hope Orphanage. This began a special mission to provide humanitarian assistance—including fresh water, food, medicine and a safe environment for children in the area. The compound has a Christian school and library, kitchen, dormitories and bathrooms along with a safe environment in which 24 children (12 boys and 12 girls) currently live and learn. Funding is being sought to build another dormitory to house an additional 24 students.

Since its inception and initial success, the House of Hope has lost its founding father. Unfortunately, the numerous tropical diseases and viruses created serious health problems over the years and complications ended Pastor Lutz’s life on February 4, 2025.

Here is where the St. Johns Oktoberfest Dinner comes into play. Funds raised by the meal will be used to continue Rob Lutz’s mission work and support the planned projects that show Christ’s love and caring for these needy children.

The German Oktoberfest dinner includes brats and hot dogs, sauerkraut, Hot German potato salad, squash and corn along with a salad and dessert buffet. Serving will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a bake sale for the day at St. Johns. The meal price is free-will donation.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed,” Proverbs 19:17.