Rev. Garland R.J. Wittmayer Sept. 5, 1937 – July 18, 2026 Garland “Gary” Raymond John Wittmayer was born Sept. 5, 1937, to Raymond Rudolph Wittmayer and Mildred Minnie née Joern at Bottineau, North Dakota. He was baptized Oct. 8, 1937, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Deep, North Dakota by...

“And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full” (Mark 8:8, ESV). The Lord knows what you need before you know you need it. This is most comforting in times of economic uncertainties and rising prices. It’s also comforting when storms,...

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20, ESV). How many commandments can you break at one time with one sin? We might remember King David’s unholy incident with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11–12). In...

“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10b, ESV). Jesus calls all His people, His whole church, to “catch people alive” using the net of the Gospel. He does not rely on so-called experts or “successful” preachers. He actually utilizes sinners—all of us—to bring...