When Don Reiffenberger left Luther Seminary after attending during the 2002-2003 academic year, he thought his hopes for ordination in the ELCA were over. Don and his wife had tried living in St. Paul but found his family and other concerns compelled him to leave seminary and return to Sioux Falls. Don resumed his 20 year teaching career in the Sioux Falls School District and resigned himself to never completing his M.Div. and never being ordained in the ELCA.

To Don’s surprise, the door to ordination hadn’t closed and a pastor who knew about LHOS encouraged Don to continue his studies through LHOS. After much prayer, Don did just that and is now on track to be the first LHOS student to complete his M.Div. Don has completed his CPE training and is in the process of applying for an internship that will start the summer of 2009. He is enjoying the opportunity to participate in classes at Sioux Falls Seminary and the online opportunities offered by ELCA seminaries. According to Don, LHOS is filling a need that no other program would – he is able to stay in Sioux Falls and provide a stable home for his family, while enjoying the collegiality of other LHOS students experiencing the same challenges and rewards as Don - as they, too, pursue their education.