By Doreen Gosmire, Dakotas Conference director of communcations

WATFORD CITY — Jim and Kathie Konsor have established the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry in Watford City. The ministry is serving hundreds of families in the region through the thrift store, fellowship events and more. Despite the low oil prices, the Bakken region continues to produce over 1 million barrels of oil a day. Watford City is at the heart of the oil region. Photo: Watford City traffic grid under construction, Sept. 16, 2016. By David Stucke, Dakotas UMC.

The Bakken Oil Rush region is still experiencing growth but not at the same rate experienced at the height of the oil boom in 2013-2014. The Konsors continue to expand their ministry to those who are coming and staying in Watford City. Many people coming and going from Watford City are experiencing economic pressures from low oil prices.

“We have been reeling from one of the most prolific booms this country has seen since the Gold Rush days,” said Gene Veeder, executive director for the McKenzie County, ND, Job Development Authority.  “The assumption is that once oil prices drop, so would productivity. That is not the case here. We are still producing over 1 million barrels of oil a day here.”

Veeder explains that there is a lot less exploration and drilling now. Drilling creates temporary jobs. The people in those jobs have left. “We have gone from super-explosive growth to explosive growth,” said Veeder. Photo: Gene Veeder speaks with Doreen Gosmire, Dakotas UMC. By David Stucke, Dakotas UMC.

The area still has job openings, but for skilled workers, so people are still coming and looking for jobs. “We have people who come here but don’t have the skills needed, and they end up getting stuck here,” said Veeder.

“We also have people here, that have had their hours cut or their job has been lost because of the type of job they had or the decrease in exploration,” said Veeder. “These people have no place to go. That is where the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry helps.”

The single male worker is not the prominent citizen in Watford City as was the case at the beginning and at the height of the boom. “What we have here now is families,” said Veeder.

“We see families trying to stay here and hang on with reduced work hours,” said Jim Konsor.  “These families are here to stay and need assistance.”

The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry tries to give assistance physically, emotionally and spiritually. Clothing and household items are available to those in need at a warehouse and RV. The Konsors recently procured a warehouse that stores the items for sorting and distribution. Photo: Kathie Konsor supporting a local resident at The Gathering Place on Sept. 14, 2016. By David Stucke, Dakotas UMC.

Twice monthly the ministry hosts a fellowship event with a devotional called, “The Gathering Place.”  A meal, scripture lesson and prayer are part of the event. Additionally, community-wide fellowship events are held every two-three months including spaghetti feeds, picnics and a Christmas party.

The ministry started in 2013 through the Dakotas Conference with a Miracle Offering. Three years later, the numbers and the need continue. The finances, however, have dwindled.

The Konsors have established a community board to organize and help keep the ministry running. The board has applied for 501c3 status. They have also applied for grants and received additional funds from the Dakotas Conference.

“It costs money to do ministry,” said Jim Konsor. “We are working hard with the Conference, churches, individuals and the community of Watford City to make this ministry something that is here to stay.”

The community of Watford City has responded with financial support.  Over $30,000 was raised September 17-18 at a performance event. Comedian Jeff Allen performed at the new Watford High School Performing Arts Center.  Contributions came in the form of business sponsorships and individual donations for the live performance on Saturday night. Photo: Jim Konsor at a Watford City business, discussing the Oil Rush Ministry on Sept. 15, 2016. By David Stucke.

On Sunday, a special worship service was held; an offering was collected from various churches and individuals in attendance. “We received $10,000 from the CrossPoint Wesleyan Church,“ said Konsors. “We were blown away.”

“The American soul is made out of communities. We have people coming here for jobs. If we can help them make it and transition into a quality life we should,” said Veeder. “That is what spiritual life and commitment is about from my perspective. It is things like the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry that will make the difference for people to make it or not make it.”

To donate to the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry:

Dakotas Conference UMC:  Send checks to Account Number 746, Bakken Oil Rush Ministry Dakotas Conference UMC, PO Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301.

OR

Donate directly at this link: https://oilrushministry.com/donate/

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