What are some ways the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry has blessed you this past year?

Thank you for all you do. Putting smiles on faces and getting hugs makes a world of difference in everyone's life.

They gave me a jacket when I was freezing and I've been blessed ever since.

We got coats for our kids and us. We cannot get to Williston to get to any thrift stores. We are so blessed you are here. Last year you gave us a heater that helps keep us warm. R.V.'s are very cold.

My children needed winter coats and they helped all four of my children out with coats. Thanks so much.

Thank you for today as it seemed like Christmas already...but with a bigger family.

The story of the birth of Jesus, notes with blessings written on them, a ventriloquist, presents and food were all part of the scene in Watford City, North Dakota on Saturday, December 19. The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry held their second annual Christmas event at the Civic Center with over 160 in attendance including 82 children.

Photo: Pastor Jim Konsor reads the Christmas story from Luke:2 while Kathie Konsor holds the book with kids gathered around. Photos courtesy of Jim and Kathie Konsor, Bakken Oil Rush Ministry.

Jim and Kathie Konsor who operatate the Oil Rush Ministry in Watford City invited the entire community. Several people who had visited the Free Mobile Thrift Store, part of the Oil Rush Ministry, came to celebrate Christmas. People from four different churches in town also attended.
There were 34 volunteers who help setup, work in the kitchen serving, help with handing out gifts and cleanup.

The evening event started with a greeting and prayer. Next came the singing of several Christmas carols--sheets of music were available on the tables so everyone could sing along. Pastor Jim Konsor read the Christmas story. Jim invited the kids to come up and sit around him. 

"I invited the kids to come up and sit around me if they would like," said Jim Konsor. "Just like we do at our house at Christmas....82 kids later, we started reading the story from Luke!"

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.                                                                               Luke:2 NIV

Dave Lysaker, ventriloquist from Pelican Rapids, Minnesota and his "dummy" Andy told a Christmas story about who, not what was the real present at Christmas. Lysaker's humor engaged the crowd.

After one more special carol sang by the Konsors, a supper of Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes green beans, cupcakes and cookies was served.  Preparation for the meal involved 80 pounds of potatoes and 40 pounds of hamburger.

One of the highlights of the evening was the toy mall. Each child present had a ticket. When the ticket number was called, the child with that number came up and was able to pick out a brand new unwrapped gift of their choosing. The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry recieved donations for the gifts from businesses in Watford City--Blue Lube, Red Wing Shoes, Big Boy Toys and Meyers Department store. Legacy United Methodist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota and four individuals also donated gifts. There were also door prizes for adults.

The Konsors asked for a gift from those that attended. "We had sheets on the table with a note that said. 'Take a moment and jot down how Bakken Oil Rush Ministry has helped or blessed you this past year. It will make a great Christmas present to us,' " explained Jim and Kathie Konsor. "We have some really neat comments. It was a wonderful evening."