Oil is still pumping in the Bakken Region of North Dakota.  Despite the low oil prices there is no slowdown in the need for ministry in the western region of North Dakota.  The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry in Watford City, North Dakota and Out in Faith in Williston, North Dakota continue to reach out to hundreds each week.  

Touching lives in Watford City

During 2014 Jim and Kathie Konsor have given away over 10,000 clothing and household items to those in need in Watford City.  The Dakotas Conference missionaries run a free mobile thrift store in Watford City, North Dakota. 

The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry in Watford City also hosted seven fellowship events. Events including spaghetti feeds, picnics in the park, Sidewalk Sonday School, and a Christmas party reached over 800 people, including about 200 children.

In the past week, Jim and Kathie Konsor and lots of volunteers assisted over 100 families.  A three-day giveaway of winter clothing and household items was held for those in need. 

“We had a gratitude jar we set up at the giveaway,” said Jim Konsor. “We encouraged people to write down a sentence about what they were grateful for. There were a lot of cool messages. Touching people with kindness and tangible help is such a great feeling!”

Photo: Gratitude jar and some sample messages at the recent give away in Watford City.  Photo courtesy of Jim Konsor.

What is next for the ministry?  “It is our hope and prayer we can continue to reach even more,” said Kathie Konsor.  “Our dream is to have a building where we can operate a store and sort Thrift store items as well as host small groups and fellowship events for the ministry.  We just want to spread the love of Christ.”

Ministry on the move in the Bakken from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.

The Spirit is moving in Williston

January 2014 marked the first anniversary of Out in Faith Ministry in Williston, North Dakota.  Katie Peterson, deaconess with the General Board of Discipleship, and Faith United Methodist Church in Williston, operate the ministry.

Each Saturday, Out in Faith holds God in Faith Tonight (G.I.F.T.), a worship service and a light supper.  G.I.F.T. has an average weekly attendance of 50.  It is estimated that there have been over 400 different people reached over the past year.

In addition, hundreds of people have been served with basic needs like coats, blankets, sleeping bags.  Faith UMC collects and stores items for those in need.  Katie Peterson, with the help of volunteers, distributes those items.

Recently, Linton and Sterling United Methodist Churches collected over $4000 and more than 100 blankets, winter coats, and boots for Out On Faith Bakken Oil Rush Ministry.  The two churches hope to continue support to Out in Faith ministry and Katie Peterson as their missionary outreach project.

Photos: (left) Sterling UMC group and (right) Linton UMC group with some of their collected donations, in their sanctuaries. Photo courtesy of Katie Peterson.

Other services of Out in Faith ministry include assisting those who come to Williston in connecting with jobs, housing and other agencies.

Out in Faith from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.