Julia Jones, a 2017 Denman Award winner, is a lay member from Pierre First United Methodist Church who has a heart for serving and loves her church.

Jones has a passion for mission and evangelism, which is evident in the areas of ministry in which she serves. Julia is the leader for an annual medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Through prayer, she felt as if God was calling her to lead a medical mission trip like this, and when presented the opportunity, she enthusiastically agreed. She has taken a team over for the past three years, and is gearing up for more. Photo: Jones, left, listens as Conference Co-Lay Leader Myrna Hill announces her award the the assembled delegation of the Dakotas Annual Conference. Photos by Joni Rasmussen.

She has helped to expand this ministry to people beyond the walls of the Pierre First United Methodist Church, and has invited other people from throughout both the Pierre and Ft. Pierre communities, and the Dakotas Conference. Every time she has a chance to speak about the mission trip, she is able to share of not only the good work that is being done, but proclaim boldly and confidently the Good News to everyone as well.

Her passion for mission doesn’t just stop there. This past fall, Jones took the initiative to help begin a program called “Kids In Mission” to teach Pre-K through 6th grade students about the powerful impact in sharing the good news of Jesus through mission.

Through these ministries, both children and adults experience the transformational love and grace of Jesus. A spark has been ignited, and Jones has helped to fan the flame of living fully into making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Jones is truly a joy to work beside and with. Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and her love and passion for serving Christ is palpable. She is the Southwest District Co-Lay Leader. In acknowledgement for all she does, she received a 2017 Harry Denman Evangelism Award at the Dakotas Annual Conference Session in Bismarck, ND on June 9, 2017.