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4.8.2 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry—Watford City

We continue supporting families with diapers, formula, wipes and hygiene products. Over two hundred packs of diapers were given the year. Out in Faith supplies phone cards, gas assistance, emergency housing and food for people that are homeless. Thank you again for your support. You are the hands and feet of Jesus. Well done! Submitted by Rev. Ross Reinhiller, pastor, Williston Faith UMC

4.8.2 Bakken Oil Rush Ministry – Watford City, ND

“This job at the thrift store saved my life!” As the new executive director of Bakken Oil Rush, Watford City Outreach, I, Melanie Smith, began my new position by meeting individually with each of the staff members and volunteers. I was surprised to hear this exclamation from one of the employees. I listened intently as the staff member shared how working at the thrift store gave her something to look forward to each day, a reason to wake up each morning. After living through a particularly challenging season of life with people who were difficult and destructive, she found the folks at the thrift store job refreshing, loving, and welcoming. This story is only one of many heard daily at the Bakken Oil Rush Thrift Store and is evidence of God joining in the ultimate mission of the ministry to CARE like Jesus, CONNECT people to resources and COLLABORATE with local and regional leaders to provide for those in need. Stories of lives changed are shared often, not only from customers but also from employees, volunteers, and board members. God is working in and through this outreach every day, every moment. As a board member and previous president of the organization, I felt called to apply for the vacant director position after listening to Jim Konsor speak at our premier fundraising event, Comedy Café in October 2021. Jim spoke of the original passion and vision of Bakken Oil Rush which was begun to care for new families moving to Watford City and to help them get connected to the area and to make it “feel like home.” Even though I knew the vision well after working closely with the Konsors, I realized in that moment God was calling me to pick up the torch and take responsibility for sharing that vision not only to new and old residents of Watford City, but to surrounding communities and organizations who also have a passion for seeing lives changed as they are cared for in the name of Jesus. The change of economy along with the impact of COVID-19 has brought many changes to the ministry of Bakken Oil Rush. Increased sales in the thrift store allowed, and demanded, increased staffing. Those increases, along with the amazing organizational skills of manager, Sandra Bishop, enabled the store to be open 3 days a week and negated the necessity of regular monthly closures which had previously been used to “catch up” on donations. The store has become a well-oiled machine with staff and volunteers in place to efficiently manage donations, customers, and cleaning, all while continuing to minister to those who might need a friendly face, caring conversation, and prayer. Bakken Oil Rush also continues to minister by connecting people to valuable resources throughout the community. After a decade of presence, the ministry is well established among all the service-oriented organizations and churches in Watford City. I, along with the ministry’s local board of directors, stay connected to other leaders through monthly meetings and frequent visits so that all are aware of programs and people available to help in about every emergency that arises. For example, through the Bakken Oil Rush thrift store, these connections led the ministry to give away over 5,500 items to people in need in 2021. We propose to practice the biblical principle “you cannot outgive God” as we determine to let the mission be run not by profits, but by needs. In 2021, as COVID-19 measures relaxed in the community, Bakken Oil Rush held its 5th Annual Comedy Café which was a huge success in re-connecting community supporters by welcoming a fun night of togetherness and celebration. The Thanksgiving Gathering and Toy Mall events in the fall drew in record crowds, with many attendees coming from a Hispanic background. Because of the many Spanish speaking people now being served through Bakken Oil Rush, there has been an increased need to offer printed resources in Spanish as well as Spanish interpretation at events and at the thrift store. It is quite rewarding to witness the connections made when a person is spoken to in their own language. These connections are imperative in helping to share the love of Christ. Now that the thrift store and annual events are well established in Watford City, there is even a greater push to COLLABORATE with local and regional leaders and organizations to offer more opportunities to spread the love of Jesus. Since the beginning, we have offered a chance for people to experience a true “church” experience outside the walls of a church building. We who love this ministry are the actual church and prove every day to be the feet of Jesus as we share our lives with those who visit and work in the store. Staff and volunteers who would otherwise never step foot inside a church are praying together and sharing devotions. When asked why they love working at the thrift store, the overwhelming response is “to help people.” This kind of service is addicting. And it is exactly the thing Jesus requires of His people. It is an incredible miracle to watch staff members learn about Jesus and then begin sharing Him with those who come to shop at the store or receive a meal or a toy at one of the events. The gospel of Jesus is power, and His Word does not return void. Micah 6:8 gives us this command: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” We at Bakken Oil Rush are finding that simply living these truths in community through the process of helping others proves the saving power of Jesus in so many new and unexpected ways. While there is always a chance to connect people to various Bible believing churches in Watford City, there are also many, many opportunities to live out biblical truths in community and grow together toward Jesus Christ.

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