"Beautiful" is the word the Rev. Alyssa Quade and her husband use to describe their first few months in Watford City, North Dakota. The Quades are on a journey to start a new church in the middle of the Bakken Oil Region. They have spent the last three months making connections, meeting people who want to be part of a Christian community and seeking out places to make it all happen. The biggest request is prayer. "We ask churches and individuals to lift us up in prayer," said Pastor Alyssa.

A strong connection

Jim and Kathie Konsor have been in Watford City for eighteen months as missionaries.  The Konsors operate a Free Mobile Thrift Store every other Tuesday.  The thrift store provides clothing and small household items to anyone in need in the Watford City area.  

Every other Thursday they hold The Gathering Place.  It is a free meal with a devotion and discussion.  Roughly 40-50 have been participating in The Gathering Place.  There is a shared message among all of these people in Watford City.

The Konsors have developed connections and relationships through the Thrift Store and The Gathering. 

The people that Konsors have developed relationships with long for a community who could take them as they were and not request transformation before acceptance. Photo: The Gathering Place draws many people for food, fellowship and ministry. Courtesy of Bakken Oil Rush Ministry facebook page.

Planting a church

Reverend Alyssa Quade was appointed by Bishop Bruce R. Ough to plant a church in Watford City.  Quade most recently attended Asbury seminary.

Since coming to Watford City in June, Alyssa and John Quade have met people from all over the world and from every major religious background including Muslims, Hindu, Buddhist, New Age and Mormon.  There is also a large Hispanic community in the Watford City area.

“We understand that reaching a few people in Watford City is equivalent to reaching people all over the world.  We have become friends with a former Muslim, New Age believer, Mormon and a seeking agnostic, “ said Pastor Alyssa.  “These new friends have deep theological questions such as, "If the Christian God is the real God, why does He let evil things happen to innocent people?”

Many of the people the Quades have met do not feel comfortable in a church setting and have a lack of trust for “The Church.”  It is their hope to meet people in a nontraditional setting.  They have made contact with a local bar in town and have started a Sunday morning worship as well as “Theology on Tap” on Thursday or Friday evenings. Photo: Reverend Alyssa Quade.

As the journey for the church plant in Watford City continues, prayer is needed. “We need prayer for guidance, focus and good timing,” said Pastor Alyssa.

Here is a list of prayer needs:

• Spiritual growth and fruit within the discipleship group.

• Protection over these growing relationships.

• Continued contacts/connections.

• The growth of relationships that lead to Christ.

• Spiritual strength and guidance for the Church Plant leaders/volunteers.

• Needed material goods for worship and service.

• Land and/or a building for the church, thrift store and food pantry.

• Healing and concealing for the sex trafficking victims.

• To meet people with a passion to reach others for Jesus.

• Business leaders and community leaders to have a heart to help grow the community by investing in the thrift store, food pantry, The Gathering Place and the like.

Please become a prayer warrior for this new church plant in Watford City.  Contact Pastor Alyssa Quade by e-mail to join the prayer list.