Val Melmer. File photo.

Val Melmer, a member of Embrace Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the co-district lay leader for the Southeast District of the Dakotas Conference, is all about inviting people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. She welcomes people to see Jesus as their Savior and Lord of their lives lived out in some impactful ways. She is the recipient of the 2020 Harry Denman Evangelism Award for laity.

The award is  given in honor of Harry Denman, a Methodist layperson who sought to live his life as a testament to Jesus Christ and fulfill his calling to evangelize. It is meant to honor United Methodists in each annual conference whose exceptional ministry of evangelism – expressed in Word, Sign, and Deed – brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.

Adam Weber, lead pastor at Embrace Church says, "Val radiates Jesus with her words, kindness, and actions. Weekly, I run into people that will tell me some version of 'I follow Jesus because of Val.' One day she told me 'Adam, I’m a part of Embrace because I’ve been a prodigal myself and I want to spend the rest of my life welcoming prodigals home.'"

Here is what Val has to say about her focus on Jesus and inviting others to Jesus, "I was told of Jesus early and I was told about Jesus often, and I believed.  I went my own way. In going my own way, life got complicated. Those that told me of Jesus, pulled me in with cords of loving kindness. That kindness, that love, pulled me back to Jesus. I made peace with Jesus.  I believe that is what our world needs. The cords of loving kindess, Jesus, will draw us in and bring peace into the lives of those who are living without him. I pray that I can continue to make a difference in people's live through Jesus."

Melmer cites Jermiah 31 as a scripture she leans on as she lives out her call to invite people to Jesus. 

Watch a video clip from Annual Conference 2020 about Val receiving this award.