Kathie Konsor, far right, receives a congratulatory hug from Bishop Ough. Jim Konsor, second from left, is congratulated by Kermit Culver. Photo by Joni Rassmussen, jlynn studios.

James and Kathie Konsor were awarded The Harry Denman Evangelism Award at the Dakotas Annual Conference held in Bismarck, North Dakota. The Konsors are the leaders and evangelists of the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry in Watford City, North Dakota. Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings; impacts and engages all generations; and requires relationship among a variety of persons. Jim Konsor received The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for clergy. Kathie Konsor was awarded The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for laity. 

Jim and Kathie Konsor have embodied the spirit and passion of Mr. Harry Denman. Six years ago, with the prayers and gifts they received through the Dakotas Annual Conference Miracle Offering, the Konsors boldly stepped into the growing mission field of the Bakken region. From the moment they assumed the leadership role of the newly created Bakken Oil Rush Ministry-Watford City, their lives have been about daring to reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ. 

With only a converted camper trailer and three storage units, they began crafting a community-wide ministry that has provided warm clothing, household items, furniture, and so much more. This ministry has impacted thousands of people. Not one of those individuals left the distribution center without seeing, in action, hearing about, or receiving a smile, hug, or a word about Jesus.

The Konsors practiced daily, through the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, what Harry Denman believed and lived. The Harry Denman Evangelism Award program, honors 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. Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings; impacts and engages all generations; and requires connection among a variety of persons.

For the Konsors, giving away or selling—for a nominal fee, all those items, and articles, has always and only been about the opportunity to meet and interact with people. They live for the purpose of sharing the love of Jesus. Praying with individuals in need, sharing a laugh, or just exchanging a heartfelt smile were tools Jim and Kathie used to make an impact on the lives of thousands of people.

The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry, because of the leadership of Jim and Kathie Konsor, has moved from a Dakotas Conference extension ministry to a self-supporting, self-funded, 501c3 ministry operation. With a new retail center and a sorting and storage warehouse, the ministry is staged for enduring and ongoing outreach. 

The ministry still operates under the banner of the cross and flame. It now functions with a locally elected and recruited Board of Directors. Bakken Oil Rush Ministry continues to be significant player in the community of Watford City, responding to emergencies, providing assistance where it is needed, and always with an eye to sharing and showing the love of Jesus. 

The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry has gained region-wide support, acclaim, and endorsement. It is all because the Konsors have never compromised what they knew God was calling them to do when they answered the call to move to Watford City. 

Through the most tumultuous times of the oil booms and busts, the Konsors have never wavered from their original mission - “to share the Love of Jesus, with all they meet.” Their contagious faith has been and continues to be, an inspiration. Jim and Kathie Konsor will be retiring July 1, 2019. Dwanye Keener will serve as the new director.