The Dakotas Conference has received a second challenge gift in the amount of $25,000 for the Bakken Oil Rush Miracle Offering.

The CORA Foundation, a private family foundation with ties to the Williston, North Dakota area, recently announced it will match the first $25,000 contributed to the Bakken Oil Rush Miracle Offering on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The CORA Foundation’s mission is “to support Christian-based ministries that serve the spiritual, educational, and physical needs of people, helping them come to know the love of Christ and live a dedicated Christian life.” A spokesperson for the foundation indicated that the Dakotas Conference’s response to the spiritual and human needs created by the rapid energy development in the Williston Basin is to be commended and is in harmony with the foundation’s mission. Typically, the CORA Foundation awards small grants to help launch new ministries.

This challenge gift is in addition to the $50,000 challenge made by the Arthur/Casselton Charge (see related story). A miracle is clearly in the making! Congregations and individuals all across the Dakotas Conference are responding to the bishop’s invitation and to these challenge gifts to underwrite our Bakken Oil Rush Initiative.

The Miracle Offering will be received on Thursday evening, June 6, at the site of the Dakotas Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota.