As a child growing up in Kimball, South Dakota Don Messer fell in love with God and the United Methodist Church.  Don’s faith was fostered by family and his involvement with the his church youth group. “My faith was inspired and really grew through my involvement with Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF),” said Rev. Dr. Don Messer. 

This year Messer celebrates his 50th as an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church. Photo: Rev. Dr. Don Messer by David Stucke, Dakotas Conference UMC.

Dr. Donald E. Messer, founder and executive director of the Center for Health and Hope, is president emeritus and professor emeritus of practical theology at the Iliff School of Theology, Denver.  He is Co-Chair of the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee.  Messer travels internationally speaking on HIV and AIDS, and is the author of sixteen books and countless articles.

“I am a South Dakotan first, foremost, “ said Messer.

Messer Dakota Spirit from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.