The 2016 Miracle Offering called for churches and individuals to pledge 10,000 hours of service to mission entities throughout the Dakotas Conference.  One volunteer, Carol Ann Jorgensen, pledged her hours but did not expect to be changed spiritually.

Carol Ann Jorgensen, a member of North Sioux City the Ark UMC, traveled over 1,500 miles to Watford City and Williston, ND to volunteer at Bakken Oil Rush Ministry and Out in Faith.

“This volunteering opportunity took me out of my comfort zone. I have never done anything like this before," said Jorgensen. “I learned that I can be volunteer at home. We have needs in our own community. I have done things like take brownies to someone, or donating clothes to the rummage sale. But I have never been present with those that I am serving.  I am seeing a bigger picture of what it takes to be a church and a conference.” Photo: Carol Ann Jorgensen sorting supplies at the Out in Faith supply room at Williston Faith UMC.

The Bakken was a new experience for Jorgensen. "I had heard some reports on TV about the Bakken being 'the wild west'. I wondered what does that mean? When I saw the opportunity to pledge to do some volunteering in the Bakken, I thought I would check the box and see for myself,” said Jorgenson.

While in Watford City, Jorgenson spent time sorting clothes and helping with a clothing give-away for kids tothe start of the school year. Jim and Kathie Konsor, operate a free thrift store for the community.  Jorgenson assisted the Konsors with sorting, registering those coming to the store and recording what items had been given away.  She also helped serve a meal at the Gathering Place—a meal with a time for fellowship and devotion. Photo: At the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry storage quanset, boots are being sorted for the upcoming winter in Watford City, ND.

“I really enjoyed doing the simple tasks and interacting with the people,” said Jorgensen. “They were all so kind and so full of joy.”

In Williston, Jorgensen spent time putting together and creating an inventory of items that go into personal care baskets. She also did an inventory of other items like dish towels, sheets, blankets and pillowcases. Jorgensen worked with Katie Peterson, deaconess, church and community worker, to help prepare and serve a meal at the GIFT worship service at Faith UMC in Williston.

“I witnessed how people are still living in substandard conditions. They simply can’t afford to live where they are or don’t have money to leave. They are struggling,” said Jorgensen. “Those receiving support were also giving support, for the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry.  They are not just there to receive but to give also. It was so great to see how happy they are to be together and to reach out to others. They are just good people.”

The 10,000 Hour Miracle Offering called for churches to have at least 10 people commit to at 10 hours of service to one of these conference missions: Bakken Oil Rush Ministry—Watford City, Out in Faith Oil Rush Ministry—Williston, Dakotas Camp and Retreat Ministry, Solar Oven Partners, Tree of Life and Spirit Lake Ministry. Churches and individuals pledged over 18,000 hours of service.

“Thank you for the experience.  I just enjoyed it. The Konsors and Katie even opened their homes to me and gave me a place to stay,” said Jorgensen. “I can, with joy in my heart serve others. This experience connected me with God and being the hands and feet of Christ.”