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Greetings!
2012! Weren't we just fretting over Y2K? As we welcome in a new year, already beginning to fill up with the busy-ness of life, I'd like to offer up this prayer from John Piper -
Lord, grant that we will love Christ above all things. And may we spend our pilgrim life learning to love this world less and heaven more. Put us out of taste with the delicacies of the devil, and give us a liking for the solid joys of Christ. Guard us from the allurements of the lodging of this journey, and fix our eyes on the end. And so, Father, make us useful to this world, loving, helping, serving here, while leading people up to God.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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FLORIDA REUNION UPDATE
DATES: February 27-29, 2012 (Mon-Wed)(leave out on March 1)
LOCATION: Florida Baptist Encampment, Groveland, FL
COST: $30.00/couple
Our theme this year is "Sharing Jesus". Each day will begin with Devotions which will be led by Pastors that have signed up for the reunion. We are also encouraging Sowers to participate by telling about their experience of Sharing Jesus.
A big THANK YOU to all who have offered to help!
Committee Chairpersons are as follow:
1. Registration - Paul Clark
2. Parking - Mark Brouwer
3. Meals - Joanne Brouwer
4. Games - Carl Folkers
5. Auctioneer - Calvin Gritzmaker
On Feb. 28 - Our special entertainment will be the Rivolis. Kay and Ron. They entertain with Music, Humor, and Faith.
(A love offering will be taken.)
On Feb. 29 we will have our Auction. Please remember your items to be auctioned off.
PS: Trivia question - Has anybody seen the Sower Traveling Bear in the Can???
SOWERS, get ready for three days of Faith, Fellowship and Fun........
Whether you've been in SOWERS since the beginning or just joined last week, don't miss this opportunity for getting together with your SOWER Family!
****Contact Paul Clark to pre-register ****
If you'd like to see the "guest list" so far - check it out HERE!
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Texas Reunion Update
Looks like the 2012 Texas Reunion will not be happening.
2013 Anyone?
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 Horton Haven Camp is one of our six projects located in Tennessee. It's located on the Duck River about an hour south of Nashville, and runs a youth camping program from June through August along with a variety of retreats throughout the year. Because of its location, it's an ideal project for those heading South for the winter or north for the summer as it is open for SOWERS every month from April through October (and trust me, Tennessee in October is Bee-U-Ti-Ful!). Sadly, Horton Haven had zero SOWERS in 2011. Zero. Take a moment and check out their website - www.hortonhaven.org or see where they're located on the map, and give some prayerful thought about signing up for this coming spring, summer or fall. If you've never worked at a camp while it's in full swing, this would be a great opportunity to see God at work in the beautiful state of Tennessee! |
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The Mechanics of it all.......
Billie and I spent the last two months at Father's Heart Ranch in Desert Hot Springs, CA. We enjoyed the time there and had plenty of work to do. However, as we got ready to leave, we had a really hard time getting the drive shaft disconnect to release so we could tow our truck to Indian Hills Camp in Jamul, CA. We were finally able to get it out of gear and headed down the road.
When we arrived at Indian Hills, we could not get it engaged again. Not knowing what to do, we prayed for the Lord to show us what we needed to do, as driving the RV around for errands and Church did not seem like a viable option! The next day we tried a couple of times to get the coupler to engage but to no avail. That's when God's plan kicked in. Parked right next to us were the Baldwins. They have the same disconnect on their pickup, in fact he had installed it himself, and knew a few of the quirks of the system. He quickly rolled under the pickup, rolled the drive shaft around and told us, now try. It slipped in smoothly and we were able to do the running around that we had intended to do. Thank you, Lord!
We mentioned that we needed to change the oil in our ALFA and the Baldwins as well as the Savareses, who both also drive ALFA's, said they had never changed their own oil and would like to see how it is done. The weekend was certainly a win-win as we got to know our new Sower Family. And it was great to know that God is always there and always GOOOOOOD.
Bob & Billie Wakeman #3114
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God Appointments
 Don and I are always so thrilled to see how God sets up His workers each and every month. If a project needs an electrician, one shows up. If a general contractor is needed, one has signed up. If a project needs teacher's aides in the school, several of the ladies have educational training. We might think "we" are planning where to serve each month, each year, but we know now it is truly God setting the stage. And sometimes we are blessed to see how God not only orchestrates "getting the job done" but also how He fine tunes matters of the heart. Two summers ago we worked the two SOWER projects in Alaska. We arrived in Alaska earlier than we expected and when we stopped by at our first project to say hello we found them to be in great need of help. After getting approval from the office, we started working 2 weeks early and were greatly blessed by it. God had us in the right place at the right time. But there were still blessings to be had. Two of the workers were going through very difficult times. One had recently lost her only sister, and another had fought the "breast cancer" battle as I also had. God gave me the privilege of coming along side each of these women to give comfort as I had received comfort through my own experiences. Another wonderful reminder of how God cares for His people! Jenny and Don Rasmussen #2824 |
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Dear Sam and Sally SOWER......
Dear Sam and Sally,
In the last Sowergram I read something about changing the SOWER Logo. I'm not sure I understand just what the problem is with our existing logo - I think it reflects what we do just fine. Could you please explain just what this "sub-committee" will be doing?
Thanks!
Liking the Logo
Dear Liking,
Thanks for your question! It's always good to hear what folks are thinking, especially about something like our Logo, which is a public representation of our ministry. A committee has been formed to look into the possibility of updating our logo, to more accurately represent what SOWERS is all about. The committee, chaired by Mal Wall, is looking for input, ideas, and even designs. The Board knows that changing the logo is a big deal, and it will not happen without a lot of discussion and prayer. Please feel free to contact Mal (maldebwall@yahoo.com) directly with any thoughts you might have about this.
God Bless,
~~Sam & Sally
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Numbers, Numbers, Numbers
You're more than a number to us, but ANYTIME you communicate with the office - either by email or snail mail or voice mail, PLEASE include your full name and your SOWER number. This is especially important if you are requesting a project or making any changes to your personal information. Thanks!
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Quick Links -
To send in a prayer request or praise item-
To contact the office -
903-882-8070
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New Stuff!
There's a new addition to the "SOWER Gear" selection!
Orders are being taken for these great Long Sleeved Denim Shirts with the SOWER Logo.
Here are the details -
Colors - Ink Blue or Faded Blue (photo is Faded Blue)
Sizes - Mens: S,M,L,XL
Womens: S,M,L,XL
Cost - $30.00
Contact the OFFICE to place your order!
Looking for a SOWER T-Shirt, Golf Shirt, or Sweatshirt? How about a new hat, or a SOWER License Plate? All these items and more are available through the form found at the back of the Sowergram or on-line on the Members Page under "Forms".
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And Happy 2012 Roster!
Ever wonder what to do with last year's Roster?
Why not keep the previous year in your vehicle, and the new one in your rig/house. (We do the same with our 'Grams)
When it's time to finally dispose of an old Roster, please make sure you either shred it or burn it. In today's climate of identity theft, it's the smart thing to do!
Thanks!
Don't forget - the PLS is updated every weekend! Check it out
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Spreading the Word!
Looking for ways to share the blessings of the SOWER Ministry?
- Did you know, if you are a member of FMCA you can put one free 20 word add in the FMCA magazine per calendar year? Contact Gary Carter for more information!
- Share the SOWER Promotional Video with them! Watch it on YouTube or request a copy from the office.
- Always have a couple of brochures tucked in your Bible , or car or purse so they are handy to give out to interested friends.
- Request a supply of SOWER business cards and put your contact information on the back. Keep a couple in your wallet!
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COMING SOON!
TRUSTEE Nominations will start in February. Look for nomination forms in the February Sowergram, and please be praying about who YOU might like to see on the Board.
If you'd like to contact all the Board of Trustee members at once -
Send an email addressed to the SOWER office with " For the Trustees" in the subject line. Presto - the office staff will immediatly get it on its way to the entire Board.
Of course, you are welcome to contact any member of the Board indivudually by phone or email using the information in the roster.
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERS are doing around the country!
Sower Adventures
Bill and Carol Cairns
Roger's Photos and Stuff
Roger & Nola Sorenson
Soltesweb.net
Ed & Patty Soltes
On a Wheel and a Prayer
Don & Jenny Rasmussen
Bob and Billie on the Road
Bob & Billie Wakeman
RV There Yet -
Gary & Stephanie Conrad
Follow the Sun
John & Mary Flynn
Do YOU have a Blog you'd like to share? Send me the link, and we'll add it to the "Blog Roll".
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!
A BIG THANK-YOU to those of you who have sent in stories for the Newsletter. We'll be sharing them in the issues ahead. How about you? Do you have a "God Story" to share? Have you been changed as a result of working at a project? Do you know about a special need at a project that doesn't get much help? Or maybe a favorite Group Shot or fun picture? Maybe you have a question for "Sam and Sally Sower" about Sower etiquette or procedures. We're looking for ideas and articles and volunteers to help put it together.
Click on this link to
send in your comments and stories and suggestions!
We're listening!
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Are you "on" Facebook?
 If you are, SOWERS has its very own Facebook page and we invite you to join our community! You are welcome to post about projects and upload pictures. Click on the Facebook Icon for a direct link to the SOWER Facebook Group. If you're already in the group, make sure you have checked the "notifications" box on the top right to get all of the updates other members post. It's always a blessing to hear and see what's going on in the SOWER Family! |
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