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SOWER Ministry Newsletter
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Greetings!
Ah, Sweet (short) February! The month of "Love". Do you conjure up visions of chocolate hearts and long stemmed roses? Or maybe it's more of that little tease of spring we sometimes get this time of year (usually just before that March blizzard!). Many of our SOWER family are enjoying their time at the "Sun-Belt" projects (February is traditionally our "most worked" month), but I know that many are still at home, taking care of the business at hand. I think that during this Love Month it's always good to remember that the Love of our Savior is a VERB and not a noun. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son" for you and for me. May each of you find the grace and strength to keep sharing His LOVE in the days ahead.
Oh, How He Loves you and Me!
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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Family News
 Frank and Peg Ambrosio # 2229 have been serving as half of our Office staff team for the past 3 years. They have now received a strong calling from the Lord to return to their home church to fill an urgent need there. It is with regret that the Board of Trustees accepts their resignation effective 2/29/12. We will pray for God to bless them in their continued service to Him. Following a Board meeting (teleconference) to review the office staffing options, the Board has asked Ray and Alean Arthur to fill the office positions year around at this time. To guard against "burn-out", they will be required to take 2 respite periods of one month duration per year to be covered by another couple. This staffing policy change is temporary and will be reviewed at each Board meeting. |
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Heading North!
It's never too early to start praying and planning about those summer plans. Have you ever considered working one of our beautiful Canadian projects? We have six wonderful projects that are stretched across the continent - each one worthy and beautiful in its own way!
Click on any of the pictures to go directly to the websites of these dynamic Christian Camps.
 | Stillwood Camp
Lindell Beach, British Columbia BC-349 |
 | Ness Lake Bible Camp
Prince George, British Columbia BC-434 |
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Nanoose Bay Camp
Vancouver Island, BC
BC-445
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Turtle Mountain Bible Camp
Boissevain, Manitoba
MB-490
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Camp Crossroads
Torrance, Ontario
ON-443
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Wesley Acres Retreat Center
Bloomfield, Ontario
ON-474
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Or maybe this is the summer for your Alaskan Adventure!
 | Solid Rock Camp
Soldotna, AK
AK-43 |
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 | Camp Li-Wa
Fairbanks, AK
AK-288 |
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But that means we'll have to cross the border!
Here are some tips from our Canadian Area Reps to help "make the way straight" when crossing into Canada -
First of all - a couple of very helpful websites -
1. Canada Border Services Agency - note especially the information given for "Canadians & Residents" and "Non Canadians". Also the recommendations regarding food restrictions and pets etc.
2. Tips for Driving Across the Border into Canada -This website has some excellent tips for those who have never ventured into Canada!
We would caution SOWERS to just answer the Border Guard's questions without adding extra information or trying to be humorous. Do not describe yourselves as "Christians serving the Lord" (or anything similar)! It is quite possible that a Guard could be biased against Christians (ie. a Muslim or extremist group?), and as time goes on, we all know that persecution is coming and this could be one method of blocking believers. It is quite kosher to say that your destination is a campground that one is going to, or that one is a snowbird heading south if it is winter, or that you are visiting friends,etc. Know the address where you will be going just in case they ask you for it. The words "working" and "volunteer" should never be used! Neither country wants jobs to be taken away from their own citizens!
Also, when crossing the border either way, one should not have a truckload of tools. They would be difficult to explain if they are noticed. However, it is easy to explain a reasonable number of tools when one is travelling with an RV - one often has to be one's own mechanic in unexpected locations! And as for money, it is wise to have some currency with you, for the country you are visiting. Don't count on writing checks (known as 'cheques' in Canada) except in your own country. Most credit cards are accepted and cash is available at Banking Machines with debit cards in either country. A small fee is usually added to the transaction. Cash-back at stores like Wal-Mart is also available in either country.
Everyone has different experiences to report, but hopefully this information will be helpful! Every-so-often, someone is pulled over for a spot-check, which could delay the travel time. But if you have done your homework on border crossing procedure, and have nothing to hide, you shouldn't have anything to worry about - just do what you are told!! One of our friends was asked how much money they had with them. (You are allowed up to $10,000!!!) He said about $100. The guard was aghast as these folks were going to be in the States for 3 months. When queried further, our friend said he always uses plastic!
Wayne & Dorothy Farquhar #2238
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Blessings along the way
As SOWERS we are not only blessed by serving at various ministries, we are often privileged to experience "God Winks" along the way. Here are just a couple that have been submitted by fellow SOWERS:
During our recent trip from Alaska to White Horse in Canada our tow bar bent in half. With caution we made it to the 2nd campground in Glasgow, Montana. As we pulled into the campground it broke off. God is good. Also in Glasgow we went to Wells Fargo to get our update statement. She asked us what we was doing that evening and I told her we were going to FT Peck to see the live play Huckleberry Finn. She gave us two free tickets. God's goodness continues to amaze us!
Jim and Marilyn Linger #488
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While driving from our home in Texas to our December Project in AZ, we stopped in Lordsburg, NM to spend the night at the Flying J. We noticed an RV parked in front of us with a "Crosswalk for Jesus" sign on the back. In the morning we noticed there was a large cross made out of aluminum down spouting with a small wheel on the bottom attached to the front of their rig. I knocked on their door to give them a brochure and information about the SOWER Ministry. It turns out, they have their own Ministry. They had traveled from Springfield, MO to Lordsburg, NM. They stopped at several towns along the way and walked through the streets carrying the cross and blessing everyone they met. They also are part of a street ministry in Phoenix which is where they were headed. They were planning to walk through Lordsburg so we asked if we could join them. We walked from the Flying J into Lordsburg, waving at truckers, 4-wheelers and pedestrians as we went along. It was such a fantastic feeling, carrying the cross and knowing that folks were being blessed by our actions. The billboard facing traffic as you enter Lordsburg reads "Jesus Christ is welcome in Lordsburg, NM" As always, when you follow the Lord's lead, you get a blessing and we surely did.
Nancy & John Franges, #2043
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TRUSTEE NOMINATIONS
Have you worked with someone who you think would be a good Board member? Now's the time to talk to them about running for the Board.
According to our Constitution.....
A Trustee candidate must "be [a SOWER] in good standing and have had substantial experience in the SOWER Ministry for at least two (2) years. " (Constitution, Art. VI)
A full description of the the SOWER Trustee Responsibilities can be found HERE.
TRUSTEE Nominations begin this month, and are due back in the office by March 15th. Nomination forms are in the February Sowergram, so please be praying about who YOU might like to see on the Board.
Have questions about the "reality" of being a SOWER Trustee?
Feel free to give any Trustee a call to get the rest of the story!
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THE FLORIDA REUNION
IS ALMOST HERE!
SOWERS, get ready for three days of Faith, Fellowship and Fun........
Whether your SOWER number is three digits or in the three thousands, don't miss this opportunity to get together with your SOWER Family!
DATES: February 27-29, 2012 (Mon-Wed)
(leave out on March 1)
LOCATION: Florida Baptist Encampment,
Groveland, FL
COST: $30.00/couple
If you're just coming for the day, please make a note of these reunion highlights -
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.)
Feb. 29 The Reunion Auction. Please remember to bring your items to be auctioned off.
****Contact Paul Clark to REGISTER ****
P.S. If you're an early arrival volunteer, there will be a 6PM meeting on Friday, Feb. 24th. Please make sure to have your background check sent into the Encampment via the Sowers Office prior to your arrival.
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Dear Sam and Sally SOWER......
Dear Sam and Sally,
I have a fifth wheel and a truck that I would like to sell and it would be nice if I could sell it to a SOWER . How can I advertise this so everyone will hear about it? Would putting it on the prayer chain be OK?
Thanks!
Keeping it in the family
Dear Keeping,
We have just the spot for you! There is a link at the bottom of the Members only Sower Webpage that will take you to our "RV's For Sale" listing. If you'd like to list yours, send the information (along with any pictures) to the Webmaster (Ed Soltes) and he will help you get it all set up. That's also a great place to find a new unit! Just make sure you remove the listing once your RV sells! Since the Prayer Chain is primarily for praise and prayer requests within our SOWER Family, it should not be used for this purpose, nor should it be used for changes in email or physical addresses. Any contact information change should be handled directly with the office. We also have a SOWER Facebook page which has over 130 members now - you might try putting your information there also (be sure to private message any personal information, though!). And of course, word of mouth when working on a project is also a great source! God bless as you seek His will in this!
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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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Congratulations!
Our very own
John and Joyce Williams #1742
have been voted the
Good Sam
2011 RVers of the Year!
"We would like to thank everyone that was able to vote (and/or gave us prayer support) for us for the Good Sam RVer of the Year. We are happy to report that God has granted us the privilege to become the Good Sam 2011 RVer of the Year."
Read the full article detailing the nearly 40,000 volunteer hours the Williams have served
To God be the Glory!
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Have a question or concern for 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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Click on the heart to get to the Members Page and the most recent PLS!
The February SOWERGRAM is also available in its entirety.
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?
How about with a decal on your rig or truck?
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And don't forget about the FREE brochures and business cards available from the office!
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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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Logo Update
The Logo Committee is still accepting comments and ideas about a logo change. We appreciate all the comments and the committee will be making recommendations at the March 24th meeting. Please send your comments (either pro or con) to Mal Wall.
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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.
Do you have a "God Story" to share? Have you been blessed 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.
Click on this link to
send in your comments and stories and suggestions!
We're listening!
I know you've been thinking about it....
Now get busy and write it down! :)
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You're more than a number to us, but ANYTIME you communicate with the office (or a trustee) - 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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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. It's always a blessing to hear and see what's going on in the SOWER Family! |
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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 don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
I Corinthians 13:12-13 (The Message)
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