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SOWER Ministry Newsletter |
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Greetings!
The June SOWERGRAM is on it's way to the press! And let me tell you, it's chock full of goodness! Along with all its regular "stuff", like the GL Reports and PLS (with the Lottery projects listed), you'll find the 2012 Trustee Nominee Resumes and Ballot (and don't forget to vote by July 1st!), a mid-year Roster update, and the minutes from the March Board meeting (teleconference). You might even notice a longer that usual list of New Members, and that is something I am really excited about! It's wonderful to see our ministry grow and know that even while some members have needed to stay close to home for a variety of reasons, the Lord is sending new workers into His fields for the harvest.
Do you remember your first project as a SOWER or where you first heard about the ministry? Even though I sadly cannot recall the names of the sweet folks that introduced us to SOWERS at Montrose Bible Conference (PA-277) (where we were volunteering through our Church), I can only thank them for the time they took to share their love affair with Jesus and their enthusiasm for the ministry with us! And our memories are sweet of our first project at Faith Christian School (GA-98) where we fell in love with the ministry. I hope your early SOWER memories are as dear to you! Never forget that YOU sharing your love of the ministry with others is the very best way for our ministry to grow and continue to impact Christian Ministries all across this country.
Resting in His Grace,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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An Encouraging Word
Not knowing what to expect we were rather apprehensive about going to our first project even though it was only a few hours from our home. Our project was #AR-88 Glenhaven Youth Ranch in Plainview, AR. As we arrived at the Ranch we were greeted by our GL Bill and Carole Cairns #2373. We felt welcome from the very start.
After the meeting with our host who explained what our project was to be, it was apparent that the Lord had assembled our team. The team was to focus on a house on the Ranch that had been vacant for two years. He stated that all it needed was "a little TLC". After a walk through with the host it was apparent that it was going to take more than TLC to complete this project. Our GL Bill Cairns assembled the team and assigned everyone their tasks. If all the GL's on projects are as good as Bill then we are looking forward to our next project. The TLC on this house turned into a total remodel that anyone would love to live in.
I would love to thank the man whom we met in Canada, who was on his way to a project, that told us about the SOWER ministries. My wife and I were looking for a way that we could honor our Lord with our RV and the Lord placed this man right next to us at that Campground in Canada.
Mike and Glenda Norris #3174.
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A little more on the Lighter Side!
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Rebuttal :)
 Last month there was a "Lighter Side" article about Prescott Pines. It ended with this comment -
The staff told us we could dress up and be members of the town.....but summer in AZ, don't think so. :)
We've received the following rebuttal -
Re the picture and coment about summer in Arizona. It is beautiful and the weather is GREAT at Prescott Pines during the summer months. We have been there during every month of the summer and there is no place better, temps about 80 or 85 and cool evenings, of course it is about 6200' above sea level. We plan to be there again in May and June. No snow, no heat needed, don't need a/c, no mud, it's GREAT. Come and enjoy it.
Terry and Marge Sheats #2577
PS - Prescott Pines has openings ALL SUMMER!
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When you least expect it.....
 We worked Pusch Ridge (AZ-393) in Tucson, AZ in March with Rich and Shirley Giles. When we ladies were asked to clean out a storage unit for the Drama Department, we decided we wanted the men to take the boxes out because we were afraid of what we might find. The next thing we knew, they were putting on a show! They are still just Kids at heart!
Connie & Phil Abbott #2566
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (AZ-393) only takes two SOWERs at a time, but they are open for SOWERs from August through April.
Do you have a picture for the Lighter Side of being a SOWER?
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Upcoming Reunion Information
Whether you're a Seasoned Sower or New to the Family, there's nothing like a Sower Reunion to connect with friends old and new and get recharged about the ministry. Check out these opportunities - and mark you calendars! |
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Northwest Reunion
Stanwood, Washington
Start planning now for the NORTHWEST REUNION which will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012 beginning at 8:30 AM, at Warm Beach Camp (WA-367) at Stanwood, WA. As in the past, Warm Beach Camp will provide us with complimentary lunch and dinner in appreciation for our work at the camp. There will be a $6.00 per person charge to be paid at the Reunion for miscellaneous expenses. Please contact us, Roger and Gail Trucker at: randgtrucker@yahoo.com or call (360) 770-0547 (cell) or land line (360) 416-0327. It is important to let us know ASAP as Warm Beach Camp needs to know for meal preparations. We plan to have a wonderful day with fellowship of past, present and future SOWER friends as well as entertainment and our traditional SOWER Auction!
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Central Minnesota Reunion
Sept 18 -- 20, 2012
at Lake Beauty Bible Camp located between Long Prairie and Little Falls, MN.
Accommodations include Full hook-up RV sites ($20 per
night) to Cabins (prices vary). Enjoy the fall colors on the shores of Lake Beauty.
Questions?
Contact Larry/Dorothy Larson 651-636-8049 ldlarson@juno.com
or Corny/Judy Groth 612-834-1259 judycornygroth@gmail.com
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Blessing upon Blessing
 How exciting to share some wonderful news about the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CA-481)! Cam & Betty Clarkson (#2402) shared that the Mission had received a gift of 1.2 Million Dollars! "This blessing now gives them the outright ownership of both the old and new properties. They are now in a position to proceed with development of the old property. At last we heard they were hoping to include RV parking stalls in the development. We used two this past January and they worked out just great." Check out the full article HERE!
CVRM asks for 2 SOWERs at a time and are considered a "Lottery" project for Jan-Feb-Mar. But the good news is they are open for workers 12 months a year!
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Lottery Musings
Last year as the winter lottery approached, the Board of Trustees urged all of us to assess our health, safety and physical mobility before applying for a winter project. The Board received several letters and e-mails from Sowers who took offense at the suggestions. Hostile e-mails from Sowers are not as troublesome as e-mails and phone calls from project hosts expressing disappointment and surprise that our Ministry would send folks to them who were sick or physically limited before they left home and arrived on projects unprepared to work.
Does this happen a lot? No, but it does happen and it reflects on the integrity of the Sower Ministry. So, please remember "for Whom we work" and plan to work as many projects as possible and to arrive on site ready and able to work.
Jerry McGhee
Trustee
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Dear Sam and Sally SOWER......
Dear Sam & Sally,
We are heading for a SOWER project in July of this year. We are excited to work at the camp, as my husband went there as a child and has great memories of his experience. Recently we heard from others that funds are very tight at this camp and that the work has almost come to a "standstill" due to no funds for maintenance, repairs etc. We don't know what to do. Should we cancel our time there because there won't be anything for us to do? We don't want to put the camp in an awkward position by showing up when they can't use us?
signed,
Willing to Serve
Dear Willing,
We have encountered many a needy project that has very limited funding available for maintenance and repairs. The good news is, there are many tasks that can be accomplished with very little money. We know that cleaning, small repairs, painting and so on can take place and make a big difference with little funding. We also have found that often the information you have heard about a projects needs and abilities are simply not entirely true. We need to be very careful about information that we hear (or spread) on the "Sower Grapevine." We know that God has a purpose, and will use us mightily when we answer His call. Sometimes when the funds are low and the jobs less "exciting", you and the host are especially blessed by the encouraging fellowship of just working alongside each other for the Lord. We would encourage you to go to your scheduled service project and see what mighty plans God has for you there! We'll be praying for a great month!
In Him,
Sam & Sally
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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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Where in the World?!
 Ever wonder just where a SOWER project is located? Or what the roads are like around it? Check out the new section on the member website restricted page called Sower Project Locations. Clicking on it will give you all of our SOWER project locations on a Google Earth map that you can zoom in to street level. You even get two options: to see projects by project number or by project name. Special thanks to Von Edge(#1889), Ed Soltes (#1864) and Jenny Rasmussen (#2824) for bringing this all together!
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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 theTulips to get to the Members Page and the most recent PLS!
The April SOWERGRAM is also available in its entirety.
The June SOWERGRAM has gone to the press, so watch for it in your mailbox early next month.
Don't forget - the PLS is updated every weekend! Check it out
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It was a beautiful morning at the Island Community School in Islamorada, Florida (FL-6).
A teacher walking into the school called out to us ladies,
"Have a great day! Thank you for all that you do!"
"Thank YOU!" we replied.
"Oh, I'm just having fun."
"SOWER we!" was the spontaneous reply.
Then we realized what we'd said.
Submitted by Alice Burnett
#3071
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Just the Facts
Number of Active SOWERS
633
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance for May 2012
113
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance for May 2012
40
Number of SOWERS working in May 2012 (Including SOAs)
68
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERS are doing around the country!
Sower Adventures
Bill and Carol Cairns
Roger's SOWER Blog
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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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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Looking for a past issue of the
e-Newsletter?
Check out the new ARCHIVE of every issue of of this e-Newsletter
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Don't forget - FREE brochures and business cards are available from the office!
Check out ALL the SOWER Merchandise available - On the Member Page or use the form at the back of the Sowergram!
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That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you-every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask-ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory-to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him-endless energy, boundless strength!
Ephesians 1:15-19
The Message
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