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Greetings!
So, how's your summer going? I hope you've been staying cool while enjoying your long summer days. For all of its "vacation time" feel, this Middle-of-the-Summer month stays plenty full. I know the Sower office has been busy getting the August Sowergram ready to go to the printer, so I thought I'd give you just a little preview of what to look for! First there will be the announcement of the newly elected board members (but there's a sneak preview below in this newsletter too!). It will also have the listing of the lottery selections so all projects will once again be back to a first-come-first-served basis. (No sneak preview here for that, but those results should be on-line after July 19th when the 'Gram goes to press). You will also find the 2013 Registration Form (formerly known as the Skill Sheet) tucked inside. Yes, it's ALREADY that time again! Although there is plenty of time to get it in (they need to be back to the office by October 1st) we highly recommend doing it sooner rather than later! Even if you do not anticipate being able to work any projects in 2013, it is still important to fill out and return the form if you want to continue to be part of the ministry. Feel free to change your status to Alumni if you won't be working - it's easy to return to Active status at any time by calling the office and filling in the "skill level" portion of the form. Choosing not to return your Registration form will remove you from the membership list and you will no longer be eligible to work projects in the future. And we'd hate to say good-bye!
So stay cool, drink plenty of liquids, and hug a baby! The Lord has great thing ahead!
Resting in His Grace,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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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! |
MIDWEST MICHIGAN 2012 REUNION
MICHINDOH # MI-139 4545 E. Bacon Rd., Hillsdale, Mi. 49242 Monday, Sept. 17 thru Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012
If you are seriously planning on attending the 2012 Midwest Reunion at MICHINDOH, please get your reservations in as soon as you can. Fill out the linked registration form and e-mail it to Jack LaRoque (stratai@sbcglobal.net). RV sites and cabins are being assigned on a first come/first served basis. The committee is excited about some of the changes they are making this year to help make this a memorable reunion. Get those registrations in!
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Northwest Reunion
Stanwood, Washington
Time is running out to register 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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Glen Eyrie Update
Navigators/Glen Eyrie (CO-458) was recently impacted by the devastating
wildfires in Waldo Canyon, Colorado. Check out this video to get the latest news
 | | The Impact of the Waldo Canyon Fire on Glen Eyrie and Eagle Lake |
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What is free?
Buy one get one FREE! Is that really FREE? FREE with purchase of $25.00. Is that really FREE? I live in a FREE country and I can say what I like! Oh, really!?
I will tell you what is FREE. Camping at Indian Hills Camp (CA-213) in Jamul, Ca. The camp has felt the leading of the Lord to offer FREE camping to kids from 6 to 14 from the San Diego area. Really! NO COST! How can they do that? The Lord God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Everything He has is ours for the asking if we ask in faith. However, this camp needs your FREE labor. They depend entirely on SOWER labor to keep the camp in repairs and looking sharp. If it is in disrepair the campers come in and say, "Now I know why camping is FREE". And what do you say when someone asks you, "Why do you do that?" or "How do you do that?" The simple answer, "It's God's Camp and He said so!" In our short time at Indian Hills we had a ball. Rebuilding the farmyard, painting the 'necessary' rooms and generally fixing up what is here so that the multi-ethnic children from San Diego can really enjoy FREE camping. It's what Jesus would do. Come and get in on the fun! Bob and Billie Wakeman (#3114) Indian Hills has 8 SOWER spots and is open for workers from October through April.
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Do You LOVE Southern Gospel?
SOWERS would like to have an information booth at this year's NATIONAL QUARTET CONVENTION in Louisville, KY Monday, September 10th through Saturday September 15th. We need 2 couples to man (and lady) the booth help spread the word about serving the Lord through our ministry.
If you are available and would like to help please contact GARY CARTER for more information.
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Dear Sam and Sally SOWER......
Dear Sam and Sally,
With the rise of gas prices I'm considering one of the SOA assignments. But I'm not sure I completely understand what it's all about. Could you explain that program to me?
Signed,
Adjusting to the Gas Crunch
Dear Adjusting,
Great question! The Sower on Assignment (SOA) program began several years ago when certain projects were looking for volunteers with a specific skill who could stay for a longer period of time to complete a particular project (i.e. a plumber was needed to help with new cabins being built). Today the guidelines are a little more general. Sometimes the need is very specific (like the SOA request for Ecclesia College (AR-169) requesting someone who can teach on a college level) and sometimes it's a more general request (like Riverbend Retreat Center (TX-328) who is looking for someone to help with "maintenance, construction, remodel, painting, handyman items"). Currently there are over 30 SOA opportunities listed in the Sowergram (though many are filled) asking for everything from a tractor driver to a basketball coach! Along with the benefit of fuel savings, as SOA's you often become more connected with a ministry and the host's staff. And you generally tend to have a set job that you enjoy doing. On more extended construction or renovations you have the satisfaction of seeing the job through to completion. You also have the opportunity to become more involved in a local church. But as an SOA you do need to avoid becoming involved in the "politics" of a ministry and avoid taking ownership. An SOA must also remember that the GL is the ultimate Sower authority on the project and should only act to assist as requested. Generally if the work schedule permits, the SOA joins the "regular" Sowers for devotions and activities so there are often wonderful fellowship opportunities. However, since the work hours are not standard Sower hours, it is easy to work more than the typical number of hours. This can cause the SOA to burn-out and also create unreasonable expectations for work by other Sowers. The SOA program has been a real help to many projects and Sowers alike. I pray you'll be able to find one that fits your skills!
In Him,
Sam & Sally
Sam and Sally would love to hear from you if you have any questions about the SOWER Guidelines or SOWER etiquette. Contact them at samandsally@sowerministry.org.
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Don't forget to check out the link on the Members Only page get a "real earth" feel for where a project is located. But as always, use the directions in the Gram to get there with your rig!
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FREE brochures and business cards are available from the office!
Check out ALL the SOWER Merchandise available - On the Member Page or use the newly
revised form at the back of the Sowergram!
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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 PROJECT
...Actually it's a
Welcome Back!
Attalla, AL
AL-507
Eagle Rock Boys Ranch had been a part of the SOWER Project family until 2001 when it asked to be placed on the inactive list due to lack of work. They are starting up a new phase of this ministry which is a residential facility for boys who have come from abusive and destructive families. They are ready and anxious for SOWER help! And as a bonus, there's a Thrift Shop for the ladies to work at and enjoy!
Eagle Rock has 5 SOWER spots and has openings starting in August 2012! Check the PLS for all the details!
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Click on the Fireworks to get to the Members Only Page and the most recent PLS!
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Just the Facts
Number of Active SOWERS
641
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance for July 2012
94
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance for July 2012
36
Number of SOWERS requested in July 2012 (Including SOAs)
393
Number of SOWERS working in July 2012 (Including SOAs)
61
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The Votes have been counted!
Congratulations to
Cliff Stone
John Jones
and
Stephanie Conrad
who have been elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the next three years. And thanks to all who ran and to those who voted!
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Speeding by....
My friend was complaining to the officer who was writing him a speeding ticket, "Why didn't you also stop the others who were speeding?" The officer replied, "Have you ever been fishing?" "Of course", my friend said. "Well, you catch some and you lose some", the officer replied.
We have indeed lost some Sowers who have been faithful workers due to health conditions and even death. But we are gaining new Sowers every month who are anxious to work for the Lord on the many projects that have requested help. We are thankful for all of you who are able and willing to work for the Sower Ministry. When you get an opportunity, help us "catch" more Sowers by telling them about our ministry! God bless you all.
Tina McGhee #2554 |
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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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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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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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 If you're a member of Facebook (trying to keep track of those grandkids!) we'd love to have you join the SOWER Facebook Group! You're 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 ARCHIVE of every issue of this e-Newsletter
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