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Greetings!
Are we really half-way through November? Can Thanksgiving be just a week away?? Are you stocking up on cranberry sauce and pulling out that favorite pie recipe? Maybe you're finalizing those family plans for the holidays, or maybe you're already on your way south - heading to your winter SOWER projects! Wherever this may find you, I pray that it will find you in a season of thankfulness. For regardless of our circumstances, our God is with us. This year may have been filled with only "good things", but chances are pretty good that each of us has struggled with some family or health or financial (or whatever you choose) issues. Wherever the LORD has led you this year - up to the mountain top or through a rocky patch of life, I pray you have felt His presence going with you. It really is true that even when we don't know what the future holds, we do indeed know who holds the future. So during this time of year, may your hearts be filled with thanksgiving and praise, for as I Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give THANKS in all circumstances."
Serving Him with Thankfulness,
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!
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2013 Southeast Area Reunion
Monday, Feb. 25 thru Wednesday, Feb 27
(departure Thursday AM)
Florida Baptist Encampment (FL-143)
Groveland, Florida
Cost: $35 per RV/ 3 Days
If you come in early or stay over the cost is an additional $10 per night. A day fee for those not staying over night is $5 per couple. Some meals will be included, but not all meals so plan on feeding yourselves as well. More details will be available later.
Want to help? Need a little more info?
Contact Paul Clark (248-321-1997) for more information on how YOU can be a part of this exciting reunion!
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Christmas in California
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 2012
12 NOON
ALL SOWERS - PAST AND PRESENT INVITED
MEET AT THE CLUB HOUSE, 315 E. NEES
[Park inside open gate of complex]
BRING A SALAD
MEAT AND DESSERT PROVIDED
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT EITHER
EVELYN KOOP, 559-439-2897, koopfres@aol.com or
MARILYN KINZEL, 559-999-1457,hihwk82562@gmail.com
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TEXAS REUNION
Tap-tap-tap - Any interest in a Texas Reunion?
The Texas Reunion, traditionally held at ALERT (TX-410)in Big Sandy, is still looking for a "Chair-Couple". Woody and Jerry Epp, who have organized this reunion for many years, have offered to mentor the new Head Guys by sharing their years of experience and serving on a committee to help get this Reunion back on track. Contact the Office or Jeri Epp directly if you'd like more information! |
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From Pastor to Volunteer
I was pastoring the best church a clergyman could have when I resigned to begin our journey as RV volunteers. Church members, family members and friends thought I was going through a mid-life crisis...a little late in life. After selling our home and leaving AZ, I admit I began to have some questions as to the wisdom of my decision, but I had had a strong leading from the Lord that I was doing the right thing, nevertheless, there were days when I felt the lump in my throat of doubt.
It was at the Rockin' C Ranch, project #390-TX that all the doubt and fear left. Four Sowers were working on a cabin when four busloads of kids, mostly minority, drove into the Ranch grounds.
They had read enough books to have a "day on the Ranch." About 11 a.m. Matt Clapp, the Ranch host, came to us and said he wanted us to eat lunch with the children. Carl Steif, now gone home to be with the Lord, said "Matt, I came here to work, not eat your food." Matt put his arm around Carl's
shoulder and said, "Carl, I keep the books here and the reason these children are here is because you volunteers save the camp approximately $40,000/year. Please come eat lunch with us." By now, big tears were running down Carl's face.
Now, I believe Matt knew something we did not at that moment. Matt and his staff could tell these children not to drink, do drugs or smoke, but because they were public school children he could not talk to them about the Lord. As we sat and ate lunch surrounded by these children, they wanted to know who we were, where we were from and why we were working so hard. It was that last question that opened the door for us to tell them about our relationship with Jesus Christ and that we were working so they could come to a camp and hear about God's love for them.
It was at that table in the lunch room at the Rockin'C Ranch that all the questions, anxieties and regrets disappeared. If I could do physical work by helping a camp stay in business, where a child or adult could learn about the love of God, and possibly accept Christ as Savior, then I was and am at peace. We Sowers are all keeping doors open and opportunities alive for others to share the Gospel. What more could we ask for at our age? God is Good and He blesses and provides, bless His Holy Name.
Jerry & Tina McGhee
# 2554
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Dear Sam and Sally SOWER,
Dear Sam and Sally,
We've been heartbroken watching the devastation left behind after Hurricane Sandy! Has there been any further word regarding our projects in the area and do you know how we can help?
Wanting to Help
Dear Wanting to Help,
It certainly is overwhelming to see the massive devastation along the East Coast. And it's hard to know how to help. Both of our New Jersey projects (NJ-3, America's Keswick and NJ-346, The Pilgrim Academy) were spared major damage, but as late as two weeks after the hurricane there are still struggles with power outage to parts of the facilities and the need to cancel many retreats and activities. I know that they continue to covet your prayers.
Unfortunately, our Ministry is not set up for rapid response disaster relief. If you are interested in helping by actually going into the area, I would suggest contacting a regional or national relief agency. Samaritans Purse has mobilized their organization and will supply housing and meals for folks that can go and help. Convoy of Hope is another faith based response organization that is reaching out to the victims of the hurricane. Many local churches are also sending teams, and perhaps you can check with your church for whatever networks might be sending help. And of course, monetary donations are always appreciated, and I'm sure we each have our favorite relief agency to bless with our contributions. God bless you for your tender hearts towards those in need.
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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Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Page -
Wrapped up our project at Stream of God Ministries (KS-502) in Luray, KS today! It was a great project - lots to do as this ministry works to convert a local school (that had been closed about 3 years ago) into a ministry center, including a Bible College and Summer camp! It's right off I-70, so stop by if you get a chance!
Gary & Stephanie Conrad (#2509) with Gorlyn & Ruthie Hagerbaumer (#2526)
 Have you stopped by lately? Make sure you've "checked" the box to receive notifications, and PLEASE post pictures and stories from YOUR projects!
And if you're a member of Facebook, but haven't joined the SOWER Group, click on the icon to join the family!
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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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Contributors Needed!
A big thank-you to those who have sent in stories for the newsletter! But we still need more! How about you? Do you have a SOWER related God-Story to share? Have you been changed as a result of working at a project and would like to share your testimony? Maybe you know of a special need at a project that doesn't get much help. We're looking for ideas and articles for upcoming issues.
Love taking pictures?
Do you have a photograph that might work as a "header" for this monthly newsletter? (It will be cropped to 600x125 pixels) Or maybe a favorite group shot that could be included?
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Welcome Back!
Locust Springs
Christian Camp
TN-337
Greenville, TN
After 4 years of being "off the rolls", we welcome back Locust Springs Camp! This camp "exists for the purpose of providing a Christian atmosphere in a natural setting where all persons of faith can assemble and fellowship to the Glory of God." They are open for 5 SOWERs in April 2013.
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Pinerock Camp
AZ-488
Prescott, AZ
We're also happy to welcome back to the SOWER Project Family Pinerock Camp - a lovely retreat center located in the cool pines of Prescott, Arizona. They have spots for 4 SOWERS and are open for workers from April through December.
Check the latest PLS Update for these and ALL the SOWER Projects!
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Heading through Texas?
Looking for a stop-over spot in Texas? Don't forget the SOWER Office has 5 beautiful, paved, full hook-up sites that are available for our use. The first two nights are free, and then it's $10.00/night. If you'd like to hang around for a bit, it's $50.00/week and $150 for a month. Just enough to cover utilities!
Even if you can't stay for a couple of nights, the office folks would LOVE to have you stop in to say hello! A fresh pot of coffee is only minutes away from your arrival!
Lindale is right off I20, about 90 miles east of Dallas. Look for the directions on the first page of the Sowergram.
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Clicking on the pumpkin will take you to the Members Only Page and the most recent PLS.
And if you want to use your "Smart Phone" to get the latest information, check out the new "Mobile Version"!
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A Note of Thanks!
Just a note to say what a BLESSING it has been to have our very first SOWER couples here at Oakridge Christian Camp in Anadarko, OK. We are just into the first of their three weeks here, and they have already left a huge mark. They have been so kind and pleasant to work with, and are making a strong statement about the spirituality and service-mindedness of your SOWERS team. Please know that SOWERS are welcome here at Oakridge Christian Camp anytime. We look forward to having more SOWERS back! Check us out at
www.oakridgecamp.com if we can partner with you - even if you're just passing through. We are 1 hour south of OK City, and 3 hours NW of Dallas.
Hope to see you here! Blessings, Brian Ball, Oakridge Director
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Just the Facts
for November 2012
Number of Active SOWERS*
517
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
118
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
91
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
44
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
467
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
107
*Number of SOWERS always refers to a SOWER "Unit" - whether a couple or a single, not individual SOWERS.
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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
Bob and Billie on the Road
Bob & Billie Wakeman
RV There Yet
Gary & Stephanie Conrad
On A Wheel and a Prayer
Don and Jenny Rasmussen
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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New WAITING LIST Procedure
Effective 11/1/12, you can now be on up to THREE (3) Waiting Lists for any given month.
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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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