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SOWER Ministry Newsletter
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Greetings!
Happy March! The days are beginning to get just a little bit longer (even though it's darker in the mornings just now) and slowly but surely those spring flowers are popping through the snow. Right? Right!
Many of you are half-way through your final winter project of the "season" before beginning the long (and somewhat frighteningly expensive) trek home. I'm sure all of your project hosts have said thank-you again and again, but speaking for the Sower Ministry, I'd like to add our heartfelt thanks for a wonderful season of service. This month we have 187 SOWERS (couples and singles) working at 54 different projects! That's down a bit from last March, but I know that many tiles have been laid, nails hammered, rooms cleaned, walls painted - well, the list could go on and on. Projects have been blessed, and I trust you have been blessed also! Let's remember that even though our busiest season is drawing to a close, there are still so very many opportunities to serve throughout the year - and many are even close to home! Check out a project in your home state (or neighboring one) this summer and be blessed! If you've been home this winter I hope you have found your ministry niche. If life's circumstances have kept you on the sidelines this winter, may you continue to feel our Lord's arms wrapped tightly around you. We've missed you and hope to see you down the road!
Resting in His Grace,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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It's never too soon.......
to start thinking about the
2013 Midwest Michigan SOWER Reunion!
Monday, Sept. 23 thru Thursday, Sept. 26
MI-139 Michindoh Ministries
4545 E. Bacon Road
Hillsdale, Michigan 49242
An excellent guest speaker, music, auction, book exchange, and other activities are planned. On-campus housing is very limited, so please plan on coming with your RV. More specific details will follow in our next announcement. Please be thinking and planning now about what auction items you would like to bring. Also consider what testimony you may want to share regarding your ministry and service as a SOWER. Please contact John Crandle at jmcrandle@sbcglobal.net for more information, to volunteer, or with additional questions. Costs have yet to be determined, and reservation forms will be available at the next announcement.
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Sweet Memories
 With a theme of "Sharing Jesus", the 2013 Southeast Reunion was truly an outstanding Spiritual Reunion! There are so many to thank, from the three pastors (Mel McFarland, Bob Griffith and Jerry McGhee) who shared inspiring devotions to the amazing kitchen crew (led by Darla Blanks and Joanne and Mark Brouwer) who fed us many meals to our many very talented and inspiring SOWERS who shared during our two Talent and Testimony nights with Nick Muribito as the emcee. The Auction, under the leadership of Paul Clark, brought in over $2800.00 for the ministry! Praise God! With singing (and wonderful piano playing) led by Bill and Lyn Lehman, new games introduced by Carl and Corrine Folkers, and expert parking  facilitated by Mark Brouwer and his crew, this was truly a memorable reunion. Special thanks to Neil and Jane Benson who handled the registration and the several SOWER Trustees who hosted a Q&A session that was very informative. And working behind the scene were Ruth and Bill Stoll . Ruth took the minutes for all meetings and Bill and his crew cleaned up EVERYTHING several times a day. Thank you!
In His service, " Country boy" Ed Blanks 2410 (And from everyone at the Reunion - THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU to Ed and Darla Blanks for once again heading up the Reunion Committee. It was truly a Job Well Done!) |
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Reunion Reflection
While attending the SOWER Florida Reunion and hearing the various testimonies on how God had brought them to this ministry, I couldn't help but see that being a SOWER is truly a calling from God. These men and women said "yes" to God's call and are serving in ministries across our nation.
We don't often look at SOWER ministry as a calling, but we all had to make a choice to leave our homes and families to serve ministries in these later years of our lives.
I know some people would say 'you just want to get away from the cold' and that might be somewhat true, but others who make the decision to go south don't necessarily want to serve and help ministries.
While we were together for the reunion and when we come together on a project, it is so exciting to see the skills and talents God has given to each one for the purpose of serving others.
We heard at the reunion of declining numbers of people who are serving at our many projects. I believe we need to pray that God will give us a harvest with many more men and women hearing the call and opening their hearts to use their God given skills and talents to serve with the SOWER ministry.
I want to encourage those who have listened to the voice of God and have been a part of this ministry. God will reward you for listening and obeying.
Carol Gray #3081
Gal. 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good work, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
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Looking for another way to promote SOWERS?
Here's an idea from Ralph Spratt (#2929) -
It has been my intention to put the SOWER name on my RV and tow vehicle that can be read from about 50 feet, so as to invite an inquiry from passing RV'ers.
 This is a vinyl decal (6" x 18") on my 5th wheel trailer, that can be purchased from: Dale Jacobson 1051 W. Business Highway 83 #754 Donna, TX 78537
The cost is $9.00/ea (plus postage) and is available in various colors. Contact Dale Jacobson directly if you are interested in this decal.
And the good news is, there is no inventory cost to our ministry!
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A Word from a couple of our projects....
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I can never give enough thanks or share enough about the gratitude and respect I have for SOWERS. Having been at Aldersgate Camps and Retreats (OR-320) in Turner, Oregon for 14 years, I have watched the impact that you have had on our ministry, and it is immeasurable. While we are able to maintain our day to day operations, it is the special projects that you take on that continue to propel us as a ministry and keep us relevant in a rapidly changing world. Without the work that SOWERS do, Aldersgate would not be the growing ministry that it is today. I also feel personally blessed to get to build relationships with folks from all over the country that are an amazing example and testimony of our great God. I encourage you to keep up the kingdom work that you are doing and continue to serve the Lord with all your soul, mind, and strength. You are making a direct impact on lives which are being changed daily because of your labor of love. Aldersgate is taking their next step of faith to impact even more lives for the kingdom. Starting summer of 2013, they will begin construction on a new 5,000 square foot mini-lodge. One of their board members owns a commercial construction company and is excited about involving SOWERS in the project. If you are interested in being a part of the construction of this new ministry tool, we'd love to have you join us! Aldersgate has 5 SOWER openings each month now through November. Sign up today!
Serving Him,
Eric Mueller
Camp Director
Aldersgate Camps and Retreats
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Thank you so much. This is very good news! We have a specific need for help to complete some renovations to our health clinic for the summer. A few additional couples for this project would be very helpful. If you have an opportunity to comm  unicate this to any SOWERS that have not decided about April, let them know that spring in East Tennessee is beautiful and that our location is a great stop for those traveling north from the south. (Doe River Gorge still has openings for April and May!)
Blessings,
Ken Stoltzfus
Director of Operations
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Dear Sam and Sally SOWER......
Dear Sam and Sally,
Why do we keep changing the password for the "Members Only" webpage? It's hard to keep track of when it changes and I wonder if it really is necessary!
Thanks!
Frustrated!
Dear Frustrated!
I know! Like you, I often forget about the changing password and can't figure out why I suddenly can't access the Sowergram and other information. Here's the thing. Although nothing on the Members Only page is top secret, there are places that contain information that could be used in identity theft or for other unsavory purposes. The board feels that keeping it password protected is just smart policy. And why do they keep changing it? Well, like any ministry, people do come and go. By changing the password frequently they are just trying to insure that only current members have access to our ministry information. If you are on the "Web Only" list for the Sowergram you receive the new password via email before the existing one expires. If you get a hard copy, the new password is always on page 1 along with a full explanation of when the change will happen. (And of course, you can always contact the office if you need to!) It's good to know that you check the Members Only page often -we think it's a great thing, too!
Thank you for your continued service - and don't forget, the password will change again on April 15th! :)
In Him,
Sam & Sally
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Recently seen on the SOWER GROUP Facebook Page
Just some of the pictures of the February project at Macedonian Christian School in Alamo, TX. (TX-499) It was a great project with lots accomplished - but there is a big job ahead. They will really be needing construction guys next winter as they work to finish the inside of the new (not yet constructed, but planned to be up by August 2013) school.
 Are you a Facebook member? 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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Photo Credits/Info
Header - Dry Creek Baptist Camp - LA-287
Header Group Shot - Hope Children's Home (FL-175) Feb 2013
SOWER FL Reunion - Jonalyn Chagaris (2848) and Carol Gray (3081)
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Ever wonder what the office staff does when they take time off?
Alean and I recently had the opportunity to attend, as missionaries from the SOWER Ministry, an eight day Missions Conference at our home church in New Hampshire. What a time to refresh, renew and present SOWERS. During these eight days we had the chance to talk about our work as SOWERS and present the SOWER ministry twelve times. Sunday started the week off presenting our calling to SOWERS to the combined adult Sunday school class of approximately 150. Monday was our "Foreign Food Banquet" where we represented the "republic" of Texas in western wear and I did a Powerpoint presentation of our work in SOWERS to 600 attendees. Tuesday was ladies' night with Alean sitting on the missionaries panel discussing her role in SOWERS. Wednesday evening was a time for Q&A's and Thursday was men's night with a meal and time again to discuss in small groups the SOWER ministry. Friday was fellowship time with each missionary at one of the church members homes with a group of adults presenting and answering questions. Saturday was free time for the missionaries to relax. Then for the last Sunday we showed the SOWER video presentation to both church services with approximately 1000 attendees. In addition each day we met with young people attending our church's Christian School and Homeschoolers to talk about missions and our work for Jesus Christ. Along with all the presentations we had a table set up displaying SOWERS and SOWER material. What a week! If you ever have the chance to attend a missions conference and represent SOWERS don't pass up the chance!
Yours in Christ,
Ray Arthur #2810
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Welcome Back!
Macon, Mississippi
Lake Forest Ranch (MS-177) is excited to rejoin the SOWER Project Family. Their mission continues to be this: Building Relationships for Eternal Impact . "We exist to minister to the body of Christ by nurturing the saints and reaching out to those who don't know Christ. We offer Christ-centered camps and retreats that are Biblically sound and relationally strong, providing godly leadership for age sensitive programming in a fun-filled environment."
Lake Forest will be open for SOWERS in September, October, November and then in February, March and April 2014. They have space for 4 SOWERS!
Look for ALL the details in the April Sowergram!
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Just the Facts
for March 2013
Number of Active SOWERS*
563
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
134
Number of Active Projects
175
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
97
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
54
Number of SOWERS* Requested
(Including SOAs)
491
Number of SOWERS* Working
(Including SOAs)
187
*Number of SOWERS always refers to a SOWER "Unit" - whether a couple or a single, not individual SOWERS.
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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 forget-me-nots to get to the Members Page and the most recent PLS!
The February SOWERGRAM is also available in its entirety.
The next "hard copy"
SOWERGRAM will be out in April
Don't forget - the PLS is updated every weekend! Check it out
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Looking for a SOWER Denim Shirt, 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".
Contact the OFFICE to place your order!
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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
Paul Alton.com
Paul and Juanita Alton
Benedictus
Terry & Alice Burnett
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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Quick Links -
To send in a prayer request or praise item-
To contact the office -
903-882-8070
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Don't forget - FREE brochures and business cards are available from the office!
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I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12: 1-2 (ESV)
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