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Greetings!
Has Spring caught up with you yet? I know in a lot of areas there was snow falling LONG past when it was welcome! But we know that summer will be here soon enough because the June SOWERGRAM has gone to press! As always, the June 'Gram is 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 2013 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). Happy reading!
As I put together this month's newsletter I had a chance to read through SOWERS, The First 16 years (1984-2000). Bernita Abel (#78) did a wonderful job of researching the history of the ministry, organizing it and getting into booklet form. From the listing of Trustees starting in 1984 (a virtual who's who of SOWERS!) to an account of how the ministry developed its policies and guidelines, it was a delight to read. As the SOWER Ministry begins its fourth decade of service, may we continue to 'hear the Master's Call', never forgetting those who have gone before and always striving to 'do our best' for our Great God and King!
Resting in His Grace,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
PS - Copies of SOWERS, The First 16 Years are available through the SOWER Office or can be ordered using the Merchandise Order form in the back of the Sowergram. And if you'd be interested in working on "The Next 14 Years" - contact the office! :)
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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. Cabin space is limited, and we don't know which 6 will be available, so plan on coming with your RV. Those fortunate enough to get a cabin may want to share it with another Sower couple. We will keep a waiting list open and available for cabin requests in case of a cancellation, so that the next on the list will be notified of the availability. Costs for the reunion are as follows (same as last year):
Meals per couple: $60.00 (5 meals @ $6.00/ea)
Registration: $25.00 per couple
Cabin rate: $25.00
RV Campsite: $0.00 (That's right - FREE!)
We will be taking only one offering, for Michindoh. All other expenses including speaker and entertainment will be covered in the budget. Plan now the auction items you will bring. Please remember the auction items are to be worthwhile items another Sower would consider valuable. Also consider the 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. Reservation forms and information sheets will be emailed to all known Mid-western Sowers very soon. We are looking forward to seeing YOU at Hilltop!
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ATTENTION WINTER TEXANS!
Committees are forming for a 2014 Texas Reunion following the March 2014 project. Let's not miss this opportunity to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the SOWER Ministry!
Want to lend a hand?
We'll need lots of help!
Have a idea to share?
We'd love to hear what you would like in a reunion!
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A Reunion Memory
Jim and Marilyn Linger (#488) recently submitted this picture from the 10th Anniversary SOWER reunion (1993). There are a lot of faces in that picture (over 100!), and giving them all names would be quite the feat. But these dear folks (many of whom are home with Jesus) are the ones who paved the way, and helped make the SOWER ministry that it is today! And I bet a few of them are still working!
(If you'd like to see this picture in a slightly larger format, click on the picture itself.)
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Don't Forget
The Project Locator (found on the Members Only Page) is a wonderful tool for planning out your projects! Find projects that are in the same neck of the woods to cut down on fuel costs, or find a project that's close to home to work during the summer! Zoom in on a yellow push-pin and get the true lay of the land, and click on the push-pin to get detailed directions (from the Sowergram) to help you get there! Check it out today!!!
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A little History, please
Although the SOWER Office has been located in Lindale, TX for the last 14 years, it was quite the mobile office for many years.
When Frank and Kathy Vargas started SOWERS back in 1983 they ran the business end of it right from their trailer. For the first five years, until they purchased some property in Ten Mile, Tennessee, SOWERs was a mobile ministry in the truest sense of the word! Once they settled in, they purchased a 22 ft. travel trailer and converted it into the SOWER Office. The office continued to be largely run by Kathy and Frank, with assistance from the Trustees (the policy at the time stated that each new Trustee would spend a month or two at headquarters, learning how the office ran and assisting in the day to day processes). When more help was needed, George and Geri Tjoelker volunteered to help long term (original agreement was for 9 months). Eventually, Geri took over more of the responsibilities as the Vargas stepped away from a leadership role and in 1992 the office was moved to Trout Creek Bible Camp (OR-161) where a 24 ft. travel trailer was purchased which George converted into the SOWER office. In December of 1994 The Tjoelkers moved the office trailer to Warm Beach Christian Camp (WA-255) where Geri continued to handle to office details while George volunteered his time at the camp. An official "office trailer" (10x24) was purchased, customized by George and served as the SOWER Headquarters until 1999. During those years Geri was assisted by many volunteers, but especially by Chuck and Margot Joyce and Jack and Kay Grover.
As early as 1997 the ministry began to feel a need to have a more permanent location. After looking at several possibilities, the ministry was blessed to be offered almost 2 acres at Bass Lake Christian Community outside of Lindale, Texas. In late 1998 the papers were signed, and construction (mostly by SOWERs of course!) began in January 1999. The current office was dedicated on April 22, 1999 and the first Sowergram was mailed from the new office in June. A new era had begun!
With the move to Lindale came a change in office staffing. Al and Ruth Kalb took over the reins from the Tjoelkers (whose original commitment of 9 months stretched to almost 8 years!) and served until 2001. They were followed by Butch and Nancy Dobson and then in August of 2002 Kenny and Linda Brower became the office staff. Kenny and Linda served faithfully until 2008 when they retired and our current office staff, Ray and Alean Arthur were hired. Frank and Peg Ambrosio were also part of the office team from 2010 - 2012.
Phew. It's been quite a journey the Lord has led us on, hasn't it! From essentially a dream and a desk drawer to a lovely building (with 5 SOWER full hook-up parking spots :) ) and a dedicated staff, the ministry has continued to grow and change with the times. Many thanks to our founders and early board members who shaped our ministry, formed our policies, and inspired us to do "Our Best"! And to our wonderful office staff, past and present, who keep track of us and help us get where we need to be-thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. To God be all the Glory!
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Fort Lone Tree is located in the high plains of East central NM. Elevation is 6700 feet but had the appearance of plains with mountain peaks topping out at 11,000 feet the distance.
We served FLT in April with Jim and Feryl Laney (# 2550). Our experience was thoroughly enjoyable. It was easy to fall in love with the beauty of NM's high plains and the daily sighting of antelope. We also had the pleasure of watching the area's wild horse herd grazing on the mountain slope. FLT is a year round camp and retreat center, that served over 7000 people in 2012. Summer camp is designed for the 6-12 year old but also has a robust high ropes course, air swing and water slide. Guests can also take part in horseback riding, hiking and archery. The full time staff, Eric, Randy and Phillip, truly demonstrate Godly fellowship and love for each other and serve Fort Lone Tree with all their heart.
We can't give enough positive feedback about serving this project! We would simply say, "sign up and enjoy"!
Don and Jenny Rasmussen (#2824)
Do you have an favorite project that could use more SOWERS? Send your project boosters (and a picture or two if you have them!) to the office (sowers@sowerministry.org) to be featured in upcoming newsletters!
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Recently seen on the SOWER GROUP Facebook Page
 Are you "on Facebook"? If you are, SOWERS has its very own Facebook Group and we invite you to join our community! You are welcome to post about projects and upload pictures. Click on the Facebook Icon or the picture above 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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Dear Sam and Sally SOWER,
Dear Sam and Sally,
This past month we worked with a couple that was on their 111th project, one on their 69th project, and one on their 6th. We've just finished up our 17th - and they've all been great! Being a "numbers" man, I have always enjoyed numbers and facts, and I enjoy your column header "Just the Facts". It would be interesting to see some histogram type figures of how many SOWERs have worked more than 10 projects, 20 projects, 50 projects, 75 projects, 100 projects, etc. And who is the current active leader in number of projects worked?
Signed, Just Curious
Dear Curious, We always like to say it's not about the numbers, but since you asked (and I'm sure others are curious too), here are some "projects worked" statistics, using the data from our current membership roles. There are 19 (yes, 19!!!) active SOWERS that have worked over 100 projects. And of those 19, only 3 are alumni and most have worked a project (or several!) in 2013! Pretty amazing, isn't it? Nine of them have "three digit" numbers, which means that they've been serving with SOWERS since at least 1994. What a wonderful example they have set for all of us. Here are a couple more interesting facts. Although the average number of projects worked comes out to 25 (a whopping 17,623/710), 37% of the active couples (alumni and working combined) have worked fewer than 10 projects. About half of the current membership, 49% (again, alumni and working SOWERS combined) have worked between 10 and 50 projects and about 11% have worked between 50 and 100. While these numbers are interesting, they certainly don't tell the whole story of what the Lord has done through this ministry. These numbers are "raw" data and don't take into consideration the many reasons why folks work the number of project that they do. Would we like to see more projects being served? Of course! Just ask any of the 82 projects that requested SOWER help this month, but didn't get any workers. But they, like us, trust that the Lord will move in the hearts of His people, and many will continue to 'hear the Master's Call'. Oh - the couple with the most projects worked under their belt? That would be Dave and Betty Moore (#901) who joined SOWERs in May of 1994. They have worked 164 projects! Well done, good and faithful servants!
In Him, Sam & Sally Do you have a question for Sam or Sally? Contact them at samandsally@sowerministry.org. They'd love to hear from you! |
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Photo Credits/Info
Header -Capernaum Ministries - FL- 501 (Rick & Kitten Cox)
Header Group Shot - Capernaum Ministries (FL-501) March 2013
(L-R Cox #3151, Eitze #3229, Rockafellow #2559, Murabito #3022)
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New Projects Alert
For the first time in many years, we now have a project in KENTUCKY!
Jackson, KY
Oakdale Christian Academy (KY-513) is a Christian boarding school for junior and senior high school students. Their students live and learn in a Christ-centered community where faculty and staff live on campus and create a nurturing environment that positively impacts the students. Our Area Reps, Stu and Charlotte Gould, report that - "It is in the heart of Appalachia, a long established school ---1920's.This is a very worthy project with an international flavor, with the students coming from a number of countries and states." After their visit, Stu even made it into the Oakdale newsletter -
"We also were privileged to have Stu and Charlotte Gould of SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready) here to investigate our facilities as a possible work site for their organization. While here, the Goulds decided to stay an extra day and help Keith with his projects.
Volunteers stretch the value of every dollar given. We are grateful to all those who give and work for the Oakdale ministry! "
There are lots of exciting things happening at Oakdale, from new construction to building maintenance. This year they are open for 8 SOWERS for September.
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and over near Lake Erie we now have
Spring Creek, PA
Located in the NW Corner of PA, Miracle Mountain Ranch Mission (MMRM) (PA-514) is a Christ centered ministry where evangelism and discipleship are modeled through structured teaching, training, and life experiences by qualified staff surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Their primary focus is on traditional summer camping, intensive year-long apprenticeship, customized adult and youth ministries, and other creative methods of outreach. Mike and Barb Partchey (#3139) are sponsoring this project and are excited that MMRM has become a SOWER project. Miracle Mountain Ranch will be open for 4 SOWER Couples from May through September.
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Click on the marsh marigold to get to the Members Page and the most recent PLS!
The April SOWERGRAM is also available in its entirety, and the June edition will be on-line starting May 31.
Don't forget - the PLS is updated every weekend! Check it out
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What do the following job descriptions have in common?
Fletching Arrows
Campground Host
Masonry Pointing
Lawn Care
Document Scanning
Tutoring
Upholstery
General Maintenance
Skid Steer Driver
Painting
They are all (along with others!) SOA listings found in the Sowergram. If you're looking for a longer term assignment, check out the SOA program.
Opportunities Abound!
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Just the Facts
for May 2013
Number of Active SOWERS*
570
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
140
Number of Active Projects
172
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
120
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
38
Number of SOWERS* Requested
(Including SOAs)
550
Number of SOWERS* Working
(Including SOAs)
69
*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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Remember how you were going to write up that God Story for the newsletter?
Or maybe that great SOWER photo you've been meaning to send in?
Well, I'm still waiting!
:)
Click on this link to
send in your comments and stories and pictures!
We're listening!
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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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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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NEW 30th Anniversary
Decals
Available NOW!
Contact the office for available sizes.
Don't forget - FREE brochures and business cards are available from the office!
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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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