When John suggested that we join a "helps ministry" I agreed reluctantly to try it for 6 months. Through the experiences of those 6 months, and the Godly advice of a dear friend, I realized that I needed to readjust my priorities and give my whole heart to His service.  Recently the Lord allowed me to combine two of my passions - serving Him and teaching quilting - at a SOWER project which brought us great blessing.

One of our favorite projects is Palomar Christian Conference Center (CA-253). I had often run quilt retreats at that conference center in my 'previous lifetime' so I was delighted that we could come there to serve as SOWERS.  During the May 2013 project I had the opportunity to run a small weekend quilt retreat.  (The camp had a slow weekend, and I had interested friends in the area.  It was a perfect fit!) Two young ladies from the staff and the Camp Director's daughter, Grace - age 10- also joined our quilting fun.  Many relationships were strengthened that weekend.

Grace was a very special addition as all of the ladies encouraged her, taught her, loved on her and made her feel welcome among all the Grandmas. The attendees were so generous and excited about cultivating Grace's interest in sewing that the last day of our retreat one of the ladies suggested that we take a collection for a sewing machine for Grace.  During the last week of the project I continued with informal sewing sessions with Grace and several other staff members as we continued to enjoy our quilting time. After the project, I headed home (not too far from Palomar) with the intent of returning after I had purchased a sewing machine for Grace with the gift money from the retreat Grandmas.  When I came home, there was a bag of fabric and new sewing tools hung on my gate to further contribute to Grace's goodies. What a sweet day that was, when we were able to return to the conference center and present the sewing machine (you wouldn't believe what a great machine the Holy Spirit provided!), all the goodies from the ladies and the God story that led to the inspiration for a special gift to Grace. Grace was thrilled beyond measure.  We were so blessed to be a part of this God story, but when I received the thank you note from Grace's mother, Janna, I was reminded again that our God is the God of details!  Here's an excerpt from that sweet note, which spells out why we do what we do.  Not for earthly reward, but for changed lives and to show others Christ's face through our faces and service to HIM. -

Dear Sherry and Living Stitches friends,

I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for the amazing love you have shown our Grace!  I am honestly overwhelmed with emotion by your generosity toward her. Not only did you guys allow her to come and learn from you and enjoy her time sewing with all of you, but you gave so that she can continue to learn and sew! This has made such an impact on our whole family.

Our move to California was very difficult for Grace.  She was 9 when we moved, and had to leave her best friend and all of her school friends.  That is a HUGE deal at her age.  She has struggled with finding her place here, and understanding why we needed to move. Micah and I continuously pray that she will come to understand what it means when you surrender your life to full time ministry, and that when HE calls, you go. Micah and I have known that the blessings of moving would one day outweigh what she saw as negative things.

Her weekend with all of you is one of those blessings that we have prayed about. Her weekend spent with all of you, has been her most joy-filled weekend in our 7 months here.  (And the rest of the week spent with Sherry was wonderful!)  She would wake up each morning, dressed before I could get out of bed, ready to get down there to sew.  I can't thank you enough for that blessing.

 John and I have felt the Holy Spirit at Mt. Palomar. It has provided shelter and healed us at times in our younger days when we needed a mountain experience. We are now giving back to this Holy Place where lives are changed.  We would encourage SOWERS to say yes to this project.

Sherry Davidson #3175  

We have an immediate need for an Area Rep for Region 5, ½ of Texas which includes the Hill Country and Valley projects (12 total). An Area Rep keeps an eye on the projects in their area (often by visiting them) and also welcomes new members in that area. Area Reps are also involved in checking out new projects.  Sound interesting? Contact me for more details!

Stephanie Conrad, Project Coordinator

215-343-9678

conrad2509@sowerministry.org

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.   We are looking forward to seeing YOU at Hilltop! 

Dear Sam and Sally,

We're finding that since we've been on the road we've been using the on-line Sowergram more and more and the hard copy less and less.  Is there some way to opt out of getting the hard copy?  And what about when the password changes? How does that work?

Signed,

Loving the new technology!

Dear Loving,

We are so glad you asked!  Yes, it's very easy to opt out of getting the hard copy of the Sowergram.  Just contact the office and let them know you'd like to make the change. In December you'll receive a hard copy of the 'Gram along with the new Roster.  Additionally over the course of the year, you'll be receiving a Trustee nomination form, Trustee ballot and Annual Registration Form in the mail.  And don't worry about when the password changes. You will  automatically be emailed the new password prior to each change. Printing and postage costs are the biggest operating expense that the ministry has.  Each Sowergram that doesn't need to be printed and mailed saves the ministry almost $8.00. And that can really add up!  So email the office, and switch over to "Web Only". It's a good thing!

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!