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Greetings!
I must confess that November has always been one of my favorite months. It's not too early to start giving some serious thought about Christmas plans, but there isn't the holiday panic that sometimes happens once December hits. The office has been pretty busy too! The Roster and the December/January Sowergram will be going to press in the next couple of days,so there has been lots to do (aside from generally keeping track of all ofus!). Here's a review of what you'll find in this mailing -
- The Minutes from the September 2013 Board of Trustee Meeting
- Committee Reports
- 2014 Roster
- SOWER Envelope (for any correspondence or year end donations)
- Trustee Reflections
I hope these last couple weeks of November will be filled with not only wonderful family gatherings but also a true sense of Gratitude. How precious to know that regardless of our circumstances, our God is with us. Wherever He has led you this year, whether it's been through the valleys or up to the mountaintops, I pray you have felt His presence going with you.
Thankful for His Mercies,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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Picture Perfect!
 When you're GL would you like to have a picture of the SOWERS joining you? Well, now you will! That is, as soon as you send the office a picture! The Board has been asking for current pictures from new applicants and it seemed to make sense to include all of our members in the request.We feel that this will be a help to both the GL and the project host. Another plus: when you call the office they'll be able to put a face to the name! Please send individual pictures of husband and wife. These pictures can be either digital via email or printed via US mail. Doing this as soon as possible will enable the SOWER Office to get started on this project. Thanks for your help with this and feel free to contact the office with any questions! |
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Looking for something different this winter?
 One of our Canadian projects, Ness Lake Bible Camp and Conference Center (BC-434 - Prince George, BC) has an urgent need for both tradesmen and also Jack-of-all-trade individuals as they work on the interior completion of their new Gate House. There is housing available for two couples from November through March 2014. This volunteer opportunity is being handled directly with Ness Lake, so if you are interested please contact Andrew Milton (director@nlbc.bc.ca). |
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A.R. Corner -
The SOWER Area Reps are the dedicated folks that check out and check-up on projects in their area. From time to time different A.R.'s will be sharing some "up close and personal" information about projects in their area.
Here is a note from Gary and Jolene Hambrick (#2557), the Retiring Area Reps for Area 5 - 1/2 of Texas.
FAREWELL, BUT NOT FINISHED!
Relinquishing our responsibilities as Area 5 reps (Hill Country & Texas RGV) wasn't an easy decision. Family situations demand more of our time right now.
When God was calling us to take on the position in April 2007, we didn't know what a journey God would take us on. After over seven years, what fabulous blessings we received as well as what experience this position gave us. Let us say a "Thank You, SOWERs Family, for all of your support during the past seven years."
As the time of the year came to contact the project hosts to do the annual report, dividing our time with each project host became a challenge. We felt we needed to personally visit each one at least every three years. There are 12 Texas projects in the area we were assigned, and many miles between them. This meant traveling those many miles and, remember folks, Texas is a big state! Even being native Texans, the routes sometime took us places we hadn't been before.
While serving one particular month at one project, we would meet with the host during that month. Or sometimes, we would set up our motor home at a project and, then branch out to the others in the area. Whenever we didn't want to call and couldn't personally visit, we would ask a SOWER couple working that month at that project to do the report - this was so helpful. We personally "Thank" those (and you know who you are) who were willing to do the report for us.
When we would personally visit, this gave us insight to each ministry, as well as check the camp's facilities, and if any problems, we could address those while there. Each host was very enthusiastic about SOWERs coming and glad for the work done by SOWER teams. They would sometimes show us and brag on the work accomplished. Some wonderful friendships have arisen even from these visits. We can't say we have a favorite project...they all are indeed special to us. Each one is unique and the ministry different from each other.
We welcome Tom & Janey Bills #2656 as they take on the responsibility of being the Area 5 Reps. Let's support them as they start on their journey. We hope they will enjoy getting to know the hosts as well as receive many blessings which no doubt will come their way during the future months/years.
Our plans are to continue serving the Lord at SOWER projects and, we hope to 'run into you' down the road. God bless our SOWER family, and y'all have safe travels!
Submitted by Gary & Jolene Hambrick #2557 Area 5 Rep/TX (2007-2013)
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Upcoming Reunions
Save the date!
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2014 Texas Reunion
WHEN
Sunday afternoon, March 30
through
Wednesday morning, April 2
WHO
All SOWERS, Active or Alumni in the area are encouraged to come.
WHERE
Trinity Pines Conference Center, TX-434, Trinity, TX
COST
Camping - $22.00/night
Rooms - under $35.00/night
Meals - Dinner on Monday and Tuesday - $14/per person
Other meals will be shared or "pay as you go"
Contact Nancy Franges to register
sower2043@yahoo.com
724-902-0316
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!
Contact Gary and Stephanie Conrad for more information!
215-343-9678
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Get your reservation in early for Spiritual uplift, renewing old friendship and making new friends !
Contact Neil and Jane Benson for reservations
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Recently seen on the SOWER GROUP Facebook Page
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 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 below 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! |
Picture taken during the November project at UIM International (AZ-518) in Glendale, AZ. Thanks, Ellen, for sharing this on Facebook!
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Dear Sam & Sally,
I am now an Alumni in Sowers but still have a desire to help in some way. Being a widow there are limitations to serve and I very much understand that. I live near Life Action Ranch that previously was a project. Are there any projects that could use some day workers that would not need accommodations. I have many places I could serve but I like how the Sowers is organized and HOW they serve.
I hope to hear from you.
Still eager to serve!
Dear Eager,
How wonderful that your servant heart is still eager to serve. I think you might have a couple of options, although it could take you outside the SOWER organization. One idea would be to contact Life Action Ranch (or other nearby Christian camps) and see if they could use any day help. You could also contact other SOWER projects that are within driving distance of your home. Since you are Alumni, you would need to make your arrangements directly with the camp. But you would be welcome to contact any SOWERs that might be working at that location in order to join in their fellowship. And don't forget to attend any Reunions in your area to stay connected to your SOWER Family!
Blessings,
Sam and Sally
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Coming on December 1st!
In an effort to continue to strengthen the SOWER Ministry and increase its effectiveness in the Kingdom, the Board of Trustees has compiled an on-line survey. Watch your in-box on December 1st for an invitation to take part! We hope we'll hear from YOU!
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GL Tip for December
Once again this year the arrival of the GL for the December project coincides with Thanksgiving (November 28th). Please contact your hosts before the start of the project to make sure your arrival will not conflict with their family plans. Feel free to make arrangements to either come in on Wednesday or Friday if that is more convenient for the host! And please let your group know if any of these changes will impact their arrival!
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Click on the Fall berries to get to the Members Page and the most recent PLS!
The October SOWERGRAM is also available in its entirety on the Members Page.
Don't forget - the PLS is updated every weekend!
Check it out
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Just the Facts
for November 2013
Number of Active SOWERS*
508
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
137
Number of Active Projects
176
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
97
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
50
Number of SOWERS* Requested
(Including SOAs)
484
Number of SOWERS* Working
(Including SOAs)
99
*Number of SOWERS always refers to a SOWER "Unit" - whether a couple or a single, not individual SOWERS.
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Sharing SOWERS
Looking for a way to share the blessing of the SOWER Ministry with interested friends? Don't forget about the SOWER video on YouTube -
 | | Servants on Wheels Ever Ready Promotional Video |
Or contact the office to request your FREE DVD!
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Lindale Parking
 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 complete directions on the first page of the Sowergram. |
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERS are doing around the country!
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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You Asked - and the Office listened!!!!
By popular request, the office now has 12" SOWER Logo MAGNETS for your vehicles. These decals are mounted on high quality vehicle grade magnetic material for display on your vehicle. The cost, including shipping, is a very reasonable $25.00 per set of two. Send payment to the SOWER office and they will get them out to you!
Don't forget - Regular Decals in a variety of sizes and FREE brochures and business cards are also 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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Where can you find quality used RV's and accessories for sale, SOWER guidelines, past Board Meeting minutes and a 2014 Work Date Calendar(under "Approved Project Dates")?
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Photo Credits/Info
Header Group Shot
-Sally Lynch (#3215)
(NC-294) October 2013
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Remember how you were going to write up that God Story for the newsletter?
Or maybe find that great SOWER photo you've been meaning to send in?
Have you been meaning to share about your favorite project that always needs more workers?
Click on this link to
send in your stories and pictures!
We'll be watching for them!
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