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SOWER Ministry Newsletter
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Greetings!
Happy Valentines' Day, friends! There's a lot going on during this short month, isn't there? Around the country the big news seems to be the crazy weather. Around the world there is talk of the Olympics and our tentative hold on "world security". In the SOWER world, February is generally our busiest month and this year is
 no exception - with 201 SOWER couples/singles serving Jesus around the country. It's encouraging to see that even though our "active" member number has decreased some from this time last year, the number of working SOWER "units" is the same - Praise the Lord! In the groups we've worked with in the last two months there have been three couples who are just working their first or second project. How blessed we are to see their enthusiasm as they begin their SOWER journey. We've also worked with many who have been in SOWERs for over 10 years. And how good to see their love of the ministry still shining bright! To the new kids on the block , to the ones who have been around the block, to the ones holding down the home front for a spell, to the ones have served well but have had to "hang up the tools" - we thank you that you have taken up Christ's call to LOVE and put it into practical application. May each of you find the grace and strength to keep sharing HIS love in the days ahead. Oh how He loves you and me! Stephanie Conrad, #2509 for the Board of Trustees SOWER Ministry stephanie@rvthereyet.org |
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What God had in mind
We are serving as SOA's at Macedonian Christian Academy (TX-499) in Donna, TX, this winter. At MCA Christian education is part of a discipleship program for children from K3 through Grade 12 and their families. The children are encouraged to love each other and respect their elders. All of the staff are missionaries and totally dedicated. Redeemer Bible Church has grown out of the school and Sowers quickly become part of the congregation. As SOA's we have been able to be part of the Community Groups and share in the church life.
I must admit that I came here reluctantly as an SOA, but it was only a matter of days before I knew God had me exactly where He wanted me. After the first couple of weeks helping out with a fundraising banquet and auction, I was asked to be a Teacher's Aide in the Grade 3 & 4 classroom. Although I have never done anything like this before, much to my own amazement, I love it! While the children are busy and active, even as they are doing their school work, they are learning to become more like Jesus. They are now coming on their own for help and hugs. Their teacher, Melinda, a young missionary from PA, and I have become close friends.
The Lord has been stretching me ever since we got here. The teaching in church is all on growing in our walk with the Lord. In the Love & Respect video class at church we found out how much better we could make our marriage, even after 47 years. Then I and 4 other Sower ladies went on a church weekend retreat on Humility based on Phil 2. Everyone came away saying it hurt but was great!
Since coming here God has softened my heart in many ways, to feel for the homeless, to look for the good in people and to encourage others. I need to be more intentional in delving into the Word daily, memorizing Scripture and telling the lost about Jesus. My desire to serve Him and do His will has deepened.
On a walk on the beach during a break at the Ladies Retreat, Philippians 1:6 came to me - "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". In many ways this has become the theme of our winter here.
While we came here to be a blessing to the school as they built a new school building, I have received such a huge blessing in return.
Ruth Jamieson
#2645
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God's Buick Encore
I am a 1957 Buick Century Riviera Model 63, also known as a four door hardtop. Not many left like me; only 19 at last check out of a little over 26,000 built. I've had many owners in my 57 years on the road, but I wanted to share about one of them with whom I had a very special relationship. For 13 years I watched Paul and Gerda Clark leave each fall to work different SOWER projects for five to seven months at a time. But last year, Paul and Gerda felt the call to serve in this ministry full time. So along with their house and all their "stuff", he knew that "the Century had to go." While their house sold in just 15 days and they were able to either sell or donate their household goods with no delay, I remained in the driveway with no buyer. Finally Paul took me to a local fair in the hopes of finding that special someone who would want a restored original car to keep long term. It was a sad parting, but Paul knew he had to let me go if he was to follow his call to full-time SOWER ministry. Well, this new fellow wasn't looking for a long term relationship so shortly after he bought me, he listed me in a classic car auction. Oh, he spruced me up a bi
 | | One last photo with Paul and Gerda! |
t more with some new white walls and a fancy set of wire wheels, but it was still a difficult being back in the "For Sale" mode. But then my story took an unexpected (or as Paul would say, God directed) turn. A prospective buyer found a business card of Paul's that he had unintentionally left in my glove box. He gave Paul a call (Paul was working on a SOWER project in Michigan) and asked him all kinds of questions about me, and sure enough he was the high bidder the next day! My new owner is a serious car collector and was very excited to get me. And I was thrilled to see his car barn - large enough to hold 20 cars, along with his motorhome! Dave & his family, my new owners, live on the north end of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Paul and Gerda were able to stop by on their way to their next project! It was great to be reunited with my old friends and they were able to enjoy dinner with Dave and his wife. Paul drove me to dinner and enjoyed having pictures taken with me one more time! What a special time that was for us all! When I heard Dave offer a standing invitation to visit any time and use their RV pad to hook up the fifth wheel, I knew that God was smiling down on the entire proceedings as they unfolded. Paul likes to call this "God's Buick Encore", and I like that too! submitted by Paul Clark (#2164) |
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It's all about the hats and gloves!
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Tea Party at Community Baptist Church (FL-307) in January 2014
Lib Bowling, Mary Welsh, Shirley Weener, Barb Neitzel, Debbie Wall
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 | | The girls ,Linda LaPerle, Barbara Eitze and Barb Garant, show off their hats at the Tea House in Mt. Dora, FL. |
Out of the archives........
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Co-ed Tea Party at Montrose Bible Conference (PA-277) July 2006
Dave & Betty Moore, Terry & Marge Sheats, Gary & Stephanie Conrad
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Do you have any SOWER Tea Party Memories?
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Upcoming Trustee Meeting
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Next month the Board of Trustees will be joining together via the phone lines for our March meeting. We'll be calling in from all around the country (and time zones) and we need your prayers! We'll be reviewing the last 6 months in the ministry and paying special attention to the comments you made in the recent survey. Do you have a concern for the Board? If so, please make sure that you correspond with a trustee before March 10th. Please pray with us as we work together to maintain the integrity of the ministry, serve our valued ministry projects, and seek to bring glory to our Lord and Savior in all that we say and do!
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Trustee Nominations now Open!
Trustee Nominations will start in February. Look for the nomination form in the February Sowergram (you've been mailed one if you are 'Web Only') and please be praying about who you might like to see serve as a Trustee and help lead the SOWER Ministry.
"The membership will nominate the Trustees. The candidates must be in good standing and have had substantial experience in the SOWER Ministry for at least two (2) years. The nominees receiving the largest number of votes on ballots returned by the membership will be elected." Article IV, Sower Constitution (The SOWER Constitution in its entirety can be found on the Members Only page.)
Don't forget to ask the person before you nominate them! Nominations will close on March 15th.
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Online Survey now Closed!
Thank you to everyone who took the on-line survey. We had a great response (302!) and hopefully you've had a chance to read the preliminary summary in the February Sowergram. The board will be taking a careful look at all the responses in the weeks ahead.
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Area Rep Position Filled!
The board is pleased to announce that John and Joyce Morton (#2923) have answered the call to serve as our Area Representatives for the Four Corners Area (AZ, CO, NM, UT) and have been appointed to the position by the Board. We thank God for their willing hearts! We also want to thank others who graciously inquired about the position. It does a heart good!
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Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Group
 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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Pictures Update
The Skill Sheet picture project is continuing. Thank you to those who have sent in pictures! Here are a couple of suggestions and guidelines to help with the process -
- Pictures should be sent into the office - sowers@sowerministry.org
- Individual pictures are most appreciated, but since only "head shots" are needed, pictures that can be cropped are also fine.
- Next time you're on a project find the "shutterbug' in the group and set up a "photo booth" . All the photos can be taken at one time and sent in together to the office. Feel free to resize them to reduce the file size.
- These photos will only be used on the skill sheets that are sent to the project hosts and group leaders. While submitting these photos is optional, we encourage you to send them in.
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Dear Sam and Sally
Dear Sam and Sally,
When the Sowergram says "Fingerprint" or "Background" check required to work this project, what do I have to do before I sign up? That's always been a put off to sign up for a project because I assume that we've already done the FBI fingerprint checkup. What is the difference between the different background checks. Now I see a project that says criminal & sex offender check required. Aren't these checks the same?
Signed,
Wanting to work, but confused!
Dear Wanting,
You're correct; all SOWERS are required to have a Fingerprint background check (U.S. residents from the FBI and Canadian residents from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police). The difficulty with this is that for some of us "older" folks our fingerprints have become unreadable due to wear and tear. If after two attempts to complete the background check have failed due to unreadable prints, we issue a letter that explains their situation. All SOWERS should be carrying either the original of their fingerprint results and the waiver letter (if it applies) when going on projects. Now, when looking at the Project Listing Sheet (PLS), if a project is listed as "Fingerprint check required to work this project" this means you need a completed (readable and no record found) fingerprint check to work the project. If you fall in the category of unreadable fingerprints, you will not be able to serve at those projects unless you have verified with the project as to whether you will or will not be allowed to work at that ministry. This note in the PLS is also a reminder that when going to the project you should have with you your "original" fingerprint results with you. In addition, some projects (as noted in the PLS) have their own background check done and they will contact you prior to your arrival concerning this, if it applies.
We hope that helps! God bless you as you continue to serve our Lord!
In Him,
Sam and Sally
Do you have a question for Sam and Sally? They 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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Quick Links -
To send in a prayer request or praise item-
To contact the office -
903-882-8070
To submit something to the newsletter
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Just what does it mean?
S.O.W.E.R.S. - Servants on Wheels Every Ready - Great acronym to describe our ministry. Right? The answer, of course, is a resounding "YES"!!! But I must admit I have been "pondering" on this lately. The "on wheels" part is so very fun to discuss with each other, is it a 5th wheel, motorhome, class C, class A, tag-a-long, truck camper, what brand, what year, how many slides, diesel versus gas, pusher/puller - you get the idea. Even the "ever ready" part of our acronym creates a buzz, full-time versus part-time, to sell or not to sell houses a home, the number of months on the road, where we hail from to be "every ready" - again you get the idea. BUT how much time do we spend developing the characteristics of a servant? By definition a servant is "one who serves, or does service voluntarily or on compulsion. A person who labors or exerts himself for the benefit of another." Now this is where the pondering comes in. Do I have the attitude of "one who serves"? Do I do as I am asked "voluntarily" and realize that there IS One who I am under "compulsion" to serve? Do I labor and exert myself for the "benefit of another" or for my own selfish ambition or reward?? "OUCH!!" However, when we read Philippians Chapter 2 it seems abundantly clear what being a "servant" meant to Jesus. All of a sudden, cleaning bathrooms or painting or picking up nails or whatever else we might not see as being our "calling" becomes less menial and instead becomes part of our service to our Lord and King. What an example we have in Jesus, the Son of God, who humbled himself and became a servant and ultimately the sacrifice for all!!! Hallelujah! So then, may we celebrate our acronym (S.O.W.E.R.S.) and may it be descriptive of not only our service on each and every project but of our lives as well.
In Him, For His Service and By His Grace,
Kim Trivilino #3094
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In Case of Emergency
While at a project, we are asked to keep emergency information in our RVs and vehicles (names, phone numbers, medical info, who to contact, etc.). We think it's a good idea to carry this type of information as we travel to and between projects. In addition to the usual information, include instructions to notify your next Group Leader (name and phone number) and your project host (name and phone number). That way, if an accident or other emergency occurs while you are en route, at least your GL and host will know where you are and what happened. Each couple could print (or even hand write) a form similar to the ones the Sower office provides-just add the instructions on how to contact the GL and project host.
It's also helpful to let your GL know, either by e-mail or phone, when you plan to arrive at your project.
Bruce and Janet Holen (#2907)
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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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IT'S SPRING, SO IT'S REUNION TIME IN FLORIDA!
March 3-5, 2014 at Florida Baptist Encampment (FL-143)
The time for the 2014 Southeast Florida Reunion is almost here. All alumni Sowers, currently serving Sowers, and snowbird Sowers who are in the area are encouraged to attend. Greet old friends and make new ones. Reunions are also very helpful to new Sowers as they can tap into a wealth of experience.
The fun begins 9 AM Monday morning, March 3, at Registration. Enjoy a cup of coffee and goodies as you sign up for various activities. We will have Sing-Alongs with Rich Polley, Testimony Time, Games Night, SOWER Auction, Craft Expo, and Talent Night.
Rates including registration fee are $40 for RV spot or motel-style room (very plain and also very limited). The registration fee includes three nights camping, two breakfasts, and one light supper. Registration fee for day visitors is $10 per couple for the entire session. Contact Neil Benson to register at neilandjane2@juno.com.
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2014 Texas Reunion
March 30 - April 2
Trinity Pines Conference Center (TX-434)
Trinity, TX
There is still time to sign up!
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Clicking on the Heart will take you to the Members Only Page and the most recent PLS along with the on-line February Sowergram!
Forgot the password?
Check your hard copy of the Sowergram for the current password.
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Just the Facts
for February 2014
Number of Active SOWERS*
532
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
142
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
82
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
53
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
418
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
201
*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!
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
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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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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Looking for a past issue of the
e-Newsletter?
Check out the ARCHIVE of every issue of this
e-Newsletter
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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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Photo Info/Credits -
Header Group Shot -Francis Garant (#3215) - Camp Horizon - FL-174 January 2014Team-
Left Side : Left to Right: Dennis & Linda LaPerle, Bill & Ruth Stoll, Barb & Francis Garant
Right Side: Left to Right: Tom & Marilyn Henry, Geziena & Sid Roorda, Barbara & Jerry Eitze
Sunset at Lake Placid (FL-341) - John Hulse (#3204)
Top Tea Party Picture - Debbie Wall #2533
Middle Tea Party Picture - Francis Garant #3215
Bottom Tea Party Picture - Stephanie Conrad #2509
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Contributors Needed!
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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Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
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