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Greetings!
"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"....Actually it's been looking "a lot like Christmas" earlier and earlier each year it seems! The pressure is mounting - Is your shopping done? Is the tree decorated? Are the cookies baked? Are the stockings hung? So many questions - and so little time! With all the holiday hustle and bustle pressing in from all directions, let's just take a moment to hit the Pause button, take a deep breath, and really reflect on what Christmas is all about.
"Who among us will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, all honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger; whoever remains lowly and lets God alone be high; whoever looks at the child in the manger and sees the glory of God precisely in his lowliness."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
May your Christmas be filled with the wonder of the manger, and the Gift that was given.
Joyfully His,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Working Together
 We served as group leaders at the Methodist Children's Home in Macon, GA (GA-516) during November. Our SOWER group (6 couples including one on their first project) had a very positive experience with a group of NOMADS who were also serving here. We worked both separately and together and enjoyed visiting, meal times and a fantastic musical evening social event. Mike Minella (that brand new SOWER) joined in with his guitar and great vocals and we had a very heartwarming sing-along. The group was also treated to Bobbeth Hawkins' classic performance as Minnie Pearl - such fun! The entire month was a wonderful experience of working together with other servants for Christ. We were truly blessed to be with fellow Christians, the Nomads, volunteers who love our LORD. Russ & Millie (Matthews) Enslin (3234)
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Schoolyard Blessings
We worked at Ottumwa Christian School (IA-322) in September and were so blessed by our experience there. We worked in the yard at the school to start with, clearing brush from the fence line. About half way through clearing one day we were sitting on the grass taking a break and watching the children play at recess. They were leaning against the very fences we had cleared and then rolling down the small hill and laughing and just enjoying their new space. If SOWERS had not had the opportunity to serve here the children would not have had as much space to play at recess and we would not have had the blessing to observe the activities of the children appreciating the effort we had put in.
Later in the last week we painted a serpentine line around the playground for the preschool children. Watching them walk and run on this line, laughing and enjoying the fruits of our labor during recess was a blessing words cannot describe.
This is a small Christian school with very limited funds but no limit on their appreciation for the small effort that we did. From very young to teenage and parents we were told over and over again of their thanks. If anyone is considering this project, the blessings far outweigh the effort you will put in.
Thanks for allowing us to serve Jesus in the name of SOWERS. Doug and Amy Heilman #2981
Ottumwa Christian School (IA-322) is open for SOWERS from April through October and has 3 SOWER openings
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SEVENTY-FIVE MILES FROM NOWHERE
This is an excerpt from an essay included in a recently published memoir called "Running Through Sheets" by Claudia Ware, Sower #798
A beautiful, sunny, cloudless day in Arizona welcomed us as we drove toward the Hopi Indian Reservation, accessed by travel through the Navajo Indian Reservation. The spectacular scenery consisted of flat land with an occasional butte jutting up to lace the landscape with colors almost beyond description. We were on our way to volunteer at the Hopi Indian Mission School in Kykotsmovia, Arizona. I would be tutoring; my husband scheduled to do maintenance and repair. The sun began to set as we neared our destination and it cast eerie shadows over the buttes. As if to provide a backdrop to the grandeur, a distant mountain range with snow-covered peaks captured our attention.
There were no homes or any other signs of life until we approached the town and school grounds. There the colorful beauty turned to bleak desolation. Unexpected gusts of wind rocked our fifth wheel, home for the next month. The few dwellings we observed resembled shacks. Car tires piled on top of the roofs served as protection against the constant turbulence. Later we would learn that most of these homes lacked electricity or running water. Locals draw water from a large central well, transported in water tanks located in the back of dilapidated pickup trucks. Fire pits serve as stoves, and sunrise and sunset determine the hours of activity or rest.
Continue Reading......
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Upcoming Reunions
Whether you're an Alumni, 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, mark your calendars and plan to join in the sweet fellowship of a SOWER Reunion/Rally/Round-up!!
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2015 Southeast Area Reunion
Same Place - New Dates!
The Southeast Area reunion/rally has moved to the week before the February Project but is still being held at the Florida Baptist Encampment. The theme this year is Sharing Jesus. We are looking forward to and are excited about meeting, fellowshipping and sharing with our brother and sisters in Christ. Whether you're brand new to SOWERS or now Alumni, this is the place to be the first week in February! We still need help in certain areas (Auctioneer, Piano/Keyboard, Devotions and Clean-up) so feel free to contact Ed Blanks or Jane Benson for questions, suggestions and offers of help!
Monday, February 2 thru Wednesday, February 4
(departure Thursday AM)
Florida Baptist Encampment (FL-143)
Groveland, Florida
Cost: $45 per RV/ 3 Days
Rooms - $45.00/3 Days
If you come in early or stay over the cost is an additional $10 per night. A day fee for those not staying over night is $7.50 per couple. Some meals will be included, but not all meals so plan on feeding yourselves as well.
Contact Neil and Jane Benson to make your reservations
704-604-7917
(Please note that the Room Rate and Day fee has been corrected.)
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(aka Texas Reunion)
March 29 - April 1
Trinity Pines Conference Center
Trinity, TX
(TX- 254)
Costs:
Camping - $22.00/night
Rooms are available - prices vary
Meals - Dinner at the Camp one night - $7/person
Other meals will be by donation
What to expect:
Auction
Talent Night
Campfires
Trustee Q&A
Tech Forum
Lots and Lots of Fellowship Time!
Registration is now OPEN!
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Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Group Page
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 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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New Life Ranch (OK-230) is open for SOWERS 12 months of the year! They have 4 SOWER spots available.
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While you're on Facebook, don't forget to check out your favorite projects. Many of our project locations have a Facebook page and it's a great way to stay up to date on the places you love to serve!
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Dear Sam and Sally
Dear Sam and Sally,
Although we've been SOWERS for a couple of years we've just now been able to work our first project. It was a wonderful experience at a beautiful location and we were very blessed to be serving our Lord together with other believers. The project was very appreciative of everything we were able to accomplish and it was good to feel that we were making an impact for the Kingdom. I was a little puzzled then when our GL said to me that he felt this location shouldn't be a project because it didn't seem needy. I know we're all entitled to our opinions, but it didn't seem right to me that he should be sharing such negative comments. What do you think I should have done?
Glad to be serving!
Dear Glad,
First of all - congratulation on completing your first project! I know that schedules don't always coincide with our heart's desire to serve, so I'm thankful that God made a way for you to begin your work with SOWERS. And I'm also glad that you had such a positive experience! Our 170+ projects come in all shapes and sizes to be sure, and not all will become your "favorite". But whether they have a shoestring budget or appear to be flush with funds, ALL of our projects value and count on volunteer help. Judging a ministry's neediness by the state or size of its facility is never a good thing as there is always more to the story than meets the eye. If you ever have concerns about a project's neediness or lack of spiritual emphasis, the place to voice that would be at the final group meeting to go into the GL report and then to a Trustee. In the words of Frank Varga (SOWER #1 and our ministry founder) - "If you love a project, spread the word!!! If you didn't like a project - keep your mouth shut and just don't go back." (Of course, genuine concerns should always be directed to the office or a Trustee.) Hope this helps, and again - congrats on working that first project! I pray you've already signed up for your next one!
Christmas blessings,
Sam & Sally
Do you have a question about SOWER policy or etiquette? Sam and Sally would love to hear from you! 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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Executive Power
There were three SOWER couples serving at World Gospel Mission/Southwest Indian Ministries Center (SIMC) (AZ-208) for the month of November; Immediate Past President Ed (& Laura) Shuster, current President Jerry (& Ernestine) McGhee and ourselves, Ross & Pam Dunfee. Since we were first to sign up for the project we are the Group Leaders.
Because of extra duties, perceived limited leadership skills, lack of desire, or whatever the reason, there seems to be reluctance for some SOWER's to be the first to sign up for a project and, by design, become GL's. While I understand and appreciate reluctance to become GL's there is also a positive side to consider. The GL is the highest SOWER authority on the project and has the ability to select tasks that are compatible with individual skill sets. Such was my duty here at SIMC.
We took a break from our task list to help SIMC shine the place up for a neighborhood open house and as you can see it appears that both Ed and Jerry were very well matched with their skill set and training. It seems that Laura and Ernestine have trained Ed and Jerry well and they should be commended.
Ross Dunfee #3127
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Growing our ministry
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The Board of Trustees is always looking for good ways to share the blessing of being a SOWER.
Here's an idea submitted by Gail Fieler (#3187) for distributing our brochures -
How about wherever SOWERS are at the time (hopefully in a town where they are currently at a project - but really anywhere) approach the nearby Senior Center and ask to put literature on their info board or table. I know that the Senior Center in my home town has an info table with all types of community services for senior citizens mostly free or at minimal cost. Also how about campgrounds - same thing. Ask to put a few brochures in their info rack or advertisement board. They all have them.
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The SOWER Office will be closed Dec. 19th thru Jan 4th for the Christmas Holidays
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Contacting the Board
Do you have a question or concern you'd like to share with the Board of Trustees?
Send an email to the office, marked "For the Trustees" and we will all receive a copy. If you prefer, you are also welcome to contact individual members using the contact information in the Roster.
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Clicking on the Christmas decorations will take you to the Members Only Page and the December/January Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings.
Check it out!
Don't forget the password changed on December 15th. Check your hard copy for the new password.
If you did not receive the December/January Sowergram please contact the office. This issue (along with the 2015 Roster) went out to everyone who returned their Annual Registration.
903-882-8070
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Just the Facts
for December 2014
Number of Active SOWERS*
487
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
126
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
75
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
37
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
359
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
93
*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
On a Wheel and a Prayer
Don and 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
RV Craze
Wayne and Gail Fieler
Glennandjanesjourney
Glenn and Jane Kellenbenz
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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Photo Info/Credits -
Header Group Shot - Ironwood Christian Camp (CA-464) November 2014: Wayne & Gail Fieler (3187), Len & Selma Jansen (2606), Roy & Sue Anderson (3070)
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Heading through Texas?
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 or $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 directions on the first page of the Sowergram.
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Contributors ALWAYS Needed!
Do YOU have a testimony to share about a recent SOWER project? Maybe a word of encouragement to other SOWERS? We'd love to hear about it!
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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