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January-the official month of resolutions (whether kept or not) and good intentions! Don't we all seem to take a big breath at the beginning of the year and look ahead with hope and expectation? Maybe this will be the year we'll spend more time with family, help our neighbor out a bit more, eat healthier and maybe even start a sensible exercise program. Starting the New Year out with great expectations is a good thing. The Board of Trustees is also looking ahead into 2015 with great expectation. We're praying for a resurgence of new members and ways to encourage our existing members to continue to serve wholeheartedly. Every month we get reports about how the ministry is doing. And sadly we are seeing a decline - in member numbers and in numbers of members working. I've been posting that information in "Just the Facts" column, and this month I've added the numbers from January 2014 in parentheses for a comparison. Will you join us in praying for wisdom as we move into 2015 that we will follow the Lord's leading in growing the ministry so that we continue to "serve and encourage Christian ministries to fulfill the commandments of Jesus Christ".
Serving the King with you!
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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The Miracle Mile
Gospel Rescue Mission (AZ-487) is an outreach to the homeless women, men & families who need to go through recovery programs. The men and women are housed on two different sites. It is so evident that God is moving in Tucson. The mission was able to purchase a motel unit called Wayward Lodge located on Miracle Mile, and yes, there are many miracles happening on that strip. One client said it is so obvious that God has a sense of humor. If you live at this shelter you can see why. Right down the street from where God is rescuing people and changing lives at the Wayward Lodge is a strip joint. We are believing with them that God will continue to rescue and save those in bondage and claim that territory for God's work to increase on Miracle Mile.
We were three couples, the Santrys (#3289) on their second project, the Baltas (#2966) serving in their 8th year and us, the Eitzes (3229) in our 3rd year. With Christmas coming, there was an over abundance of things to do. The men were renovating some of the units, putting in counter tops and cupboards while the ladies received many Christmas gift donations for the families. We were given a room to set everything up and God provided Sandy Santry, who had worked in retail and knew how to set up a store. She led the way while Linda and I followed the lead and discovered that with God's help we could be very creative. The clients were ecstatic when they entered to find an actual store set up for them to shop for their families' Christmas needs. It was by far the most rewarding opportunity we have experienced. We would give and give and more and more would come in. God really showed up and poured out His spirit and blessing. There was not one person who did not experience how good God is. There were many opportunities to encourage and pray for these precious families and see God moving in our midst. One client expressed it the best - "Words cannot even describe what God was doing. It's impossible to express what we have felt happening here." What an awesome God we serve.
Barb Eitze (3229)
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Remembering our Heritage
I came across this poem recently and thought that others might enjoy this from the "early days" of the SOWER Ministry. Although it may have been published many years ago, I'm sure there are many new SOWERS who have not seen it. My late wife (Nanette) and I had the privilege of working with Ed and Ina Ahrens (#790 - now both deceased) on a projects in Giddings, TX in 1994. They were a tremendous couple!
Daniel Dobbs #434
SOWERS
Saints on wheels roaming through the land
Others are waiting our helping hand
Working together doing God's plan
Excited and eager to do what is in demand
Ready to share Christ's plan to man
Servants for Jesus as long as we can.
Ed Ahrens, 1997
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Sowergram Changes
Look for a change in your February/March SOWERGRAM. You will now be receiving the SOWERGRAM in two parts: 1) SOWERGRAM; and 2) Project Listing. The office is now printing the Gram and PLS, "In House". As good stewards we are constantly working on ways to reduce our costs. This change is being made to reduce our printing costs. The other change you will see is that the SOWERGRAM will no longer be three hole punched. We have surveyed a number of SOWERS and find very few use or need this punching and as our new printer does not have this capability we have dropped it.
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Along with the February/March Sowergram.....
You'll also be receiving the 2015 SOWER Trustee Nomination Forms. Please be praying about who you might like to nominate. Per our Constitution -
The candidates must be in good standing and have had substantial experience in the SOWER Ministry for at least two (2) years.
(If you are "Web-Only", you will be mailed a nomination form.)
If you have any questions about this process, please contact the office or any Board member.
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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
JUST WEEKS AWAY!
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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Don't you just love it when God orchestrates these "miracle" meetings along the way?
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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,
Over the past five years we have been on projects that used our time, talents and treasure in ways that honored God and our fellow workers. Last month's Sam and Sally question triggered some additional thoughts. The philosophy of "just shut your mouth" doesn't seem helpful. Stuffing feelings is often the way believers deal with differences. Looking good rather than being real is a trap and not fruitful. This is not to say we shouldn't be sensitive as to how and when we share opinions realizing that the evil one loves to rob, steal and destroy.
The question then becomes "What SOWER ministry standards are expected of the projects we serve?" How do projects get the SOWER "seal of approval" and what standards did they have to meet?
Just Wondering
Dear Wondering,
Thank you for responding to that last column. It was never our intent to suggest that genuine concerns regarding projects should not be shared with the appropriate people. What we hate to see happening is when the SOWER grapevine turns into a gossip venue for sharing negative reports about any given project. Concerns regarding a project's worthiness (or parking places or lack of spiritual emphasis) should always be reported to a Board member, either through the GL report or directly to the Vice President who is in charge of project relations. Per your request, here is some information about the process of how a ministry becomes (and remains) a SOWER project. First of all, they must meet certain criteria. They must be a non-profit (501c3) Christian ministry that is needy, and whether they are a rescue mission, Christian school or college, camp or conference center, or group home, they must be governed by traditional, evangelical, Biblical principles and have a purpose to openly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Once they have filled out an application, it goes to the SOWER Vice President, who reviews the application, talks in depth with the applicant, and arranges for a site visit by the Area Rep. After all the data is received and reviewed by the project committee, a decision is made. Once the project has been approved, they are contacted every year by the Area Rep and are required to send in an "Annual Update" form in order for them to continue to be an active project. The Board of Trustees truly values input from fellow SOWERS who have concerns about projects and works hard to make sure that our projects are worthy, needy, and proclaiming the Gospel. Of course, they also love to hear good reports about projects too!
Thank you for your continued service and may God bless you in the new year ahead!
Serving the King with you -
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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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.
We have recently used the above graphic in some Christian magazine advertising and it has been well received! Are you aware of any other venues (possibly within your denomination?) where we could advertise?
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Congratulations
The following SOWERS have reached the 100 projects worked milestone in the last five years!
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Name
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Sower #
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Year
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Ray & Sue Samuelson
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1084
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2010
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Phil & Sally Woods
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1529
| 2010 | |
Jim & Marilyn Linger
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488
| 2010 | |
Sam & Pat Gamboe
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2727
| 2010 | |
Chuck Brantley
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655
| 2011 | |
Niki Granitsas
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1642
| 2011 | |
Bill & Katheryn Pugh
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165
| 2011 | |
John & Nancy Franges
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2043
| 2011 | |
Harry & Ellen Berg
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1518
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2011
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1610
| 2011 | |
Gary & Pat Smith
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770
| 2011 | |
Frank & Kathy Rosendahl
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1412
| 2012 | |
Ralph & Joyce Rockwood
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1438
| 2014 | |
Gary & Stephanie Conrad
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2509
| 2014 | |
Dave & Barb Neitzel
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2251
| 2014 | |
Jim & Feryl Laney
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2550
| 2014 |
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Our Best
Have you ever had the chance to share the SOWER song while on a project? This is a picture of Ed and Darla Blanks, Wayne and Michele Muncey, Steve and Mona Bjorklund, and Jim and Linda Knapp sharing the Sower song at The Cove in North Carolina.
"This is the third project where we've been able to share "Our Best" - Miracle Mountain(PA-514), Appalachian Bible College (WV-415)and here,The Cove (NC-498). It is a great way to introduce the Sower program."
Ed and Darla Blanks (2410)
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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 Snow Scene (Brrrrr) 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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Tucson Escapade
March 8-13, 2015
Are you a planning on attending the National Escapee Escapade in Tucson? Do you love SOWERS and would love to share the ministry with others? Stop by the SOWER table along the ROW being organized by Dale and Cheryl Curtis (#3253). They'd love to say hello - and if you'd like to take a turn at manning the table, well that would be great too!
It's another great opportunity to share our ministry!
Contact the Curtis' for more information!
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Just the Facts
for January 2015
(January 2014)
Number of Active SOWERS*
489 (515)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
128 (140)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
77 (74)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
48 (39)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
379 (375)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
139 (158)
*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 location - Acadian Baptist Center, LA-509
Header Group Shot - Doe River Gorge - TN-467, September 2014 L-R SOA Ken & Kay Griffin (2340), Chuck & Nancy Kroll (3267). Les and Deb Peel (3128), Steve & Ginger Estabrooks (3217)
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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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"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
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