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It's hard to believe that we're already into the second half of 2015. How does that happen??? (We won't even mention how many days until Christmas!) For all of its "vacation time" feel, this Middle-of-the-Summer month stays plenty full. The Sower office has been busy getting the August/September Sowergram ready to go to the printer, so I thought I'd give you just a little preview of what to look for! First there will be the announcement of the newly elected board members (but there's a sneak preview in this newsletter as well!). It will also have the listing of the lottery selections so all projects will once again be back to a first-come-first-served basis. (No sneak preview here for that, but those results should be on-line after the 'Gram goes to press). You will also find the 2016 Registration Form (formerly known as the Skill Sheet) tucked inside. Yes, it's ALREADY that time again! Although there is plenty of time to get it in (they need to be back to the office by October 1st) we highly recommend doing it sooner rather than later! Even if you do not anticipate being able to work any projects in 2016, it is still important to fill out and return the form if you want to continue to be part of the ministry. Feel free to change your status to Alumni if you won't be working - it's easy to return to Active status at any time by calling the office and filling in the "skill level" portion of the form. Choosing not to return your Registration form will remove you from the membership list and you will no longer be eligible to work projects in the future. And we'd hate to say good-bye!
So stay cool, drink plenty of liquids, and hug a baby! Oh, and sign up for a project - the Lord has great things ahead!
Resting in His Grace, Thankful for His Mercy,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Trustee Election Results
Congratulations to the following servants who have been elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the next three years.
Thank you to all who voted! |
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From our neighbors in the North -
Here's an excerpt from a Praise and Prayer newsletter from Turtle Mountain Bible Camp (MB-490) submitted by our Canadian Area Reps, Wayne and Dorothy Farquhar (#2238)
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PRAISE for answered prayers as our final nurse, cooks and laundry ladies have filled nearly all the staff vacancies across the summer!
* Camper registrations are coming in steadily and some sessions are nearly full
* Excellent Corporate and TMBC staff training
* Volunteers Along with 6 college students from our leadership team and 3 other couples, God also brought 3 SOWER couples in June (retirees who have RV's and come to assist with various projects). Each one has been a tremendous encouragement and lifted an enormous load.
We are anticipating an incredible, GOD FILLED summer ahead and have already sensed our staff are desiring to live out our camp theme of "POWERED BY PRAYER"! Our prayer is that GOD'S PRESENCE will be evident to all who come on the campgrounds and that we won't miss opportunities to love and share Christ in word and action. If June is any indication of what God has in store for the remainder of the summer, we know God will do 'exceeding, abundantly, above anything we can ask or imagine'. Words can't begin to express how much we appreciate your prayers and partnership.
Turtle Mountain Bible Camp (MB-490) still has openings for August and September. Check it out and see if maybe God is calling you to some of our Canadian projects. They have a short season, so don't miss your opportunity to God in action at these dynamic camps!
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What do you think?
I love it when Dan and I are assigned as Group Leaders! Really!! Over the past 7 years and 33 projects we have been privileged to serve under many GLs with various styles of leadership, and have also enjoyed being GLs ourselves. Seriously! I've talked with several new SOWERS who were assigned as GLs after only 1 or 2 projects, and sometimes on their first if they were the only couple. Some folks are leery of being GLs because they really feel they do not know enough about it. I've thought a lot recently about how we should be more proactive in mentoring new couples so they will be more comfortable being a GL. I'm pretty sure that there are those among us who do this already, and do it well. But how many of us have been intentional about taking a newer couple under our wing and mentoring them through the whole process, beginning to end, keeping them near and discussing how we do things and why? Keep this couple close as you plan the first meeting, discussing the reasons about how and why a decision is made. How about taking the new couple on the tour with the host and then sitting down and showing how decisions are made to match up the skills with the work available. How do you plan devotions, calendar, laundry schedule, game nights etc.? What comes under your responsibility, and what does not; what may be nice to do, but optional? Talk it over with your mentee! Of course, no one does it exactly like another, but if you feel you do a pretty good job at being GL, then you are qualified to be a mentor! Work closely with this couple all the way through the project and end with how you plan your final meeting, get the work vouchers signed, take a group picture, and how you fill out and send in your GL report. How much more of a positive outlook would a new couple have toward being GLs if they were this much better prepared and given the concept that being GL is a blessing and another way to be a servant?
So what do you think about it?
Dan and Nancy Ragatz #2838
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You want us to do what?
Who: Preston & Marcia Bruxvoort #3245 and Jerry & Lynn Sheckell #3064
What: Our assignment was to cut apart a Ford van and build a "stagecoach" out of the skeleton that remained.
When: August of 2014 
Where: Kidder Creek CA 275
Why: They need to transport kids from an outlying camp to the base camp. 
How: We cut the body off with reciprocating saws, built a platform out of freshly milled lumber, welded some brackets, and installed the benches. The pictures will give you an idea. We had a great time learning new skills during a "one of a kind" project.
Thanks to Preston and Marcia Bruxvoort for submitting this great example of our wonderful SOWER job diversity!
What's the most unusual job you've been asked to do as a SOWER? Send your stories and pictures to Stephanie and we might feature it in the newsletter!
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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 Notification box to receive current posts, 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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This was posted on Facebook by Bob & Donna Folker (3238) and talks about Cedar Lake Christian Camp (TN-264). This ministry has 3 SOWER openings right through the fall - August through November. There are 2 other Tennessee projects on that side of the state - Horton Haven (TN-223) and Lighthouse Christian Camp (TN-351) which have the same months open. Sounds like a great opportunity to see God in action in a variety of places without spending a fortune in fuel!
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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!
If you haven't "LIKED" the SOWER Facebook Page head over there too! It's a great way to spread the word about our ministry.
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Dear Sam and Sally
Sam & Sally are taking a little vacation this month, but they'd still like to hear from you!
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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Remember how you were going to write up that God Story for the newsletter?
Or send in that great SOWER photo?
Well, I'm still waiting!
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
SOWER Gatherings are in the planning stages!
Whether you're an Alumni, a Seasoned Sower or New to the Family, there's nothing like a Sower Rally to connect with friends old and new and get recharged about the ministry. If you live in close proximity to a SOWER project, let them know you're around! There are often impromptu gatherings of SOWERS happening all around the country all year long! Whether you're camping together or just meeting for a meal at a local restaurant, a SOWER Gathering is always a blessing!
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Michigan Rally
September 21-24
Michindoh Ministries MI-139
Activities include
(but are not limited to :) )
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Talent/Testimony Night
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Guest speaker
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Special Music
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Book Exchange
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Auction
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RV Seminar
Cost:
RV Parking is Free
Cabins are $25/couple for the 3 days.
Registration is $25/couple
5 meals: $60/ couple ($6 per meal per person)
Contact Barbara LaBreton (2947) for more information or to request a registration form.
Early registration is greatly appreciated!
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Minnesota SOWER Retreat
September 21-23
Lake Beauty Bible Camp
MN-523
Long Prairie, MN
RV camping - $24/night
Loon Lodge - $50/night (limited availability)
Contact Larry & Dorothy Larson (#3025) for more information or to register
651-636-8049
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2016 Florida Rally
Florida Baptist Encampment - FL-143
February 29 - March 3
Get out those 2016 calendars and start planning now! The Reunion committee is already hard at work putting together a great rally. Check the June-July Sowergram for more details.
Registration - $45.00/rig
Rooms - $45.00
RV Parking - Free
Walk-ins - $7.50/person
NEW THIS YEAR - ALUMNI can attend FREE!
Registration is already open! Contact Ruth Stoll (2980)to secure your spot!
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When God does the sending.....
As Jim and I traveled from CA back East we had no intention working in July. Our goal (which we did) was to go to Branson to honor our 60th wedding anniversary. There were 8 Army Corp parks in the area and by random Jim picked one in the middle.
Shortly afterwards I was looking at the Sowergram and here to our surprise was a new Sower project in the little tiny town of Shell Knob, MO (Barnabas on the Lake - MO-524) just a few miles away. Since we had to leave the Army Corp park on July 2nd because of the 4th of July holiday. we felt that God was leading us to that project to serve. Here is our group - 
(L-R) Leonard & Karen Cook (2150), Jim and Marilyn Linger (488), Jim & Eula Fluckey (2635)
Thankful for His guidance!
Marilyn Linger
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Don't forget to check.....
 As I was picking up some of my tools at the end of the day I noticed something on my circular saw. It had been a few days since I had used it so I just thought a piece of wood was caught by the blade. I reached down and tried to pull it out only to find out it was "furry". Yes, it was a bat who took up residence. I left the saw at the work site overnight thinking the bat would leave during the night, but it didn't. With a little persistance I was finally able to evict it from my saw so I could pack it up. Moral of the story: Be sure to check your equipment prior to storage........ Doug Heilman #2981 |
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Clicking on the Fireworks will take you to the Members Only Page, the June/July Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
The password changed on JUNE 15.
Check your June/July Sowergram for the new password. (If you're Web Only, you've been notified by email of the change.)
Feel free to contact the office (M-Th) if you have any questions - they're always happy to help!
903-882-8070
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Just the Facts
for July 2015
(July 2014)
Number of Active SOWERS*
507 (541)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
134 (143)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
99 (90)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
34 (31)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
430 (464)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
62 (61)
*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
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 -
Harvest Time Bible Camp (NC-522) June 2015
Neil & Joyce Mucha (2986), Gail & Wayne Fieler (3187) and Jane & Neil Benson (1339)
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Google Earth
SOWER Style
Don't forget to check out the Project Locator (Google Earth) on the Members Only page. It's a great help in scoping out project locations, especially if you're trying to "bundle" projects to cut down on travel time (and fuel costs!). Maybe there's one near you that you could work this summer!
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