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August. The last hurrah of summer! One last trip to the cottage or lake or beach or mountains. One last family reunion or giggle with the grandkids or visit with a precious parent. The "back to school" ads seem to shout "wrap it up - the summer's over". But while we might be trying to squeeze in one last 'something', we also can look forward to the great things the Lord has ahead for us. Cooler temperatures, less lawn mowing and bounty from the garden are just a few of those things. But let's not forget the many Sower service opportunities that are available! September, October and November are some of the most requested months for Sower assistance. Check the Sowergram for an opening near you - or one on the way to your next destination. There will be blessings ahead!
Resting in His Grace, Thankful for His Mercy,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Registration/Skill Sheet
F.A.Q.
1. Who should return their 2016 Registration/Skill Sheet?
~ Anyone who plans to work at a Sower project in 2016.
~ Anyone who is not sure if they can work a project but wants to stay connected in case their circumstances change.
~ Anyone who has retired from doing projects but wants to remain in the 'family' - getting the newsletter, staying on the prayer chain, and having access to the Sowergram and PLS.
2. If I'm already an Alumni, do I have to send it in?
~ YES! If you do not send it it you will no longer be on the rolls and we'd hate to see you go! You do not need to fill in your skill levels - just the top portion.
3. What if I don't send it in?
~ You will be unable to work any projects in 2016 (even if you have already signed up for them).
~ You will not be listed in the roster.
~ You will not be sent a 2017 Registration/Skill Sheet.
~ You will not have access to the Sowergram and PLS.
4. Why can't the office just use my information from last year?
~ Information changes. It's an important check for the office to make sure they have accurate contact info for you.
~ Skill levels change. Maybe you had a 4 down for tile, but this year you had knee replacement surgery. Lower your skill level to reflect your current limitations. Our partner ministries rely on accurate skill information when they are planning their projects.
~ Skill levels change. Maybe you had a 1 down for painting but God had you doing a lot of painting last year and you improved your painting prowess. Bump the number up. See comment above.
5. When is it due?
~ Today. Okay, it's not really due until October 1st. But do it today! If you can't find the copy that came in your Sowergram, you can download one from the Members Page or contact the office for another copy.
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When we arrived at our July Project (Camp Li-Wa (AK-288), in Fairbanks, Alaska), the secretary mentioned that one of the main needs was for someone to water the plants. Sounded easy enough to me (even if I am not experienced with gardening or flowers) so I eagerly volunteered. Filling the water cans, I began toting the water to the many flowers and vegetables. What I soon realized was that in Alaska this process was twice daily and seven days a week. Plants were located at the barn, the lower camp, the entrance sign, and around the office and lodge.
Some people may say, You traveled 6,000 miles to do what? Yes, we traveled 6,000 miles to water plants. But show me a camp director, secretary or maintenance staff who has one hour each morning and one hour each afternoon to water plants. It has been my privilege to lighten the load so they could be busy with the many camp details during the busy summer season.
Did I always feel like watering the plants? No, there were days, especially some afternoons, when I really didn't want to see a watering can. It was during the first week, however, the Lord gave me a verse. It wasn't from Philippians, or even Psalms, but would you believe 2 Chronicles: "Serve the Lord wholeheartedly and faithfully." This verse motivated me to just keep watering the plants.
With 24 hours of daylight and many hours of sunshine plus the frequent doses of water and fertilizer, oh, how the plants did grow! Six weeks have passed and I can't tell you how many watering cans later but beautiful flowers and vegetables are appearing . What object lessons for life - sowing seeds, watering, weeding, and persevering and then comes the harvest. May we all be faithful in watering the plants of the Gospel in the lives of others as well as serving the Lord wholeheartedly and faithfully - even if it is just watering plants!
Ruth Stoll, Sower
July 8, 2015
Camp Li-Wa (AK-288) has 2 SOWER openings in June-July-Aug. Now's the time to start planning for next summer! And don't forget about Solid Rock Bible Camp (AK-43) is Soldotna, AK. They both are very worthwhile projects and a great way to spend a summer in Alaska!
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A/R Corner
John and Joyce Morton (2923) recently completed their Area Rep visits to two of their Colorado projects. Here are some excerpts from their reports.
Working at this project would be an unplugged, mountain top experience, hanging out with Missionaries. Worship evenings with a speaker: a missionary (in our case) or the Bible Teacher of the week. What a piece of heaven. Over and over, it was emphasized that SOWERS are included in staff devotions and staff praise and worship service, and in their community. Join in sweet fellowship and many other activities. Where else can you hang out, shoulder to shoulder, with so many seasoned missionaries and full time Christian servants for an extended time? And in the beauty of the Colorado mountains!
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Where does beautiful, very white Marble come from? Marble, Colorado. A beautiful little town, in a gorgeous mountain valley. This camp is a cute "Old Western Town" complete with Indian T-pees (made of cement) for some of the cabins. A beautiful bubbling stream running through the camp. Some of the river washed round rocks are marble! Swings are made from ski lift chairs. An avalanche (mid winter) took out their chapel. Now they have a rather ingenious, really cute "Little Brown Church in the Woods".
The summer staff work in western costume. So come away from the bustle of the big city, spend time in a beautiful, peaceful Mountain Valley. Serve where sharing the Word is the heart of this "out in the old west" camp, serving church groups from as faraway as Idaho to Southern New Mexico. There is a 80 bed bunk house to be finished, and a welcome center/office building that is barely started. So for our carpenter talented men, there is a generous amount of work.
John & Joyce Morton
4 Corners Area Reps
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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 Don Schager (2961) and talks about Trout Lake Camp (MN-371). This ministry has 4 SOWER openings right through the fall - September through November. Minnesota has 4 beautiful partner ministries. It might be a bit late to get there this year, but starting thinking about Summer 2016. There are some wonderful opportunities up in that neck of the woods!
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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
I'm a little confused about the Sower on Assignment (SOA) program. With the price of fuel there are times I would like to stay at a project longer that just the three weeks. But sometimes when I see them listed for the first time they already have folks assigned to them. Also - if we become SOA's, do we get to fellowship with the 'monthly' SOWERS that come each month? Could you explain a little more about how that program works? Thanks!
First time as an SOA
Dear First Timer, Great question! The SOA program began as the result of ministries needing some specified help that couldn't be filled using our standard work schedule. Usually this involved different hours or different days or a special skill. That remains true today. In some instances our ministries are also looking for continuity in their maintenance crew and feel that having a SOWER volunteer that can work those different hours and days is a great opportunity. A ministry is always given the option of requesting a particular SOWER, which is why sometimes the job is already filled the first time you see it in the Sowergram. If they don't have a specific SOWER in mind, then when someone asks to sign up, the project host has the opportunity to review the couple's skill sheets before they are approved. As an SOA you are welcome to join the "monthly" SOWERS for devotions, games and outings - as your schedule permits. Each group is different, but the philosophy of the SOA is to be able to offer the host the help he needs while enabling the worker to still be part of the SOWER team. Since you won't be working directly under the SOWER GL, sometimes the schedules don't mesh completely, but you are still there as a SOWER and would be included in "all things SOWER" with the group. Hope that helps - and that you are blessed as you experience this different facet of our ministry.
Working together for the Kingdom,
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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Remember how you were going to write up that God Story for the newsletter?
Or send in that great SOWER photo?
Or share about that unusual job you did on a project?
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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TEXAS Rally 2016
A note from last year's chaircouple-
Gary & I had a great time at last year's Texas Round-up. We had an awesome team, and I think everyone had a grand Sower time. This year, however, our travels are taking us to Arizona so the TX roundup is in need of new leadership. We have lots of good notes on how it all got put together so if you'd be interested in seeing what it's all about, we'd love to hear from you. You're welcome to just reply to the newsletter, or give us a call at our number in the roster.
Blessings,
Gary & Stephanie Conrad (2509)
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Spreading the word.....
Don & Jenny Rasmussen recently had the opportunity to share the SOWER Ministry at the Missions Festival at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, MN.
"We were one of about 85 Missions efforts Wooddale supports around the world on 6 continents. Approximately 9000 folks had access to the Missions Street Fair over a two day period. We had 5-8 serious inquires with promising recruitment for Sowers. We used the large banner, new style brochures and cards, map of Sower Partner Ministry locations and a slide show on our computer of Ministries we have served over the years. It was a blessing to be able to share our ministry with so many!
Don & Jenny Rasmussen (2824)
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and another way..
The office recently received the following note from one of our members -
The enclosed check for $264 resulted from the SOWER Ministry being selected from a number of charity business cards dropped into a container at Cool Yo, Auburn Hills, MI. The owners, Cheryl Gudobbo and Jean Washington are Christians are they make an effort to promote Christian Faith based ministries by encouraging customers to make a donation to the featured Ministry of the Month. The container for the donations sits on the counter next to the business card container. Last May I put our SOWER business card in and gave the clerk a brochure which she gave to Jean Washington. Jean called me to say that SOWERS had been selected for the month of June.
Just another simple way to promote our ministry!
Thank you, Paul and Gerda Clark, for your continued enthusiasm for spreading the word about SOWERS!
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Clicking on the wildflower will take you to the Members Only Page, the August/September Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
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 August 2015
(August 2014)
Number of Active SOWERS*
505 (548)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
138 (143)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
101 (92)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
38 (37)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
439 (395)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
67 (76)
*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 location -
the view above Treasure Mountain Bible Camp, CO-241 - Submitted by John Morton
Header Group Shot -
Warm Beach Camp (WA-367) July 2015 Group -
Bill & Ginny Sutherland (3239), Jim & Carmen Strating (3168), Dan & Mary Lou Barthold (friends of SOWERS), Jim & Kathy Wehling (3290), Terry & Marge Sheats (2577).
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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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