September is one of those great in-between months, isn't it? We're in-between those hot days of summer and those warm winter coats, though we're still allowed some shirt sleeve days before we grab the sweatshirts. Maybe we've put away the lawn mower, but we don't have to pull out the rakes just yet. The Back-to-School ads have subsided and (thankfully) the Christmas marketing hasn't yet started (even though we might already be thinking about what to get those grandkids!). While September might be 'in-between' Summer and Fall, it's right at the start of some busy SOWER months. Many of you are checking out the RV and making plans for your trek south. (Don't forget, if you haven't sent in your 2016 registration you will not be able to work any projects in 2016 even if you were assigned them through the lottery.) The office is busy processing the 2016 Registration Forms and putting the finishing touches on the Oct-Nov Sowergram. And the SOWER Trustees are anticipating their fall meeting, scheduled for Sept. 28-30 at the ministry headquarters in Lindale, TX. For the first time in six years I won't be heading to Lindale (my term is up!), but I'm still excited about that upcoming meeting. With the return of John Jones and Cliff Stone and the addition of Nancy Ragatz to the existing team, I'm confident that the meeting will be dynamic and productive. There are exciting days ahead for our ministry, and much of it begins right at this September meeting. Please join me in praying for our dedicated Board members - that they may be blessed with wisdom and unity as they look to the future of SOWERS.
Resting in His Grace, Thankful for His Mercy,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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You want me do do WHAT?
One month we were asked to very carefully remove a cinder block wall 50 feet wide, and chip off the mortar so the blocks could be reused or sold.
With just the two of us working that month, I usually assisted Ed all day long. Those blocks were very heavy!
The next month I felt I had built up muscles and I was ready to tackle the biggest of jobs. As we were touring the camp we were informed that the two ladies would be removing staples and paper-clips in order for years of campers' forms to be scanned into the computer for future reference.
I guess you might say I was knocked down a peg or two. I listened to the Lord telling me that one job was just as needed as the other, and I cheerfully went about this new task. One job was to make room for building up new walls and offices, and the other for making room in the existing offices.
As we do the jobs the Lord asks us to do, may we always pray for the staff and the facilities where the Word of the Lord is read and taught.May He be magnified in all we do, and may we give Him the Glory. We are thankful to do what little we can to further His Kingdom.
In His Service,
Linda (& Ed, of course) Comer #3021 (With Sandy Fall, #3186, in the "paperclip" photo)
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A/R Corner
Dave & Markay Lyons (3133) recently completed their Area Rep visits to several of their California projects. Here are some excerpts from two of their reports.
YWAM/Springs of Living Waters
is located in the foothills west of Chico, CA, in a facility that was built in the 1920's as a high end resort. The site was chosen as a resort because of the natural hot springs in the area and when it was purchased for a missionary training center they appropriately renamed it "Springs of Living Waters". The old resort motel is not only historical it is a beautiful and quiet retreat and training center for those who need renewal and training to go to many different countries to bring the gospel message that Jesus is the true "Living Water". They regularly get SOWERS and very much appreciate each of them, pointing out to us the many things that SOWERS have accomplished for them. July and August are hot months here and not the most desirable, but the large Olympic size pool right behind the SOWERS sites helps to make things quite bearable. The last 4 miles of the road into the camp is very rough and the camp is aware of this. They currently have a fundraising in the works to redo all the roads on their property and are nearing the 1/2 way mark in funds to accomplish this.
YWAM is impacting the lives of many as it trains and prepares them to go out and bring the Good News of salvation around the world. Their ministry not only impacts the lives of the young, but they offer classes to prepare all ages, even those who are retired, to go out on the mission field or back to their home churches and communities.
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Kidder Creek Camp is located in a former apple orchard and many trees are still producing today. The site is now a branch of Mt. Hermon, located near Santa Cruz, which is well known among the churches of Central California for its powerful ministry. This ministry centers its outreach on Adventure, High Country Ranch, Wilderness, and Wrangler Training Camps. They regularly minister to children of various ages from churches and children who are a part of Social Services. SOWERS are very much appreciated and many of their accomplishments were pointed out to us. They own about 50 horses which they use in their ministry and it is obvious the children are very excited to gain self confidence and skills in horsemanship as well as Biblical knowledge and leadership. RV hookups are located in a beautiful setting among pine trees, with an opportunity to watch the horses in an adjacent field and additional accommodations such as laundry, and outdoor kitchen right across the road.
Kidder Creek is impacting the lives of many children of all ages with skills in Bible knowledge, leadership and self confidence skills. Their ministry reaches from children from Christian homes to children taken from their homes through state social services.
| The Dining Hall - waiting for new windows! |
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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 John Davidson (3175) as he shared about their time at Palomar Christian Conference (CA-263) in August of this year. This project has 3 SOWER openings from September through June.
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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
Dear Sam & Sally,
I have a question about "Ladies Day Out." Some Sower ladies say you take a 'work/service' day off and go out and have fun. Others say that the Ladies Day Out is taken on a regular Sower day off. After 3 years and nearly 30 projects, I guess I need an answer I can trust! I've had a request to do this on a work day and want to make sure I wouldn't be breaking any Sower rules. I've never done it this way before and don't want to plan anything if it's not permitted.
Signed,
Confused LGL
Dear Confused,
This is a great question! "Ladies' Day Out" (LDO) is a very nebulous commodity. In reality, there are no set guidelines for this activity, and it really is up to the LGL and the group to set the parameters. In my many years as a SOWER, I've participated in LDO starting after devotions on a workday, starting after break on a workday, starting after lunch on a workday, on a non-workday and not at all. Some of our ministries really count on the work that the ladies are doing, so leaving for a whole day on a workday can be inconsiderate to the host. But of course, that's not always the case. We've been on projects where the project hostess actually planned our LDO for us - on a workday! Some SOWERS really prefer not to take time away from work, others chose to exercise their "women are not required to work" option and like to enjoy a LDO fellowship during the week. All that being said - how (or even if) you plan a LDO is really up to you and your group. If some are uncomfortable with taking an entire day off, perhaps a good compromise would be to work until break and then head off for lunch and any other activities. I pray that however your "Ladies Day Out" works out, your fellowship will be sweet! And thank you for you and your husband's willingness to serve as Group Leaders!
Working together for the Kingdom,
Sally (with some help from Sam, too!)
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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Please Pray
 The SOWER Board of Trustees will be gathering in Lindale beginning on September 25th in preparation for the September Board Meeting which begins on Monday, Sept. 28th. As we travel to Texas, meet in committees and then for the official meeting, please pray with us that we will be gifted with wisdom and grace as we strive to keep the SOWER ministry on track and that ALL we do will be to His Honor and Glory!
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Rally Information
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
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
Contact Barbara LaBreton (2947) for more information about last minute sign-ups! They'd love to have you join in the fun and fellowship.
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Minnesota SOWER Retreat
September 21-23
Lake Beauty Bible Camp
MN-523
Long Prairie, MN
Contact Larry & Dorothy Larson (#3025) for more information or to register 651-636-8049 |
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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Clicking on the hosta blossom 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 September 2015
(September 2014)
Number of Active SOWERS*
492 (545)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
152 (146)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
112 (111)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
37 (39)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
492 (418)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
74 (84)
*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 -
Garden of the Gods, next door to Navigators/Glen Eyrie (CO-458)- Submitted by Betsy McClintick, 3213
Header Group Shot -
Warm Beach Senior Center (WA-283) August 2015 Group (L-R)- Jerry & Lynne Sheckell,# 3064, Terry & Marg Sheats # 2577 Jim & Nancie Smith, #2500, Phil & Connie Abbott, #2566(Thanks to Phil Abbott for submitting the picture!)
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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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Quick Links
To send in a prayer request or praise item-
To contact the office -
903-882-8070
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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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