|
Regardless of Christmas decorations that are showing up in the aisles of your local Wal-Mart, it is still October and Christmas is still months away. Months. It always seems a shame that the beautiful month of October, with its vivid colors and refreshing temperatures, gets the short end of the holiday 'stick'. It's the month of pumpkins and crisp fall air and trips to the apple orchard. For some it's the season of that final yard clean-up and checking to make sure you know where the snow shovels are! I imagine that many of you are starting to get your RV ready for that long drive to where you don't have to worry about the snow shovels. And I know that our Fall and Winter partner ministries are gearing up for your arrival! We've heard from many (some included in this newsletter) about what a blessing you all are to them. If you haven't zeroed in on where you'll be serving yet this winter, take a moment to look over the PLS and see what ministries still have openings. And if this is a "stay home" season for you, I pray you'll be blessed where the Lord has placed you. The definition of a "SOWER" is not only physically serving, but also supporting the ministry through prayer and giving. So whether you're signed-up and ready to go, still deciding where the Lord would have you serve, or are wondering just where the snow blower is but lifting the ministry to the Throne, you are a valued member of the ministry.
"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus." I Corinthians 1:4
Resting in His Grace, Thankful for His Mercy,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
|
|
Tell us your story......
As Christians, we know that God is our Provider, Protector, and Director of our paths. He even sends His angels to minister to us. Working and fellow-shipping with other SOWERs, we hear and share some very amazing stories of God's divine protection, divine provision, divine appointments, angelic visitations, and funny stories, too. Many have said, "Someone should write a book!"
Well, that is what we intend to do, compile a book of your stories! Not a writer? We are here to help. We will try to use as many stories as possible. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the SOWER ministry.
Please send your story (no longer than 500 words) to me, with complete contact information, by December 31st, 2015. Encourage others to do so, as well. Thanks!
Ron Heinecke
14763 CR 424, #222
|
|
This month we've received notes from a couple of our partner ministries -
New Hope is a school of around 220 kids ranging from Jr-K to 12th grade. Our school is about 55 years old and has many "ages" of wiring and plumbing. We also have 12 homes plus a duplex on 36 acres. Like most private scho  ols, managing our money wisely is how we survive. This is where SOWERS come in!!! On their first day, we always take a tour. In cases where we have a returning SOWER, it is to show them how much we have done since the last time they were here. If it is a new SOWER, the tour is to highlight our school's focus and the type of projects that can benefit the most KIDs.
The projects are laid out by need. Top of the list is always items we feel are a safety issue or those that would help the highest number of kids. Our SOWERS are then asked which of the projects they feel best fit their skill set. Once projects are picked, our SOWERS are given the freedom to plan out how best to accomplish the task.
We have a 3000(ish) sq foot storage building with a smaller wood shop inside that has many older tools our SOWERS are free to use to help them with any project. The building has what we call a sorting room where we rehab old wood and put it in "like" piles. Our SOWERS are free to use any material/tool they can find. No matter what the project is, if we do not have enough material on hand, we then supply it.
So what has this done for our school? The following are just some of the projects SOWERS have done within the last year:
⦁ We had a $1200 electrical job, and the LORD provided us with a SOWER who is an electrician...end cost $56.
⦁ We had a need for cabinets to store wide rolls of bulletin board paper. These cabinets needed to be precise as our lady teachers need to be able to roll out the paper with ease. They also need the ability to take off and on other color rolls of paper in a smooth, safe fashion. Cabinet maker cost $3000+...the Lord provided us with 3 SOWERS who did this project for $450.
⦁ A 12X12 room addition...$1900 instead of $4500.
⦁ Fix an old mobile roof...$350 instead of $1500.
You would be hard pressed to find any other school that has been more blessed from SOWERS than New Hope Christian School! We praise the Lord for ALL they have done!
New Hope Housing Manager
Bob Grush
New Hope Christian School has 2 SOWER openings each month throughout the year. Lots of opportunities to impact the coming generation!
|
|
CO-458
During the summer months at Glen Eyrie, we not only have several SOWER couples, but we also have students from around the world who are here for an 8-week experience. They live on the property and come in contact with the SOWERs quite frequently. In July, the SOWERs asked if they could sponsor a pizza party for the students and they received a resounding "YES!!". It was quite a blessing for both groups. The one condition the SOWERs asked for the students was that there had to be ONE SOWER at each table! The students could not get over the fact that the SOWERs were here without outside sponsorship or financing by someone else. New friends were made that evening! Both groups want to make this an annual activity. Because of Him we serve,
Jim Radcliff Director of Volunteer Ministries
Navigators is open for SOWERS all year long. They request between 7 and 9 SOWERS each month of the year.
|
|
Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Group Page
|
 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!
|
|
Thanks to Mary Flynn (2291)for her sharp eye in capturing this bit of SOWER-dom!
|
|
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.
|
|
Dear Sam and Sally
Dear Sam & Sally,
We were praying for the Board Meeting in September, and were wondering how everything went. Any chance you might have an update?
Thanks!
Praying Expectantly
Dear Praying,
Your prayers were much appreciated! Thank you! Although the full minutes and committee reports will be in the December/January Sowergram, I asked them for a couple of highlights from the meeting.
The focus of the September Board Meeting was how to be good stewards of our 'assets' - our members, our ministries and our finances.
We looked at ways to attract new members in consideration of generational differences while still valuing our dedicated active members. On the marketing side, our business card, SOWER banner and website are on deck for updates. On the ministry side, we looked at ways to better serve the needs of our partner ministries. An example would be the SOA program was revamped to address some longer-term service needs expressed in our Ministry Survey earlier this year. On our finance side, one of the things we looked at were ways to reign in the reproduction and postage costs of the Sowergram and PLS, which is by far our largest expense (aside from office salaries). Above all, we looked to fulfill our mission of serving and encouraging Christian Ministries for HIS Glory and Honor.
So watch for all the details in the days to come! It sounds like it was a wonderfully productive meeting and your prayers were indeed appreciated and answered!
God Bless,
Sam and 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.
|
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 at a project?
Well, I'm still waiting!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Note of Thanks
I would like to thank SOWERS for the many expressions of sympathy in the home-going of my husband of 63 years, Milt Christian. Our years with SOWERS were a high point in our lives.
Audrey Christian (#1235)
|
|
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!
|
|
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!
|
|
Other Project News
Hope House (ID-239) in Marsing, Idaho, was the West Region Winner in the Compassionate Hope Award given out by World Magazine, a highly respected Christian worldview news magazine. Although they did not receive the grand prize, as a finalist they did receive a $4000 prize. Read the full article about this amazing ministry HERE
!
Hope House has 10 SOWER openings each month from March through December.
|
|
Clicking on the pumpkins above will take you to the Members Only Page, the October/November 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
|
|
Just the Facts
for October 2015
(October 2014)
Number of Active SOWERS*
488 (546)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
156 (153)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
113 (113)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
37 (37)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
529 (509)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
74 (77)
*Number of SOWERS always refers to a SOWER "Unit" - whether a couple or a single, not individual SOWERS.
|
|
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".
|
|
Photo Info/Credits
Header location -
Doe River Gorge Ministries (TN-467) Photo by Wayne Fieler (3187)
Header Group Shot -
Deer Creek Camp (TX-404) Group - March 2015(L-R)-Francis & Barb Garant (2969), Rich & Shirley Giles (3151), Don & Nancy Ragatz (2838), Bob & Gail McCandless (3220), Gerry & Judy Berger (3236)
Photo by Nancy Ragatz
|
|
CLASSIFIED
Thinking about making a change in your RV vehicle?
The RV for Sale section of the Members page has a great selection of Motorhomes and Fifth Wheels for sale by our members. Check it out!
|
|
Quick Links
To send in a prayer request or praise item-
To contact the office -
903-882-8070
|
|
