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Merry Christmas! Once again the year has sped by, and here we are, just days away from celebrating our Savior's birth. Are your days filled with shopping and baking and planning that big family dinner? Sometimes it's hard to catch our breath this time of year, isn't it?! Whether you're already on a SOWER project, looking forward to heading to one after Christmas, or planning to stay close to home this winter, our prayer is that each of you will experience the peace that is promised in Luke 2:14 -
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
Joyfully His,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Tell us your story......
Have you been thinking about your story to send in? 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
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Read any good GL reports lately?
 Once you get past the painting (57 mentions), repairing (42 times), and cleaning (65!) in our monthly GL reports, you're bound to come across some of the blessing!
MB-490 Turtle Mountain Bible Camp: TMBC percolates to the top [of our projects] as a "needy" project. With limited resources over the past 14 years this missionary couple has poured their lives into this ministry resulting in the life transformation of hundreds of youth and adults... We encourage SOWERS to check out this project in 2016.
MI-266 Camp AO-WA-Kiya: This is a small and very friendly camp, and they really appreciate Sowers.
MO- 465 New Tribes Mission: This project sends out missionaries to unreached people groups around the world after the completion of a two-year program we were blessed to be part of this very worthwhile project would encourage others to serve here.
NY-220 Camp Shoshanah: Our group was invited to share in a "Shabbat" meal, a traditional Jewish celebration. We had a great time working together and learning about the Jewish culture.
OR-161 Trout Creek Bible Camp: A beautiful camp with lush greenery. A wonderful place to meet God.
CA-130 YWAM/Springs of Living Water: It was a joy being with the students and staff at this project. The improvements underway on the road leading to YWAM Chico should encourage more of our SOWERS to come here for a month or two.
MT-525 Camp Big Horn: Camp Big Horn is in a remote but beautiful area along the Clark Fork River. The staff is very grateful for Sowers and is well organized.
CO-458 Navigators/Glen Eyrie: Since 1933, The Navigators have been introducing Jesus to those who don't know Him and helping those who do deepen their relationship with Him. It's been a blessing to support this ministry!
While it's always good to know what jobs were accomplished (and that is the primary goal of the GL report), what an encouragement it is to read how God is working at these partner ministries. So here's a big Thank-You to all the GL's for taking the time to send in these monthly summary reports!
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You want me to do what?
An unusual project my work partner (Bev Carter) and I did last fall at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy in Tucson, AZ was lots of fun. We were asked to make WANTED posters for the students to fill in. Taking a heating tool, we carefully burned the edges of paper to make it look like old parchment. It was a lot easier than making birthday party invitations when my son was young; then I had to be careful not to burn up the whole sheet with a match!
Alice Burnett #3071 & Bev Carter #2506
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On the lighter side.....
 When one of the outdoor adventure leaders found out I could sew he asked if I could repair a "pair of shoes". I know I must of looked perplexed and I thought I really need to be accommodating if possible and said "well, I'll take a look at them and see if it is something I could tackle." He said we only have one, so I thought "pair"? Needless to say it became a story similar to "who's on first" when I realized they were talking about a parachute, not a pair of shoes! We were all slap happy and laughing uncontrollably! When he brought me the chute he got ready to leave and said I really do have a pair of shoes that I ripped while running - a stick caught them and ripped them! I said check out your local shoe repair! There is a limit as to what I can do!Contributor's identity to remain anonymous to protect the innocent. And by request! :)
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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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Thanks to Trish Wilhelm (3285) for this great progress report from Texas Baptist Encampment (TX-364). TBE is open for SOWERS October through June. They have 10 SOWER spots in Jan, Feb, & Mar - and there are still openings for those months! Check the PLS for current availability!
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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 busy Christmas shopping for their grandkids, so they asked me to fill in for them. Here are a few FAQs about this newsletter.
Does the SOWER newsletter come from the SOWER office in Lindale?
No. I put together the newsletter from where ever I happen to be parked! Although the office sends me information and reviews the newsletter before it goes out, they have enough to do without having to worry about the newsletter.
What is the timetable for submitting something to the newsletter?
I usually begin putting together the newsletter in the early part of each month. I try to have my initial copy ready to go out to all of the Trustees by the 10th, so they will have time to review and proofread it. My target date for the newsletter to go out to all the members is the 15th of the month. So if you have something you'd like to submit - the earlier in the month the better! But if you miss a deadline, I'll just save it for the next month. So, write it up and send it in!
What kinds of things do you like to include in the newsletter?
Aside from general SOWER information (office closures, rallies, Sowergram updates, etc.), I like to include articles that highlight our projects or ways that our members have seen God at work in the different ministries we serve. In an effort to keep it ministry focused, I try to stay away from RVing and Travel Tips. The purpose of the newsletter is to be an encouragement to you, along with providing a general (timely) SOWER information.
Where do you get your photos?
I'm always looking for great pictures - especially ones that tell a story! Each month I need a header shot (long and narrow) and a group picture for the header at the very least. I often find pictures from ones put up on our Facebook group. Sometimes I check out some of the blogs over on the blog roll, and if I see a photo that looks like it will work, I contact that member to see if it's OK to use. And sometimes, folks send me pictures! I LOVE it when folks (you!) submit photos for me to use. (Send yours in today!) When all else fails, the header shots come from my 'stash' (yes, I've been known to take a couple of pictures!).
Do you have a backlog of articles for the newsletter?
Um, NO! I've been waiting for your story! If you have a great story, but don't feel like you're a 'writer', just jot it down like you were sharing it with a friend and send it in. I'll dot the "i"s and cross the "t"s and make sure everything is in complete sentences. I know you have some great God Stories , so send 'em in!
One final note -
While I might be the "editor", please don't think this is "My" newsletter. I work together with the SOWER Board of Trustees to make this newsletter "Yours". Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions or comments about the process, policies or particulars of the newsletter. And don't forget to send in your stories and photos! I'll be watching for them! Stephanie
Sam and Sally will be back (and probably broke) next month so send in your questions about SOWER policy or etiquette. Sam and Sally would love to hear from you! Contact them at -samandsally@sowerministry.org.
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The SOWER OFFICE will be closed for the Christmas Holiday December 18
through
Jan 3rd.
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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 at a project?
Well, I'm still waiting!
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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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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 your latest 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!
Contact Ruth Stoll (2980) to secure your spot!
727-967-0494 or wstoll2@gmail.comNovember Updates -
**Please bring any board games and/or yard games that you may have and think that some of your fellow SOWERS might enjoy playing.
**Karen Rambow, daughter of former Sowers Harold & Pat Rambow, is taking time off from her glass business in Atlanta to join us this year. She has offered to repair any chipped windshields for a donation to the SOWER Ministry. What a blessing!
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TEXAS Rally 2016
is still on hold.
Contact the office if you'd like more details on heading up this rally!
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Arizona?
Working in Arizona this winter? Watch for more information about the annual SOWER gathering at Barleens AZ Opry in Apache Junction, AZ. No dates have been set, so keep your eye out for more information. Contact Karen Edge for additional details (especially if you're a GL in AZ during January or February!)!
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Some other GL Report Thoughts
While reading the summaries of various projects in the Sowergram, we notice different approaches to the tasks accomplished:
Some don't want to mention what was done during their service time because they don't want to "brag." We enjoy reading what projects were accomplished for the Lord's kingdom during the SOWERs' time, and we like to see where our "family and friends" in SOWERs are serving. We don't consider the report as "bragging," just "informing." Some mention that no one "sees" the tasks they are accomplishing. Early on in SOWERs someone reminded me that the Lord sees everything we do, even the tops of the tall refrigerators. We're doing all these tasks to help projects further His kingdom, not to get jewels in our crown. (Hmmm... seems like we sing a song that mentions "Not for the praise of man but for the Lord.") Those "unseen" tasks are noticed by the Lord, and by the campers and visitors to these camps and conference centers. It's easier to focus on studying God's Word or praying, when you don't have to think about how dirty the room is, or where the paint is chipped, or the weeds in the flower garden. The clean laundry and a clean facility is a big part of a camper's visit. Maybe we should be praying for the people who will be sitting in the chairs we're dusting or the table we're polishing.
We're very thankful to be a very small part of SOWERs. We have met the sweetest Servants On Wheels Ever Ready. We thank the Lord for their witness and their hard work.
In His Service,
Ed & Linda Comer #3021
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Spreading the Word
Last March at the TX SOWER reunion, we all met together to brainstorm about how to get the word out about SOWERS.
We have signed up to go to the Escapade, have been asked to have a spot in the ROW and also asked for a seminar time as well. Assuming that all these get approved, we will be needing help again in July!!
This is all we know for right now. Please let us know if you would be available to help in any way.
Thanks!
#3253
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Clicking on the
Christmas ball above will take you to the Members Only Page, the December/January 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
DON'T FORGET
The password changes on 12/15. Check your hard copy of the Sowergram for the new password. If you are "Web Only", you should have received an email with the new password.
Contact the office if you have any questions!
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Just the Facts
for December 2015
(December 2014)
Number of Active SOWERS*
452 (483)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
130 (124)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
72 (74)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
36 (37)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
336 (504)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
80 (93)
*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!
Ed & Patty Soltes
Bob & Billie Wakeman
Gary & Stephanie Conrad
Paul and Juanita Alton
Terry & Alice Burnett
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 -
Heart of Texas Baptist Camp - TX-429
Header Group Shot -
Ironwood Christian Camp (CA-464) Nov 2015(L-R)-Rob & Shana Carman (3318), Dwayne & Margaret Gearhart (3263), Ulah & Cheri Smith (2634)
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