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Happy New Year, friends! Even though we really just turn the calendar over for a new month, somehow January always turns our minds and hearts to new beginnings. Many of us have just begun our January project, but many are also beginning to wonder just how much snow will fall in the next couple of months. As we mentally resolve to eat smarter, exercise more, or whatever, let's also join together in this prayer by John Piper -
Lord, grant that we will love Christ above all things.
And may we spend our pilgrim life learning to love this world less and heaven more.
Put us out of taste with the delicacies of the devil, and give us a liking for the solid joys of Christ.
Guard us from the allurements of the lodging of this journey, and fix our eyes on the end.
And so, Father, make us useful to this world, loving, helping, serving here, while leading people up to God.
In Jesus Name,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Alert Academy (TX-410) in Big Sandy, TX, is focused on training young men and women in disaster services. Recently, they have been very active both locally and nationally in assisting those in need during the destructive weather of the recent months. Here is an excerpt from their most recent newsletter -
A man, his wife, and eight year old son were making their preparations to secure themselves in a small, windowless, interior room. As the tornado approached, they could hear the rumble of the proverbial "freight train" nearing their home. Loud booms were heard as electrical transformers exploded from the violent turbulence of the EF4 tornado. While hunkered down in the bathroom, not in the bathtub, the entire house collapsed around them. Only 3 seconds passed and it was over. Due to the dim light outside they could see a small opening, which allowed them to crawl out. The mom sustained a broken leg, while the father and son were free of injuries. The bathtub was found later in a neighbor's yard among piles of debris. With the entire house flattened, other than a small bubble of space where they had crouched down together, the hand of God was evident. As we served families throughout the cities of Rowlett, Garland, and Red Oak, Texas, similar stories were heard.
While the ALERT men worked fervently through the week, many comments were received from people in the communities expressing not only their thanks, but also their renewed hope in the young people of America as they experienced the servant attitudes of these men.
Here is a link to a local TV report about the training that offered at Alert.
Alert Academy (TX-410) has SOWER openings in March and April of this year. With their large campus, there is ALWAYS a need for SOWERS. Check the latest PLS for all the details!
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You want us to do WHAT??
When - November 2014
What - Remove, restructure, and replace playground turf due to massive ant invasion.
Why -Have you ever seen what a colony of ants can do to the ground when they build their colony under a turf playground? They are easy to get rid of, the ants that is, but then you are left with a large hole where the ants used to be. That wouldn't be a problem if this turf playground wasn't crowded with children. They don't look where they are going when they are trying to get away from someone!
How - We tried to roll the turf to get it out of the way but it was loaded with tons of sand and we could only roll it a few feet. We needed to roll it 60 feet to get to all of the holes.
Our solution - Hook the turf on to a pickup and drag it into a pile at one end, fill and compact the holes and drag the turf back into place.
Of course that is the simplified version as it took a team of nearly 10 people two days to remove the sand, replace the turf and stake it back down. But now the children can run freely and not be afraid of getting hurt.
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Let the little ones play!.
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This street sign, which is legitimate, is located at Southwest Indian Ministries (AZ-208) in Peoria, AZ. My first reaction is that it is redundant and humorous, which it is; however it did remind me that, for Christians, the cemetery is NOT a dead end.
1 Cor 15:55 O death where is your victory, O death, where is your sting?
Praise God that he sent his son so that our death is not the end, but just the beginning.
In Christ, Bill Myers 3190
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God's Grace and Gifts
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold
grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)
I don't often think about being a good steward of God's grace and the gifts He has given me, or ministering His grace and those gifts to others. However, being a Sower Lady I should be more mindful of ways to show His grace and use the gifts He has given to me and others in ways which honor and glorify Him. Arriving at a new Sower Project with new Sower friends and family brings many "get to" opportunities (to quote a friend). We get to meet new hosts, project staff members, Sowers and other volunteer groups. We get to be introduced to a new ministry for the Kingdom of God. We get to serve at a new facility in new ways. We get to fellowship closely usually with at least one other Sower couple. Most importantly, we get to receive a new month of God's grace and mercy, love and direction, wisdom and comfort through His Word and His people. And we get to minister His grace and the gifts our Lord has given us to others.
What "get to" opportunities and scripture has God has put on your heart recently?
Submitted anonymously
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Congratulations!!!
The following couples all passed the "100 Project" benchmark in 2015!
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John & Bobbeth Hawkins (723)
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King & Jackie Fulton (2603)
| Emory & Janet Rockafellow (2559)
| Mal & Debbie Wall (2533)
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"Well done, good and faithful servant!"
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Tell of all His wonders
We all have a ministry and responsibility to testify of what God has done in our lives, giving Him the glory due His name. We are compiling a book of SOWER member and alumni stories of God's amazing protection, provision, divine appointments, angelic visitations, and funny stories, too. We will also include: "The host asked you to what?!" type stories. For example, my wife, Rita, was asked to count puzzle pieces of a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. She did it. Other examples might be the time your vehicle broke down, and God sent just the help you needed. Maybe, the time God rescued you from a serious accident. You will read about how He sent an angel to redirect my path once.
Not a writer? We are here to help. All proceeds from the sales of the the book will go to the SOWER ministry.
Please send me your stories (no longer than 500 words) with complete contact information. Encourage others to do so, as well.
Thank you!
Ron
Ron Heinecke
14763 CR 424, #222
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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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Thank you, Dale & Cheryl Curtis for sharing this "chance" encounter with fellow SOWERS!
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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 Sally,
I have a couple of questions for you. We heard on the "grape vine" last year that...
Ladies who don't work will be put on a list (??) and if ladies don't work then their husbands can't be SOWERs anymore. Is this true?
Over this summer after many tests I have developed some problems and won't be able to do some things like deep cleaning, windows, ladders, etc. BUT I still will be able to do a lot of things - just will have to say no to some things. How is that going to go over?
Concerned about changes
Dear Concerned,
The answer to your concern is simple: The rumors are dead wrong and not even partially true. Ladies that don't work for whatever reason will NOT be put on a list and their husbands will continue to work as usual. Our guidelines for Ladies working are still the same as when the Ministry started and there are no plans to make a change. "Ladies are encouraged to work 3 hours per day." If Ladies cannot work for any number of reasons, they inform the Lady GL and are encouraged to stay part of the group, join the group for breaks, and of course, come to morning devotions. While many wives look forward to blessing the ministries we serve by their work contributions, those who choose not to work, or are unable to work - for whatever reason - should not feel pressured to work - either by a host or by fellow SOWERs. Let's all remember that we're here to serve and encourage our partner ministries. Keep it simple. Laugh often. Pray much. Encourage each other. Working or not working (or even choosing to work extra!), let's all strive to show grace to each other with whatever choices we make.
In His Service, Sally (4Sam2)
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
Submissions for the SOWER TIPS go to
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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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Saturday Feb 13
11AM
Barleens AZ Opry
Apache Junction
Will you be in Arizona in February? Whether you're Alumni, currently working at a project or just hanging out enjoying the sunshine, the SOWER gathering at Barleens AZ Opry in Apache Junction, AZ is being planned for a Saturday Matinee, February 13th. Contact Karen Edge ( 480-252-1610) for additional details (especially if you're a GL in AZ during February!)! Tickets are $39/person (dinner and show) unless we get 22 folks and then the price goes down to $36. Sounds like a great Valentine's Day treat to me!
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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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All of us come to the table with different talents and ideas. Some of these ideas are very useful on our projects and we all learn new and different ways to do tasks or use new products. This new feature will highlight these ideas and/or products. The tips would not be limited to maintenance and construction ideas, but can cover all the different facets of being a SOWER - construction, cleaning, painting, landscaping, etc. Submissions should be no longer that 250 words and the Sower submitting the tip will need to agree to use their name and contact information. Bill Myers (3190) has offered to review and edit the submissions. Following is an example of what a SOWER Tip might look like.
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SOWER TIPS
Just about every project has some painting that needs to be done. Cleaning the paint roller pan or using some sort of liner to reduce clean up time is always an issue. Here is an idea that I have found as a great solution to this problem.
First of all, buy some spray adhesive and some inexpensive 30 gallon garbage bags. This is a small investment but will last through many paint projects. Take the spray adhesive and LIGHTLY coat the surface of the pan. Next insert the entire roller pan INSIDE the 30 gallon garbage bag and form fit it to the pan, the spray adhesive will hold it in place; you are ready to paint. Once the painting is done, no need to pour the excess paint into the paint can. Just remove the roller pan from the garbage bag turning the bag inside out as you do, the spray adhesive will easily release from the pan. Once the pan is removed, you now have the excess paint contained in the bag; just squeeze it all down to the bottom of the bag. Finally hold the bag over the paint can, poke a hole in the bottom of the bag, and squeeze all the excess paint into the paint can. Throw the bag away and you are all done! Not only do you have a nice clean roller pan, but you maximize the saving of the excess paint with very little fuss or mess.
This tip was submitted by Bill Myers (3190). For more information on this tip, contact Bill at rvmyers@reagan.com.
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Do you have a great SOWER Tip? Submissions for this feature can be sent to Bill Myers - rvmyers@reagan.com
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Spreading the Word
Heading EAST this summer?
We've signed up to go to the
and will have a SOWER booth in their ROW section.
This is a wonderful opportunity to share our ministry, but we will need help! We'll have more information in the months to come, but for right now we hope you'll keep this opportunity in your prayers - and maybe even mark it down on your new 2016 calendars!
Thanks!
#3253
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Heading through Texas?
Looking for a stop-over spot in Texas?
Don't forget the SOWER Office has 5 beautiful, paved, full hook-up sites that are available for our use. The first two nights are free, and then it's $10.00/night. If you'd like to hang around for a bit, it's $50.00/week or $150 for a month. Just enough to cover utilities!
Even if you can't stay for a couple of nights, the office folks would LOVE to have you stop in to say hello! A fresh pot of coffee is only minutes away from your arrival!
Lindale is right off Interstate 20, about 90 miles east of Dallas. Look for the directions on the first page of the Sowergram.
Psst- The SOWER Office is also a SOWER project (TX-361)in April! There were still a couple of openings - check the PLS for more information
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Clicking on the
Cardinals 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 changed 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 January 2016
(January 2015)
Number of Active SOWERS*
457 (487)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
132 (126)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
76 (77)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
43 (48)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
370 (359)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
128 (139)
*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 -
Bolivar Island, Near Gulf Coast Foursquare Church (TX 447)
submitted by Betsy McClintick (3213)
Header Group Shot -
New Life Ranch (OK-230)
November 2015
L-R Gary & Stephanie Conrad (2509), Cheryl & Dale Curtis (3253), Edroy & Judy Anderson (2412), Les & Janet Turkelson (3192), Jenny & Don Rasmussen (2824)
Cardinals in the Snow -
Frank Varga (1)
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