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Ah, sweet April! Daffodils are popping through the last of the snow, redbud trees are lining the highways and the dogwood is beckoning you to come out and play! Even the desert, for all its monochrome landscape, is beginning to burst with color! For some, this has been an especially rough winter. Loved ones have gone to heaven and, though dancing on streets of gold, have left behind grieving hearts. For some this is maybe their final season of being an active SOWER and they're wondering where God might be using them next. Others have seen families broken and dear ones facing life-changing health issues. But through all of these times, God has remained faithful. Just as the prickly pear brightens up the desert, God's promises remain true! Many have also welcomed new grandbabies and great-grandbabies into their families. New and enthusiastic SOWERS have joined our family, blessing many ministries this winter and hopefully for years to come. Families have been restored, hearts have been mended, and dear ones have been healed! We come to spring with great expectations - some of us eager to get home, some of us excited about what the road ahead may have for us and some of us just enjoying the renewal of spring at home. Wherever YOU are - may you continue to grow in the Lord, and feel his loving arms around you! But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57
Resting in His Faithfulness,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Victory Revisited
Ed & Laura Shuster - (2459) Our very first SOWER project was Victory Camp/Living Stones Church (TX-333) and we worked it alone in May 2004. We called the office and were told that the host, Rod Anderson, knows SOWERS well, and he will tell us what to do. They explained that whether we go or not go, it was our choice. We went and what a great experience! Although we stopped by in December 2008 and enjoyed their Christmas celebration (a train ride showing the life of Jesus) we had not returned there to serve. Now, almost 12 years later (February 2016) and we are back again. It was like coming home! The same people are here, Rod and Shana Anderson, Jeremy and Kristen Blagg, Pastor Al, his wife Judy, plus some new ones. It was like a family gathering.
Once again, we were alone. And once again, it was a great experience. This time, I helped refinish a caboose. I cleaned, painted, repaired minor items and made shelves. Of course the shelves needed to be stained, varnished and installed. I even found a used door handle in my bag from a previous project and it fit the front door perfectly. Laura helped prepare for an annual inspection, inventoried and supplied first aid kits, checked nurse's station for outdated medication and supplies, cleaned in the kitchen, did a mailing and inventoried the kitchen and cleaned windows. There was plenty to do, and we both kept very busy!
Reflecting on the project and being in a position to observe the hours that the staff worked on just running the camp, we saw that they were at work early, worked late, even worked on some Saturdays as well as some of their scheduled off days . We wondered when they would ever have time to do the work that we did. When we arrived the caboose was in a near unusable condition. The summer camping season is just around the corner and the caboose is the snack shack and it is now ready for duty.
Not only was much needed work accomplished, but we had good fellowship and were blessed to have been a small part of Victory Camp as they reach many young people for Christ.
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Little Palm Seeds in the Big Picture
or A Big Lesson in Humility
Terry Burnett (#3071)
Some palm trees produce, in great abundance, brown, sweetish, pea-sized berries. At one particular project there were two such trees which dropped these berries on a sand-filled play area for small children. And this was not a small area!  Our GL gave me and another SOWER the task of removing all the berries from the play area. So having been given a wheelbarrow and a screen and two shovels we heroically commenced to winnow out the seeds. At the end of the day and after 500+ shovelfuls (or so it seemed) of sand and berries we had about one third of the area done. The task wasn't very heroic any more nor was it fun!
The next day as we again entered the pen of contention otherwise known as the play area, I recalled what the other guys had told me they were doing. In my eyes their tasks were much more interesting and way more profitable for Christ's kingdom than what I was doing. So as I continued to do this "slave" labour, I began to have a little tussle with God as to why I was doing this "dumb" task. It went something like this: surely Lord you have something much more important for me to do for your kingdom than this! No reply. So I pushed on: Lord, I know I would be much more productive if it was more exciting and easier. Still silence. OK, Lord have it your way, I begrudgingly moaned.
Well, by the end of the second day we had the back-breaking, boring, useless, make-work-for-nothing task done. By then I was in full rebellion against God: there, Lord, I did it- are you satisfied now? I would like a more significant task next time, thanks. Ironically, I had an even heavier job the next day. However, the Lord is very gracious and sometimes shows us the big picture even when we don't deserve to see it.
The morning arrived and with it came a new dawning for me. The project that we were working was a rescue mission for women and their children. That morning a young mother timidly approached me and asked if I had been the one who cleaned out the play area. In my best macho voice I replied in the positive. And this is what she said, "Sir, my daughter is highly allergic to bee stings. Those date palm berries attract all kinds of bees so she could never go out and play with her friends for fear of being stung. Now she can go out and play and she wants you to know that she loves you for what you did." Sheepishly, all I could think of was, "OK, Lord I get the picture! Thank you for being patient with me."
Matthew 25:40 says, "The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." After reading that, I determined to unquestioningly work for the King for the rest of my SOWER days. And so far it's been awesome!
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200 Gallons of Paint on the Wall!
Florida Baptist Youth Camp, in Groveland, FL (FL-143), where the FL Reunion is held, had a very productive winter. Bo, the director, is not only very accommodating in regards to the Reunion, he often works alongside the SOWERs. Almost 200 gallons of paint were used this winter as SOWERs painted and painted and painted. We did some interiors but mainly the outsides of most of the buildings (chapel, dining hall, dorms, candy shop, play area). Many floors were painted and paint chips were scattered on them. SOA Mel McFarland did detail painting. Add in murals and signs, and there wasn't a dry brush in the place!
Photos and reporting by Cathy Richmond (2793)
Mel and I have been serving as SOAs at Florida Baptist Youth Camp on a 6-month assignment. We really appreciate the director, Bo Johnson. However, we are not the only ones that do. The community respects him also. Ace hardware, where Bo goes for paint and many other items, found that he was looking for a small refrigerator and microwave for the "Sower Room". Brother Bo always speaks highly of the work that the Sowers have done for the Youth Camp. Ace Hardware donated a new refrigerator and microwave which I was privileged to help unpack.
Mel & Shirley McFarland (1689)
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God's PLS
In the heart of Arizona, tucked away in the sandy desert, shines a true gem - Standing Stones Retreat Center (AZ-520) - an oasis for the hurt and wounded. Sadly the hurt, wounded and burned-out are pastors and other full-time ministry servants. During their week's stay, they participate in intensive counseling and shepherding while being loved and pampered with the goal of wounds beginning to heal and hope stirring within once more. That's truly the heart of Standing Stones. So where do SOWERs fit in? We aren't the counselors or the chaplains, so are we really important players in the grand scheme?? The answer is a hearty "YES!" As SOWERs we have a front row seat, time and again, to view God's very own PLS - He moves His people and their schedules to accomplish His purposes at the right project at just the right time. This was very evident at S.S. during the month of March as specific needs were met. But not only those specific needs were met but also the whole cast accomplished God's purposes - the "ER" family showed up - "saw-er, pound-er, paint-er, clean-er, air-condition-er, bake-r, electrical-er (ok that's a hard er to do), housekeep-er, launder -er, inventory-er, grapefruit squeeze-er, encourage-r and pray-er" - the whole SOW-ER family came together to work and pray and worship and play and be a blessing to Standing Stones as we were blessed to be a small part in building God's Kingdom. Thank you SOWER family for being available and flexible and obedient to His call. What a great God we serve!!! Kim Trivilino (#3094) |
You want me to do WHAT??
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WHERE:
| Cherry Valley Brethren School (CA-145) Cherry Valley, CA
| WHEN:
| March 2016 SOWER Project
| WHAT:
| Using ideas from Pintrest, design and construct several "Table Carnival Games"
| WHY:
| The school needed them for their annual fund raiser - Family Fun Night!
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HOW:
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Lots of SOWER imagination and many trips to the hardware store!
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WHO:
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Don & Jenny Rasmussen - #2824
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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, Kim Juelf, for sharing the celebration as Roger & Char Quakkelaar reach the 100 Projects Worked milestone!
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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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Quite the Crew!
Most every month during the winter 'season', the Phoenix Area SOWERS (working, retired, or just hanging around) gather at a local Golden Corral for a mid-day meal and fellowship. Twenty-one couples - newbies, alumni, seasoned, and even one couple that is waiting for their final interview - joined together this past March for a wonderful time of love and laughter! (There are too many folks to list out, so click on the picture if you'd like to see the picture in a larger version!)
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Dear Sam and Sally
Dear Sam and Sally,
We're confused about SOWERS who are on a project as their "Home Project" or they're volunteering as an independent since they're on "Temporary Leave of Absence" or just ones that live in the area and come by to help on occasion. As the group leader, do we include them in our regular SOWER activities (opening meeting, devotions, activities) or are they considered separate from us?
Signed,
Just want to do it right!
Dear Just,
This is a great question, and I'll start by clarifying just what these different 'categories' are.
Home Project- if there is a project that you worked at before it was a SOWER partner ministry or before you were a SOWER, you can claim it as a "Home Project". This enables you more flexibility with a ministry you already have a relationship with and you can serve at the project at any time without needing to sign up through the office. Sometimes that will be during a SOWER month, and sometimes not. The down side of this would be that you do not receive 'SOWER credit' for the time worked and of course you could only go if you are not taking up a SOWER spot. (When you work a project as a Home Project, it's always good to notify the office so they can alert the GL that you will be there.)
SOWER on Assignment - The SOA program (assigned through the office) enables ministries to find longer term SOWERs who can come and give ongoing help over several months.
Temporary Leave of Absence - The TLA is when a ministry has asked a particular couple to come and it just does not fit within the SOWER framework (different months, hours, housing, tasks, whatever!). The notification/request for TLA should come from the Host, explaining their situation. The SOWER couple then confirms they are moving to TLA to accept the host's request. Normally TLA means the SOWER has accepted a "Staff" position (whether paid or volunteer). While we hate to see them leave the SOWER ministry even for a bit, the bottom line is whether or not the project ministry is being served, and that is our first priority. If someone is on a TLA and working at a project, that is usually noted in the PLS. (The Board hopes that the newly revamped SOA program covers more of these instances, but sometimes the TLA will still be the best choice.)
Occasional Volunteers - Whether these folks are Active Sowers who live in the area and come to help for a couple of days or Alumni who have been invited to a project by the host, these servants make their arrangements directly with the host.
So, what does a SOWER group DO with these folks? Well, in our minds, a SOWER is a SOWER is a SOWER. Invite them to the opening meeting so they can meet everyone and everyone can meet them. As a bonus, they often have great insights about local churches, restaurants, and fun things to do in the area. Include them in devotions (they might even want to take a turn!) if their schedule permits. Invite them to game nights and potlucks and group outings. In other words, always invite, always include, always extend grace. As a GL, you probably will not be responsible for their work duties, but if the hosts asks that they join in the SOWER job list, be flexible about working with that request. Hopefully, these 'extras' will not be an added burden, but instead be an added blessing to both your group and the ministry.
Hope that helps! Remember, we're all in this together!
Serving the Savior,
Sam & Sally
PS - if there are other independent volunteers at the project, invite them to devotions and activities as well. You never know if there are maybe some pre-SOWERs in your midst!
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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Thank-you!!!
I am so impressed and grateful to all the SOWERs who were out serving the past 6 months! All across the southern half of the United States, many many ministries received an extra pair of hands or two or 10!
In review of the numbers, I found that from November through April, the time when the Sower Ministry has the greatest amount of volunteers serving, there were 711 Sower units serving 272 months!! That translates into approximately 76,690 volunteer hours given to support our partner ministries behind the scenes. This enables the partner ministries to do what they do best - spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
I thank each and every one of you that helped; repaired a building, added paint to much needed surfaces, repaired machinery, cleaned and updated camps, tutored children, encouraged and loved on Ministry staff, built new construction, sewed clothing or supplies, cooked, and all the other varied tasks Sowers are asked to do.
It is a privilege to be part of such an actively working and effective Ministry. I pray God continues to bless it richly for many years to come.
Jenny Rasmussen #2824
Sower Board of Trustees, VP
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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 gathering 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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Sept 19 - 22
Mid-West SOWER Rally
Michindoh Conference Center (MI-139)
Watch for more information!
Bob & Joan Sturgill
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Sept 19 - 22
Minnesota SOWER Rally
Lake Beauty Camp (MN-523)
Watch for more information!
Dorothy Larson
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Do you have a favorite product or tip to share with your SOWER family? These tips and products would not be limited to just maintenance and construction ideas, but can cover all the different facets of being a SOWER - construction, cleaning, painting, landscaping, RVing etc. Submissions should be no longer that 250 words if possible 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.
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SOWING TIPS
I can't imagine a project that doesn't have a toilet that leaks or needs to be fixed. Sometimes you have to wonder if the host saves these up just for the SOWERS! Over the years there have been numerous improvements with toilets and its parts making it easier to repair them; but until recently, I was unaware of any new products that replaces the tried and true wax ring which seals the toilet to the closet flange.
I recently pulled a toilet that was leaking at the floor and discovered the closet flange was WAY too low in relation to the finish floor. Someone had even installed a wax ring with the imbedded rubber horn and it still did not seal the toilet. So off I went to the store to see what combination of products might be available to remedy the problem. I discovered a whole new type of non-wax toilet/flange seals. Instead of relying on the wax to seal the toilet to the flange, they are made of a poly type material with a compressible horn. They even come with an extension to the horn for those really deep set problems. Just remove the old wax from the flange and the toilet, set the new seal over the toilet bolts (the base has holes in it that line up and hold the bolts in place), set the toilet over the poly horn, and let the weight of the toilet compress the horn; bolt in place as normal. What is great about the these new seals is the ease of installation, no wax mess, and it worked great!
The store I shopped at had three different brands available but all worked on the same principle. They are more expensive than a wax ring and ranged in price from $3 to $8. I purchased the inexpensive one which still incorporated a wax bottom but was enclosed on three sides so there was still no mess. See photo.
In the future, if the closet flange is properly installed in relation to the floor, I'll probably still use the simple inexpensive wax ring; but where the closet flange has become too recessed into the floor, there is no doubt I will use the new non-wax flange seal products that are available.
This tip was submitted by Bill Myers 3190. Contact him at rvmyers@reagan.com for further information.
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Do you have a great SOWER Tip? Submissions for this feature can be sent to Bill Myers for consideration - rvmyers@reagan.com
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Heading EAST this summer?
Are you planning to attend Escapade in Essex Junction, VT July 24-29? If so, we are needing some help manning the SOWER table in the ROW. We have a space assigned in the ROW to set up a table & banner and introduce attendees to the SOWER ministry. We are in need of volunteers to spend a few hours visiting with attendees about your experiences in SOWERS. It's fun! We already have several couples helping and could use more. If you can, and would like to help, please drop us an email, and we'll do the rest. Thanks.
620-653-4703
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 Don't forget to refill you supply of brochures and business cards for your busy summer months! Keep 'em handy - in your car, camper, Bible, purse - for when God sets up that divine appointment with a SOWER Wanna-be!
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Clicking on the
Dogwood Blossoms above will take you to the Members Only Page, the April/May 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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DID YOU KNOW?
There are over 600 opportunities
to serve in the "Northern Tier" available during the months of June, July, and August? Enjoy the energy of Camp while providing valuable service to our Summer projects! Whether you pick one just down the road (so you can get home to mow the grass) or decide to explore a whole new area, you won't be disappointed! Check out the PLS to view all the openings!
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Just the Facts
for April 2016
(April 2015)
Number of Active SOWERS*
474 (499)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
134 (132)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
113 (113)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
47 (43)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
536 (559)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
93 (100)
*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!
Jeff and Mary Peace
Don & Jenny Rasmussen
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 -
The Way Station at Ironwood Camp (CA-464), Newberry Springs, CA
Header Group Shot -
Camp Westminster, GA-526 John & Rosie Stoner (2721), Preston & Marcia Bruxvoort (3245) November 2015 PLS Link - Dogwood at The Cove, Nancy Ragatz (2838)
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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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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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