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Friends, does it seem like May has been on a fast track? There are graduations to attend, weddings to celebrate and new babies to hold and enjoy. The lawn has gone from brown to needing to be mowed, overnight it seems. And the vegetable garden is already showing signs of those green beans and radishes sprouting through the dirt. We're in Washington this month and the rhododendrons up here are AMAZING! I bet spring is in full throttle in your neck of the woods too. Things are also picking up speed at the SOWER office! The June/July Sowergram is almost ready to go to press, and it's chock full of information. Not only does it include the PLS (with the Lottery projects listed), GL reports and other articles, it also includes the resumes of the seven members who have been nominated for the Board of Trustees, and the ballot for voting . There will also be the annual Roster update of new and changed member contact information. If you're a "Web Only" member and don't receive the hard copy of the 'Gram, don't worry - your ballot will be mailed to you along with the annual Roster update. Don't forget to get your ballot into the office by July 1st.
So before the summer schedule kicks in, take a look at all of the available summer projects. There is nothing like serving at one of our camp projects when it's in full swing! Check 'em out, and sign up! I know you'll be blessed.
Resting in His Faithfulness,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Trustee Nominations
The upcoming June-July Sowergram will have the full resumes for this year's Trustee Nominees, along with the ballots. All Active members (including Alumni) will receive a ballot, either with their SOWERGRAM or mailed separately with the June Roster update. Ballots must be returned by July 1st. Each individual SOWER may vote for up to 3 of the candidates.
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Bill Cairns
2373
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Ross Dunfee
3127
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Tom Henry
3116
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Bill Myers
3190
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Jim Swanner
2885
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Kim Trivilino
3094
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The Next Chapter
Our SOWER book, now 2 ½ inches thick, began in the year 2000. Our first Project was in February 2001 at Bible Way Soul Saving Station in Fort Pierce, Florida with the Deavers #1998 as GL, the Grassmids #1244, & the Hawkins #723. Yes, that's John & Bobbeth Hawkins. They took us under their wings to make sure we got off on the right Sower foot. All things considered I think they did a pretty good job. Thanks, John & Bobbeth. The Lord certainly knew what he was doing when he matched us up!
Most of our service was done in Florida during the winter like so many other Sowers. We also served our Lord at Ministries in Michigan, North & South Carolina, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona & Texas for a total of 87 Projects. We had a goal of serving at 100 Projects but God had other plans.
As many of you know, Gerda developed Melanoma cancer, stage three, requiring removal by surgery and was declared "technically cancer free for now" last August. Praise God!! Her next CAT Scan will be in early June to see if any remaining cells have migrated. A further complication is that her right knee may have to be replaced this summer. In my case, my lower back limits what I can lift & my hands no longer have sufficient strength for me to keep up with the rest of the guys. Yes, our soon to be 81 years have finally caught up with us.
As I write this final chapter, we are serving at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove near Asheville, NC. What a contrast to that first Project!
And so, what's next? Having spent just three years full time, we have now purchased a 1200 sq. ft. condo in Rochester Hills, Michigan just four miles from our former house. We have also rented a lot at Wesleyan Village near Brooksville, FL for the winter of 2016/17 and will pull the fifth wheel down to Florida one last time.
But God isn't through with us yet. We will become Alumni of course, and with this new SOWER classification the epilogue to this book is that we will continue as the Area Representatives for ten South Florida Ministries as long as we are able.
In closing, may I say this to all the Sowers. You are indeed in a God Blessed Ministry. As you labor for God, be proud of what you can do, for as long as you can, wherever you can, and whenever you can, including talking about SOWERS to others & handing out brochures & cards. We are very grateful for the opportunities we have had to meet wonderful people in SOWERS and to see many sights along the way. We will meet again at reunions and rallies along the SOWER road, if not physically then certainly in spirit.
Continuing In His Service, Paul & Gerda Clark # 2164
(Editor's note: Paul and Gerda titled this reflection "The Final Chapter". I took the liberty to change it to "The Next Chapter," since I don't think God is done with them quite yet! Best wishes to you both as you start this Next Chapter!)
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Take the time
by Doug Heilman #2981 Good or bad, a lot of SOWER projects can begin and end by being similar in our attitude of Martha in Luke 3:38-42. We think we are doing the "right things" by "doing". She was 'distracted with all her preparations' and that her sister had left her to do all the serving alone. Martha was basically advised that she had her priorities out of order. Serving was not necessarily wrong, but listening was better. There are times when we reach a project and try to be so "busy" doing that we do not realize that there are those on project that wish to talk and they see us as someone who has no real ties to the project and are most of the time, "here today, and gone tomorrow" and therefore "safe" to talk to.  Maybe we should be more sensitive as Jesus was (John 3:1-20) towards Nicodemus. Nicodemus wished to talk to someone that he felt safe to talk to. As a ruler of the Jews it was doubtful that Nicodemus felt comfortable speaking to anyone about being born again. As a ruler/leader he must have had no one to speak to above him or below him. He came at night (no crowds). He did not wish to have this meeting with Jesus made known. Did Jesus say that we was "off-the-clock" or "hey, this isn't on the list." Nope, he took the time.
Sometimes, although not too often, we run into people on projects that "need" to talk. The problem is, are we too busy doing (playing the Martha) to take the time to let them voice any opinions they might have. Are we too busy to "get through the list" to stop and do what Jesus said in Luke was the most important to do? Of course the main difference between us listening and Jesus listening is that He would have better directions/answers to give the speaker than we would. But then, the one speaking to us might just wish to clear their chests and might not really be looking for anything else from us except for an ear to hear.
So, whether by yourself or with ten other couples, on that last question on the GL report that asks for, "a concise summary of the work completed this month for the Lord", don't be concerned if the list might be a little short. As long as you can honestly say, as a group, you took the time as needed to listen.
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You want me to do WHAT??
Through the years and many, many interesting places and projects as a Sower, there's one which REALLY stands alone in my experiences. If I could choose a motto, it might be "have sewing machine (or paint brush), will travel"!
Meeting with the director of volunteer work at a camp in Northern CA this spring brought a surprise. The info in the latest Sower Gram only said for ladies--"outdoor and indoor work". Not very specific, huh?! But I am pretty versatile. Tim said the Camp had been given a big van which needed cleaning up, inside and out. OK, not a problem. When Marilyn and I looked it over with Tim later, we saw it sitting out by the shop peeling paint, very rusty, and it was definitely very dirty inside. So we got to work with scraping tools, sand paper and finally the electric version of sanding. It took ladders and a lot of stretching to get the top polished and shining. Marilyn worked like a beaver with pails of water, scrub brush, soap and towels doing all the interior 'til it sparkled--figuratively. Then we papered, and taped it up effectively though lacking much in aesthetics. It took countless cans of primer and finally we got down to making that van WHITE.
Weather shut us down finally, so the top was only primed when we left; the whole van may get a finishing shine (sometime), but it was looking a lot better at the end of our 3 weeks. This vehicle is fairly new, '08, and should give Kidder Creek Camp many years of good service. What a joy to help ready it for use. God stretched Marilyn Reid # 2383, and me by this experience, however neither one of us will likely include auto painting on our resumes--(yet)!
Feryl Laney #2550
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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, Mil, for the great reminder to always be on the lookout for a SOWER Decal! And don't forget you can purchase both regular and magnetic ones through the office!!! They are great conversation starters!
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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 and Sally,
We really enjoy our morning devotions when we're on a project. However, sometimes the person who is sharing that morning doesn't have us sing at all. The Welcome Sowers says that "SOWER songbooks are to be used during morning devotions.". Doesn't that mean we should always sing at devotions? Thank you for clarifying this for us.
Signed,
Let's all make a joyful noise!
Dear Joyful,
Thank you for your question. The SOWER songbook was compiled so that we would all have a standardized set of music to use during devotions. And most SOWERs, even if there is no accompaniment, enjoy using songs during their turn at devotions. Whether or not there is singing (or what song is chosen) should be determined by the person who is leading devotions. Occasionally there is someone who is sharing who just prefers not to sing. Perhaps their devotional is a bit longer. Or maybe, they just don't like to sing! Singing from the songbook during devotions is not a requirement, but if a songbook is to be used, it should be the SOWER songbook. Occasionally a SOWER might want to share a new song with their group, and that would be fine too.
I hope this helps clarify things! Please - by all means, continue to Make a Joyful Noise unto our Lord!
Blessings,
Sam & 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.
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Rally Information
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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SOWING TIPS
Tile Installation
In just about any building these days; I see a construction standard that has been ignored for quite awhile. That standard is related to the installation of tile; the border of the tile should have the largest equal border possible. This is true with ceiling tiles, suspended ceilings, wall ceramic, floor tile, and just about any tile. Too often a worker just starts out with a full tile in a corner and whatever is left over at the other end, is OK even if it is an inch or less. Or, even if there is an attempt to get equal borders, he/she starts in the middle and works both ways. You may end up with equal borders, but they will be small equal borders.
A simple rule to get the largest equal border possible is as follows:
1. Measure the room and divide by the full tile dimension.
2. Take the left-over measurement and divide it in half.
3. Add that to one half of a full tile dimension and that is your border width.
For example, let's say you have a room dimension of 8"-6" and are using a 12 inch tile. After dividing the room by the 12 inch tile the left over dimension is 6" One-half of 6" equals 3". One-half of the 12" full tile equals 6". Adding 3" + 6" gives you a 9" tile border. There is one exception to this rule. Let's say you have a projection into the room like a corner closet that has a dimension of 3'-8" from the wall. When you layout the tile with the new border dimension along the closet away from the wall (3'-9"); you will end up with a narrow 1" strip along the closet wall which is undesirable. In these instances, change the one border down to 8" to eliminate the problem; the border on the opposite side of the room then becomes 10". You end up with unequal borders, but they are large enough that they are less objectionable than the 1" strip you would have been left with along the closet.
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 your 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
Rhododendron 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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Just the Facts
for May 2016
(May 2015)
Number of Active SOWERS*
477 (500)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
134 (133)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
121 (116)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
35 (39)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
537 (545)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
57 (69)
*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 -
Rte 97, Oregon
Header Group Shot -
Forest Home Ojai Valley (CA-489) Left to right: John & Elaine Baker (2563), Ross & Pam Dunfee (3127), Ron & Kathy Dickerson (3333), John & Stephanie Hulse (3204), Willard & Grace Michael (2695).
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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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