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Whether you're home or on a SOWER project, I bet your summer is in full swing. With daylight stretching out longer and longer, it's the season for porch (or awning) sitting and kicking back with friends and family. The garden is giving you just a bit of a break as the time for planting has passed, and the time for harvesting has not yet arrived. (Not so the grass! It's never ending, right?) Maybe you've been celebrating gradations of some of the grandkids, and have been kept busy attending all those end of the school year activities. But hopefully you've some quiet moments too. Whether you're sitting in your sunroom or out under your RV awning, our prayer is that you are resting in our Lord and confident of His care for you. While for many of us June is the brief pause before summer hits at full tilt, many of our projects are just starting their busiest seasons - Summer Camp!!! Would you join us in praying for our camps and retreat centers who are striving to present the Gospel to thousands of young people over the course of the next few months. Together let's lift them before the Throne with prayers for many lives to come to Christ and many others to be refreshed and renewed. If you've never worked a "Summer Camp" project I highly recommend it! There is nothing like the energy of the Gospel combined with a dynamic staff being poured into the lives of our youth. There are lots of openings - check 'em out in the latest PLS!
Don't forget there are some important dates coming up. Trustee Ballots are due at the office July 1st and all lottery requests must be received by July 11th.
Resting in His Faithfulness,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Trustee Nominations
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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Commencement!
Refreshing, uplifting and encouraging marked our thoughts after attending the commencement exercises of 39 seniors at Pilgrim Academy at Egg Harbor, NJ June 2016. Any Senior who chose to speak was allowed to share. Deep sentiments of gratitude were expressed to their Lord, moms, dads, teachers, friends and relatives who helped them excel in their educational pursuits and mature into young men and women ready to step into the next chapter of their lives.
One could tell that their many mentors took seriously their responsibility to raise up these graduates to influence the world for Jesus. We are grateful to be a part of this ministry that is preparing youth to meet the challenges of life with hearts firmly embedded in the strength and power of God's word. Pray that more students will continue down the path of faithful discipleship as it truly is a lifelong journey.
We are together in His service,
Jim & Eula Fluckey # 2635
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Only God Knew
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This happened a few years back -
When we were working at Black Lake Bible Camp (WA-78), they asked us to make curtains out of thrift store drapes. We were group leaders and I had no idea how to proceed and neither did the other ladies. I prayed for God to give me the knowledge and know-how. I was totally amazed at how they came together and with NO stress.
Here is another example of when God sent those who have the exact expertise needed at a particular time. We were at Solid Rock Bible Camp (AK-43) in Alaska. They had an old road grader that the military had given them and it needed work. The other Sower, Dave Fancher from FL, just happened to be a diesel mechanic! My husband, Phil, diagnosed the problem and Dave knew a parts supplier and ordered the parts. We had to stay after the project ended to finish up the job, but the men got the grader running good as new! Yes, we serve an Awesome God!
Connie Abbott (2566)
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You want me to do WHAT??
Last month (May) we did our 28th project at YWAM in Chico, CA, which was the first YWAM project we have served at. We both had a great time, thinking it was one of our best projects ever from an enjoyment standpoint. What made it so unique for me (Don) was that my career was in Computer Project Management, which is what is listed at the bottom of our skill sheet as my profession.
In the 7+ years we have been serving in SOWERS, no project had ever inquired about my computer background. However, several weeks before we were due at YWAM. they sent me an email, having seen my career occupation, and asked if I would be willing to work with their Maintenance Dept. in helping them get organized, and to automate their Service Request process so they could begin collecting cost information on their maintenance work. Naturally I was very enthused about the prospect and immediately agreed.
I ended up working the entire 3 weeks on automating a system for them, and ended up working til 5:00 every day and a Friday or two to get it done. I needed to write a User Manual, and train the 3 Maint. staff guys, as well as several other end users who were going to enter their requests on their PC rather than fill out forms. But with the "adrenaline rush" of a tight deadline, the time flew by and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.
Priscilla enjoys sewing, and she ended up being inundated with all kinds of sewing requests, and she ended up working afternoons most days as well. And as with me, she loved meeting a great need they had.
So the point of my story is that not all the "You want me to do what?" stories are strange or unusual things you might not want to do, but that the Lord might actually give some thing you LOVE to do!
Blessings.....
Don and Priscilla Schager
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Every once in a while....
It's that SOWER feeling you get from time to time when you know beyond a shadow of doubt, "THEY WERE NOT EXPECTING US!" It's that first glance from the camp secretary when you pull up to the office with a 40 ft. motorhome and car in tow! You can tell by the jaw drop, the bug eyes, and the thought blurb almost visible above their head .............. "who are these people and where did they come from?"
Let's back up just a bit...
We began planning our "ALASKA SOWER JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME" about 18 months ago. We sat down with our other travelers (Roy & Sue Anderson and Bill & Ginny Sutherland) and sketched out a preliminary plan of how we would both meet up at a project in Canada and head to AK from there. Although our first thought was to meet at Stillwood Camp, just across the border in British Columbia, we eventually decided it made more sense to connect at Ness Lake Camp farther north in Prince George, BC, work there in May and then head north to AK .
Fast forward to 3 days before arriving at Ness Lake. Since Ness Lake doesn't get many SOWERS, we decided to call ahead to let them know when to expect us and see if there is anything we need to know. The project host's reaction on the other end of the line should have been a BIG CLUE that something was amiss! "OHHHHHHHKAY, everything is great, we will see you Thursday!" Wayne mentioned that the guy sounded like he was surprised we were coming and but then again, they don't get many SOWERS. Onward to Ness Lake. We drive up the long dirt road, frost heaves and all, pull up to the office and I go in to get final instructions. I walk into the office and say to the secretary, with my pretty SOWER badge just beaming from my chest. "Hi, we are your SOWERs for the month!" Jaw dropsy sets in. Unbeknownst to us, they had just opened up the camp for the season, the director was brand new and he just happened to be there 3 days before his actual start date. The director has a plate glass window facing the front office, so I get to watch her go in and tell him we are here and I know they haven't a clue what they are going to do with us! What I don't know, but learned weeks later, is she walked in, told him to LOOK CONFIDENT and please go out and meet these SOWERs! He had no clue what a SOWER was and what our intentions were!
It was truly a SOWER moment. I explained the whole SOWER operation, how we were there to serve for the next 3 weeks and asked where did he want me to park my rig. They had to move several vehicles including 2 boats to get us into our spots!
I raced back to Wayne and give him that "gracious what's up?" "I thought you called ahead." "I did." "OK, who did you call?". He checks his phone - Stillwood. Uh-oh! No wonder they were so surprised! Wayne quickly called Stillwood to let them know NOT to expect us (voicemail - phew!), and we began to figure out just what's happening here at Ness Lake.
Seems since the last SOWERs worked at NLBC there had been a change in director and maintenance leaders and the official SOWER email notification never found its way to the correct person. We weren't sure just how it would all work out, but when a seasoned employee came up and said, "Oh yes, we know who SOWERs are and we LOVE THEM. We have plenty for them to do!" It turned out to be a great month all around.
Lesson learned - if you're the group leader, it never hurts to call ahead to let a project know when to expect you. Just make sure you are calling the correct project!
Wayne & Gail Fieler (3187)
(Are you thinking about an Alaskan Adventure? Check out more of the Fielers' adventures over at their blog!)
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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, Deb, for the great reminder about camps needing our help in those busy summer months! Harvest Time Bible Camp has 3 SOWER openings for July and August!
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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 & Sally,
We have had conversations with several Alumni recently who are really missing the Sowergram and do not have Internet access. Are we leaving them out of the loop, after their many years of service? Some have also mentioned that they used to contribute to SOWERs periodically, but since they no longer get the Sower gram, they don't think about giving as frequently. The Sowergram helps keep us all connected.
Signed,
We Love our Alumni
Dear Love,
I agree - our Alumni are an important and precious part of our ministry. These are the folks who paved the way, set a loving example, and now are some of our best prayer warriors. I don't believe the ministry leadership would ever intentionally leave them out of the loop. When a member decides to move to Alumni status, they notify the office of the change or make the change when they send in their annual registration form (without the skills section filled in). At that time they get a letter welcoming them to the SOWER Alumni and it gives all of the details of what to expect. One of the points in the letter says that as Alumni you will receive the December Sowergram and Roster (like all active SOWERs do) and that you will
"Be placed on the Web Only list for the rest of the Sowergram issues ,and are sent the password to access the gram when it is due to change,
unless you let the office know that you do not have internet access and request to receive the bi-monthly printed Sowergram."
So, for an Alumni to get the Sowergram hard copy each time it's published, they simply need to request it from the office. I fear what often happens is that once someone becomes Alumni they forget they need to send in a completed registration form each year just like they did when they were active workers. If the registration form is not sent in, their names are removed from the mailing list and roster. I would encourage any of us who knows a SOWER Alumni who is feeling left out suggest they call the office to make sure they are current with their registration and then ask to be placed on the mailing list if internet access is an issue. Hope that helps!
Blessings,
Sam & Sally
Do you have a question about a 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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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
BATTERIES!
If you are like me, you can remember the development of battery operated drills and how it revolutionized construction methods. With the development of NiCad batteries, it made it possible to have the power and longevity needed to do the heavy duty jobs that only a corded electric drill could previously do. NiCad batteries were the industry standard for years; I still have a set of Makita NiCads that work fine and are going on 30 years old. However, NiCad battery technology has been replaced with Lithium Ion batteries. These batteries are at least half the size and weight of the NiCads with more power and longevity; this has led the tools to also become smaller and lighter. Further, most of the batteries recharge in about 15 minutes. The latest development is brushless motors in the tools. This allows delivery of even more power and reduction of heat due to reduced friction.
Also if you are like me; you put off, or are still putting off, making the switch to Lithium Ion. The old NiCads are still working and the cost of switching to Lithium Ion just can't be justified. A few years ago with the help of a gift certificate and a black Friday special; I was finally able to "justify" the purchase and made the switch; and boy, what a difference between the two technologies! Sadly, my old Makitas are just gathering dust. However, with competition in the market, the cost of these tools have come down as off-brands have entered the market making it more affordable to own these tools.
So, if you haven't made the switch yet, I encourage you to try and figure out a way; you won't regret it.
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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HOT OFF THE PRESS
SOWER Reapings, a compilation of SOWER God stories and testimonies, is now available through the SOWER office. Many thanks to Ron Heinecke for his sacrificial work in putting this book together. And to all who contributed their stories. Your copy can be ordered from the office for a minimum donation of $10.00.
Contact them today!
903-882-8070
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Clicking on the
Cherries above will take you to the Members Only Page, the June/July Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
Don't forget the password changes on JUNE 15. Check the June/July Sowergram or your email from the office (if you are web only) for the correct password.
Still stumped?
Call the office - they'll be happy to help!
903-882-8070
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Bundle Up!
No - not for the winter. For fuel savings!
Several of our New Mexico projects have openings during the summer. They are all at a slightly higher elevation, so the weather is usually delightful!
NM-477 Appletree Education Center
NM-505 Camp Oro Quay
NM-521 Bonita Park
Check 'em out!
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Just the Facts
for June 2016
(June 2015)
Number of Active SOWERS*
487 (501)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
134 (134)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
121 (116)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
35 (36)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
440 (472)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
69 (62)
*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 -
RV Parking at Black Lake Camp, Olympia, WA (WA-78)
Header Group Shot -
Prescott Pines (AZ-124)
April 2016
Harley & Nancy Foss (3001) Bill & Susie Russell (3015)
Ken & Kay Jelinek (3121)
Terry & Marge Sheats (2577)
Mil & Linda Sutter (3317) Bob & Judy Baker (3257)
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Well.......
Did you vote yet? Ballots are due on JULY 1ST and each individual SOWER can vote for THREE candidates!
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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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