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You know it's August when the "Back to School" ads seem to shout "wrap it up - the summer's over". Has this summer gone as fast for you as it has for me? Many of you have been busy at home this summer - tending your gardens, visiting family, watching those grandkids play soccer and baseball, and helping out with VBS or other summer programs at your home church. Maybe your summer has been a bit more subdued as you've been busy caring for an aging parent or other family member or even struggling with your own health issues. (Please don't forget to share those items through the prayer chain so we can join you in lifting these requests to Jesus.) Some have had the opportunity to work SOWER projects this summer and have been blessed to see God at work at Christian Camps all across the country. Ziplines, water activities, crazy competitions and real-time Bible teaching. Quite a winning combination when it comes to kids and the Gospel. Many hearts have been won for Christ - Thank you, Jesus!
In the "SOWER World", August brought a new Sowergram and the Annual Registration form. Did you notice the new spot to check if you're able to accept text messages? That information will be noted in the Roster and we hope will aid folks in communication. Those forms need to be back in the office October 1st, fill yours out today! Winter sign-ups are going well, and there are still lots of openings in the "Sunshine States". Now that the lottery is over, sign-ups are back to a first-come/first-served basis. The office is waiting for your requests! =)
May the rest of your summer days be filled with joy peace - and hopefully a couple of giggles too! Hope to see you 'down the road'!
Resting in His Faithfulness,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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A Word from a new Trustee
Happy August SOWER family,
Thank you for voting in the latest SOWER trustee election. It's a right and privilege to be able to vote in our ministry as well as in our nation. Not sure how that November election will turn out (please continue praying) but I do know that in July I was elected for the first time to the Sower Board. Congratulations as well to Bill Cairns and Jim Swanner on their re-election. These are exciting times for our ministry, challenging ones too but God is still in control, still sits on the Throne and is still in charge of His Servants on Wheels Ever Ready!! I look forward to working with the Board and membership as we continue to align our SOWER community with God's Kingdom.
In Him,
Kim Trivilino #3094
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Registration/Skill Sheet
FAQs
1. Who should return their 2017 Registration/Skill Sheet?
~ Everyone who plans to work at a Sower project in 2016.
~ Everyone who is not sure if they can work a project but wants to stay connected in case their circumstances change.
~ Everyone who has retired from doing projects but wants to remain in the 'family' - getting the newsletter, staying on the prayer chain, and having access to the PLA, Sowergram and Roster.
2. If I'm already an Alumni, do I have to send it in?
~ YES! If you do not send it it you will no longer be on the rolls and we'd hate to see you go! You do not need to fill in your skill levels - just the top portion.
3. What if I don't send it in?
~ You will be unable to work any projects in 2017 (even if you have already signed up for them).
~ You will not be listed in the roster.
~ You will not be sent a 2018 Registration/Skill Sheet.
~ You will not have access to the Sowergram and PLS.
4. Why can't the office just use my information from last year?
~ Information changes. It's an important check for the office to make sure they have accurate contact info for you.
~ Skill levels change. Maybe you had a 4 down for tile, but this year you had knee replacement surgery. Lower your skill level to reflect your current limitations. Our partner ministries rely on accurate skill information when they are planning their projects.
~ Skill levels change. Maybe you had a 1 down for painting but God had you doing a lot of painting last year and you improved your painting prowess. Bump the number up. See comment above.
5. When is it due?
~ Today! Okay, it's not really due until October 1st. But do it today! If you can't find the copy that came in your Sowergram, you can download one from the Members Page or contact the office for another copy.
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SILVER SPUR IS BACK IN THE SADDLE
Yes, that's Silver Spur Christian Camp & Retreat Center (CA-375), located at about 1200 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Sonora, and the well known "gold mining" area. They have been on hold for the last year as there have been changes in leadership, financially hard times and then the loss of their outdoor chapel due to fallen trees. This spring Christopher Day came on staff as a temporary director, and big changes are being made along with new ministry goals and a new mission statement for the camp. Christopher had never even heard of SOWERS so when we paid them a visit to discuss the possibility of changing their status back to active he got quite an "ear full" from a few of the remaining long-time staffers and Dave & I as area reps. He shared with us the great need for volunteers and what could be accomplished month to month if only he had them. The more Christopher heard about SOWERS the more excited he became for our ministry and how it could affect what they are doing. The result? They are back on the active list and they have a mountain of work waiting for us. RV parking at the camp is spacious and open and located right behind the office/dining complex where WIFI has excellent reception. SOWERS, if you are thinking of working California sites this year or traveling North or South on CA 99 this fall, please consider this great opportunity to encourage a very visionary young man and help Silver Spur spread the "Good News" to many families and young people.
Humbly Submitted by Dave & Markay Lyon (3133),
North CA Area Reps
Silver Spur Camp has two SOWER spots and is asking for SOWERS in September and October of 2016 and then in April, May, September and October of 2017. There's still time to sign up to give them a hand this year!
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We got a Raise for this!
When we got to Sunshine Bible (SD-495) this spring we were asked if we would paint the Chapel. Simple enough, except the bell tower on the Chapel is forty four (44) feet tall. How do we get to the sides and back? A local supporter offered to let us use his 40 foot lift, so we started.
This Chapel was moved here in the 60's. We actually met a couple at Subway one Sunday after church who were married in this Chapel 64 years ago, when it was the Lutheran Church in Miller, South Dakota. They could not tell us when it was actually built.
Back to the job. Upon closer inspection of the top, we found a lot of rotten wood which would need to be replaced before we could paint. The 40 foot lift would get us to the east, west and south sides but not reach the north side which was in the worst shape of all. We replaced what we could and started removing 60 years of paint and then the owner of the lift got a job which needed the lift so it went down the road and we rented a 55 foot lift which will get us to the north side for repair.
We are currently working on other projects until the rental lift is delivered, then we will make this grand old Chapel/Lutheran Church shine like the beauty it can be.
Bob Wakeman #3114
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God's Gracious Provision
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Eph. 3:20-21
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SOWERs Marion and Donna Berriman (#2114) were en route to one of their favorite assignments near their home in Colorado when suddenly they felt their vehicle being pushed sideways across two lanes. When they
 finally came to a stop, Donna was unable to get her door open, so they both exited from the driver's side. When they looked back, their trailer was on its side, the back wheels of their car were lifted off the road, and although they were quite shaken, both of them were uninjured! Their trailer had been hit from behind which sent it tumbling and twisting, pushing their car with it. The whole incident took less than a minute, but in that minute no other cars were in any of the lanes they crossed and no one else was injured. Their trailer was a complete loss, but since they were near home, they decided to commute to Glen Eyrie to serve with the SOWER group they had already scheduled for. During their first week they were able to find an adorable cute used trailer and parked on the hill with the rest of us; they plan to continue serving as long as the Lord allows! After settling their trailer, they priced out a much needed new mattress, but since it had to be a custom sized, they were going to forego it. Again, God had a plan! A perfect sized mattress was available because some new RVers just bought a sleep number mattress and was giving theirs away. "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Eph. 3:20-21Submitted (with permission) by
Meredith Williams, #3225
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Our God is Faithful.....
We knew our Alaskan summer would be a trip of a lifetime, but we had no idea just how much! With Gail taking a turn behind the wheel of our motorhome, we were navigating through construction traffic just outside of Anchorage. As the construction zone ended, she pulled over to the right to allow the train of vehicles behind us to pass. As she merged into the right lane, a side dump gravel truck came out of the construction zone on the right and we collided side to side. The top of the gravel truck hit the front awning pole, door and tore off the front upper corner of the passenger side of the motorhome. God took hold of Gail's hands as she pulled the vehicle to the left of the 2 lanes, then back to the right to get it off the highway.
 The right windshield and passenger windows were obliterated, and it was surely a miracle that Wayne, sitting in the passenger seat, wasn't injured. To God be all the Glory - the truck signed a "no damage" waver and drove off. Unable to find a tow truck that could handle the motorhome, we duct taped the windshield in place, tied the door shut and crept on for the last 30 miles to Anchorage. And then we wondered at the enormity of what had just happened so far from home and pondered the biggest question - What's Next?
But God had it all in hand. The rig was totaled and the settlement from our insurance company was $10,000 OVER what we had paid for it 4 ½ years ago. We were then able to sell it for salvage and are using those additional funds to transport our belongings back to the lower 48. Solid Rock Camp (our scheduled August project) has offered us lodging so we can fulfill our commitment to them, and also so we have a bit of time to work out all of the logistics of the coming weeks and months. And all of those pieces of the puzzle are falling into place. Daily, our Great God is showing us -
- Don't hang onto anything is this life too tightly.
- Wait for Him to work. He already has it all worked out.
- Watch every circumstance in the valley as it is Heaven sent with His approval.
- Be vocal - He wants us to use this for His Glory!
- Be more aware of prayer requests as they come to me.
- And be willing to accept blessings from others - not always easy for any of us!
God has it all under control. He has shown us that everyone involved in this, from insurance adjustors, RV park attendees, salvage yards, relatives, children, project volunteers to fellow SOWERs are all a part of His plan, beginning to end. We're not through this valley yet, but God's blessings keep flowing and we are beginning to heal. There is another RV out there for us, our kids are watching how we handle this valley, and our friends are praying earnestly for our well being. WE WILL BE BACK IN THE SADDLE AS SOON AS WE CAN. God's work will continue to be high on our bucket list.
Thank you SOWER family! You are the greatest family to be a part of. Your prayers and concerns have been felt. Some of you have offered lodging; there are even some of you that are aggressively looking for a replacement RV for us. How amazing is that? We only wish we could have retired earlier to be a part of this amazing journey sooner. God bless every one of you, we love you and are here for you when you hit your speed bump.
Wayne & Gail Fieler #3187
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Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Group Page
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Thank you, Betty, for sharing some of the beauty of Lighthouse Christian Camp (NY-379). This is a beautiful camp that always needs help during the summer months - and into the early fall. There are still openings for September and October!
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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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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 have been SOWERS for about 5 years and during that time I have noticed the pace of things is sometimes stressful. When I am doing a job with a group, I often am the last one to complete the task because I do things more slowly than others it seems. This is very frustrating to me and to the others, I'm sure, who have to wait patiently for me to finish. I feel like I'm slowing everyone down. I enjoy the fellowship of SOWERs, but I often I prefer to work by myself and we actually enjoy being the only SOWER couple on the project because then we can work at our own pace. How should we handle this situation?
Signed,
Slow but steady
Dear Steady,
Thank you for this thoughtful question. Everyone does indeed work at a different pace and it can be intimidating when working with folks who finish quickly. Please don't ever be frustrated by the time it takes you to do the excellent job that you do. Our "SOWER Song" is the hymn - Our Best - and that is what you are offering as you serve, regardless of the time it takes to complete the task at hand. Our suggestion is one you've already implemented. If you begin to feel overwhelmed by other's faster pace, take a break from working with a group. And knowing that you enjoy working alone (not many SOWERS do), it's good that you take the opportunity to do so. And certainly the projects where you work are blessed by your work! Thank-you for hearing our Master's Call - and obeying!
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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It's really true -
I can't do this without you!
This newsletter is always looking for God Stories, project highlights, group pictures, and more! And Bill Myers is always on the look-out for some great tips!
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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)
$85 per couple in your RV
additional $25 if using cabin or hotel room with linens and small fridge included. Cost includes -Registration, Dinner Monday, and lunch and dinners on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Registration is Monday, Sept. 19th, 11-4
Room checkout by 11:00 on Thursday the 22nd.
for more information!
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Sept 19 - 22
Minnesota SOWER Rally
Lake Beauty Camp (MN-523)
RV Camping - $25/night
Loon Lodge - $50/night
Free Camping on the 21st if you stay to work on the 22nd!
CONTACT
Dorothy Larson
for more information!
651-636-8049
612-710-3490
(Click on the name to send an email)
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FLORIDA RALLY
SAVE THE DATE
Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2017
Florida Baptist Encampment (FL-143)
Groveland, FL
Great things ahead!
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TEXAS RALLY
Mar 26 - Mar 29, 2017
Trinity Pines Camp
TX-454
Watch for more details and contact Gary Conrad if you'd like to be on the Rally Team!
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The Fall Board meeting is scheduled for
Sept. 24-27
in Lindale, TX
Have a question, suggestion or concern for the Board? Send an email addressed to the SOWER office with "For the Trustees' in the subject line. Presto - the office staff will immediately get it on its way to the entire Board.
Of course, you are welcome to contact any member of the Board individually by phone or email using the information in the roster.
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SOWING TIPS
Super Sticky
Super Glue is a great product that most of us have used at one time or another to get us out of a "sticky" situation. However, it's not usually a product we use daily and when we do need it we either cannot find it (very small bottles or tube) or when we do find it, it has dried out. Further, you hate to throw away a slightly used tube of super glue.
Well, here is a tip that solves these problems. Store it in the freezer. It will last forever as far as I know. I know it will last a year at least. It does not freeze and can be used immediately. The cap comes off easily. When finished stick it back in the freezer for next time you need it. This tip works great for gels, too!
***************
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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Escapade RV Rally Report
Hello SOWER friends!
We wanted to give a short report about the SOWER table in the ROW at Escapade last week in Essex Junction, VT. We were quite pleased with the interest people had in the SOWER ministry! About half of the attendees were at an Escapade for their first time, so we were able to talk to many who had no idea about our ministry. A HUGE shout-out to Nick & Linda Murabito for all their help, both at the table and in having a power point to use for our seminar time as well. We had around 20 attend the seminar. We also had 2 other SOWER couples help the last day with our table: Shipley's and Roorda's both live in VT and drove up that day to cover the table. When we last talked to Alean in the SOWER office, she had had 2 couples call for a packet or information that week! We are getting the word out!
Note from the editor - these resources (the banner, map and brochures) are available for you to use too! If your church or community is having a missions festival, contact the office about which of these resources are available at that time. Of course, brochures are ALWAYS available - contact them today for a supply to keep handy!
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Did you read the one about...?
SOWER Reapings, a compilation of SOWER God stories and testimonies, is now available through the SOWER office. It's filled with God stories, funny stories, and remembrances of that time when.... 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
Field of Sunflowers above will take you to the Members Only Page, the August/September Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
903-882-8070
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Looking for some SOWER "Swag"?
The office has fresh stock of SOWER shirts, tee and golf, in all sizes. New lower pricing: Golf Shirts reduced from $20.00 to $15.00; Blue Tee-Shirts reduced from $10.00 to $8.00. In addition we have new embroidered ball caps, blue and white. Check out the full list on the Merchandise Order form either on-line or in the latest Sowergram.
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A note from AIM
(FL-412)
Please be assured that SOWERS are not required to pay monthly parking fees at AIM this winter. However, AIM will gladly accept any donations Sowers feel led to give.
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Just the Facts
for August 2016
(Aug 2015)
Number of Active SOWERS*
496 (505)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
136 (138)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
107 (101)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
38 (38)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
412 (439)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
81 (67)
*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 -
Hood Canal Floating Bridge, Washington
Header Group Shot -
May 2016 Lighthouse Christian Camp (TN-351)
Ken & Deb Long (3326)
Kent & Fran Hillman (2820)
Don & Mary Lou Musser (3115)
Mike & Janice (not pictured) Kennedy (3078)
Thanks to the Longs for sharing their photo!
Opening Paragraph Kids at Play
Fun on the lake at Black Lake Camp (WA-78)
Field of Sunflowers
in South Dakota
Janet Turkelson 3192
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Do you know someone who might be interested in SOWERS? Feel free to forward this e-Newsletter!
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