OUR MISSION:

We serve and encourage Christian Ministries to fulfill the commandments of Jesus Christ

SOWER Ministry Newsletter April 2026

From Where I Sit

by Office Managers Gail Fieler & Katie Gay

Dear SOWER family,

Our ministry keeps running because of dedicated SOWERs like you. To keep things running well, we need several individuals willing to serve on the Board of Trustees. If you know someone you feel would represent you well in making decisions that affect all the SOWERs, please ask them if they are willing to serve in this way for three years and then nominate them! It is nearly time to vote, so we need to get your nominations soon. Remember, voting will be done online. A full description of the requirements and responsibilities of a Trustee can be found HERE.

A note of encouragement we received:

“We recently connected with AIM Retirement Center in Minneola, Florida. They informed us about this amazing group of volunteers called SOWERs. Then we found your website and we are so encouraged and amazed at your servant hearts and the 100's of ministries you have partnered with across the US and Canada since 1983. God bless you. We have no doubt God will reward you for your faithful service to Him.”

Serving Him by serving you,

Katie & Gail

Got Questions? The office is happy to help!

903-882-8070(land line--no texts)

sowers@sowerministry.org

Trustee Corner

“Others”

For me, this one word sums up the entire reason that Jesus came to this earth as a helpless newborn child, lived a sinless life, and died a horrible and humiliating death on a cross – all for the purpose of saving “others”! The Bible goes on to tell us that he didn’t come to this earth to save just those who would believe on Him as their Lord and Savior, but for all of mankind (John 3:15-17). This singular passion for others has provided the way for all of us who believe to live in eternal communion with the all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present God of the universe. I am so thankful that Jesus put His love for others above Himself (Philippians 2:5-8) so that we might receive His eternal blessing.

As I reflect on His great love and sacrifice, which resulted in the fulfillment of Scripture and the triumphal resurrection that permanently defeated death for all those who believe, I am challenged as a Christ-follower to live my life as He did for others. So, what does living my life for others look like as a believer? Erwin Lutzer, pastor emeritus of The Moody Church, answers that question much better than I ever could: “We are commanded to live radically like Christ, committing ourselves to the needs of others: body, soul, and spirit. We must also realize that the gospel comes not only in words, but through authentic, caring Christians who are willing to sacrifice their all for others.”



I am so thankful that He has provided a ministry such as ours, where we have the opportunity to demonstrate our love for Him by putting the needs of others above our own. Yes, those of us who love the RVing lifestyle and the opportunity to travel all across the US and Canada are blessed too by this ministry, but we must remember why we are serving in the SOWER Ministry in the first place – to serve others. Join with me in thanking Him for His demonstration of love towards us at the cross, and for the opportunities He has provided through the SOWER ministry to reflect that love towards others.

Serving with you,

Jim Haney #3902

Trustee

Trustees Nominations

Want some more info about what your Trustees Do? A brief description can be found HERE!

ALERT International Highlights

The desire of the believers and ministry programs located in Big Sandy, TX (ALERT Academy / IBLP TX-410) is to apply the Gospel to everyday life. Practically, this mission takes many forms.

For ALERT Academy, it means forging men to take responsibility and serve others. ALERT Academy utilizes a military-style structure, discipleship, unique experiences, and professional emergency response skills training. This year, several ALERT graduates—now serving their local communities with the light and love of Christ—were lead rescuers in a recent Hot Air Balloon Rescue in Longview. Check the link for some astounding video.

For IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles)

it means sharing God’s Word in practical, applicable ways through their on-campus podcast studio, Christ-focused events, biblical publications, and outreach to the incarcerated with dynamic discipleship resources. A recent partnership with the God Behind Bars Pando App has provided the opportunity to share Christ on hundreds of thousands of inmate tablets across the country.

The Southwoods RV Park Ministry is also an avenue of on-site discipleship for retirees, offering affordable long-term site rentals for those looking for a place to call home. SOWERs are invited to stay for 1–2 nights free at any time; RV storage is also available for $100 per month. To schedule a stay or for more information, please call Cherith at 903-636-9201.

The IBLP and ALERT ministries reside on a beautiful 2,250-acre campus that offer both a peaceful atmosphere and ongoing maintenance needs—creating countless opportunities to put your skill sets to work alongside fellow believers at TX-410. SOWERs continue to bless this project not only with their practical help, but also through their personal walk with God. We have spots for six (6) SOWERs each month through the end of 2026.

Thank you for all you do!
Cherith Hendrich
ALERT International

Underserved Projects

Have you checked out the Underserved Project List lately?



We have underserved projects in every part of the country and a few in Canada. Check them out! If you've served at one recently, we'd love to feature it in an upcoming newsletter. So send in some highlights along with a couple of pictures to newsletter@sowerministry.org to help get it OFF the list! Here's one from the Howards -

Locust Springs Retreat Center

Greeneville, TN

We had the privilege of working at Locust Springs Retreat Center (TN-337) in March, located in scenic eastern Tennessee. The camp struggled for many years, but former missionaries Steve and Nicole Myers have made many improvements since coming in as hosts. Locust Springs has 3 weeks of summer camp and hosts many churches and retreats. They ensure groups are Christian-based. Recent additions are a pavilion and a soon-to-open zipline. This is truly a needy project as Steve and Nicole are the only staff at this time. The camp location in eastern Tennessee allows for many sightseeing and hiking opportunities.
Dick and Toni Howard #2527

SOWER Stories and Testimonies

Divine Appointment



As SOWERs, we travel across the nation, going where we feel the Lord is leading us. But sometimes we’re led to something unexpected through a wrong turn or a quick stop. While serving with Tom and Judy Pavlik at Acadian Baptist Center in Louisiana, we experienced just that.

One day, we were on a “SOWER expedition,” looking for a particular general store near the small town of Church Point. At the main intersection, I turned left instead of right–yes, I admit it, a mistake. What followed made us glad for the mistake.We drove to the edge of town, passed a Christian thrift store and—being SOWERs, of course we turned around and stopped.

Inside, the boys made a quick pass while the ladies continued to roam. At the register, we noticed the cab of a real fire truck mounted on the wall. A neatly dressed, polite young man named Tyler asked if we wanted to hear the siren—and yes, it worked! As we talked, we told him about SOWERs and what we do, which he thought was amazing and wonderful. The store, The Way 2 Thrift, one of seven in the region, employs men exiting incarceration, encouraging them to rebuild their lives in a Christian environment.

Tyler shared about how the stores worked with these men, his past, and how God is working in his heart and changing his life. In his early 30s, he had been a truck driver but felt led back to his hometown and this store, where he once interned, to help other men keep their eyes on God. He told us that he and two teenage coworkers had been baptized the night before! Tyler is the store manager, but it seems God has him managing much more than just a store.

The ladies found their treasures, brought them to the counter, and were filled in on our conversation. Gail immediately pulled out a cross penny—a simple penny with a cross punched out that we hand out as a ministry—and gave it to Tyler. He looked at it, stepped back, held it to his heart, and was speechless. He said he had no words to describe what it meant to him. Shaking his head, he stepped behind an office chair at the register, bent over, placed his forearms on the back of it, and hung his head. We never did hear what it meant to him; there was no need.

As we were saying our goodbyes, we thought, We need to pray with him. But before we could ask, he asked if he could pray with us. I can’t remember ever hearing a more powerful prayer. 

God placed Tyler in our lives for a short while, but we will remember him for a long, long time. This was God at work, and we were blessed to experience it. This is why we turned the wrong way.

The next time you make a wrong turn, go a little farther and look around. God may have something unexpected He wants you to see—or someone He wants you to meet. 

Perry Shepard #3773

Thank you Perry for this amazing story! We can pray for and look for those divine and unexpected appointments that are a part of God's plan for our ministry as we travel.

Do you have a SOWER testimony of God's power and protection as you served, a testimony of His miracles? Or a SOWER story to share? Please share it with us at: newsletter@sowerministry.org



Reports from the Legacy Grandparenting Summit

“Gayle and I were privileged to attend the Legacy Coalition Conference in Frisco, TX last month. We were blessed to man the SOWER table for 2 1/2 days and meet with more grandparents than we could count - sometimes up to 5 deep - all trying to inquire about SOWERs and how it works. We also hosted a "Lunch and Learn" where 20 couples attended and asked a lot of questions. I think we were able to reach a few hundred grandparents with a means to know a little about SOWERs.” - Dave and Gayle Anderson (#3362)

Tommy & Glenda Widmer (#3399) also attended the conference and Tommy helped with the Lunch and Learn presentation while Gayle and Glenda manned the SOWER table. Let’s pray that the Lord would move a few of those attendees to join SOWERs!

Shout out to Les Turkelson #3192 for taking it upon himself to represent the SOWER Ministry at the “Men for Christ” event in Chetek, WI, this last March 27th and 28th. Les set up a SOWER tabletop and had “quite a few” men stop by to discuss the particulars of our ministry. Les also had the opportunity to give a short presentation to the group of men assembled for this event. Thanks for caring enough to promote our Ministry Les!

Do you have a church or community event where YOU could share our SOWER Ministry? The office has many promotional supplies that they are happy to supply for these events!

Jim Haney (3902)
Linda Senn(3691)

If you are registered for this event in Fryeburg, Maine, please let us know, and we will make sure to get all the SOWER couples attending connected. It’s a lot of fun to fellowship together, promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the worship services, and, in general, just get to know one another better. Contact Jim Haney (SOWER #3902) if you plan on attending.

WISCONSIN LUNCH

SAVE THE DATE:

Tuesday June 2nd, 2026

Home of Teri (H) and Geri (W) Larkee #3747

teri.larkee@gmail.com

geri.larkee@gmail.com

771 Fieldcrest Drive

Neenah, WI 54956

You are invited to our Fourth Annual Summer Lunch for all Wisconsin Sowers, Alumni, and those Sowers who happen to be in the area!

There is NO room for your RV, but there ARE campgrounds nearby if you are more than a day's drive away!

We will provide some sort of meat & the plates, and the utensils. If you wish to bring a dish to pass, that is appreciated. Just let us know so that we can plan. Please bring your favorite beverage and your chairs.

Teri and I are SO LOOKING FORWARD to this upcoming get-together! Even if it’s raining or sweltering, we can crowd in and get to know each other even better than if we were all spread out! Hope to see you there!

Working SOWERs

Here's the March 2026 group from Camp Baldwin, AL-420: L-R - Bernie & Andi McGovern (3629), Jim & Jodi Parker (3976), Mike & Donna Black (3795), David & Karen Cooper (4069), Bruce & Tammy Wilhelm (3662), Terry & Barb Long (4099). Photo: Karen Cooper

There are 68 SOWER couples/singles serving at 36 different ministries all around the country this April. Praise God for all the work that's being accomplished! 

Do YOU have a Blog you'd like to share? 

Send the link to newsletter@sowerministry.org and we'll add it to the 'Roll'!

Dear Sam and Sally SOWER

Dear Sam & Sally,

While working on a project and searching for a screwdriver in the storage shed, a fellow SOWER told me that every project should provide the tools needed to get the job done.

Then I heard from other seasoned SOWERs that if you’re a “1” on the skills sheet, you don’t need to bring any tools for that skill, but if you’re a “4,” you should come fully equipped.

Another SOWER mentioned that my bubble level might be a bit… lacking, and suggested I upgrade to a laser level.

Now I’m wondering, should I also consider a vacuum drywall sander, a portable air compressor, and maybe even a rooftop carrier for my tow car?

Asking for a friend, of course.


Signed,

Tool Man Wannabe

Dear Tool Man,

Thank you for your question—and the chuckle! Traveling in an RV definitely limits how many tools we can bring, so it’s wise to choose carefully.

A good rule of thumb is to bring the tools you’re comfortable using and prefer to work with. Battery-operated tools tend to be the most convenient, but if you have a favorite corded drill and space allows, feel free to bring it along.

Everyone should plan to have basic hand tools—hammers, screwdrivers, and the like. If you have a specialized skill (tiling, for example), it’s helpful to bring the tools that will set you up for success in that area.

While most ministry locations provide adequate supplies, when it comes to painting, many SOWERs find it easier to bring their own brushes and small accessories. Projects are expected to supply the necessary tools for a job, but using familiar ones can make the work smoother and more enjoyable.

You may notice that some full-timers carry quite an assortment of tools—don’t let that intimidate you! A simple bubble level is perfectly adequate for most jobs. But if you’re itching for that laser level… well, you might want to check with your spouse first. 😉



Tool we meet again,

Sam and Sally

Do you have a SOWER etiquette question? Or maybe you'd like some clarification about a policy or rule. Sam and Sally would love to hear from you! Contact them at - samandsally@sowerministry.org

To send in a prayer request or praise item-

To contact the office -

sowers@sowerministry.org

903-882-8070  

To submit a SOWER story or a photo to the newsletter, send it to

newsletter@sowerministry.org

Header Photo - Toni Howard (2527) - Locust Springs Christian Retreat Center (TN-337)

Blue Bonnet Photo - Lou Blount (3952)

Bible Verse Photo - Lake Lundgren, WI-456