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OUR MISSION:
We serve and encourage Christian Ministries to fulfill the commandments of Jesus Christ
| | SOWER Ministry Newsletter August 2026 | | |
Greetings!
In the height of summer, life seems to slow down and speed up at the same time. For me, it slows because I refuse to move fast in the Texas heat. Due to family obligations, there are no SOWER projects for us just now, so I hibernate and wait for fall. To those in the north, I envy you and can imagine a summer full of activity before that winter sets in.
But our last week was a frenzy of planning for next winter and summer 2027. Like many of you, most of this planning revolved around what projects we could serve and where our travel plans would take us along the way. It was exciting! We waited expectantly for the winter sign-ups to start and talked with friends about traveling together for both the winter and the following summer. We prayed about how many projects to serve. Is two projects enough this year? Is four enough? Can we add one more since we know the need is great? How will we ever reach all 180 projects at this rate? How will we ever see our SOWER friends we have served with and return to our beloved projects?
Well, we know the answer to that, don’t we? The truth is, we will never see all the projects and meet all our fellow SOWERs. We do not have unlimited time serving as SOWERs. Our time and resources are limited. So, I must ask, what does God require of me today? What choices are for His glory? How can I best serve him with the resources I have?
God guided us to SOWERs and guides us as we serve. There will come a time when we won’t be looking to our next trip or project. One day we will serve our last project, and hopefully serve God in other capacities until the day we go home to Him. But until then, we look ahead joyfully at where the Lord will lead us next year!
"So teach us to number our days,
that we may present a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
Resting in His Faithfulness, Sharon
For the Newsletter Team
Sharon Hoyt, Stephanie Conrad & Lou Blount
newsletter@sowerministry.org
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From Where I Sit
by Office Managers Gail Fieler & Katie Gay
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Dear SOWER family,
Annual registration and 2027 sign-ups are in full swing – be sure on the front page of your Member Dashboard that it says “You are registered through calendar year 2027”. If not, contact us and we can walk you through it.
RV Spec Reminder– when requesting an assignment, make sure your rig fits! Check on the ministry information screen. Better to know before you get there! Just saying…….
A Blessing– I cannot begin to tell you how excited we get in the office when a couple takes on the role of Group Leader and we get to remove people from the waiting list. My heart skips a beat!
As always, it's fun to hear the excitement from our newest members………
“Received (our new member package) today. Tempted to wear my name tag around the house! 🙂”
My reply to them?…….Double Dog Dare Ya!
Thank you all so much for serving the Lord through the SOWER Ministry!
Gail & Katie
Got Questions? The office is happy to help!
903-882-8070(land line--no texts)
sowers@sowerministry.org
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Have you ever wanted to change the photo of yourself on the member website? Unfortunately, you can't do it yourself.
BUT WAIT! The office staff can change it! You can send to the office (sowers@sowerministry.org) a picture by email (NOT text) and they will do their best to make it work. If it does not work because it is too big, too small, too grainy, etc., they will let you know so can try for another. It’s something that is not high priority in the office, so it may take a little time to change.
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I recently heard a newer SOWER say, “This isn’t what I expected a SOWER project to be like.” I think all experienced SOWERs can agree that all projects are not the same and there are always going to be aspects that may surprise us. By and large, those surprises will be positive, but sometimes they may seem negative at the time.
One of the great things about the SOWER Ministry is that there is a level of consistency from project to project. This is good for the host ministry in that every group of SOWERs that comes to serve will follow the same set of guidelines. In the same way, we as SOWERs can expect some things to be consistent from project to project. Our schedule is usually similar; we will have morning devotions, and of course we will sing “Our Best”. However, no amount of guidelines will guarantee that there won’t be any surprises. The only question is, “How will we react when things don’t go as planned or expected?”
In Romans 8:28, Paul says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” As we know, that doesn’t mean that all things seem good at the time. But He promises that everything that happens to us has a purpose. Although we go to a project to serve God by serving the ministry, I’m confident that God has many other reasons for us to be there. It might be the person we meet that becomes a lifelong friend. It might be the camp staff person that needs encouragement from us. And it might be that God is working on us by putting us in a challenging situation.
After eight years of many different projects, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected and to be flexible. When “things happen”, let’s embrace those as opportunities to grow, and let’s encourage each other to do the same.
Brad Smith #3482
Vice President, SOWER Ministry
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Clicking on the school children will take you to the SOWER website, where you can sign on to the Member Dashboard to get "Real Time" updates for our ministry projects' needs, sign up for projects, and maintain your account.
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Annual Registration and SOWER Alumni
Have you signed up yet?
Annual Registration for 2027 began on July 1st. Look at your SOWER dashboard for the prompt to complete your annual registration and skill sheet. This annual registration must be completed before you will be able to sign up for any 2027 projects. If you are a 'retired' SOWER, but still want access to the Members page, you need to complete the annual registration each year.
It's not too late to register and find a place to serve in 2027!
Let the office know via email whenever you have changes in contact information or if you wish to change your status from Alumni to Active.
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Winter Sign-Up Report
Sharon Hoyt, here, doing a bit of onsite reporting from the SOWER office:
This year I had the opportunity to be at the office to witness the process as the winter projects opened up.
The anticipation as we approached 10:00 CST was high! We had a team discussion about the website and a quick prayer about how the sign-up process would go. We had high hopes all would go smoothly. Then, the hour struck and we stood and watched the request page populate-first 20,then 40, then 100, then 200 requests for serving at winter projects! And it kept growing. It was so exciting to see all the SOWERs wanting to serve!
Gail Fieler’s enthusiasm was evident as she signed people up, especially as she was able to take people off the waitlist who were waiting for a GL when she got another request for the same place who COULD serve as a GL. She worked fast, completing about one request per minute. And she didn’t stop. No SOWER break for her that day! Wayne Fieler and Ron Hoyt monitored the website which ran smoothly, handling the requests easily this year.
I loved listening to Gail talk to each SOWER couple as she processed their requests as if they were standing in the office, rejoicing at all the work for Jesus that would be happening, exclaiming “They’re in!” when the assignment was completed and then quickly moving on to the next request. In the end, Gail processed over 250 requests in one day–with more waiting for her the next day. And her favorite quote was, "Patience, Grasshopper."
Thank you office staff for all your hard work getting us SOWERs signed up and on the road this winter!
It’s not too late to join the winter migration!
Check out that SOWER page and join the party!
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Hey! What about the projects that
don't have requests for 2027 yet?
The winter(southern projects for snowbirds) reminders to ask for SOWERs are sent out in February, giving them time to respond for the big winter sign-up in late July. But many other projects do not get sent reminders until July, August or September. This allows them time to finish summer activities before requesting SOWERs through December of the next year. These release as they are received instead of on a specific date. So, if you have a particular project in mind, keep an eye on the website for when those requests post!
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Deer Creek Camp TX-404
Medina, TX
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What an incredible summer it has been at Deer Creek Camp! We've had the privilege of watching God move in powerful ways in the lives of campers and staff alike. Every week has been filled with life-changing conversations, new friendships, worship, adventure, and opportunities for young people to grow in their faith.
As we've reflected on this summer, we can't help but think about the incredible impact SOWER volunteers have had on Deer Creek Camp. Many of the projects you completed last fall became some of the most heavily used spaces on camp this summer. As Deer Creek has nearly tripled in size over the past five years, these new activities, buildings, and improved spaces have been vital. One of the biggest highlights has been the addition of The Lodge. This project added four new cabins, providing 60 additional beds, along with a beautiful new meeting space. During The Rock Basketball Camp, it became the hub for film sessions, basketball IQ teaching, praise and worship, and team gatherings. Throughout the rest of the summer, it has hosted everything from Day Camp arts and crafts to worship services. Having such a versatile space right in the heart of camp has been an incredible blessing. The treehouse castles have also quickly become camper favorites. The princess castle has served as a wonderful setting for morning Bible studies and group activities, while the medieval castle has become home base for our new airsoft adventure area. It's been exciting to watch these unique spaces come alive with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. As our summer season winds down in mid-August, we'd love to invite you to partner with us once again. There truly isn't a corner of Deer Creek Camp that hasn't been impacted by SOWER hands, and we are deeply grateful for this ongoing partnership.
If you'd like to learn more or see additional photos of the projects you've helped make possible, we invite you to visit our Deer Creek/SOWER page. We'd love to welcome you back to Deer Creek Camp. God bless!
Jesse Sanders-Executive Director of Deer Creek
P.S. SOWER Ron Maynor is coming in early this fall to help us move SOWERS Hill, and we are excited for a brand new location for you guys to enjoy!
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News flash!!! New project!!!
Lake Denton Christian Camp
FL-587
Avon Park, FL
Lake Denton's primary mission is to touch lives through God's love. They have recently hosted children's summer camps, Bible teaching, activities, camping, scuba diving, and more, all on the beautiful Lake Denton.
The camp is excited about their designated SOWER’s house called the “Coker House”. This charming little house, along with some much-needed new porches on 8 cabins, will be among the first projects that SOWER’s will undertake. The Coker House requires several repairs, including new drywall, a new shower plumbing system, and renovations to the back porch and steps overlooking the lake. It’s a cute little house which has one bedroom, one bath, kitchen, dining, and living room nestled among oak trees. They hope the SOWERs will enjoy it as a cozy retreat for relaxation, game nights, Bible study sessions, visiting with one another, or simply sitting on the porch having a cup of coffee overlooking the lake.
They are asking for three (3) SOWERs from September through June, so there are many opportunities to serve!
Lori Jamison (3557) Sponsor
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America's Keswick NJ-3
Great news! America's Keswick is back on the list as an active project hoping for up to four couples May-October 2027. Don't let the New Jersey part fool you. This camp is peaceful, beautiful, and surrounded by trees and visiting deer. It's history as a Men's (and women's) rehabilitation facility is inspiring. And a quick trip to New York City or the Jersey shore rounds out the experience.
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Have you checked out the Underserved Project List lately?
This list updates and changes every quarter. 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!
| | SOWER Stories and Testimonies | | |
Are they big things or little things?
We’ve all experienced it. The days when one little frustration after another comes your way. Then the next thing comes and it seems bigger. But God says “easy peasy, watch me work”.
Our second day of travel from Eagle Lake (CO-528) in Colorado to Trout Lake (MN-371) in Minnesota saw us getting on the road in good time. After a while “ding, ding” a tire sensor warning. We pulled over to check. Just a bad sensor. Whew! Ok on we go, but wait, let’s use this as a bathroom break too. Upon opening the trailer, we found the refrigerator door had broken and the temperature was now up to 63 degrees. We lost the food, but stopped to get ice, to at least save the milk. We rolled into our reserved camp spot later than anticipated and found it occupied. So, we located the camp host and got a new site number. After settling in, along came a whopper of a thunderstorm with hail! Our site was by the river and we began to wonder how much rainfall might be a problem. With a wary eye on the storm’s progress our bedtime prayers included asking the Lord to wake us if we needed to be aware of anything in the night. We slept through the night which was a rare occurrence indeed!
In the morning, about an hour down the road, we began losing power. The truck was struggling to move along at 50 miles an hour. We prayed for wisdom and provision, “show us what to do, Lord” We texted our SOWER friends caravaning with us that we needed to pull over and decided to stop on Main Street in Springview, Nebraska, Population 238. Do you know God sometimes uses Apple Maps to guide us? The map suggested a diesel repair shop one block away! As we pulled around the corner, we discovered the busiest mechanic shop you’ve ever seen. At first, we thought it was too busy, but then there was that nudging that said “just ask”. So, we did! One thing led to another and 3 hours later he had our truck repaired while we enjoyed a picnic under some shade trees. On our way again for less than $200!
Some things are little aggravations and others are bigger like a truck failure, but we were reminded on this trip to just ask the Lord and He will guide and provide.
Tom and Wendy Garrisi #3454
" The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail"- Isaiah 58:11
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Thank you so much, Wendy and Tom, for sharing your experience traveling from one SOWER project to another this summer and how in the big and little things of your journey, God was always there guiding and providing.
Do you have a SOWER testimony of God's power and protection as you served? Or a SOWER story? Please share it with us at: newsletter@sowerministry.org
| | Area Representative Update | | |
We are currently in need of an Area Representative(s) for the projects in Alaska:
AK-#43 Solid Rock Bible Camp
AK-#288 Camp LI- WA, Victory Ministries of Alaska
AK-#532 Victory Bible Camp
An Area Representative (AR) plays a vital role in the success of the SOWER ministry. Each AR serves as the main contact for one or more projects (ideally no more than six) and is responsible for answering questions, offering encouragement, and conducting at least one annual visit to each project. ARs also help evaluate potential new projects by visiting and assessing their ministries and facilities.
Contact Jim Haney for more information!
| | Seen Recently on Facebook | | What a wonderful time this team, Mark and Paula Best(3983), Bob and Suzanne Carlyle(4095), and Brad and Patti Harber (4150) must have had at Cedar Canyon Camp (SD-413). Go to the Facebook SOWER page and check out those extra 31 pictures full of beautiful smiles, work and fun! Cedar Canyon still has openings for 3 couples in October and May-Oct of 2027. | | |
Have You Stopped by Our Facebook Group Lately?
Our private SOWER Facebook group is a place to stay connected, share blessings, and encourage one another as we serve the Lord alongside our ministry partners.
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Ministry Facebook Pages
Many of our partner ministries have their own Facebook pages--check them out to stay updated on the places you love to serve.
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Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who has "liked" or "followed" our SOWER Facebook Page -- we now have over 2000 followers! If you haven't yet, head over and give it a thumbs-up to help spread the word about our ministry.
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Let us not forsake gathering together!
SOWER Gatherings - A Time of Refreshing
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Tennessee Picnic!
It's not too late to join SOWERs at the Blake Homestead in Gainesboro, TN, on Saturday, August 22, at 11 AM! Get all of the details by clicking on the "Are You Ready to Picnic" flyer!
| | | Serving at Pine Haven Christian Ranch MT-576 in St. Ignatius, MT in July, Tom and Penny Kreitzer (4106) and Jack and Peggy Willey (3394). They were the first SOWER couples to serve this project. Pinehaven has openings in September and October of this year. | | | | There are 65 SOWER couples/singles serving at 38 different ministries all around the country this August. Praise God for all the work that's being accomplished! | | | |
SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERs are doing around the country!
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Sam and Sally are taking the month off to spend time with their grandchildren, but they thought they’d leave you with this key to many of the shortcuts we see in text messages and emails. We all might know that LOL means laugh out loud, but did you know these?
ATD- At The Doctors
BTW- Bring The Wheelchair
BYOT- Bring Your Own Teeth
FWIW- Forgot Where I Was
GGPBL- Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low
GHA- Got Heartburn Again
Hope these tips help!
Sam and Sally will be back next month, so send in your SOWER etiquette or policy questions. They’ll be watching for them! SamandSally@sowerministry.org
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To send in a prayer request or praise item-
| | Don't Forget there are easy ways to donate to SOWERs. Click the button below to be taken to the "Donate or Purchase" page. | |
Newsletter Team
Stephanie Conrad #2509
Sharon Hoyt #3815
Lou Blount #3952
Janelle Jorgenson #3871 (Email maintenance)
There's still room on our team! Contact newsletter@sowerministry.org
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