SOWER Ministry Newsletter December 2024 | |
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Dear Stephanie,
December! Did you ever think about the fact that Christmas is the only time of the year when Biblical theology gets piped through stores and malls? Mixed in with the Jingle Bells Rocking and those Roasting Chestnuts come strains of Silent Night and the Joy (that came in)to the World! Even while the world is trying to crowd out the ‘reason for the season’ with its tinsel and trimmings, the Good News of our Savior’s birth is still being proclaimed! Praise God for these classic Christmas Carols that still announce His birth!
By the time this arrives in your inbox, the final countdown to Christmas will be underway! Maybe you’re wrapping up the last of the presents, or finalizing that special Christmas menu. Or maybe you’re already parked at your winter SOWER project! Whether this Christmas finds you home with family or on the road with your SOWER family (or anywhere in between), I pray that you are filled with the wonder that the God of all creation humbled Himself to become a human being - our Savior, Christ the Lord. And He came for the sole purpose of claiming us as His own!. May each of you rest in the security of the Babe whose birth we celebrate this day.
Joy to the world - the LORD has come!
Stephanie
Stephanie Conrad #2509
Editor
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
P.S. I'm still waiting to talk to you about collaborating on this newsletter!
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From Where I Sit (Office) by Katie Gay
KUDOS! to all of the GL’s on the October 2024 projects for getting their GL reports submitted. Great Job to finish well. That information is so helpful for SOWERs looking to see where they might want to serve next. The new website makes it so easy to search for that information since the GL reports are listed on each project's page.
Because prayer is so important to our ministry, we have added a "Prayer Request" button to our Member Dashboard (top right) and also to this newsletter! Check it out!
We are very excited about the new changes/updates around the office. We have been able to replace the very worn flooring in the workroom and now have flowerbed upgrades in process for around the outside of the office building which will make maintaining the outside appearance much easier.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR from your office staff! The office will be officially closed from December 20 through January 6, 2025.
Thanks so much for serving the Lord through the SOWER Ministry!
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Check out the NEW SOWER video - ready for you to share with friends and family, your church, small group, and Sunday School classes. Click on the link above or on the picture to access the video. It can also be found on the Sowerministry.org website under the "About Us" tab.
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And in this instance, our beautiful SOWER family!
Gary and I had a major breakdown on our way to our September project – Camp Nathanael (KY-570). The turbo in our 20 year old diesel pusher motor home gave up the ghost, and we were dead in the water on the side of the road on a busy highway in SE Ohio. Road service managed to find someone to rescue us on this Saturday of a holiday weekend and soon we were watching our home being towed away. Before I had the chance to put our plight through the SOWER prayer chain, I had already alerted some close friends and family and our waiting project and asked for prayer. And answers to prayers were happening before we’d even prayed them, it seemed! “How can we help?” “Do you need us to come and get you?” “I’m only an hour away – what do you need?” So many offers of help! But the one that was truly from the LORD was from the host at Camp Nathanael who immediately said – “Come to camp. We have plenty of room! A bed awaits you!” So we packed up the truck with tools and work clothes, and headed to this new-to-us project. We were welcomed so very warmly, and shown a lovely lodge room we could stay in indefinitely while we waited for word on our rig. And in God’s kind providence, they were serving three meals a day during the week because of all of their volunteer staff during their current program (you can read more about that HERE!). We were able to go get our motor home the following week after she was repaired, and the bill, though significant, was not overwhelming. So many prayers were answered – safety during the breakdown, a place to stay and serve, abundant food, new friends (so many!!!), a new ministry to love, - the list goes on and on! What a blessing to be part of our SOWER Family! So many people to thank! Camp Nathanael for taking us in, to our friends and family who prayed us through this event, and most of all to our Lord and Savior, who goes before us, preparing the way and is never surprised by these twists and turns!
Gary & Stephanie Conrad #2509
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Welcome to the SOWER Project Family! | |
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The mission of Tri-State Christian Camp, FL-580, is to build relationships and impact lives for Jesus Christ. They partner with Angel Tree and Guardian Ad Litem to allow kids from broken homes to attend camp. 2024 was a year of growth and expansion with almost a 50% increase in their summer camp youth programs and retreat rentals. As a result of this growth, they have taken an ambitious step forward in the development of the facility.
They upgraded two cabins with a third that will be completed with the help of the SOWER Ministry. They also need SOWER help to complete the remodel of the RV Loop Community Building, and complete the expansion of Cabin #4. If that was not enough, they started renovating a 2880-square-foot building donated to them. This will be a new retreat facility and possibly more RV sites in the future.
The camp is located only 45 minutes away from the beautiful shores of Destin Beach and works perfectly with a Florida Panhandle 'bundle' along with Teen Challenge (FL-448) and Camp Bethlehem (FL-475). They are asking for five (5) SOWERs January through June.
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Area Rep Corner - Indiana & Kentucky | |
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Perry and I are the Area Representatives for Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. We toured two projects in Indiana and two in Kentucky in October. If you haven't had an opportunity to serve at these projects, please check them out.
Perry & Gail Shepard, #3770
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The first project we visited was Twin Lakes Camp, IN-289 in Hillsboro, IN, located in a beautiful setting with many trees, trails, and two lakes. They are a church camp and retreat center for various groups. The folks there are incredibly kind, down to earth and full of Hoosier Hospitality. They would LOVE to have some SOWER help. They are starting to remodel a large lodge and gathering area and our help is needed and would be greatly appreciated. The RV parking area is all gravel, level, and a few steps away from their stunning main gathering area. SOWERs can access the building for showers, laundry, game nights, and devotions. Twin Lakes asks for four (4) SOWERs, April through October. As of today, there are NO SOWERs signed up for this project for 2025. PLEASE consider serving there on your way through from other projects.
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Our next stop was Lakeland Christian Academy, IN-384, located in Winona Lake, IN. They are a PK-12 Christian school. SOWERs are needed there in June and July while school is out for summer break doing general maintenance INSIDE...out of the humidity! The current RV area is a parking lot next to the school with hook-ups. However, they will be adding onto the building shortly, so SOWER sites will be moved. They could use our help with the new building along with moving classrooms and offices. SOWERS have access to a laundry and shower area as well as a kitchen area. The school is amazing! It started more than 40 years ago with 42 students and now has over 430 enrolled! They did not have any SOWERS for 2024 and do not have any signed up for 2025 either. Please consider serving here as you're heading through Indiana!
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 | | On to projects in the beautiful state of Kentucky! Our first visit was to Oakdale Christian Academy, KY-513, in Jackson, Kentucky. Our eyes were opened to this small but impressive boarding school in rural Appalachia, bringing Christ to so many 7 to 12 graders from ALL over the world (US, Haiti, China, Europe, Asia, Africa). They have a 100% college acceptance rate! God never ceases to amaze! The campus has dorm buildings that need general maintenance as well as staff housing. (ALL staff members live on campus!) The students and staff are so friendly and it was so interesting to visit with them. Currently, the SOWER sites are near a staff house, but in the spring of 2025, they are building a very nice new concrete RV park area complete with a shower and laundry area. SOWERs are also welcome to eat lunch and supper with the staff and students. God has a lot of beautiful creations in this area including Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. They are asking for two SOWER couples along with an SOA over the summer.
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| | | Our final visit in Kentucky was to Camp Nathanael, KY-570 in Emmalena, Kentucky. This is a beautiful, expansive Christian camp in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains with a rich history of preaching the Gospel. It literally covers hundreds of acres with a lot of road and hiking trail access. They were struck by one of the worst floods in their region’s history last year and are nearly recovered. There are several dorm buildings in need of basic repair and other general maintenance. Along with church camps, adult retreats, and several local school programs, they also have a horse ministry, a program for children to connect with horses while teaching the gospel. The RV sites are great - all concrete pads, long, spacious, and near a mountain stream. They are in a calm, secluded area with a laundry and shower building. It is truly God's country, so very peaceful! Please consider serving at this amazing project - it is an underserved project as well and we are always needed. They are asking for two SOWERs from March through November.
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All four of these ministries are on our "Underserved Ministry" list. Please consider serving at any of these amazing projects - they all love SOWERs, have lots of work, and are eager to welcome you! | |
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Attention – Attention – Attention
Do you have a heart for service to our Lord through the SOWER ministry but feel your toolbox is better suited in an office environment rather than pounding nails, ripping wood, or swinging a paint brush? The SOWER office has a need for a full-time couple to serve in the Lindale, TX office. This is a missionary position and has some benefits, such as a monthly stipend, parking in the RV lot at the office and some vacation time. The ideal couple should have worked 25 projects or more, so they have experienced project sign up, working and reporting on projects, etc. They need to have experience with Microsoft applications on the computer and QuickBooks or other accounting software. If this is something you might be interested in, please contact the office for the full position description.
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Area Representative Needs | |
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We are praising God that many of our Area Rep positions have been filled! We are still looking for an Area Rep in Eastern Canada -
ON - 554 Ethnos Canada
ON - 556 Elim Lodge Ministries
ON - 559 Maple Grove Christian Retreat Centre
If you would like more information about this opening or are interested in learning more about the Area Rep position, please contact Evan Asby (3945), Western and Canadian Project Coordinator.
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Underserved Project Update | |
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A complete and 'real-time' updated Underserved Project list is now available on the New Member Site! Check it out!
Underserved Projects List
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Let's try to shorten up that Underserved Project List! Send in highlights about your favorite project on the UPL along with a couple of pictures to stephanie@rvthereyet.org to help get it OFF the list!
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Seen recently on Facebook | Thank you, Barbara, for sharing about the blessings you received while serving at Father's Heart Ranch in beautiful Desert Hot Springs, CA. There are still several openings in 2025 for SOWERs! | |
Have you stopped by our Facebook Group lately? We have recently updated our guidelines for adding posts:
This group serves to keep our SOWER family connected, and to share the blessings that we both see and receive as we serve the LORD at our ministry partners.
- No political posts will be allowed.
- No memes will be allowed.
- Posts must be SOWER related.
Please use caution and respect when posting. This is a Private group (only members can see posts and add posts), but it is still good Facebook etiquette to get permission before you post someone's picture. The administrators reserve the right to remove any post that they deem to be contrary to the purpose of this group.
If you're a member of Facebook but haven't joined the SOWER Group click on the icon to join the family! Just enter your member number in the question, and an Administrator will approve you.
Since the SOWER Facebook group is a ‘private’ group, we try to limit our members to folks who are SOWER members or project hosts, and couples who are interested in joining our ministry.
If you invite other interested folks to join our Facebook group, they will still need to answer the membership question. Thanks!
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Thank you to everyone who has given our SOWER Facebook Page a "Like" or follow. Currently, we have over 1800 followers! If you haven't already given it your thumbs-up, head over there now! It's a great way to spread the word about our ministry. |
While the SOWER Facebook Group is for sharing SOWER stories (and is something that you join), the SOWER Facebook Page is where the ministry shares information and works to generate interest in our ministry (and is something that you 'like').
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Don't forget to check out your favorite ministries on Facebook. Many of our partner ministry locations have a Facebook page, and it's a great way to stay up-to-date on the places you love to serve! | |
Clicking on the Christmas schdule above will take you to the SOWER website where you can sign onto the Member Dashboard and get "Real Time" updates for our partner ministries' needs.
The December/January SOWERGRAM is now available on the website!
Questions?
The office is happy to help!
903-882-8070
sowers@sowerministry.org
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Let us not forsake gathering together! | |
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 nearby! 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! Below are some regional Rallies that are in the works! | |
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ALERT Academy (TX-410), Big Sandy, Texas
Arrive Thursday, April 3 - Leave Sunday, April 6, 2025
Join us for a joyful celebration of God in our lives. We are so looking forward to this time of seeing old friends and new friends we haven't met yet.
The program is a work in progress but will include lots of food, fun and fellowship. A chance to interact with our host, the International Alert Academy, a movie night, Q & A with SOWERs board members, Sunday church service and much more. Stay tuned for more information!
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To give an idea of the Cost:
• $15.00 registration per couple
• CAMPSITE - $25.00 for 3 nights with full hookups - ALERT has been so generous to us. All 3 nights for only $25.00 total. (Coming early or staying later? Campsite is $25.00 per night.
- Lodging is also available. Contact Margaret for more info!
• MEALS - $10.00/person per meal
• An offering will be taken for ALERT Academy, our host ministry.
For more information, and to register, contact Margaret Gearhart #3263, magrv@mailfence.com
970-214-4626
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One Day Florida Rally!
“Gathering of the Sheep”
Friday, February 21, 2025
Florida Baptist Camp (FL-143)
Groveland, Florida
10:00 a.m. - ?
Potluck lunch at 1:00. Drinks and tableware will be provided.
Few rooms available if you want to stay the night. Get your reservation in early!
RV spots are also available.
Games, inspiration time, and sing-a-long.
Coordinator: Diane Zaharako zaharakocharles@gmail.com
RSVP by 2/19/25
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This month 74 SOWER couples/singles are serving at 33 different ministries all around the country. Praise God for all the work that's being accomplished! Check the New Member site for information on where YOU can serve!
(Picture of the SOWER crew at Marshview Bible Camp (GA-549). Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!)
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERs are doing around the country!
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Group Picture - The November 2024 SOWERs serving at Highland Lakes Camp (TX-406). L to R: Gloria & John Keenan (3855), Dewayne & Benita Coffman (3623), Clayton & Kim Stoltzfus (3821), Don & Tracey Detwiler (4111)(First Project!), Paula & Dave Sanders (4046). Photo by Benita Coffman
Header Photo -Lighthouse Christian Camp (TN-351), Cathy Fry (3564)
Christmas at the RV Photo -Kay Wiley (3547)
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Sam & Sally are taking the month off to hang out with the grands, so we have a guest writer, Bruce Gay (Executive Director), this month!
The projects the SOWER ministry supports with our volunteer work need your help! Every week we hear from one or more of our projects. They typically ask, “How can we get more SOWERs here? We need the help!”
Most SOWER volunteers typically work 2-4 projects a year. The most effective way to get more SOWERs to our projects is to have more SOWERs! That is where YOU can help!
You are the most effective recruiter we have. Talking to your family and friends about the ministry and what you do is the most productive way to get more SOWERs! Wearing SOWER apparel (t-shirts, golf shirts, denim shirts, ball caps, etc.) draws attention and questions from people wherever you are. Magnets or stickers on your vehicles are another way to get the word out. We have brochures and business cards (free for the asking) that can be handed out along with stand-alone banners, and other items or put on display at campgrounds, churches, and RV parks to spread the word about the SOWER ministry.
You can send an email to the office, sowers@sowerministry.org, to order any of the above items, or fill out the merchandise order on the website, print it out and mail it with a check. Payment can also be made by going through the Donate button on the member dashboard. Place a comment so we know what you purchased, include your SOWER #, and address to which you would like to have the package mailed.
Recently, a SOWER just stopped by the office and picked up brochures, business cards, magnets, and other things to use. (We love meeting you all). Let’s see if we can get more SOWERs at our projects to help the ministries that are pleading for more help!
Have a blessed Christmas season!
Bruce
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.
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To send in a prayer request or praise item- | | | | |
