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June!! It's a month of weddings and graduations and family reunions. The pools are open, the garden is going, and (hopefully) the spring cleaning is done! 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!!!
Cabins are being cleaned, summer staff is being trained, and it's "all hands on deck" as they anticipate the arrival of campers - young minds and hearts eager to learn more about Jesus! Let's join together in lifting these camps and retreat centers before the Throne with prayers for many lives to come to Christ and many others to be refreshed and renewed. (And if you've never worked at a camp while it's in full swing, I highly recommend it! There's nothing like seeing God in action at camp!)
As hard as it is to believe, it's already time to start sign-ups for the winter months, so get your lottery requests in by July 10th. And don't forget about the Trustee elections coming up. I hope you've read through the resumes of the 5 folks nominated to serve on the Board of Trustees. Ballots need to be returned to the office by July 1st, so don't delay! I encourage everyone to take the time to pray about these nominees and vote. The Board appreciates all who have willingly offered to serve, and rests in the knowledge that the LORD already knows what next year's Board of Trustees will look like. May HE get all the praise and glory!
Resting in His grace,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
on behalf of the SOWER Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
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Trustee Nominations
The upcoming June-July Sowergram will have the full resumes for this year's Trustee Nominees, along with the ballots. All Active members (including Alumni) will receive a ballot, either with their SOWERGRAM or mailed separately with the June Roster update. If you are an active or alumni SOWER and have not received your ballot, please contact the office ASAP. Ballots must be returned by July 1st. Each individual SOWER may vote for up to 3 of the candidates.
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Gary Conrad
2509
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Gail Fieler
3187
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Wayne Fieler
3187
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Dick Howard
2527
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Bill Myers
3190
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Dave Neitzel
2251
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Area Rep News
Welcomes and Thanks!
John and Stephanie Hulse (#3204) are joining the Area Rep team as they take over the Northwest region (WA, OR, ID) from long time Area Reps Jess and Kathi Woolliscroft (#1957), who are retiring from their Area Rep position after many years of dedicated service to the SOWER Ministry. John and Stephanie are Washington residents and will be a great asset to the SOWER Ministry and our partner ministries in the Pacific Northwest. The Hulses joined SOWERs in 2012 and have served at projects all over the country. They are very excited to use their zeal for God in serving the SOWER Ministry in this important way as well as working projects.
Over on the East Coast, New York has been divided out of our Northeast region, which has been faithfully served by Roy & Mary Welsh (#797) for many years. The Welshes will continue to serve as ARs to the rest of the NE region, while Joe and Kim Trivilino (#3094) will be the go-to couple for our New York projects. The Trivilinos, who have a home in upstate New York, joined SOWERS in 2010 and have served at projects all over the country including Alaska. They are excited to serve in the AR capacity and are looking forward to getting to know their home state projects better.
From all of us on the SOWER Board of Trustees, we want to extend a big Thank-You to our retiring Area Reps, the Woolliscrofts, to our continuing Area Reps, the Welshes, and to our new members of the team, the Hulses and the Trivilinos. May our Great God continue to bless each of you as you serve HIM in this capacity.
Jenny Rasmussen, V.P.
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Roseau River Bible Camp, (MB-534) is situated on a 160-acre property in south central Manitoba, about 12 miles north of the US border. It was established in the late 1990s on a parcel of land bounded by the Roseau River on the north. Winnipeg is a one hour drive north, and Grand Forks, ND is about
an hour and a half
south.
Despite the weather, the camp operates year-round (remember this is Canada, eh, the cold north!). Throughout the year the camp operates as a retreat and conference center, and hosts a variety of rental groups, including churches, youth groups, and school groups. But summer is their busiest season. Each summer, the camp is a busy place with approximately 1,000 campers between the ages of 7 and 18 having the opportunity to enjoy the camp facilities while receiving Biblical teaching in an encouraging and nurturing environment.
We sense a strong commitment by the staff and board that the camp is about kids and their relationship with Jesus. There is no end of work, but we heard repeatedly that facilities were just a 'means to an end'. The 'end' was to have the campers experience Jesus.
They are in the midst of a big building project which includes a large meeting hall, three resident dorm 'wings', games room, etc. As we have worked here this summer (on a variety of projects), it's been a joy to work with our project coordinator (Andrew Milton - formerly from Ness Lake (BC-434), so some of you SOWERS might remember him!). The camp has recently upgraded the RV sites to
include two 50 AMP and three 30 AMP circuits, which has been a huge blessing.
Summer camp is about to start - don't miss out on the fun!! Help would be greatly appreciated. God's presence is evident!
Jake & Eleanor Dueck, #2441
Project Sponsors
They will have 5 openings, May through September. Check 'em out!
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New Name - Same Ministry
Press Release from NTM Aviation (AZ-281)
May 15, 2017: It's not NTM Aviation that is changing its name -- yet. But NTM USA has -- and it is now Ethnos360.
Ethnos360 fits the vision and purpose that New Tribes Mission started out with 75 years ago. Ethnos represents the "nations" that Christ referred to when He commanded His followers to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). 360 represents the entirety of the globe.
NTM Aviation (AZ-281) continues to provide aviation service to Ethnos360 and other New Tribes Mission affiliates around the world -- just as we have for the last 48 years. We've been privileged to have a part in bringing many people groups to Christ. The Ayore and Quechua people of Bolivia. The Guahibo people of Colombia. The Bisorio, Iteri and Mouk people of Papua New Guinea. The Budik people of Senegal. The Maquiritare and Yanamamo people of Venezuela -- and so many more.
In the very near future, we will be changing our name so that we reflect our affiliation with Ethnos360 and all the other New Tribes Mission entities.
NTM Aviation/ETHNOS 360 (AZ-281) continues to need SOWER support from July through March! Check out the listing in the PLS, and see when you can be a part of this global ministry.
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Road Improvement!
YWAM, Springs of Living Water - CA 130, has just about finished a huge project that they have been raising funds for in the last few years. This project will definitely impact SOWERS getting to their site. YWAM is located "off the beaten path", NE of Chico, CA, in the foothills. In the 1920's this site was a grand resort hotel with natural hot springs. It is a beautiful site, but getting to it meant driving a VERY rough road. They are excited to report that the repaving of the road will be completed by the end of June and they are encouraging SOWERS to try it out! One of their recent SOWERS was able to remove the remaining old blacktop and make the road ready to resurface so they referred to it as the SOWER's road. They also wanted us to know that they have refinished their swimming pool so it is ready for use in the warm summer temperatures. Their camp is running at full capacity this summer and they would sure appreciate our help. They have SOWER spots available year round!
Dave & Markay Lyons #3133
N. CA Area Reps
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Extra Help Needed
We got an email from Jason Blair, Construction Manager at Riverbend Retreat Center (TX-328), asking for some help for a specific renovation project starting in November 2017 ending January 2018. There are a couple of cabins at the camp that need some TLC as they would like to get another 5 years of use out of them. The camp would like to do minor repairs and paint the interiors along with
possibly laying some carpet squares, if he had the help. They are open for SOWERS all year around (and have recently upgraded their WIFI so there is access in the RV parking area).
Dale & Cheryl Curtis #3253
TX Area Reps
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Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Group Page
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Thank you, Mary Peace, for sharing about your SOA activities at Timber-Lee Ministries (WI-493). Check it out at the latest PLS! The camp has openings from July through October. Check out the current PLS to see what openings are still available.
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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 ministries. 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!
We're over 525 "Likes" on the SOWER Facebook Page (which is different than our group page)! 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.
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Dear Sam & Sally,
We received our Trustee Ballots but we have a question. We are always puzzled about how we can vote for Trustees when we don't know any of them. Can you help with some ideas on how to know who to vote for? Thanks!
That's a really great question! It does seem hard to make an "informed" decision since our membership is spread throughout the country, and the chances of having worked with all the candidates is slim indeed. So where do you start? Well, each resume is full of information, like the total number of projects they have worked and how much experience they have had as GLs. It gives a general review of their "previous lifetime" occupation along with positions they have held in church and para-church organizations. It also attempts to give some insights into their desire to serve the Lord through a position on the SOWER Board of Trustees. While the resumes are no substitute for personally meeting the candidates, it does do a good job of helping to introduce them. If you have questions about anything that they have written, give them a call! Taking the time to read over and pray about the information available can make all the difference - and help you make a God-based decision. Thank you for taking the time to vote!
Don't forget that ballots need to be in the office by July 1!
Working with you for the Kingdom,
Sam & Sally
Have a question about SOWER guidelines or etiquette? We'd love to answer any questions you might have! Contact us at -
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Rally/Reunion 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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Mid-West Rally
Michindoh Conf. Ctr
MI-139
Sept. 18-21
$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.
With two full weeks between the September and October projects, this is a great time for folks working northern projects to take a break and join us for four days of fun and inspiration.
Talent, testimonies, great food and fun activities, playing games, singing, praying, and enjoying a gorgeous conference center, silent and live auctions, book exchange, and more will make lasting memories.
Joan Sturgill
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Minnesota Rally
Lake Beauty Camp
MN-523
Sept. 18-20
RV's $26/night
Loon Lodge $52/night
All SOWERS welcome. Make reservations with Larry & Dorothy Larson #3045
651-636-8049 or cell 612-710-3490 or ldlarson@juno.com
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Caulking 201
A common mistake while caulking is putting out too much caulk and moving too slowly. You need to move smoothly and fairly quickly, putting out just enough product to caulk whatever joint you are working on. If you put out too much and then try to smooth it, you end up with excess caulk all over your finger and it smears the adjoining surfaces. You know you have put out the right amount when you go back over it with your finger to do a final smoothing and you should end up with little or no caulking on your finger. One last trick on this final smoothing with your finger is to wet the tip of your finger before smoothing and it will glide over it easier. Also, not all caulking needs to be smoothed with your finger. With practice and having the tip cut correctly, you can end up with a good caulked joint with minimal or no additional smoothing
However, there will be some gaps that are irregular or large. Regardless of these suggestions, some additional smoothing will be necessary and some smearing will occur. In these cases, I will lay down some blue 3M tape on either side of the caulk joint. After you get it caulked, smooth it and remove the excess caulk. Then remove the tape and you will have a nice clean straight caulk line. Keeping a damp rag with you at all times helps in cleaning excess caulk and keeping your fingers clean. Happy caulking!
Do you have a great SOWER Tip? Not just building ideas, but products you've discovered, 'life hacks' that have served you well, and any other tricks of the trade you've come across. Submissions for this feature can be sent to Bill Myers - rvmyers@reagan.com
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Clicking on the
Rhododendron blossom above will take you to the Members Only Page, the June/July Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
THE PASSWORD FOR THE MEMBERS ONLY PAGE CHANGES ON JUNE 15. CHECK YOUR SOWERGRAM OR EMAIL (FOR WEB ONLY) TO GET THE NEW PASSWORD.
If you have any questions, please contact the SOWER Office
903-882-8070
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Just the Facts
for June 2017
(June 2016)
Number of Active SOWERS*
479 (487)
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
135 (134)
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
112 (111)
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
42 (35)
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
454 (440)
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
69 (69)
*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
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 -
Kidder Creek (CA-275)
Dwight & Carol Martin (2537)
Header Group Shot -
Indian Hills Camp (CA-213)
April 2017 Group
Chuck & Caroline Baldwin (2836)
Tim & Glenda Glasser (3336)
Opening Paragraph Camp Photo
Cho-Yeh Camp - TX-519
Caulking Photo
www.familyhandyman.com
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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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Looking to make an RV change?
Right now the SOWER RV's For Sale page has 13 different units advertised! Everything from Fifth Wheels to Motorhomes (both A & C) is available. If you're thinking of making a change, check it out! Let's keep these well-kept ministry-blessed vehicles in the LORD's service!
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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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Don't FORGET
PASSWORD CHANGES JUNE 15TH
TRUSTEE BALLOTS DUE
JULY 1ST
2017 LOTTERY PROJECT REQUESTS DUE BY
JULY 10TH
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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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Stop on by!
Have you stopped by the office recently? If you're traveling through Texas, you should stop on by! The office is located just minutes off of Interstate 20, has 5 RV sites and a fresh pot of coffee is only minutes away!
Check your SOWERGRAM for complete directions.
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