SOWER Ministry Newsletter March 2026

From Where I Sit

by Office Managers Gail Fieler & Katie Gay

Dear SOWER family,

We have had a great month at the SOWER Office! We have had impromptu gatherings with other SOWERs who were working projects in the East Texas area for meals and tours of the office. We also had a new SOWER couple join us here for a SOWER project doing maintenance, landscaping and repair work. What a joy to stay connected with so many of you! If you have never been to the SOWER Ministry office and are traveling through the area, please make us one of your stops. We would love to meet you face-to-face. And don’t forget, we have FHU RV sites available for your stay.

There are a few new features on the website and more to come, so check it out. One is the ability to take yourself off a waitlist. If you have been put on the waitlist for a project you would like to work and then you decide to do something else, please go onto your member dashboard/my projects and remove your name from the waitlist by clicking the cancel button. Note: Any time you are assigned to a project, the system will automatically remove you from any waitlists for that same month.

Warmly,

Katie & Gail

PS: The Bass Lake Christian Retirement Community, located adjacent to the SOWER Home office and home to several SOWER couples, has 8 homes for sale! If you have ever thought about getting a place here, for you AND your RV, check it out HERE (use Public Access button) or contact Judith Robinson or Cathy Brands.

Got Questions? The office is happy to help!

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

sowers@sowerministry.org

Trustee Corner

Our Pastor recently began a study on Nehemiah. Nehemiah was told that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates had been burned with fire. He sat down and wept, mourned, fasted and prayed to God. God answered his prayer and made a way for the wall to be rebuilt with Nehemiah being the “Group Leader”.  

Much like a SOWER project, the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall wasn’t just about bricks and mortar – it was about hearts willing to serve. Nehemiah 3 records a mosaic of ordinary people doing extraordinary work. Priests, goldsmiths, merchants, and even daughters all completed sections of the wall and the gates. Nehemiah 3:20 specifically mentions a man named Baruch and says he “earnestly repaired another section.” The word earnestly implies vigor, zeal, and wholehearted effort. Baruch didn’t just show up – he gave his all. He saw the wall not as someone else’s job, but as his calling. As SOWERs, we have served alongside people from many professions—teachers, bankers, pilots, police officers, nurses, and computer specialists, to name a few—all united in earnestly working for the Lord.

In a world that often measures value by title or strength, Nehemiah’s wall reminds us that true rebuilding begins with humble, earnest service – no matter who you are. 

Thank you all for your earnest service. Your faithfulness, hard work, and sacrifice are a testimony of God’s love in action.

Bill Blake #3766

Trustee

Trustees Nominations

New Project in Nebraska!

Boneyard Creation Museum

Good news! We have a new project online—The Boneyard Creation Museum in Broken Bow (NE-586). This exciting ministry is ready to welcome two SOWER couples each month from April through September 2026. Volunteers will assist with a variety of projects including carpentry, landscaping, remodeling the new education building, and even interacting with guests who visit the museum. It’s a wonderful opportunity to use your skills while helping a growing outreach that shares the message of God’s creation in a unique and engaging way. Consider signing up and being part of what God is doing here!

Underserved Project in Upstate New York

Longview Camp

Have you visited upstate New York recently? I’m not talking about the New York City version of the state, but the beautiful rolling hills and scenic state parks of upstate New York.

We have three wonderful project opportunities located near Allegany State Park, Letchworth State Park, and Watkins Glen State Park. NY-557(Longview Camp), NY-306(Odosagih Bible Conference) and NY-379 (Lighthouse Christian Camp) a little further north. From these mission projects you’re only a little over an hour from the famous Niagara Falls—don’t miss the Canadian side!

We’re excited to highlight an underserved project in Arcade, New York: Longview Camp (NY-557). They are rebuilding their ministry and would love your help. Click the short YouTube interview of Dick Webster with director Jon Bladine to learn more—and discover a fun connection to The Lone Ranger!

See y’all in the cool, beautiful upstate New York this summer—it’s not too late to sign up!

Dick & Linda Webster #3808

Project Sponsors

Have you checked out the Underserved Project List lately?



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!

What is a Home Project?

A major highlight was learning about Home Projects. You can qualify for Home Project status if:

1. You served at the project before becoming a SOWER.
2. You served there before it became an official SOWER project.
3. Your permanent residence is within 50 miles of the ministry.

Since we live within 50 miles of Black Lake Bible Camp in Olympia, Washington, we qualified. After connecting with their representatives at the rally, we were approved and began volunteering in December.

This has been a direct answer to our prayers. Since retiring six years ago, we’ve looked for a way to make volunteering sustainable as we age. Serving at a Home Project offers several blessings:

• Year-round Service: We can volunteer throughout the year without neglecting the seasonal demands of our own property.
• Reduced Stress: We’ve eliminated the fuel costs and physical strain of long travel days and towing a trailer.
• Deeper Roots: We are developing meaningful relationships with the ministry staff, who now truly feel like family.

We are so grateful for this new chapter of service. If you’re interested in learning more about our experience or Home Projects, we’d be happy to chat!

Roxy and Chris Clake #3901

SOWER Stories and Testimonies

SOWER Roots



When people ask me how we got started with the SOWER Ministry, they always seem surprised when I tell them that my parents were SOWERs nearly 25 years ago. Their SOWER number is 1823! I remember that when they first started with SOWERs, I was a little skeptical about what they had gotten into. I mean, really, they had retired and now they were working again? And they loved it? And they couldn’t stop talking about it?

I think it was after their first year of projects that I had a chance to visit them while they were serving at Michindoh(MI-139) and suddenly, I could see what they were talking about. The women were painting posts around the camp while laughing, sharing testimonies, and having fun. The men were building a new deck on one of the bunk houses and when I saw my dad that afternoon, he was all smiles. He told me how he had been afraid to join because he thought he lacked skills, but that the men had been willing to teach him and now he loved it.

Fast forward to 2018. Dale and I had been retired for over a year and had finally taken a long-awaited trip to New England in the fall. A few weeks after we returned, we looked at each other and said, “Now what?” I suggested that maybe we investigate SOWERs and Dale agreed. We loved it and here we are on our 34th project and we still love it. The work and fellowship with other believers is the number one draw for us, but we also love that we get to travel and see America. We’ve both learned so many new skills and have made countless friends that we’ll get to spend eternity with.

About six years ago we were at a SOWER rally at Michindoh and my parents were able to come for the afternoon. We drove them around the camp and my parents excitedly pointed out projects they had worked on years before. They were thrilled to see that their hard work was still benefitting the camp. My dad has since passed on to heaven, but my mom still faithfully prays for the SOWER Ministry. She is thrilled to see how the ministry continues to thrive and that countless children and adults are being blessed through the ministry. Dale and I are grateful that she and dad told us about SOWERs and now we can’t stop telling others about it.

Dale and Barbara Livengood #3556

Thank you Barbara for this sweet story! How amazing that your SOWER story is multi-generational! And the testimony that the work we do for these camps has a lasting impact!

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



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.

The Area Representative (AR) is usually the first and most consistent contact between the SOWER Ministry and our Project Hosts, making this a vital role in maintaining healthy relationships with the ministries we serve.

All AR positions are currently filled, but openings do arise. If you’re interested, please contact Brad Smith to learn more or to be added to a list of those willing to step into the role when needed.

To those who have served or are currently serving as Area Representatives—Thank you! This ministry could not function without you.

Current Area Representatives:

What a great group of SOWERs going the extra mile, literally, to make sure our relationships with our project hosts stay healthy. Thanks to every one!

Would you consider hosting a SOWER gathering or RV rally? These events are a wonderful way to bring members together for fellowship, encouragement, and fun—and they only happen when volunteers step forward to help make them happen. If you’d be willing to serve in this way, we’d love to hear from you! For more information about what hosting involves, take a moment to read the details from Sam & Sally below.

Impromptu gathering of SOWERs for supper in Lindale Texas near the SOWER home office. There is always a chance to have dinner with fellow SOWERs when travelling through the Lindale area just off I20 in Texas.

Working SOWERs

Father's Heart Ranch, CA-461 Desert Hot Springs, CA, February 2026 Group

Earl and Judy DeVries #3812 and Mark and Sandy Roach #3926

Photo Credit: Mark and Sandy Roach

There are 143 SOWER couples/singles serving at 51 different ministries all around the country this month. 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,

We’ve been reading a lot recently about different SOWER gatherings. Getting together with our new SOWER friends sounds like a great idea, and we’re wondering if there are specific guidelines we need to follow. Do you have any tips or tricks about putting together a rally? Thanks for your help with this!

Signed,

Wanting to do it right!

Dear Right,

What a great question!! SOWER gatherings are such a fun part of our ministry, and we love to hear from folks who are interested in planning one. Gathering for a simple meal usually involves finding the spot (maybe a local park, restaurant, or even a backyard) and then letting folks know about it!

Putting together a 2-3 day reunion is a bit more complicated, so we checked with Gail Fieler (3187) who has put together (with a great crew of helpers) several reunions/rallies. Here are some of her tips -

Planning your first SOWER Rally or day gathering can feel overwhelming. But once you have one under your belt, it truly does get easier — trust me!

Here are a few key things to consider: where, when, who, what, how — and how much it will cost.

1. Choose a Venue

Make sure the location can accommodate 15–20 RVs, plus lodging if you’re planning a multi-day event. Traditionally, they have been held at SOWER projects.

• Will there be a charge for RV sites or lodging?
• Will space limitations require a registration cut-off?

2. Pick the Right Dates

If possible, schedule the rally during a two-week break between projects. This allows attendees to travel before or after the event without feeling rushed.

3. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate -This is truly a team sport! Consider recruiting people to help with:

• Reservations
• Games and activities
• Auction coordination (if applicable)
• Food planning
• Songs and devotions
• RV parking organization

Having six people alongside you will dramatically lighten your load.

4. Determine the Cost -Set a clear cost per couple or individual. Be sure to factor in:

• Meals provided by the venue
• Camping fees
• Incidentals (coffee, paper goods, supplies, etc.)

5. Create a Daily Agenda -Think through your schedule:

• Guest speaker (perhaps the ministry host?)
• SOWER training opportunities
• Games
• Free time

One caution: Don’t overbook! My biggest downfall every year is packing the schedule so full that there’s not enough time for fellowship and fun. I always want to give everyone “their money’s worth” — and end up planning too much! If you figure out how to avoid that, let me know!

6. Advertise Early -Get your dates on the SOWER calendar as soon as possible.

• Contact the office
• Submit information to the Newsletter
• Post in the SOWER Facebook Group
• Reach out to SOWERs working or living near the rally location

Lastly, those of us who have organized rallies are happy to help. Let’s get more rallies and day gatherings on the calendar!

Gail Fieler (3127)

Hope this helps! Fellowship, food, and friends - that's what a SOWER Rally is all about!

Hoping to see you at the next one,
Sam & 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 Credit - Ramona Keller (4110) - Glorieta Adventure Camp, NM-544