SOWER Ministry Newsletter March 2022 |
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Dear Friends,
March 2022. It’s pretty complicated out there, isn’t it? We just lost an hour (and who can afford that these days?), spring is officially on the horizon (but as I write this there is snow forecast for the East Coast), the Ukraine is under siege and fuel prices are spiraling out of control. While we are beginning to see what this life looks like Post-Pandemic, we can’t quite put away all the masks just yet, can we? Yet even as every newscast seems to rock our world a little bit more, we have the assurance that we are standing on THE Rock and our footing is sure! The words of this great hymn surely ring true -
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
As I was putting this month’s newsletter together (and special thanks to the many contributors this month!), and tracking down everyone’s SOWER number, I was struck with how many of them are well into the 3000’s! And the high 3000’s at that! Don’t get me wrong – I’m just as excited to see those three digit numbers too! The enthusiasm of our new SOWERs is such an encouragement, just as the faithfulness of our ‘seasoned’ SOWERs continues to spur us on to do His work! This month there are 159 SOWER couples working at 45 different ministries, Praise the Lord! I know that each and every one of them is doing ‘Their Best’ at each and every location where they are serving. Let us continue to give God the glory for the work that is being done!
Serving the King with you!
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
Editor
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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Second Generation Testimony
Kellie Blake #3766
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We are Bill and Kellie Blake, #3766, and we joined SOWERs in November of 2020. Kellie’s parents, Carl and Fern Trowbridge (#909) were SOWERs for nine years. They joined with friends Bob and Marilyn Wallace (#925) and enjoyed the work and fellowship with other Christians. My husband and I listened to their stories and their enthusiasm for the projects and knew it was something we wanted to do too.
We have completed four projects to date and have two more booked so far for 2022. Currently we are working at Florida Baptist Encampment (FL-143) where Kim's parents have worked many times. It is awesome to see what they did, as described by them, and to see what we are doing to update the camp as well. My parents are so pleased that we are walking in their footsteps and have been telling us stories about the projects they completed and all the wonderful people they worked with!
It has been such a blessing meeting new friends and working together for God's Glory!
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Carl & Fern Trowbridge #909 |
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Bill & Kellie Blake #3766 |
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Are you a Second Generation SOWER (or other RV volunteer group)? If so, I'd love to share your story here in the Newsletter! Please contact me with your story! Thank you! Stephanie Conrad, Editor stephanie@rvthereyet.org!
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Underserved Project Update |
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The office has put together an updated list of ministries that have received six or fewer SOWER couples in the last 24 months. Click on the document to the right or the link below to download your copy - or check it out on the Members Webpage!
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New Leadership - Same Gospel Message |
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We are the Sanders and Cones families, three brothers, one sister, our spouses, and a combined 20 children. In God’s perfect timing He aligned our vision and directed our steps to Deer Creek Camp (TX-404). In 2021, the founders of DCC, the Behlings (known to many as Mama Bear & Papa Bear) aided and endorsed us in transitioning as the new directors here at camp. With combined backgrounds in professional sports, small business, and camp ministry, we are excited to see God use our various backgrounds and skill sets to serve Him at DCC.
We are thankful for the Godly foundation on which this ministry was built, and as we move forward, we purpose to honor the tradition and heritage of DCC, while also pursuing the fresh vision that God has given us. We are excited about adding a sports camp component to our program, bi-annual family camps with a purpose of celebrating and strengthening families, and refreshing the facilities at this beautiful camp.
We have loved witnessing first-hand the impact that the SOWERS ministry has had on DCC. Not only in jobs completed (a lot of this camp was literally built by SOWERS’ hands), but also in relationships formed, and time fellowshipping and working alongside fellow camp-loving believers.
Psalms 78:4, 6-7 is the passage that God laid on our hearts as we prayed over the ministry. This passage serves as a prescription for passing down a Godly heritage all the way to a 4th generation. Our prayer and desire is to foster an environment at camp (and in our homes) where Christ is proclaimed, so that others may know Him and that “they in turn will tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and not forget His deeds, but would keep His commands.”
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SOWER PROJECT MANAGER PROGRAM |
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Roy Olson is continuing to explore interest in a "SOWER Project Manager" program. Please contact Roy Olson (# 2964), Phone # 503 689 0799,
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A SOWER Area Representative (AR) is a vital part of our ministry. The Project Committee (Vice President and two others) works with the ARs to stay connected to our various ministries. Essentially, the ARs are the 'boots on the ground' for the ministry, mainly checking on existing projects periodically and taking a look at prospective projects.
Here are our current needs -
Southern CA
CA - 145 Grace Fellowship & Cherry Valley Brethren
CA - 461 Father's Heart Ranch
CA - 481 Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
CA - 500 Forest Homes Millcreek Canyon
CO
CO-241 Treasure Mt. Bible Camp
CO-458 Navigators/Glen Eyrie Group
CO-517 YWAM - Cimarron
CO-528 Eagle Lake Camp/Navigators
CO-552 Cross Bar X
NM
NM-447 Apple Tree Educational Center
NM-505 Camp Oro Quay
NM-521 Bonita Park Nazarene Camp
NM-544 Glorieta Adventure Camp
MD, NJ, NY, PA
MD -18 Sandy Cove Ministries
NJ - 3 America's Keswick
NJ - 346 The Pilgrim Academy
NY - 220 Shoshanah Campus
NY - 251 High Braes Refuge
NY - 306 Odosagih Bible Conference
NY - 379 Lighthouse Christian Camp
NY - 284 Sacandaga Bible Conference
PA - 514 Miracle Mountain Ranch
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To all our current ARs - Thank you for your faithful service to SOWERs! Let's help each other out as we travel around the country serving our Lord at various projects. If you are working at a project that is not one of your AR assignments, check to see if an AR visit is due and contact the assigned AR and see if it would be OK to do a visit. |
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Since last December 7th, my wife and I are the "new" Area Representatives for the newly created "Canada East" (an area that stretches almost 2,100 miles west/east). We started a newsletter that goes out to our small group of SOWER volunteers, in an effort to communicate encouragement and information, on a periodic basis. We hope you enjoy this little supplement to the SOWER Newsletter! Click on the picture to check it out!
Bruce & Betty Johnston #3402
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Let us not forsake gathering together.... |
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2023 National SOWER Rally
Celebrating 40 years of service!
March 30 - April 4, 2023
ALERT Academy (TX-410)
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I sure hope you are planning on coming to the 2023 National SOWER Reunion at ALERT Academy, Big Sandy Texas, March 30-April 4th. It is a beautiful facility and the people are very grateful for the SOWERS. Hospitality is second to none. Reenie and I served there two months this past year and made real friends. The love of God oozes from this Christian community.
Numerous activities are planned to make the trip well worth the time. My area of responsibility is the music. We hope to get a gospel family for special music entertainment. You will not be disappointed! Please be thinking about talent night. We are not looking for Nashville talent; we are looking for SOWER talent. We always have a good time.
Please mark your calendars. You don't want to miss this!
Ron Maynor, #3738.
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Impromptu FL SOWER Gathering
Friday March 18 11:30
Donaldson Park, Avon Park
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Join us for one last gathering before the Great Florida Exodus begins! It's a bring your own lunch, beverage and lawn chair kind of event - and a great opportunity to get those last minute hugs! Contact Stephanie Conrad if you have any questions! |
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Donaldson Park, 109 E. Main Street, Avon Park, FL |
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LIMITED EDITION SOWER TOTES |
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These were a big hit at the Florida Reunion - and a few more will be available at the Texas Rally and at the Oregon Wound-up! Don't miss your opportunity to snag one of these "Limited Edition" SOWER totes! |
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It's not too late to register!!
Call today!
Cost:
$15 Registration Fee/couple
$35/night camping fee (30 AMP)
$40/night camping fee (50 AMP)
2 lunches at $8/person/lunch
1 supper at $12/person
If not bringing your RV, call for lodging information.
For more information, or to register, contact Dwayne and Margaret Gearhart #3263
Phone:970-214-4626
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March 27-30, 2022
ALERT Academy (TX-410)
Alert Academy (TX-410)
Big Sandy, TX
Northeast Texas is a natural stopover from winter projects to summer projects, so please plan to join us in March.
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2022 Western Wound Up
September 19-22, 2022
Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center, OR-320 Turner, Oregon
SOWERS Intentionally Following
Jesus Christ
Costs include 4 days/3 nights will be as follows (includes 2 lunches and 1 dinner):
Full hook ups - $75 or $25/night
Dry Camping - $50
Lodging - $30 per night
2 additional dinners available at $10 per person per dinner
Monies (cash) will be taken at Rally
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Cornhole Tournament at the FL Reunion! |
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Your SOWER President, Gary Conrad, helping out with the Auction! |
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Florida Reunion Wrap-up
"No Matter What -
TRUST GOD"
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The 2022 Florida Reunion held at Florida Baptist Camp in Groveland, FL was attended by 120 people. There was the fuzzy-friendly-family-fellowship feeling with squeals of delight, arms and smiles reaching out to alumni and people we hadn't seen in a while! And we were blessed by so many newer, high-number couples -PTL!
Relaxation, fun, laughter: Bob the Birdman, cornhole tournament, making paper roses, talent night MC'ed by Red Green, the TV personality.
Inspiration renewal: Crossfire Quartet, speakers, interactive devo sharing personal experiences reflecting our theme, and Bible Panorama are just the highlights!
The Auction, Q&A with Board members, good food and weather rounded out an excellent event!
Can't wait to see all y'all again! At the FL Reunion Feb 27-March 1, 2023? Or at the 40th Anniversary National SOWER Rally March 30-April 4, 2023 at ALERT Academy, TX?
Submitted by “Chatty Cathy” Richmond (2793)
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Seen recently on Facebook |
Thank you, Diane, for sharing about your time at the Lake Wales Care Center! Sounds like much was accomplished for the LORD! |
Have you stopped by our Facebook Group lately? 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. Thanks!
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 the Administrator will approve you.
Since the SOWER Facebook group is a ‘private’ group, we try to limit our members to folks that are SOWER members or project hosts, and couples that are interested in joining our ministry.
If you invite other interested folks to join the 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". We're almost to 1400 "likes"! 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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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!
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Clicking on the clover above will take you to the Members Page, the February/March
SOWERGRAM and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
If you have any questions,
please contact the SOWER Office
903-882-8070
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Group Picture this month - the February 2022 group serving at Phoenix Christian Preparatory School (AZ-491). L-R: Harold & Eunice Grandia #3117, Jim & Faye Smith #3681, Mil & Linda Sutter (SOA) #3317, Ernie & Karen Watson #3502, Chris & Barb Schanen #3743, and Mark & Deborah Allen #3712. Photo by Barb Schanen
Header Photo -All the beautiful SOWERs at the 2022 Florida Reunion!
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Dear Sam and Sally,
With all of the political upheaval in our country (and world!) right now, I am concerned about how divisive political conversations can harm us, and in turn, the SOWER Ministry. Is there anything in our guidelines that can help guard against this?
Genuinely Concerned
Dear Concerned,
Thank you for this timely question! The world does seem to many to be spiraling out of control, and to say that politics is a hot-button conversation in many circles would be an understatement. Although as Christians we may find agreement on many of the big issues, we each come to the table with our own filters. While SOWERs does not have any guidelines for “Political Views”, I think we can certainly use our guideline about doctrinal and denominational differences as a rule of thumb. We are each entitled to our own opinions, and it would be unrealistic to think that we all agree on all points in our current political climate. Avoiding conversations that would foster divisiveness among our members should always be our first priority. Likewise, disrespecting anyone because of political views they may or may not hold is always inappropriate. Regardless of what we may or may not agree about in the political realm, there is one thing which we can always agree on: our great and sovereign God is in control. Let us continue to rest in that fact, and encourage each other in trusting Him more fully.
Trusting Him with you,
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.
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To send in a prayer request or praise item-
To contact the office -
903-882-8070
To submit something to the newsletter, send it to
To submit a SOWING TIP, send an email to
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