SOWER Ministry Newsletter November 2024 | |
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Dear Stephanie,
November!! We’re in the thick of the season now! Even as we think about all we have to be thankful for, we are starting to see those Christmas trees in front windows and twinkle lights appearing along rooflines. Are you stocking up on cranberry sauce and pulling out that favorite pie recipe? Do we brine or smoke the bird – maybe that’s the question this year! Whether you're finalizing those family plans for the holidays, or you're already on your way south, working your way to those winter SOWER projects, I pray that you are in a season of thankfulness. For regardless of our circumstances, our God is with us. This year for the first time in 20 years Gary and I are celebrating the holidays in our very own ‘sticks and bricks’ house! (Not to worry – the RV is parked in the drive!) As Gary and I begin this transition away from full-time RV life and full-time SOWER-ing, it seems like a good time to also start thinking about 'what's next' with this newsletter. I've been honored to manage this publication - along with the help of so many of you who have made contributions - for the last 13+ years. And while this isn't a farewell message, it is a seed-planting expedition. If you have any interest in learning the ropes of this monthly newsletter or just wonder what all is involved, I'd love to talk with you about it! Please contact me by replying to this newsletter or finding my contact information in the online directory.
Wherever the LORD has led you this year - up to the mountain top or through a rocky patch of life, I pray you have felt His presence going with you. It really is true that although we don't know what the future holds, we do indeed know who holds the future. So during this time of year, may your hearts be filled with thanksgiving and praise, for as I Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give THANKS in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Resting in His Grace, Thankful for His Mercy,
Stephanie
Stephanie Conrad #2509
Editor
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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From Where I Sit (Office) by Katie Gay
We just received a new shipment of SOWER Tees in a beautiful Jade Green, available in Unisex sizes: Small, Med, Large, XL, ($14/ea), 2XL, and 3XL ($16/ea). You may order them by sending us an email and paying for them through our donate button on the website or print off the form and mail it with a check made out to SOWER Ministry. It will be fun to see new colors showing up on our SOWERs. The previous colors are still available (Men: Black, Grey, & Maroon; Women: Lt. Pink, Dark Pink, Grey & Navy).
We also have a good supply in stock of long-sleeved denim shirts for men and women with the white SOWER logo. They are available in ink blue and faded denim for $30 and $32. Hint: Christmas is coming!
A few reminders ………
1. If you sign up to be on the waitlist of one project and then signup and are assigned to another project, you will be automatically removed from the waitlist of the first project.
2. All project signups are to be done on the website. Requests are made one month at a time. Any requests made in the comment section will not be processed.
3. Please be patient and give us time to process requests for cancellations/assignments. Requests for assignment/cancellations made after office hours will be kept in the queue and processed in order. They will not show on the website until they clear the office. Thanks for waiting.
4. All GL reports must be submitted online. We can no longer input them from our side. If you need assistance finding where or how to do that, let us know.
The Technology Committee has plans and is working on additions and new developments to the website for this coming year. Some you will see, and others will make things flow better administratively. Change is not always easy; growth is fabulous!
Thanks so much for serving the Lord through the SOWER Ministry!
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New England is calling.... | |
Currently we have 3 projects in Maine: | |
Baptist Park Camp (ME-334) in Mapleton. They know they are at the end of the road so they try to be as accommodating as possible with laundry facilities and a full kitchen in the SOWER cabin, which they have set aside specifically so that SOWER’s have a place for devotions, games and group meals. They are asking for five (5) SOWERs next summer, June through September. | |
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Living Waters Bible Camp (ME-37) in Danforth was originally started by Wendell Calder and Labor Day Weekend of 2025 will be his last time of holding camp meetings at Living Waters. They are beautifully situated on Grand Lake where you’ll have access to paddle boards and canoes and Canada, so bring your passports. They are asking for three (3) SOWERs next summer from May through October. | | |
Our newest project in Maine is Fair Haven Camps (ME-577) in Brooks. SOWER’s have a private beach with rowboats and canoes available. They are close to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor. Fair Haven asks for SOWERs July through September, and still has some openings next summer. | |
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We now have TWO New Hampshire projects! | | |
Pilgrim Pines Conference Center (NH-400) in Swanzey is now back online after a devastating weather event that caused them to shut down 80% of their programs. They will be building a new bathhouse in the Springtime and would appreciate help with the project. Pilgrim Pines is asking for three (3) SOWERs May through September | |  |
A new project is Camp Maranatha (NH-579) in New Durham. This camp has been working hard for three years to be able to increase their regular camp programming. SOWERs will be a huge blessing to this camp, where there are both maintenance and new construction opportunities. They are asking for four (4) SOWERs from March through October. Please read the PLS for RV size restrictions. | | |
And a new project in Massachusetts!
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Douglas Camp Meeting (MA-578) is located in Douglas. Douglas Camp Meeting started in 1875, they are a place of introduction, healing, and growth in Jesus. They hold a 10-day long Campmeeting in July and are available for church/family rentals throughout the year. They are asking for three (3) SOWERs from April through November. | | |
As they say in New England, “You have to purpose to come this way, you just don’t drive by.” But you won't be disappointed if you come! As you make your plans for next summer, check out these worthwhile projects and enjoy a comfortable summer and beautiful places to visit.
David & Martha Boynton (3745)
New England Area Reps
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Sharing the SOWER Ministry -
Lyle & Kathy Rippentrop (3113) loved sharing their volunteer times with others by giving presentations throughout their southern Minnesota community. Kathy made scrapbooks of all their projects and shared her scrapbooks along with a media presentation at many local community events and churches. They felt honored to be able to share their skills on projects through SOWERs. SOWERs has given them a family that they have loved and cherished throughout the years. They got very excited when they heard that someone had joined SOWERs because of their sharing. Keeping in touch with many that they have worked with and entertaining them at their home where they invited members to camp is another way they shared their love of SOWERs. Kathy is now with the Lord she served all these years and she will be missed by those who knew and loved her here. They are a great example of Servants on Wheels Ever Ready!
Thank you, Lyle & Kathy, for your dedication to our ministry!
Do you have a favorite way to share the SOWER ministry? We'd love to hear about it! Send ideas and testimonies to stephanie@rvthereyet.org.
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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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Here is a quote from one of our Underserved Projects - Charis Hills Camp (TX-476) -
The impact of your [SOWER] volunteers goes beyond just providing assistance; it creates a sense of community and support that is invaluable to our campers and staff alike. Your volunteers have always brought not only skills, but also compassion and a sense of mission that aligns perfectly with our camp's values.
Charis Hills has not had a SOWER in over a year! Click on the letter to the right to see the entire message - and please pray for this very special camp!
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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, Lolretta Tillery (4024) for sharing about your time as SOA at Forest Home Mill Creek (CA-500)! They have openings in 2025 in Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep, Oct and have lots of work! | |
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 Thanksgiving greeting 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.
Questions?
The office is happy to help!
903-882-8070
sowers@sowerministry.org
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Let us not forsake gathering together! | |
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THE TEXAS RALLY IS IN THE WORKS!
April 3-5, 2025
International Alert Academy, TX-410
Whether you are brand new in the SOWER family, or have volunteered with SOWERs for years, join us as together we praise God for all He has done in our lives! You'll be guaranteed plenty of time for wonderful, joyful fellowship and great food. Plan on relaxing time to reconnect with SOWER friends, old and new.
Mark your calendar now and make plans to join us following the March 2025 project.
For more information, and to register, contact Margaret Gearhart #3263, magrv@mailfence.com 970/214-4626
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This month there are 70 SOWER couples serving at 34 different ministries 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!
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERs are doing around the country!
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Group Picture - The October 2024 SOWERs serving at Riverbend Retreat Center (TX-328). L-R -Terry & Lou Blount (3952), Monty & Edna Burr (4120) (first project!), Tony & Sue Malone (3667), and Dennis & Starr Babcock (3862). Photo by Sue Malone
Header Photo -The lake at Elim Lodge Ministries (ON-556). Photo by Bruce Johnston (3402)
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Dear Sam & Sally,
Many years ago, a dear friend told me that our lives are defined by what we do in retirement. We, as SOWERs, chose to serve Christ but we soon discover our service, in actuality, enriches us beyond measure. We have had the honor to serve with Gary & Stephanie Conrad many times over the years. They have just completed their 200th project. This is a singular achievement and I have a few questions for them!
How have you seen God at work in these years of service?
How has your time with Sowers impacted your family?
How has Sowers affected your personal walk with God?
What are the milestones?
Thank you both. We love ya bunches!
John and Rosie Stoner
Dear John & Rosie,
Since we have a close relationship with the Conrads, we sent those questions right to them for answers -
How have you seen God at work in these years of service? There are too many ways to count! Just being able to see God working in so many different ministries, big and small, has been such a blessing, The news media may tell you otherwise, but our God is VERY big – and He's VERY busy!
How has your time with SOWERs impacted your family? Our grandchildren only know us as the crazy grandparents who drive around in their house! We pray that the legacy of service we leave them will influence them for years to come.
How has SOWERs affected your personal walk with God? Again – such a big question! Both of us have grown closer in our daily walk with the Lord, and we’ve also come to appreciate the fact that we don’t have to agree on every theological issue with fellow believers as long as we keep the Main thing the Main thing! Loving Jesus – Loving others. One of Gary's favorite quotes is "Look ahead - Trust God, Look behind - Thank God, Look around - Serve God".
What are the milestones? Oy – you’re killing us here! The first one that comes to mind is our Alaskan summer where we caravanned with two other SOWER couples for a blessed trip north and then two wonderful projects. Another would be serving at so many new (to the SOWER Ministry) projects. We’ve loved being on the early teams to bring some SOWER love to 136 different ministries. Each one different – each one working to expand the Kingdom of God!
We continue to give God ALL the glory for mile after mile of safe travels and opportunities to serve HIM throughout our country. And we value each of the friends we've made along the way! Thank you for your BIG questions! And may we all joyfully continue on the path the Lord has set before us!
Thankful to be part of the SOWER family,
Gary & Stephanie
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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