SOWER Ministry Newsletter October 2025 | | |
Greetings!
Ah, October! A month to breathe and reflect before the coming holiday season, whether we are anticipating our winter ministry projects or a winter spent at home.
“Legacy is not what we accomplish. Legacy is what others accomplish because of what we do.” — Pastor Louis
Recently, I was listening to a sermon when this quote was shared. It immediately made me think of what we do as SOWERs. We are supporters. We are often behind the scenes.
What does Christ need with one more clean toilet, one more painted building, one more renovated bathroom? In many ways, we are a humble ministry. We travel, we work, we serve—usually through manual labor—and then we leave. Yet Christ uses us.
These simple acts represent something deeper, something far more precious. In many ways, large and small, we help make the path smoother for others to find and know our Lord. No one becomes a Christian alone—someone told us about Christ, prayed for us, or prepared a place for that encounter to happen.
So, who holds up the hands of the minister or the camp counselor? Who makes the space ready for that life changing moment? That's what we do! Our legacy is not the work itself, but the spiritual fruit that grows because of it. So, let's be mindful of our legacy, taking joy in what we have done and what God still has for us to do for Him. Whether active or retired as SOWERs, our legacy is ongoing and in the Hands of God.
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.
For we are co-workers in God’s service.
1 Corinthians 3:7–9
Encouraged by His faithfulness,
Sharon Hoyt #3815
Newsletter Team
P.S. Our newsletter team has a new email address!
newsletter@sowerministry.org
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From Where I Sit
by Office Managers Gail Fieler & Katie Gay
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A huge shout-out to our Trustees’ wives! While all the meetings were going on, and even before the actual meetings started, several of the wives pitched in to prepare the food provided for snacks and lunches. They also cleaned the apartment and meeting room, the conference room, and the bathrooms! What a great group of ladies who are very willing servants with hearts to serve whenever, wherever, and do whatever is needed. Thank you!!
We want to help you feel more comfortable serving as a Group Leader (GL) by providing GL training and mentoring from experienced SOWER GLs. Once you’ve completed the training, please let us know so we can update your record. GL training should also be documented in the GL report, and any SOWER who has received the training may email the office at sowers@sowerministry.org to ensure it’s recorded. The mentoring portion isn’t formal—it’s simply a seasoned GL coming alongside a newer SOWER to offer guidance and answer questions as they step into this important role.
Thanks so much for serving the Lord through the SOWER Ministry!
Katie & Gail
P.S. Remember that to sign up for any project in 2026, your annual registration must be up to date! Thanks!
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Your 2025-26 SOWER Board of Trustees
Standing - Floyd Adcock (#3748), Brad Smith (#3482), Dick Webster (#3808), Bill Blake (#3766), Jim Haney (#3902)
Seated - Carolyn Strausser (#3369), Ginger Hock (#3489), Linda Senn (#3691) Not Pictured - Janelle Jorgenson (#3871)
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A BIG HOWDY to All!
Your SOWER Board recently met for our annual meeting, and what a great time of discussion and idea-sharing it was! We focused on ways to help our ministry operate more effectively—always keeping true to the foundation upon which we were built.
One of the biggest updates is a change in Board Officers and committee structures to better support the ministry’s work. Your new officers are:
• President: Dick Webster
• Vice President: Brad Smith
• Secretary: Linda Senn
• Treasurer: Janelle Jorgenson
We also launched our new Recognition Program, which honors SOWERs who have completed 25, 50, and 75 projects. It’s a small way to say thank you for your faithful service.
If you’re a SOWER member, you should have already received (or soon will) an email about the discontinuation of the SOWERGRAM. We’re excited about the Information Technology Committee’s progress on our website and encourage everyone to explore its many new features.
I’d like to encourage each active SOWER couple to complete one additional project this coming year—especially at a ministry you’ve never served before or one that may be underserved. If we all did this, our ministry’s reach and impact would grow tremendously!
As we serve across this great nation and in Canada, may we do so with joyful hearts, unity, and a spirit that reflects the joy of our salvation. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or concerns with your Board members—we value your input as we work to strengthen this ministry together.
Have a blessed year,
Dick Webster, President
SOWER Ministry
| | How can I find out more about RV sites at a project? | |
New Search Options for Finding Projects
New and improved search tools are now available to help you find projects that best meet your needs!
Under Ministry List, you can now enter your RV length to display only those projects with sites that can accommodate your rig. You can also filter by Underserved projects or combine multiple search options to narrow your results.
For example, you might search for:
40 ft, Underserved, Restrooms/Shower
This makes it easier than ever to see the projects that fit your specific needs and interests.
When viewing an individual project, click on Ministry Information to see details for each site—including RV length, available amps, and any special notes.
And remember: individual sites are not requested. The Group Leader (GL) will assign sites once you arrive.
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Clicking on the Pumpkin will take you to the SOWER website where you can sign onto the Member Dashboard and get "Real Time" updates for our ministry projects' needs. | | | | |
New Michigan Project -
We are pleased to announce the addition of Bair Lake Camp in Jones, MI (MI-585) to our list of ministries where we can serve.
From their website: “We believe in the power of immersive camp and retreat experiences for people of all ages! Whether you are looking for a fully programmed camp or retreat for you or your child or for a place to host your group’s retreat, Bair Lake Bible Camp desires to partner with you to help further your biblical goals. Through Christ-like service, meaningful relationships, and intentional programming rooted in our commitment to God’s word, we strive to create an environment that will inspire you and your campers to encounter God. We are located in beautiful southwestern Michigan, within easy driving distance from Detroit, Chicago, Toledo, Grand Rapids, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis."
Bair Lake Camp is requesting six (6) couples each month from April through October in 2026 and sign-ups are open now!
Thank you to Lynn & Stacey Coville (#4127) for sponsoring this project and helping to get them on board with us!
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Looking for something different this holiday season?
Ron and Jaci Klick (#3335) here. As the current ministry hosts at Marshview Bible Camp, we are reaching out to our wonderful SOWERs family across the country.
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We’re looking for a few SOWERs who’d enjoy a relaxing December at Marshview Bible Camp (GA-549). There’s no work involved—just the simple task of keeping an eye on the camp while we take a month off. The dates are flexible, and you can coordinate directly with Ron and me. Marshview is a peaceful, scenic spot nestled on a beautiful marsh, just 30 minutes from historic Savannah, a wonderful town to explore.
If this sounds like a good fit, give us a call—we’d love to chat! Click link for number!
Ron Klick
Jaci Klick
Thank you for your consideration!
| | Have you checked out the Underserved Project List lately? It's a good starting point for looking for needy projects. Be sure and look at the number of couples requested and the season SOWERs are requested when determining which projects need help. 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! | | |
Angeles Crest Christian Camp, La Canada, California
Mari Haney (#3902)
Just a quick reflection on the last 3 months at Angeles Crest Christian Camp (CA-575), the time we spent there was amazing. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside some pretty amazing people serving the Lord with all their hearts, and might with the main goal of sharing the saving gospel of Jesus Christ!
Even as the only SOWERs for June, July, & August, we were able to accomplish quite a few things, including a LOT of electrical work. Angeles Crest asks for two (2) SOWERs from April through December and they are anxious to welcome SOWERS to their beautiful campus.
All Glory goes to God & God alone!
Mari Haney
| | SOWER STORIES AND TESTIMONIES | | |
This month's SOWER story is from 1998. I am assured that God is moving in SOWERs today and would love to share new stories !! For this month, we celebrate what God has done in our history.
Do you have a SOWER testimony of God's power and protection as you served? Or a SOWER story? Please share it with us at: newsletter@sowerministry.org
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From "SOWER Reapings"
"You Picked a Bad Time to Leave Me, Loose Wheel"
By Ken and Romelle Richards #998
In October of 1998, we were driving down I-65, on our way to a SOWER project in Alabama. Romelle was driving our FORD F-250 truck, pulling our 5th wheel trailer. Suddenly I, Ken said, "I think that's your wheel rolling past us!" The truck's rear wheel was still rolling in a field, probably 100 feet away. We were surprised we were not swerving due to the incident. I said to ease the truck off the road, as we were riding on the brake drum. God protected our trailer and us, as the rig came to a stop with the trailer still not entirely off the interstate.
We had to climb the field fence to get to a small business where we called our roadside assistance company. (That was before we had cell phones.) Our trailer was towed to a gas station a half mile away. The truck was towed separately to a Ford garage in the area. My brother and sister-in-law, J. Leroy and Loretta Richards, were going to work the SOWER project with us. They also owned a 5th wheel trailer. (We were doing our first project together.)
After calling the SOWER project hosts, and they getting word to my brother, Roy and Loretta got right on the way to pick us up and pull our 5th Wheel to the project, 100 miles away.
As we look back on it, the whole situation had the Lord's hand of provision and protection on it.
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and
protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NASB)
| | Area Representative Needs | | |
An Area Representative (AR) plays a vital role in the success of the SOWER ministry. Each AR serves as the main contact for one or more projects (ideally no more than six) and is responsible for answering questions, offering encouragement, and conducting at least one annual visit to each project. ARs also help evaluate potential new projects by visiting and assessing their ministries and facilities.
We are deeply grateful to those who have served in this important role. Whether you are an active SOWER or a SOWER alumni, your involvement is essential to continuing this critical part of the ministry.
If you’re interested in serving as an AR or would like more information, please contact that trustee or Brad Smith (#3482). Thank you in advance for your support!
Currently we have the following AR opening -
Florida panhandle (contact Ginger Hock):
FL - 448 Gateway Academy (Teen Challenge)
FL - 475 Bethlehem Camp Inc.
FL - 563 Realife Blue Springs
FL - 580 Tri State Christian Camp
The Dakotas (contact Linda Senn):
SD - 413 Cedar Canyon Wesleyan Camp
SD - 495 Sunshine Bible Academy
| | Seen Recently on Facebook | | Thank you, Wendy, for sharing about your time in Michgan! It's too late to serve at Timber Wolf MI-497 this year, but they ask for three (3) SOWERs in May through September in 2026! Sign-ups are open! | | |
Have You Stopped by Our Facebook Group Lately?
Our private SOWER Facebook group is a place to stay connected, share blessings, and encourage one another as we serve the Lord alongside our ministry partners.
Group Guidelines:
- Posts must be SOWER-related.
- No political posts or memes.
- Be respectful and use discretion when posting.
- Please get permission before sharing photos of others.
- Administrators may remove posts that don’t fit the purpose of the group.
Membership Info:
- Open to SOWER members, project hosts, and those considering joining.
- New members must answer the membership question (include your SOWER member number).
- If you invite others, remind them to complete the membership question so we can approve them.
Click the Facebook icon to join the family and stay connected!
| | Thank you to everyone who has given our SOWER Facebook Page a "Like" or follow. Currently, we have over 1900 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. | |
Ministry Facebook Pages
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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Facebook Page vs Facebook Group
The SOWER Facebook Group is for members to connect and share SOWER stories—it’s something you join.
The SOWER Facebook Page is where the ministry shares news and invites others to learn about us—it’s something you like.
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Did you know our members are the greatest recruiting tool we have?
Are you willing and ready to recruit more SOWERS? Can you set aside some time to help man a SOWER booth?
The Legacy Coalition Grandparenting Summit will take place at Community Church in Frisco, TX, on March 19-21, 2026. We need willing and enthusiastic SOWERs to man the booth. If you live nearby or plan to spend the winter in TX, please lend a hand and voice. There is great potential in recruiting some of these grandparents!
The following projects are within a 2-hour drive, and four of them are on the underserved list:
· Riverbend Retreat Ctr TX-328 Glen Rose, TX – 5 couples
· Charis Hills, Inc. TX-476 Sunset, TX – 2 couples
· Youth With A Mission TX-440 Garden Valley, TX – 2 couples
· ALERT Academy TX-410 Big Sandy, TX – 6 couples
· SOWER Ministry TX-361 Lindale, TX – 1 couple
· Mercy Ships TX-366 Lindale, TX – 4 couples
. Calvary Commission TX-303, Lindale, TX - 2 couples.
If you can help, please contact:
Dick Webster, #3808
SOWER Trustee, Publicity Committee
Or
Arlyn Nies #3927
Marcy Nies #3927
| | Let us not forsake gathering together! | | |
SOWER Gatherings – A Time of Refreshing
Whether you’re an alumnus, a seasoned SOWER, or brand new to the family, there’s nothing like a SOWER gathering to reconnect and recharge. If you live near a SOWER project, let them know—you may find an impromptu get-together happening! From campgrounds to local restaurants, these gatherings are always a blessing
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Ice Cream Social at the Home Office
The SOWER Ministry hosted an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, September 28, for the Board of Trustee Members and local SOWERs and alumni in the area with a total of 35 in attendance. Lots of fun memories and stories were shared. What a great time to fellowship and get to know our new board members!
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Honoring Gary & Stephanie for 200 Projects of Faithful Service
At this year’s Board of Trustees Ice Cream Social, Gary and Stephanie Conrad #2509 were recognized for a remarkable milestone—completing 200 SOWER projects! A special plaque and Honorary Bench was presented to commemorate their faithful service to the ministry and to the Lord.
Gary and Stephanie’s SOWER journey began in October 2004 at Faith Baptist Church/Christian School (GA-98) in Vienna, Georgia. In October 2024, they completed their 200th project at Forest Glen Christian Camp (TX-126)—a beautiful full-circle moment that reflects their steadfast commitment over the years.
In addition to their work on countless projects, Gary and Stephanie have served the SOWER Ministry in many other ways. Both faithfully served six years on the Board of Trustees, with Gary as president for five years and Stephanie as vice-president for three years (not at the same time), giving their time and leadership to strengthen the ministry. Stephanie also created and sustained the SOWER Newsletter for 14 years, connecting and encouraging SOWERs across the country month after month.
And for those who’ve attended a rally or two, you’ll likely remember Gary’s energy and humor as an auctioneer, bringing laughter and joy to each event.
We thank the Lord for Gary and Stephanie—their faithful hearts, joyful spirits, and unwavering dedication have blessed the SOWER Ministry and left a legacy that will continue to encourage and inspire for years to come.
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Western Wound-up Wrap-up
September 21-25, 2025
Aldersgate Camp & Retreats
(OR-320), Turner, OR
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The 2025 Oregon SOWER Wound Up Rally is in the history books! Twenty-two RVs, four couples in the lodge, and 2 daily drive-in couples attended this year.
Four host speakers were in attendance - Michael & Rachel Chenoweth from Camp Big Horn, MT-525, David & Tracie Seeley from Stillwood Camp, BC-349, Jonathan & Colin from Black Lake Bible Camp, WA-78 and Tori Raiguel from Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center, WA-255. Ten other projects were showcased by our own members during “My Favorite Project”. Questions were asked and many showed interest in working at these projects in the future.
Our Rally Host, Eric Mueller, Director of Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center, OR-320, gave us a special welcome, surprised each couple with a cooler bag scripted with “Oregon Wound Up 2025,” and presented the SOWER ministry with two monetary donations from Aldersgate. Paper airplanes, Birdie in the Can, P’Nut Butter Ping Pong, YARBBLE, golf tic-tac-toe, and Nerf guns were just a few of the exciting team games that were played. An ice cream social, weenie roast, and pancake breakfast were among a few of the special yummies! Devotions were exceptional with our own Laquetta Franz at the piano and Janelle Jorgenson leading our music. The Gays led the audience on an office tour via ZOOM, two Trustees were present for Q&A, and a couple of informative instructional meetings were very beneficial.
We wrapped up our final good-byes on Thursday morning and set a date for another rally in 2027. Hope to see you then, there is always room for more!
Wayne & Gail Fieler #3187
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This month 79 SOWER couples/singles are serving at 42 different ministries all around the country. Praise God for all the work that's being accomplished! Check the 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 - September 2025 ministry team at Fair Haven Camps ME-577- left to right, David and Karen Cooper (#4069), Susan and Loren Taylor (#3661). Photo by Karen Cooker
Header Photo -SOWER Office with the Harvest Moon
Verse Photo - Timber Wolf Lake (MI-497) by Betsy McClintick (#3213)
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Dear Friends,
Last month, we shared some tips on being a Group Leader. One of those tips was to always bring your sense of humor with you. So I thought I’d share some insights on being a SOWER, as compiled by one of our ministry hosts - Eric Mueller, Director at Aldersgate Camps (OR-320) during the Oregon Rally -
You Might be a SOWER if…
-Upon arrival at your new project site, sewer and power hookups are secondary to where your satellite dish will go to get the best reception.
-10am is your favorite time of the day as you finally have time to get your needed coffee fix to get you through the rest of the day.
-Your second favorite time of the day is 12:30 when the coffee fix is wearing off and you have time for that 30-minute power nap before returning to work.
-You spend more money on fuel than food.
-Your favorite store is Camping World.
-Your least favorite store is Camping World.
-Your motorhome is bigger than your permanent residence.
-You splurge for a hotel room just to see what an actual bathtub feels like.
-You wait until the last minute to sign up for a project because being the GL is terrifying.
-Your favorite “rock band” is the Gaither’s.
-Your three favorite food groups are cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, and ice cream.
-The only clothes you own are coveralls and tie-dye shirts. Unfortunately, the shirts aren’t actually tie-dyed, just a collage of your last ten painting projects.
We hope you enjoyed these insights as much as we did! Do you have any to add? Send them to newsletter@sowerministry.org, and maybe we can supplement the list!
Thankful to be a SOWER,
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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Newsletter Team
Stephanie Conrad #2509
Sharon Hoyt #3815
Janelle Jorgenson #3871 (Email maintenance)
There's still room on our team! Contact newsletter@sowerministry.org
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To send in a prayer request or praise item-
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