Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:11-14

While listening to a sermon recently on this section of Colossians, it came to mind that the SOWER Ministry is very much like this description of the early Church. We are a very diverse group of Christians, and we come from many, many different churches and communities. We are factory workers and retired military, accountants and UPS drivers. Pilots and linemen, maintenance workers and teachers. Our differences far outnumber our similarities, but what keeps our ministry effective is our shared love of Christ and the Holy Spirit living in all of us. As we move into our busiest season of the year, let us remember to put some of our differences aside and ‘above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Let’s go to our projects with an open heart and love for our fellow SOWERs and work as a cohesive unit.

Linda Comer (#3021) shared this newsletter from Bonita Park Camp (NM-521) which highlighted the mural painted by SOWER Bob & Gail McCandless (3220). Thanks, Linda - and great job McCandlesses!

For some, November 1st is the start of Christmas. For others, Christmas begins after Thanksgiving. At Tejas (TX-240), our Christmas preparations started long before November 1st! Thankfully, we are blessed with volunteers who help us set up lights, decorate rooms, and make sure all facilities are in “Christmas condition.”

Mike and Bonnie Griffin (#3264) are a couple who have been volunteering at Tejas for the past eight years. Mike has served as the hayride driver, and Bonnie has played many roles, all of which use her creativity and artistic touch.

They are a part of a traveling RV group for couples called SOWERs (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready).

They discovered SOWERs when Mike, a retired school principal, took a group of 5th graders on a retreat. There was a group of them volunteering at that camp, and Mike remembers being so impressed by their attitude.

He came home from that trip and asked Bonnie if she would ever consider joining SOWERs. She said she would, so they joined and started traveling with them from camp to camp.

Both Mike and Bonnie look forward to their annual trip to Tejas. Bonnie said, “It just doesn’t feel like December (or November) without Tejas!”

Mike continued her sentiment, saying, “It is so refreshing to watch little kids run around because their parents know Tejas is a safe place.”

It was so sweet hearing Mike and Bonnie talk about their fond memories at Tejas, but it was even sweeter hearing how excited they were to serve with each other.

Mike said, “The best part about serving with Bonnie is how creative she is. When I look at a path, I am thinking about the end and how to get there. When Bonnie looks at a path, she thinks about what is along it. She has a way of inspiring others with her childlike creativity."

Bonnie shared similar affections, saying “My favorite part about serving with Mike is that he starts Bible studies wherever he goes. Sometimes it is with the camp staff, sometimes it is with other volunteers, but his desire and initiative are consistent.”

I enjoyed hearing from Mike and Bonnie about what it means for them to set the stage for Jesus to transform lives through volunteering. We are forever grateful for them and the many other volunteers like them who partner with us to set the stage.

- Morgan Askey, Camp Tejas Staff

FL-143 Florida Baptist Youth Camp, Groveland, FL  

Cost: (Cash or check only)   $80/rig   W/E 30 amp/dump

Room Rent: $80/couple (linens & towels not provided)

Early arrivals: $15/night

Walk-ins: $20.00/couple for 1 day; $30.00/couple for multiple days  (lunch provided for walk-ins)

Meals included: Supper on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Potluck)                        Breakfast - Tuesday and Wednesday

If you haven't received your registration form yet, you can download one from the Member Site, or request one from the office.

The committee is checking with area golf cart rentals to secure the best prices for rentals during our long weekend. The carts that we are looking at would be four seaters, so the expense of the rental can be shared. Watch for golf cart reservation information in January.

Two of the many activities we are planning are a Pickleball tournament (for every level!) and a Corn Hole tournament. More information, along with sign-ups, will also be supplied in January.

We’re in the planning stages for a 40th Anniversary Signature Quilt which when finished will hang at the office in Lindale. The basic design has been borrowed from this one hanging at ALERT (from their Family Camp), but our squares will be all ‘scrappy’! After all, we are a ‘scrappy bunch,’ aren’t we? We come from so many different backgrounds, that it only seems right to incorporate that beautiful diversity into our signature quilt. That’s where we need the help of our Sewing SOWERs! Would you be willing to put together some blocks for folks to sign during the 40th Rally in March? Each block requires a 7” neutral square and two contrasting 5” squares. When completed, they make into one (1) signature block and two (2) border blocks. We will be needing close to 150 squares, so even if you can only make one or two that would be greatly appreciated! Complete instructions will be available in January (who has time for extra sewing in December, right?). If you can help, please just reply to this newsletter or contact me at Stephanie@rvthereyet.org.

PS - If you can't make it to the Rally but would still like to be a part of this project, don't worry! Details on how that can happen will be in the next newsletter!

When a Project Host has a larger project that would extend over several months, SOWERs would seek to identify one of our Members to serve as Project Manager and this individual would work with the Project Host to provide ongoing oversite of SOWERs for the duration of the project to provide continuity from one monthly group of SOWERs to the next.

The response was very encouraging with between 25 and 30 Hosts saying they could use an SPM and that this program could greatly benefit their ministries Many had projects that they would like to start within this next year.

Therefore, SOWERs will be looking for men who are interested and have the background to serve as construction project managers. We have determined that this SPM individual would also be serving as the group leader for the months that they serve as SPM, with a commitment of 3 to 6 months or longer depending on the project. It would also be possible to split up a project into 3-month sections and have two or more SPMs for the duration of the project. We will need individuals who have general construction background and are capable of providing oversite of a construction project. If you are interested, please send a brief construction resume to Roy Olson. Also, if you have previously sent in a resume, please confirm your willingness to serve in this capacity. I will be keeping a file of all interested individuals.

We are hoping to get all of the logistics worked out and get this program underway within the next year.

Roy Olson, # 2964

503 689 0799

77cornhusker@gmail.com.

The Olsons (#2964) have signed up to serve at Mt. Gilead Bible Conference Center (CA-533) as a trial SOWER Project Manager for the restoration of 8 cabins. They could use 3 or 4 couples to join them on this project.

In Florida, we have already received a request from Lake Wales Care Center (FL-157) for someone to oversee the renovation of a newly acquired 2-story, 8-unit (2 bedroom, 2 bath) apartment building. Contact Roy Olson for more information!

Group Picture The November 2022 group from Sermon on The Mount Ministries (OK-555) L-R - Gary & Stephanie Conrad (#2509), Floyd and Barbara Adcock (#3748), Mike & Jackie Barber (#3601), Handsome (the horse) and Dr. Lew Sterrett, project host.

Header Photo - Scene from the Christmas Train, Victory Camp (TX-333), submitted by Kellie Blake (#3766)

Open Paragraph Photo - the Christmas Tree at WEC International (PA-173), Deanna Schoenenberger (#2029)

Members Page Link Photo - Lights of Tejas, Susan Malone (#3667)

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.