Starting next year with our 2024 Annual Registrations, the SOWER office will be accepting certified electronic signatures along with our original hard copy procedure. This will enable you to complete your skill sheet and registration completely online if so desired. Watch for more details as they become available.

Gary Conrad #2509

SOWER President

As SOWERS, a lot of us have become used to having Internet Connectivity. We shop, communicate, pay bills, entertain ourselves and in some cases, still work. In our case, my wife, Laura, teaches via ZOOM four days a week, so the internet is extremely important. So, what does “WIFI Available” mean as listed in the PLS.

What this means is that WIFI is available at the project, but not necessarily at the RV area. While the Project has made WIFI available, you may have to go to the Dining Area, Staff Lounge or Office to use it. If it is available in the RV area, it may only be strong enough to check your email or to do limited web surfing. Much like that which is found in an RV park.

So, what can we do as SOWERs if we need to have stronger internet? Here are several things that can be done:

1. Obtain your own hotspot. This can be done by using your cell phone; however, most cell plans limit you to the amount of data you can use with this method. In our case, we use an AT&T hotspot through FMCA, which offers unlimited/unthrottled internet. There are several other organizations that offer this service, the Calyx Institute being one. There are also third-party venders that offer this service such as Nomad Internet and Starlink. You should also check with your cell phone provider to see what programs they offer as well.

2. Sometimes a cell tower signal booster can help. We use one occasionally to help increase the signal strength from a cell tower to our hotspot.

3. There are numerous applications you can use to show you the signal strength in your area. These are used to show you where the cell towers are located and where coverage is found. Opensignal, Cell Mapper and your cell phone provider’s website are a few that come to mind. These can help you position your hotspot or cell phone in your RV to provide you with the maximum signal strength available.

4. If you have concerns about the internet at a project where you wish to serve, contact the SOWER Area Representative responsible for that project and ask them if they know what type of internet the project has. Do not contact the host.

These are just some suggestions to help. However, please do not let this challenge stop you from signing up for a project. Remember, by our very name, Servants On Wheels Ever Ready, we are there to SERVE!

Blessings,

David Pincus, #3663

Trustee

FYI - Internet on the Road will be one of the topics covered during the 40th Rally!

REALIFE Christian Youth Camp (FL-563)

Marianna, FL

REALIFE exists to proclaim the Gospel in all they do through teen camps, retreats, and foster care ministry. Their vision is to have a Christian youth camp in which thousands of young people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

This 107-acre camp is centrally located in Northwest Florida on the beautiful Blue Springs Reservoir, providing plenty of room for activities in a peaceful setting. The campers have the opportunity to swim, fish, play paintball and go boating to name a few of the activities available during camp. This summer, 6,300 students attended Youth Camp with over 500 salvations - WOW!

New in 2023 is Stillwater Ministry: This three-month program will provide the best possible services the Christian Community can offer children in the welfare system. With the focus on the Gospel, this will include trauma counseling, medical treatment, tutoring, discipleship, housing, food, clothing, on-site job & career training. This camp will be the “Match.com” for Christian families and child welfare children.

REALIFE is asking for six SOWER couples to serve 12 months of the year. They offer fully developed RV sites to accommodate your stay. Urgent Need: help with remodeling and upgrading of group housing. Make plans now to serve!

Rick & Dru Pack #3791

FL Area Reps

Salyer Lake Retreat Center - OK-562

Salyer Lake Conference and Retreat Center is a Christian organization, associated with the Church of the Nazarene. The mission of Salyer Lake Retreat and Conference Center is to provide a place of rest, retreat, and reflection to all people in order to experience Christ's redeeming love. Here is an acronym –HEART- that stands for their values:

H - Hospitality (making all guests and campers feel welcome and comfortable)

E - Excellence (going above and beyond, both personally and as an

 organization)

A - Attitude (doing everything as an act of worship Colossians3:23)

R - Renewal (we pray that guests and staff will be renewed in Christ)

T - Teamwork (working toward a common goal in spite of differences)

They have three SOWER spots available each month from February through October.

Project Sponsor-An active SOWER couple that will commit to promote and work a few project months there for the first couple of years to help them get a better understanding of SOWERs and establish the project.

For the first time in many months, all of our Area Rep positions are filled! Praise God!! Thank you to all of our AR - both new and seasoned! Your contributions to the ministry are invaluable!

Gail Fieler #3187

Vice President

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.

We will be having a couple of love offerings throughout the rally. One will be for Lew Sterrett and the Sermon on the Mount, and another for our concert performers, the Craguns. At the close of the Rally there will also be an opportunity to share a love gift with ALERT.

There will be a silent auction and also a regular auction on Sunday afternoon, following the Board Meeting. More details will be available for those early next year. While a traditional talent show is not on the schedule, we will be enjoying the ALERT Sing-spiration on Sunday evening, and there will be several opportunities for skits, etc. throughout the Rally. Contact Gail Fieler if you'd like her to include you during those times.

Group Picture The October 2022 group from Timber-Lee Camp (WI-493). L-R

Tony & Sue Malone (#3667), Eric & Elizabeth Malgren (#3959) (First Project!), and Troy & Staci Kelcher (#3841).

Header Photo - SOWER Headquarters in Lindale, TX.

Verse Photo - Many thanks to Spring Seldomridge-Gouge (#3638)

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.