SOWER Ministry Newsletter September 2021 |
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Dear Friends,
September! It’s back to school, back to schedules and back to sweaters! (Not so much here in Oklahoma where we’re serving this month since the temps have been in the 90’s most days, but we’re hopeful for the days ahead!) While this summer saw us beginning to get back to more normal activities, our days are still filled with uncertainty for the days ahead. Our prayer chain has been filled with both rejoicing and sorrow. But of this we can be sure - our GOD is still the God of redemption, the God who walks with us through these hills and valleys of life. Though our circumstances may change, our God does not! The prophet Habakkuk sums it up beautifully –
Though the cherry trees don’t blossom
and the strawberries don’t ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten
and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless
and the cattle barns empty,
I’m singing joyful praise to God.
I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s Rule to prevail,
I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer.
I feel like I’m king of the mountain!
(For congregational use, with a full orchestra.)
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (The Message)
Even through this ‘hard season’, our SOWER ministry has seen great evidences of God’s grace! When compared to September of 2020, there are 21 more couples working and 12 more projects being served this month. May we all join together, “with a full orchestra”, and “sing joyful praises to God…counting on [His] rule to prevail!”
Resting in His Grace, Thankful for His Mercy,
Stephanie Conrad #2509
Editor
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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Do you have a testimony or 'God Story' of how you've seen God in action at our SOWER projects during these tumultuous days? We'd love to hear from you! Send your story ideas and photos to me at stephanie@rvthereyet.org!
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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. Right now there are four Area Rep openings.
Northern California
CA - 130 YWAM/Springs of Living Water
CA - 275 Kidder Creek Orchard Camps
CA - 304 Diamond Arrow Christian Conference Center
CA - 435 Wolf Mountain Camps
East*-
NC - 285 Camp Living Water
NC - 294 Ridge Haven/Conf/Retreat
NC - 358 Center For Intercultural Training
NC - 498 Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove
NC - 506 Boys & Girls Homes of NC
NC - 522 Harvest Time Bible Camp
NC - 527 Children's Bible Ministries (Camp Grace)
SC - 545 Psalm 91 at The Potters Place
VA - 33 Camp Bethel
WV- 415 Appalachian Bible College
South Texas-
TX - 4 Camp Loma De Vida
TX - 121 Grace Community Church
TX - 402 Way of the Cross (on Hold)
TX - 499 Macedonia Christian School
*This area will be split into two groups
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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 these 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. Bill Myers VP |
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It seems that over the last year and a half one tragedy has only been followed up by a newer, harder tragedy here at Dry Creek Baptist Camp, LA-287. COVID, hurricanes, and a fire have devastated us. However, I would like to take a moment to praise the Lord for His faithfulness. Through the last 18 months God has taken care of every need that we have and blessed us with abundant spiritual gifts also. There have been multiple occasions where looking at the earthly circumstances revealed that the ministry of Dry Creek would only last a short while…then God would take care of our needs. Whether it be a large financial contribution, or a widow’s mite, it may have been a call from a camp friend that wanted to pray, or a group of volunteers showing up to take care of the work that needed to be done. God has consistently worked in the hearts of his people to take care of the needs of Dry Creek. He has also used these circumstances to increase our faith in Him, as we could only rely on His goodness and mercy during such hard times.
Then, this summer, it all came together and we were so overjoyed to be able to perform our calling and accomplish our purpose! Summer Camp 2021 was incredible! Of all the years I've been involved with Summer Camp at Dry Creek Baptist Camp…this was the best. Our staff, short handed and under experienced were true all-stars! Our program leaders, preachers, teachers, musicians and directors were outstanding! The campers and chaperones were a welcomed sight to our eyes! The Holy Spirit moved in magnificent ways! Many campers came to saving faith in Christ and all who came encountered Jesus as the Savior He truly is! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Blessings from Dry Creek Baptist Camp!
Todd Burnaman
Director
Dry Creek asks for SOWER help in October, November, January, March and April. Check the PLS for details and openings!
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Jake & Eleanor Dueck #2441
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You may recall the Prayer Chain entry on August 12, 2021:
“Please pray for Roseau River Bible Camp (MB #534) staff, board and campers, and specifically for Duane Goertzen (director) and his family. On Sunday (Aug 8) two of his teenaged daughters were killed in a car accident. The girls were very involved in the camp life and will be missed by campers and staff. The media has been very charitable in reporting and allowing Duane to share his faith. Praise the Lord!”
Eleanor & I (Jake) have been privileged to relate to RRBC for the last 5 years as our ‘home project’ and have been blessed by the effective Christian ministry of the camp. As indicated in the prayer chain entry and the newscast, the Goertzen family was very involved in the camp ministry, and the two girls (Sophie, 17, and Acacia, 15,) were counsellors or leaders in training. Since this is our ‘home project’ we have been connecting with the camp regularly and so were aware of the grieving atmosphere. The funeral/memorial service was an outdoor event attended by over 1000 friends of the girls and the camp. A GoFundMe page was created for funeral expenses and camper sponsorship, raising over $77,000 before being closed. The picture shows Sophie (2nd from the left) and Acacia (extreme right) beside Duane.
Newcomers in the SOWER family, Henry & Joan Janzen #3687, were just beginning their assignment at RRBC and were able to pivot from their planned work to assist in the memorial preparation and clean-up. “God placed us at RRBC to help staff during their period of grief.”
This web link provides a very good insight into the way the family is dealing with this tragedy.
Please continue to pray for this family and indeed the camp. God will create something beautiful out of this tragedy.
Jake & Eleanor Dueck #2441
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Let us not forsake gathering together.... |
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Saturday, Aug. 14th, SOWERs in the near vicinity of Odosagih Bible Conference (NY-306) gathered for a 2-day mini-reunion. Art & Donna McElheney (3222) were the instigators, and fine planners they were. They introduced some of us to a new delicacy - Roast Beef on Weck! Several Odosagih staff joined us for lunch of which Chef Jim did a fine job. We were able to eat in their new activity building that had recently been dedicated. There were brand new SOWERs (first project) and there were well-seasoned SOWERs at the event - about 12 couples in attendance. Odosagih NY-306 was presented by Director Ron Uhlman and a brand new, up and coming project in NY was presented for sponsorship - Longview Camp in Arcade, NY.
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Yes, by the end of the next week that sponsorship was filled by Richard & Linda Webster #3808. We are excited as this will make four projects - three in New York and one in NW Pennsylvania-within a 200 mile diameter: Odosagih Bible Conference (NY-306), Longview Camp (new), Lighthouse Christian Camp (NY-379) & Miracle Mountain Ranch (PA-514). Next summer you may want to enjoy the cooler temps in New York & Pennsylvania for the summer. A shout-out goes to the McElheney’s for pulling this together. Gail Fieler #3187
PS - All of the existing projects mentioned above are on the 'underserved projects' list, having received two or fewer SOWER couples in the last year! Check out the PLS to see about signing up for next summer!
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Plans are in the works for the 2023 National SOWER Rally in Texas to celebrate the SOWER 40th anniversary! The dates have been set -March 30th through April 3rd - the weekend between a two week break, giving folks time to get there and also head off to their next project. There will be an initial committee meeting in October. If you are interested in serving on the committee please let me know ( gary@rvthereyet.org). We will be discussing different ideas and proposals. We will be meeting through a Zoom platform (set-up help will be available). Thank you in advance for your interest. Gary Conrad (#2509)
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Get out your datebook...... |
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2022 Florida SOWER Reunion
FL-143 Florida Baptist Youth Camp, Groveland, FL
February 28 - March 2, 2022, Monday – Wednesday
Theme: No Matter What, Trust God!
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With the uncertainty of the COVID situation, there are no Fall 2021 SOWER Rallies currently scheduled. Stay tuned for additional information about upcoming 2022 events! |
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Seen recently on Facebook |
Thank you, Brian, for sharing about your time at one of our beautiful Canadian projects! Turtle Mountain Bible Camp (MB-490) in Manitoba is one of our underserved projects and I know they truly appreciate your help! |
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 over 1300 "likes" to date! 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'). |
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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Looking to Upgrade?
Check out the RVs For Sale listings on the Members Only site. Your new rig might be waiting for you there!
If you have previously listed your rig for sale and it has sold, please contact our webmaster so your listing can be removed! |
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Group Picture this month - the August 2021 Group at Living Waters (ME-37) L-R Craig & Karen Burrell #3743, Stan & Carlie Buttrick #327, Roy Olson #2964, Conrad & Pam Popp #3652, Richard & Linda Webster #3808
(What a great group! The Buttricks have worked over 170 projects and the Websters were on their very first! Also, the Websters are second generation SOWERS!)
Header Photo - Camp Bethel (VA-33) by Barbara Adcock #3748
Opening Photo (First Day of School) - Yes, that's one of my grandsons!
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Have you sent in your 2022 Skill Sheet/Annual Registration??? It's due on October 1!
(If the dog ate it, a duplicate can be found on the member website!)
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERs are doing around the country!
Ed & Patty Soltes #1864
Gary & Stephanie Conrad #2509
Paul & Juanita Alton #2766
Bruce & Katie Gay #3659
Terry & Alice Burnett #3071
John & Connie Nicholas #3322
Jim and Cathy Fry #3564
John & Druann Bauer #3521
Conrad & Pam Popp #3652
Dennis & Lorree Johnson #3658
Sondra Smith #3779
Spencer & Lorraine Saints #3574
Mark & Jeanette Sheler #3782
Doug & Laurie Schneider #3704
Do YOU have a Blog you'd like to share? Send me the link, and we'll add it to the "Blog Roll".
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Clicking on the Cherries
above will take you to the Members Page, the August/September
Sowergram and the latest updates to our Project Listings (updated weekly).
The October/November SOWERGRAM will be available by the end of the month.
NOW AVAILABLE
Found on the Member's Page, the Wait List details those folks who are either waiting for an opening at a project or waiting for a GL to sign up since they are new SOWERs. It will be updated automatically each week as the PLS is updated. Check it out!
If you have any questions,
please contact the SOWER Office
903-882-8070
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The Annual SOWER Board of Trustee meeting will be held at the Lindale office starting September 27th. Please keep these dedicated men and women in your prayers as they meet that they would be blessed with unity and wisdom as they look to the future of our ministry. |
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Dear Sam and Sally,
We are new group leaders and have a few questions I hope you can help with! One – as GL, do we need to stay on the project until the last couple leaves? Second – we read in “Welcome SOWERS” that “SOWER songbook are to be used during morning devotions.” If we (or whoever is doing devotions) decide to listen to a music video instead of singing, is that a problem? And finally – are there any guidelines for handling some of the ‘hot topics’ of today – pandemic responses, politics, etc. Thank you for your help!
Signed,
Striving to do a good job!
Dear Striving,
Thanks for sharing these questions! First the easy ones – No, you do not need to stay at the project until the last SOWER leaves! Once the project hours are completed (generally 3:30 on the last Thursday), your official duties as Group Leader are over (except for doing the GL report of course!). Please feel free to leave whenever it works best for you! About the SOWER song book – our songbook is available for use so that everyone is looking at the same thing if whoever is doing devotions wants to begin (or end) with singing. Since everyone is welcome to share as they feel led, joining in song during devotions is not required.
And finally, those ‘hot topics’. There are no SOWER guidelines about handling the ‘hot topics’ of today. These discussions would fall into the same category as ‘doctrinal differences’ and should be handled sensitively. Scripture is clear that “If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.” ( I Cor 11:16). If, as Group Leader, you feel someone is stirring up contention with his/her opinions, then the guidelines found in Matthew 18:15-20 should be applied. Of course, we are all allowed our own opinions, but in a group that is as diverse as ours (although we do share our core beliefs), it is best to “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”. (Romans 12:18) As GL, you are encouraged to set the tone of respect for our government (Rom 13:10 ) and also for each other (Phil. 2:4).
These are great questions, so thanks again for taking the time to send them in! May you be richly blessed as you continue to follow His lead in the SOWER Ministry!
Serving 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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