We have a lot of things going on this October! On the one hand, this month marks the 20th Anniversary of our very first SOWER project! When we set out in August of 2004 (for our one or two-year adventure) we had already joined SOWERs, planning to do one or maybe two projects as we traveled through the country. We only lasted about six weeks before Gary said to me “Let’s try doing one of those SOWER project things.” And so we signed up for a SOWER project at a small Christian School in the town of Vienna, Georgia.
It was during that first month of service, parked in the high grass behind this circa 1940 public school building, doing not our favorite jobs, where God convicted both of us that THIS was what our RV journey should be about. And so began our hard right (and unexpected) turn into full-time ministry.
Our first group picture –
Since that (dare I say) fateful October twenty years ago, the Lord has led us on an incredible journey. Folks often ask us “What’s your favorite project?” or “What’s your favorite place?” Let’s be honest – North America is a fabulously diverse and beautiful continent! Our travels have taken us to oceans and mountains, plains and valleys, deserts and glaciers. We’ve seen geysers and waterfalls, bison and antelope, architectural masterpieces and natural wonders. But without a moment’s hesitation, I can say that the most impactful and beautiful part of this entire journey has been seeing God at work! He’s working in international ministries (we’ve helped out a few) and He’s working at small camps with more faith than funds (and we’ve been blessed to serve there too!). But more important than that is to see His work in our hearts and in the hearts and lives of the beautiful people that we have been honored to meet and work alongside of and have come to love. Over these years we’ve worked with over 300 SOWER couples and countless other volunteers and ministry hosts that we now count as dear friends and co-workers of the Kingdom. How very blessed we have been!
Which brings me to our Milestone. During these 20 years of being a part of the SOWER Ministy, we have served at 136 different ministries. I believe we had only heard of (maybe) five of those ministries before we arrived to help. Seeing the depth and breadth of God’s kingdom through these ministries has enlarged our view of God – and just how active He is in the lives and hearts of His people! This month, as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary since our first SOWER project, we are also marking our 200th project month. We are so honored that we have been able to serve the Kingdom for so very many years – and at so very many different locations. We can only give God all the Glory for guiding our steps these many years!
Now that we have our little house in Lindale, many friends have asked if we are retiring from SOWERs. Don’t count us out just yet! We are certainly moving away from doing 10 project months a year, but aren’t quite ready to hang up those tools! We are signed up for project #201 in March – at another ‘new to us’ location! We don’t think that God is done with us, and we pray that we will continue to be used for His purposes wherever He may lead us!
But wait – the birthday!! Our littlest Texan turns FIVE today!
Not at all sure where those FIVE years have gone (but then again we feel that way about the last 20 too!) – but we sure want to wish this little cowboy the very happiest of birthdays!! We love you, Deacon!
Thanks for joining us as we celebrate Deacon – and a couple of SOWER milestones!
PS – We’ve been really bad about taking “Group Pictures” when it’s just the two of us on a project. But here is one from this summer – both of us a little grayer (and maybe plumper) but still carrying on!
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