In December 2018 we were looking for a place to stay near our daughter for the holidays. In November 2018 we learned that Lake Lavon Camp and Conference Center had requested the assistance of the SOWER ministry. The only thing lacking for them to become a SOWER project was a SOWER sponsor. After visiting the…
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“Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,” (Colossians 3:23, NET) This verse became our project verse. Of the four of us, only one loved to dig in the dirt and play with flowers. The other three were totally clueless when we started, and not much…
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“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden … to work it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15, ESV) It was clear from the beginning of humankind and the first book of the Bible that we were created to work. God placed man in a garden (or orchard) and was told to…
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“He has filled him with the Spirit of God—with skill, with understanding, with knowledge, and in all kinds of work,” (Exodus 35:30–31, NET) There are times we don’t feel we are contributing to God’s Kingdom work. We are not on the front line teaching or discipling others as we once were. After all, Jesus commanded:…
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“Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person in whom the Lord had put skill —everyone whose heart stirred him to volunteer to do the work,” (Exodus 36:2, NET) In November 2021, when we arrived at our project at Riverbend Retreat, we were presented with a 10’x20’ concrete slab and asked to build a…
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“He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy.” (Isaiah 40:29, NET) Isaiah’s readers were tired and discouraged captives in Babylon. He wrote to encourage them and reminded them that “…The Lord is an eternal God, the creator of the whole earth. He does not get…
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“…Go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of those to whom I send you, for I will be with you to protect you,” says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 1:7–8, NET) Before the prophet Jeremiah was even born he had been chosen by God to spread the Lord’s…
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“Some traveled on the sea in ships,and carried cargo over the vast waters.They witnessed the acts of the Lord,his amazing feats on the deep water.”(Psalm 107:23–24, NET) About 15 miles from shore you can see the cargo ship (above) headed west on Lake Ontario. This is an ocean-going vessel. We often refer to our home-on-wheels…
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“… Let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, NET) At the Heartland Conference Retreat Center, “Oakwood,” is the name of the main building that houses the dining room, conference rooms, offices, etc. As you leave Oakwood, these words…
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“… by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace,” (Ephesians 6:15, NET) It’s the beginning of air conditioning (A/C) season and our A/C’s are even now working to keep our home comfortable in this summer’s high temperatures and humidity. To make sure the units are ready to go,…
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Bruce 'n Katie