Stories & Updates
Held While Holding
A weary missionary serving in South Africa discovers that while holding abandoned babies at Hannah’s Place of Safety, God is gently holding and restoring her too. A story of quiet ministry, healing, and the faithfulness of God in ordinary places.
A Match Made in Heaven — Literally
A story of God’s faithfulness connecting a small church in South Africa with a family across the ocean to provide meals, discipleship, and hope for children in need.
Summer of Celebration
Over the next several weeks, Umbwella’s Stand will share stories from around the world celebrating God’s faithfulness through ordinary acts of obedience, provision, encouragement, and love. Discover how small offerings become eternal impact in the hands of Jesus.
Seen in the Serving
This summer, a team will travel to South Africa to host Vacation Bible School for township children while intentionally encouraging and caring for the missionaries who faithfully serve there year-round. Discover how small acts of generosity can impact children, churches, and weary missionaries alike.
Is it Right for You to Be Angry?
Sometimes, the most powerful parenting words are:
“It’s not what you want.”
Not a threat.
Not a punishment.
Just… reality.
God asked Jonah:
“Is it right for you to be angry?”
Jonah said yes.
And God let the consequence stand.
That’s hard.
But it’s also freeing.
✨ New post: Is It Right for You to Be Angry?
Why we don’t always need to create consequences—God already has.
What is in Your Hand?
Monday mornings at our house:
Trash everywhere.
Takes 3x longer than it should.
Tiny hands “helping.”
And it’s 100% worth it.
Because when God asked Moses,
“What is in your hand?”
He wasn’t looking for something impressive.
He was inviting participation.
That’s what builds confidence.
That’s what builds faith.
✨ New post: What Is in Your Hand?
Why biblical parenting empowers instead of controls.
God Already Knew Who They Would Need
Sometimes God prepares us decades in advance for an assignment we never saw coming.
What looked like an ordinary track meet in Germany became a powerful reminder that God wastes nothing — not experience, leadership, or a willing heart.
Read this encouraging story from Kandern and see how quiet acts of service strengthen missionaries around the world.
Where are You?
The first question God asked after sin wasn’t:
“What did you do?”
It was:
“Where are you?”
Not information.
Invitation.
That changes everything about how I parent.
Because if I want honesty from my child, I have to create safety for it.
Not shame.
Not fear.
Not distance.
✨ New post: Where Are You?
Biblical parenting starts with relationship.
Why are You Here
I had a moment recently where my toddler was completely melting down—and nothing made sense.
He had food. A clean diaper. Attention.
And then someone asked, “Where is his cup?”
That was it. He was just thirsty.
It reminded me of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. After a huge spiritual victory, he ran, collapsed, and asked God to let him die.
God didn’t correct him first.
He let him sleep.
He fed him.
He restored him.
Only then did He ask, “What are you doing here?”
That’s been sitting with me.
Sometimes our children don’t need discipline first—they need stability.
I wrote more about this in Why Are You Here?—a reflection on how God parents with both grace and accountability.
Why is Your Face Downcast?
Motherhood has taught me something surprising:
Sometimes, the best parenting… doesn’t “work.”
In Genesis 4, God noticed Cain before he sinned.
He asked questions. He offered guidance. He gave a way out.
And Cain still chose wrong.
That changes how I see my role as a mom.
I’m not responsible for perfect outcomes.
I’m responsible for faithful presence.
Even in the cookie aisle meltdowns. 😉
✨ New blog: Why Is Your Face Downcast?
A look at how God parents—and what that means for us.
The Questions That Shape Us
Something new is beginning at Umbwella’s Stand.
For the past year, we’ve been telling the story of how we’ve seen God move. Now, we’re stepping into the next part of the vision—raising up the next generation.
This May, we’re launching a five-part series, “The Questions God Asks,” written by my daughter, Austi. Together, we’ll explore how God parents His children—and how His example shapes the way we guide, disciple, and love those He’s entrusted to us.
Because the truth is… we are all missionaries.
And it starts right where we are.
Join us as we begin this journey. 💛
That changes how I see my role as a mom.
I’m not responsible for perfect outcomes.
I’m responsible for faithful presence.
Even in the cookie aisle meltdowns. 😉
✨ New blog: Why Is Your Face Downcast?
A look at how God parents—and what that means for us.
Extraction Day
“It’s Extraction Day. No one gets left behind.”
I thought I was just flying home.
But there was a battle in the air.
Intercessors awakened at 4:30 a.m.
Dreams meant to intimidate.
Healing the enemy tried to reclaim.
God was faithful.
New on the blog: Extraction Day
Chosen, Known, and Celebrated: A Birthday Invitation
Your birthday is more than a date—it’s a reminder that you were chosen, known, and deeply wanted. No matter how it’s been celebrated (or not), God has a personal gift waiting for you. This year, ask Him what it is.
Quiet Moments
In a quiet moment overlooking the bay in South Africa, five simple words changed everything: “You don’t have to fear.” A reflection on spiritual battles, belief, and unshakable truth.
Rewriting What I Hear
Have you ever asked the Lord a question you thought would have a simple answer…
and instead, it changed the way you think?
Sent to Serve
Rick and Connie Bohner return to Germany to support missionaries through presence, encouragement, and practical care.
Learn how you can pray and be part of their mission.
Biblical Culture: When Tradition, Freedom & Truth Collide
Religious freedom is a privilege many Christians take for granted. A reflection on worship in Africa, cultural theology, and why we must evaluate our traditions through Scripture.
Supernatural Relationships
What happens when God builds a relationship years before you ever meet? A story from South Africa about obedience, answered prayer, and what it truly means to be poor in spirit.
Blessed Are the Unoffended
A young mom reflects on loneliness, faith, and God’s work in the wilderness. A vulnerable story of learning to trust the Lord when seasons don’t look as expected.