The Story Begins
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Have you ever wondered what good work GOD has prepared for you to do? I am here to encourage you. It is as I am entering my sixth decade of life that I am beginning to realize this verse in a new way. “For I am God’s masterpiece. He has created me anew in Christ Jesus, so I can do the good things he planned for me long ago.” (NLT)
It is now that GOD has birthed a vision in me for something that is beyond myself or my capabilities and I am simply taking the next step in front of me.
Umbwella’s Stand is a creation of God’s imagination and handiwork in my life. Umbwella’s Stand is his idea, his ministry, his name, his non-profit and He can do whatever He wants with it.
The vision for the future is so much more than we see today, in 2025, as we launch the website for Umbwella’s Stand. I wanted to go all in, put everything out there at once. But, alas, I have submitted to his timing, learning not to despise small beginnings and choosing to be faithful with what I have been given.
I am humbled by the people, resources, and understanding that He has brought into my life to make this a reality. He has moved on our behalf in so many areas including a ten week turnaround for state and federal approval to make us an official non-profit securing your option for tax-deductible donations. Ten weeks! Can we declare the goodness of God?
I have realized just how God is the master strategist continually preparing me, moving me, molding me, and shaping me into who he desires me to be for the work he created for me to do. He has used all seasons of life to draw me to him, teach me a new characteristic of him, and re-write the lies I have been believing with freedom at the finish line.
Josh Baldwin has summed this up so well in his song, Evidence.
“All throughout my history
Your faithfulness has walked beside me
The winter storms made way for spring
In every season, from where I’m standing
I see the evidence of Your goodness
All over my life, all over my life
I see Your promises in fulfillment
All over my life, all over my life
Help me remember when I’m weak
Fear may come, but fear will leave
You lead my heart to victory
You are my strength and You always will be
I see the evidence of Your goodness
All over my life, all over my life”
Song lyrics are more than lyrics. They are the evidence of what the writer has walked through. The testimony of his/her life. And when we connect with them deeply, they are often a testimony of what we have walked through as well. When we sing them, we are declaring these words over our lives. Oh how I am grateful for the evidence of His goodness in my life despite the circumstances or how the world judges them.
Here, at Umbwella’s Stand, we want to fully care for Missionaries. Not just send a check each month or collect donations, but emotionally care for them as they see and experience hard stuff, mentally care for them as they are lliving on the battleground, spiritually support and encourage them through words and demonstration and of course, physically support them through finances, prayer and visitation. People on the front line of any battle have and need the people in the background. We all get to do our part.
We will walk alongside missionaries, their families, their call to the country and the organizations and ministries that they desire to support. Most missionaries are under funded or can always see the need. Whether it is the people they minister to, organizations on the ground they volunteer with or see it done well, we want to support what is done locally.
Here, at Umbwella’s Stand, we will introduce you to the country, the missions, the missionaries, generosity initiatives and certainly ways that you can pray and align with God’s heart for the good things each missionary family has been prepared to do.
We're excited to share how God is working through this mission—both through our efforts and yours. When we invest wisely in what God is doing (planting good seed), it makes a real difference. That includes giving financially, praying faithfully, and helping however we can, side by side.
Our hope is to encourage you, invite you deeper into the journey, and grow together as we keep stretching ourselves in faith.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”