One Year of God’s Faithfulness
November 2025
It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, Umbwella’s Stand came to life at our first board meeting. After months of prayer, listening, and waiting on God for the right name and vision, we finally reached this first milestone.
Since then, we’ve been running full steam ahead! From mission and vision statements to regulatory forms, bank accounts, logos, and a website—it’s been a busy, beautiful year. In the midst of it all, we’ve shared weekly blogs that allow you to see what God is doing. We’ve visited missionaries, pastors, and churches, following His lead each step of the way—with so much more to come.
✨ Evidence of God’s Hand
We’ve seen His favor in countless ways. Just look at what He has done:
· State Approval Granted: February – only three weeks after application
· Federal 501(c)(3) Status Received: March
· Website Launched: April – www.umbwellasstand.org
· Over $30,000 Stewarded Throughout the Year
The Lord has given a God-sized vision and reminded us not to despise small beginnings. Step by step, He has provided people, funding, and encouragement exactly when needed. Our heart remains steadfast: to support missionaries around the world and raise up the next generation of those called to go.
🌍 Missionaries in Action
Jacki’s Return to South Africa
This year, Jacki was called back to South Africa for two months to support the Salazar family through a stateside surgery, assist Tanisha as she works toward her Master’s degree, and encourage local pastors, their wives, and churches. It was a season filled with ministry, prayer, and powerful moments of connection. God continues to open doors and knit hearts together across continents.
Rick & Connie Bohner – Germany
Rick and Connie were called to serve at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany—a place filled with full-time missionaries, including their own daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons. Who better to encourage missionaries than loving parents?
They not only cared for their family but poured into others by leading Bible studies, hosting Tuesday picnics, and offering constant prayer and support. They’ve already been invited to return next year to continue this vital ministry during the summer months.
🤝 Divine Connections
Networking, partnerships, and relationships are being formed in ways only God could arrange. We’re now preparing to introduce you to three pastors serving faithfully in the townships of South Africa. Their transparency, perseverance, and faith will inspire you. In a place where material poverty is common, the church’s spiritual riches shine brilliantly.
❤️ How You Can Make a Difference
1. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray.
The prayers of a righteous person availeth much. Please cover these missionaries, pastors, and churches in prayer.
2. Give.
Your generosity has immediate and lasting impact. Here are a few tangible ways your support can help local churches in South Africa:
💒 $260 – Rent for a Church’s Meeting Space for an Entire Year
(They’ve already raised $80 toward this goal.)
💡 $675 – Install Electricity and Outlets in a Donated Church Building
(Allows for sound equipment, a food kitchen, and community outreach. $200 already raised.)
🍛 $900 – Provide Sunday Meals for 20 Neighborhood Children All Year
($75/month feeds and disciples 20 children who often come from homes affected by addiction or poverty.)
🚗 $10,000 – “Buggee” (A Small Truck)
A small business owner we work with is praying for a vehicle to sustain his livelihood and expand his ministry outreach. We’ll share his full story with you next year—but you can be part of the miracle now.
3. Support Missionaries.
Missionaries live entirely by faith and the support of God’s people. In many nations, they cannot legally work or earn income. Travel, housing, food, education—it’s all covered through giving.
o Education Sponsorship: One family spends $3,600 per child per year for school (two children total). You can sponsor a month, a child, or a year.
o Sustaining Missionary Work: Another missionary faces returning home due to lost funding and rising costs. She needs $300 per month to remain in the country she loves—but every contribution helps.
4. Follow & Share.
Stay connected at www.umbwellasstand.org and through our social media. Sharing with your circle helps multiply awareness and prayer support.
🙏 Looking Back and Ahead
As we reflect on this first year, our hearts are full of gratitude. What began as a small seed of obedience has blossomed into a growing ministry marked by faith, connection, and impact.
Thank you for walking with us, praying for us, and believing with us. Umbwella’s Stand exists to hold up the hands of those serving on the frontlines—and together, we are seeing God’s Kingdom expand in beautiful ways.
The best is yet to come.