UUIM: Our Story
In the Spring of 2009 God spoke into the hearts and minds of five men a vision to more effectively and efficiently fund Christian missionaries in hopes they can stay put and truly become a part of the communities they serve. Brothers Robert and Randall Rowland along with Kyle Vultaggio, Joe Ianarelli and Pastor Tommy Campbell comprised the original Board of Directors affectionately deemed "The Hand". After an all-night brainstorming session based on Robert's original vision and notes from three years prior, UnderStand Up! International Ministries was born. The original charter illustrated a "three-pronged attack" on the world's darkness to spread the light and love of Jesus Christ which became the rally cry, "Word, Water, Works." Within a couple months and with God's blessing and guidance, we were incorporated in the state of Georgia, USA. By the end of 2009 and with a couple of frustrating fundraisers behind us, we were blessed to be issued our Federal 501(c)(3) NFP status. Over the next couple of years funds were distributed to several missionaries throughout the world, Bibles were sent to many countries around the world, water wells were funded and completed in eastern Kenya, and a partnership was begun with the Pregnancy Resource Center here in Carrollton- a partnership we have been proudly supporting for 15 years! Then, in April of 2011, God put another vision on Rob’s heart to help spread the word about UUIM, Inc. and to help raise money for the mission. This was in the form of the Drop-N-Shop Donation Center and Mercantile that is located at 360 Columbia Drive here in Carrollton. By taking in donated items and reselling them at the lowest possible prices we, are able to not only help fund our mission, but also to minister to a very diverse section of our community with the love and light of Jesus Christ. Also, through our benevolence program, we have ministered to many homeless individuals, individuals starting anew after prison or addiction and others who have suffered catastrophic loss of homes. So, all from a God sent vision to support missionaries, UUIM, Inc has grown to minister the Gospel of Christ all around the world and in ways only God could have foreseen! We no longer support water well drilling, but we keep finding exceptional indigenous or entrenched missionaries and Christian organizations to help fund at home and abroad. If God is speaking into your heart to serve and spread the Gospel, trust Him in His will, His way, His time, His strength and His provision, all for His glory and He will bless you and those you minister to in ways you could never imagine! If you would like to help support the mission of UUIM, Inc., just contact us at P.O. Box 677, Carrollton, GA 30112 or call 678-773-5831. Or come see us at the Drop-N-Shop! Robert L. Rowland, CEO
