The Good Story

07/13/2026

To Everything There is a Season
Dear beloved The Good Story family,

After eleven years, this is the hardest message we've ever had to write.

The Good Story will close its doors by the end of 2026.

Over the last month, we have systematically conveyed this: first to our Board, then to financial supporters, next to our missionary/nonprofit partners, and finally to our Ambassadors. It has been an extremely heavy few weeks. We now want to make a public announcement.

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After eleven years, this is the hardest message we've ever had to write.

04/07/2026

Question: What do Malawi, France, the Middle East, Ecuador, Serbia, India, Portugal, and the United States have in common?

Answer: The Good Story!

Last week, when I signed off from a video call with a missionary couple in Serbia, I looked over at Ryan’s computer to see some logo mock-ups for a missionary in France he was working on. I was struck with an acute awareness of the privilege of what we get to do. I don’t often take the time to pause and marvel at how diverse and wide-reaching this ministry is because it’s the water we have been swimming in for eleven years.

Here is a quick snapshot of the last few weeks:
* Ryan provided technical and website support for a Christian girls' school in Malawi.
* We created a branding suite for a missionary in France who recently got her self-employment status from the government to start her Kintsugi business. The vision she has for hosting workshops and teaching others about this beautiful art form opens the door to relationship-building and to the gospel being shared.
* I executed a communication evaluation and strategy training for a Serbian and Brazilian couple serving the Roma (gypsies) in Serbia.
* I completed a fundraising evaluation, both written and oral, for a new missionary beginning their support-raising journey to join a Crisis Response team in the US.
* Ryan created prayer cards for missionaries serving in the Middle East (specifics withheld for security), India, and Ecuador.
* Ryan facilitated a website training for a Brazilian missionary living in Portugal.

So many countries and frontline workers we get to help equip on their journey. Thank you to our ministry partners who generously support the work of The Good Story, enabling us to offer these services and training at 50% or less of fair market value to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are also living on support and would not otherwise be able to afford professional-grade services. We simply could not do this without you.

Read more of this months newsletter below

The answer may not surprise you.

12/18/2025

Sometimes, when I’m in a sentimental mood, I go into our storage closet at work and pull out old prayer cards and reminisce. It has been almost eleven years since we started this ministry, and all of us have changed. There are the more obvious things, like Kelly slowly becoming the shortest Portnoy and all three guys going through epic hair evolutions. But the journey of our hearts, spirits, emotions, finances, and faith has truly impacted us eternally. Our once 5-, 7-, and 9-year-old children have now begun to leave our nest and enter their young adult lives. Over the years, they have hugged us goodbye 10 times....

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Every year or so, we decide (actually just Kelly) to update our prayer card. This typically involves a tripod, Ryan sprinting back and forth to set the timer, semi-cooperative kids, and a tight turnaround to get them printed in time for the next TGS mailing. We always try to practice what we preach....

12/02/2025

It's that time of year! If you would love to receive a packet in the mail from The Good Story, including our beautiful 10-year celebration booklet, drop us a DM with your mailing address.