Umbrella Ministries and Heavenly Hope and Healing

presents

2026 Colorado "Journey of the Heart" Conference

for Mothers who have lost a Child



Join us August 14-16, 2026 at the Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs, Colorado For Heavenly Hope and Healing’s annual Journey of the Heart Retreat.

This conference is co-sponsored by Umbrella Ministries, and this year marks Umbrella Ministries' 30th Anniversary.

This year’s theme is Pearls of Grace — a special gathering for mothers who have lost a child. Just as a pearl begins with a small wound and becomes something beautiful over time, this conference celebrates how God transforms grief into a treasure of compassion, wisdom, and faith.

Featuring Our inspiring speakers, Markie Ribera and Laura Diehl , Our guest artists Dr. Doug and BJ Jenson, Joe and Shanda Knight, and workshops filled with pearls of wisdom, healing, and renewed purpose for every mother on her grief journey.

John and Lynda Shelhamer



·       Location: Glen Eyrie Conference Center, Glen Eyrie Castle, 3820 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

KEY NOTE SPEAKERS-

FROM THE HEART OF A MOM –

Markie Ribera

She is married to Carlos and has seven children. Their oldest four—Kathryn, Kaleb, Kristian, and Kasper—went to heaven after a tragic accident in February 2022. Though grief remains, the Lord continues to redeem their story through unexpected blessings, including a restored marriage, twin boys Klark and Kharis, baby Kyroo, and ministry opportunities born from her testimony.

·   FROM THE HEART OF A MOM

Laura Diehl

God Forms Pearls from our Pain 

Laura Dhiel is an author, teacher speaker and Founder of GPS Ministries. Her and her husband offer support and healing for grieving parents after the loss of their daughter Becca.

When a child dies, life as we knew it is shattered. The pain can feel sharp, intrusive, and impossible to carry. In this heartfelt talk, Laura draws a powerful parallel between the making of a pearl and the journey of a grieving parent.

This is not to minimize the pain, but to gently remind us that God is present, working within our sorrow. While the loss of a child is never made “good,” He brings strength where there was weakness, purpose where there was emptiness, and even glimpses of beauty where there was once only darkness.

GUEST ARTIST- Joe Knight and his wife Shanda

Musician and author Joe Knight along with his wife Shanda share a powerful message about Hope. After the loss of their son to cancer in his third year of Bible College and deepest despair they cried out to God… “Do something about my pain” and God whispered his answer“ Do something with your pain.” And Knightsong Ministries was born offering amazing worship, speaking, and media to hurting people everywhere.