Speaker Comments
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To Ron Strand and friends at The Upper Room -
I had a great time playing at The Upper Room. You have a terrific venue with a nice intimate coffee house feel for Christian artists to perform. Special thanks to Ron for taking such good care of us! It was nice to be back in the Orange County area again with all of you good folks and I look forward to playing at The Upper Room again in the future.
Blessings to All,
Phil Keaggy
"The Upper Room is a great place that the Church can really utilize for the people who aren't ready (and may not ever want) a "church" experience. They are amazing hosts for all their guests and really pull out all the stops from great food, friendly atmosphere, and solid onstage performers."
Paul Dabdoub
Youth Pastor & National Speaker
God has raised up the Upper Room to be a place where people can come and encounter Jesus in new and creative way. It is a powerful picture of what happens when a group of people extend the reach of the church into the market place. It has been amazing for me to watch what happens when Jesus people get on the move and do something instead of just taking about it. I had the privilege of speaking at the first one, and can't wait to see how God uses Ron and his team in the future. If you want a compelling place to bring your friends to encounter God the Upper Room could that place for you!
Ed McGlasson
Former NFL & President of ETM Ministries
It's a really cool place to just hang at with some like minded folks. I had much fun being there.
Michael Jr.
Comedian
Putting the word "Christian" in front of the performing arts - "Christian Singer" or "Christian Comedian", for example - usually means seeing that entertainment in a church. The Upper Room offers something unique: the blending of top talent and brilliant performances in a setting that is more mainstream. For the local community, it's an introduction to entertainment they might not feel comfortable seeing in a church setting. For local Christians, its a real chance to "get out and let their hair down," while enjoying live performance in a non-church setting. Its a great venue (not a bad seat in the house) and its true outreach.
Taylor Mason
Comedian & Ventriloquist
The Upper Room is one of the coolest places I have played. Ron and 'The Upper Room Dudes' are a great bunch of guys (there are also several very gracious ladies) who have created a place where people can gather for entertainment that's family oriented, fun and spiritually uplifting. There's a club-like atmosphere without the negative stuff that is often found at night clubs. Whether it's a concert, an author talking first-hand about their latest book, or a comedian bringing laughs without offensive language, The Upper Room is perfect place for an evening of classy entertainment.
Danny Daniels
Dear Ron - "I am really happy that everything went so well. I agree, Brian Gentry is an excellent musician and Ambassador for Christ. I think that God has been preparing Brian for many years to use him and I think I mentioned his job as a counselor at the Salvation Army came to an abrupt end due to the massive floods in Nashville, when their headquarters were destroyed. Thanks for letting me know how well it all turned out and Bless you for having him and Melissa out there and for opening your home to them as well."
Blessings,
Dan Peek
Former member of the rock group America
"Wow - I absolutely love the vision and freshness of The Upper Room ministry you guys have developed. To me the concept really semms to have the fingerprints of Jesus all over it."
Pastor Jon Courson
Applegate Christian Fellowship
Searchlight Radio Ministry
Jacksonville, Oregon
"If your heart aches for genuine fellowship with other Christians - if you're tired of going to a huge church, sitting beside strangers and when the service is over, leaving the building without meeting another soul - if you long for the "good old days" of praying for one another, bearing one another's burdens and having a really great time on a Saturday night - see you at The Upper Room. Pam and I just-plain love it."
Warren Duffy
Veteran Radio Broadcaster
Duffy & Company
Huntington Beach, California
"Having the chance to share warm Christian fellowship at the Upper Room was like a cold spiritual drink on a hot summer day! What a treat to be welcomed in among such sincere believers, get to worship the Lord together from our hearts, and then try to more deeply understand how the Bible confronts some of the real issues that surround us. I look forward to hopefully returning very soon!"
David Rothbard
President
Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT)
Washington, DC
"I love the uniqueness and the intimate environment The Upper Room provides. It is a refreshing evening of fellowship with like-minded people. I can't wait for the next event."
Robert Tyler
President, Advocates for Faith & Freedom
Murietta, California
"Some of you remember the glory days of the Jesus Movement and the impact of coffee house ministry. I personally miss this vital non-threatening avenue of ministry, and the Upper Room really brings it back, in a modern intimate setting. I had so much fun ministering there recently, and am very excited about the amazing guests Ron has booked, and the future of this wonderful venue. I encourage everyone to spend a wonderful evening with like-minded friends as soon as you can. A real treat!"
Chuck Girard
Legendary Recording Artist
Founding Member of 'Love Song'
"Ron and Kathy Strand's vision for a coffee house ministry has surpassed even the loftiest of expectations. With the Upper Room, they have created an oasis of spiritual refreshment fo the dry and weary soul. It was a delight to see how lives came together in true community and oneness of purpose to break bread and experience koinonia as it should be. I can't think of a more unique platform to share music and the message of hope."
Brian Gentry
Nashville Recording Artist
"Recently I had the honor and privilege to speak at the "Upper Room." It was very encouraging. Ron Strand and his friends have innovated a unique experience. The "Upper Room" is a venue where God's truth and His Gospel are presented in a powerful and yet relaxed atmosphere. A fine meal is shared followed by a blend of music and spoken word in a manner that is palatable to non-believers. The ambience supports an atmosphere where all fell welcome. Yet, the Gospel is undiluted and clear. The "Upper Room" may be just the right place to invite that friend or colleague who you want to expose to the Gospel but is not quite up for church."
Robert Vernon
LAPD Assistant Chief of Police (Retired)
Founder, Point Man Leadership
"The Upper Room is a relaxed yet exciting place to take a friend who needs to hear the Gospel, be encouraged, or just sense the Love of God. I had a blast there and look forward to coming back! In a tight economy where limited funds and solid stewardship is critical. The Upper Room ministry is a wise investment for great eternal dividends.
For His Glory,
Victor Marx
President
All Things Possible Ministries