A WALK THROUGH THE HISTORY OF THE UPPER ROOM MISSION
In the late 1970’s, a drop-in coffee house ministry was started by Bill Huston, a barber from The National Hotel, and Loyda Bulford, a recent widow. Vernon Sheriff. Ron Morgan, was a good friend who offered encouragement. Located in a downtown building close to three hotels on 29th Ave., it was called “The Way Inn.”. Loyda was there all day, talking to people one on one. Bill would take over in the evenings. They worked with many alcoholics. Coffee was always on, and fresh baking was supplied by Roxy Bakery every morning.
In 1980, shortly after “The Way Inn” closed, Ron Morgan’s burden for the needy led him to a place above the current Bargain Store on Main Street. The radio station CJIB had just vacated the premises. Ron recalls praying, “Lord, we’d like it here. We need $800.00 a month and we don’t have 8 cents.” The first two months rent was offered for free, and it was decided to rent on faith. A Board was formed, and the charity was registered as “Servants of the Lord Society.” However, it became known as “The Upper Room Mission,” and the name stuck.
From the very beginning, the emphasis at The Upper Room Mission has been to meet the needs of the whole person. The early founders talked about building relationships, coming alongside those in need, having a coffee or a meal together, sharing the love of God, giving them hope, and letting them know someone believes in them. The desire to see people come to the Lord and experience positive life change was the main focus. “PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE” is the slogan which came to be adopted by The Mission and it still captures the heart of the ministry. Most days the doors were open from early morning to late at night. People were encouraged to share their concerns and whenever the opportunity presented itself, the Gospel of Christ was shared.
Coffee, toast, and hot cereal were on the menu for breakfast, and soup and sandwiches were served for lunch. A freezer, and later a stove were donated. The freezer doubled as a counter top to make sandwiches. Volunteers ate with the guests, walked the streets, handed out tracts and Bibles, and befriended the needy. Other volunteers sorted donated clothing items and gave guests what they needed. When someone brought in a box of clothes or kitchen utensils, they would be gone in no time. With encouragement, even volunteers who were fearful of street people became comfortable. When people saw God changing lives, they wanted to help. Bible studies and chapel services began as well. One volunteer counselor, Gordon McClure, said his prayer was always, “don’t see me; see Jesus.”
In 1982, the Kraft Metal and Heating business, behind Fisher’s Hardware on Coldstream Avenue, was closing and the decision was made to move to this more spacious location. The rent was high and bills were paid with some difficulty. But God was faithful, and for several years the work grew in this location. A thrift store was started to generate income, and the local newspaper did many write ups. Anything that was needed was prayed for, and God always supplied abundantly. Loyda recalls one day when the volunteers stood in a circle praying that God would supply another turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Someone came in, and when the prayer was finished, he dropped a gunnysack with a turkey inside!
Two single moms, Bev Henke and Yvonne Bonin, were very involved with cooking and cleaning up. According to Bev, “coffee, board games, and just talking and building friendships were always happening. We just loved on those people.” Every day 40 – 50 guests came for lunch– even on Sundays. A Sunday church service, evening Bible studies, Christian businessmen’s breakfasts, special outreach nights, and video nights were all held at The Mission. Ron Morgan’s heart for the needy was very evident. Loyda spoke of how he used every opportunity as sheriff to direct people to help, and to Jesus. Ron would not only be there helping to make breakfast before he went to work, but he would also come for lunch and after work to spend time with the guests.
A special lady who remembered The Upper Room Mission in her Will was influential in making it possible for property to be purchased. This lady lived in The National Hotel and came regularly for a coffee and a donut. She never said much to anyone, and she certainly didn’t look like she had any money; so The Mission was very surprised to receive notice from a lawyer that she had willed $10,000.00 to them. The Board went looking for a place to buy. In 1989, The Hemming Tire Store was found and the owner was willing to carry the mortgage. Loyda recalls that it required weeks of scrubbing before the place was fit to move into. The windows were washed three or four times in order to be able to see out of them. But, it was a new beginning.
During the first twelve years, various people were involved in the management of The Mission. Following Ron Morgan, Ken and Al Keeber, Ed Brandt, Paul and Brenda Beetschan, August Schneider, Harold and Linda Young, and Bill Allard served in this capacity
Al Keeber recalls feeling apprehensive about management as he was uncomfortable with street people. However, fellow board members prayed for him on the weekend, and when he opened the doors Monday morning he said, “something inside me had changed; I was able to relate to the guests as never before.” When Al spoke in chapel, he always focused on communicating the fact that God loves you just as you are. According to Al, “these people know they need to change, we don’t have to tell them.” The saying, “there but for the grace of God, go I” resounded time after time as he worked at The Mission.
As a retired pastor, Ed Brandt recalls his role as both Chairman of The Board and Manager of The Mission. He enjoyed the contact with the community, something he had not had as a pastor. Ed was always impressed with the cheerfulness and willingness of the volunteers. “They would stay late, clean and get ready for the next day – an excellent display of Christians going the extra mile.”
Harold Young, described himself as a “burned-out” pastor who was working as a taxi driver. He tells of parking his taxicab one day long enough to speak at chapel. He related how his apprehension melted when he looked around and noted, “I already know most of these folks – they’ve been my customers; I’ve talked with them on the street; I’ve prayed with several.” That experience was pivotal in his decision to accept the Board’s invitation to manage The Mission on a part time basis, along with his wife Linda.
In 1992, the decision was made to hire Pete and Susan Unger as the first full-time managers. Under their leadership The Mission continued to grow. In the fall of 1993, a fund-raising campaign, led by Jack Peters, was undertaken to pay off the mortgage. The goal was accomplished and it was possible to focus on other improvements, such as a walk-in-cooler and a commercial dishwasher for the kitchen. Just a couple hours after the walk-in-cooler was put into service, the old six foot refrigerator “gave up!” In the Summer of 1996, another renovation project added 900 square feet to The Thrift Store. As Pete said, “It is very evident that God has had and continues to have His hand upon the Mission. Only eternity will reveal what impact it has had on individuals and our community.
Following the Unger’s retirement, in Jan. of 2006, Randel Erbacker, a young man with a heart for Missions took on the leadership role. He found the expanding administration work more than he anticipated, and stepped down from this position at year end.
An expanded vision for ministry led to the Board’s decision to employ a Ministry Outreach Worker, Bev Henke, and a part-time Executive Director, Cullie Dueck. Andrew Yeo, from Edmonton’s Hope Mission was hired as Manager. When the cold winter came, hours were expanded at the “Day-Shelter” to include evenings and weekends. “People Helping People” continues with several staff members and approximately 100 volunteers dedicating their time and talents to care for the hurting and homeless of Vernon.