Coming from a background in radio (Copy writing, Production and Sales) it’s amazing to look back and see how God has brought me from there to now. It started with a realization that this (radio) was not what God intended me to do for the rest of my life and it was around this time, that the church was preparing to go on a Missions Trip to Africa. Not being heavily involved in church up until this point, I knew I had to make a choice. I couldn’t sit on the fence any longer –either I was going to go for God completely or else I wasn’t. Going to Africa was a huge leap of faith and no small commitment either. It completely forced me out of my comfort zone and I was forever changed by the experience. From there, I went on to work for World Vision (meeting my wife in the process), speaking about topics like: child sponsorship, famine and the needs of people living in poverty. God steered me from that experience into seeing the needs of those here at home (in Canada) –so I started working at Hope Mission (Edmonton). It really opened up my eyes to lives of the homeless here and how I could be a part of the solution. I started as an intake worker, then moved into the role of the Volunteer Coordinator. It was again at this time, that God intervened and opened up the opportunity to serve as the Manager of the Upper Room Mission. And here I am, 7 months later, and there’s no place I’d rather be!

Randel has lived in Vernon all his life, leaving only to participate in overseas mission missions. Randel spent a year and a half in Australia with (YWAM) Youth with a Mission where he traveled to Israel, Indonesia, Italy and the Sydney Olympics telling people about how God changed his life. After Australia, Randel came back to Vernon with plans to move to Mexico and pursue full time missionary work. However God had other plans. While crossing the border God “closed” the door to Mexico and spoke to Randel about doing Mission in his own back yard. Randel has been at the Mission ever since where his goal is to see life change to everyone who comes through the Mission doors.

– I was baptized in Christ in 2001 and He has been leading me on an exciting path ever since. I believe that I was being led into this position at the Upper Room Mission in baby steps. My first undertaking was @ the Alliance Church with “Common Threads” - sorting donated clothes, arranging and labeling them to give out to people in our community. I love the interaction with the people and also arranging it like a store so it felt like shopping for them. I love the excitement on the parents faces as they are able to bring good used clothing home for their children and also enjoy some extra things for themselves. I never dreamed that God would open the door so wide that I would be managing a “Boutique Shoppe.” I do admit I am loving “almost” every minute of it. There is still the wonderful enjoyment of seeing people shop and exclaim over the wonderful clothing they are able to buy at such reasonable prices and knowing that all the proceeds go towards maintaining our building along with provisions needed for our guests. I am still able to find clothing that is suitable for our guests and that is given to them to fill their needs. God has truly blessed me with the gifts the volunteers say I have and I am truly blessed with the volunteers that keep everything running so smoothly in the store. “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted that request. 1 Chronicles 4:21

Klaas and I moved to Vernon in 1992. I started volunteering here in 93, because of the influence of a friend who was a supported of the Mission. In 96’ I was asked to come on staff and have been here ever since! I believe in the work of the Mission and enjoy working with our wonderful volunteers and staff!

I moved to Vernon 8 years ago from Sumas, WA. I had worked for over 20 years in a Health Care Centre because I love interacting and helping people! After moving to Vernon I joined the Vernon and District Garden Club and served on the Executive Board for a number of years. I love gardening and scrapbooking. In addition to my job here at the Mission, I also work a couple days at Teeter Totter Toys. In my downtime I keep a full social life involved with church activities and my friends at the Canadian Reformed Church.

While sharing the history and vision of the beginnings of the Upper Room Mission (25 years ago) with Board Members I felt a great tug in my heart towards being a part of this ministry once again. I love working and sharing God’s love with people of all ages and seeing lives changed and touched by God’s power and mercy.

My name is Mohamed Abdelkader Ali, I have been a cook for over 20 years! I’ve cooked everywhere from the Oilfields in Northern Alberta, various restaurants and even the Army Camp here in Vernon. It is my passion to cook, and I love the challenge of creating new and exciting meals for the guests here at the Upper Room Mission.

I moved to Vernon in January, 2006 and started to go to a church in the area. I met some very nice people and went to their Bible study. One of the gentlemen who attended was a board member at the Upper Room Mission. We got talking about the homeless and he suggested that I apply to be a volunteer there. I was down the next day and filled out the paperwork and sometime in February I started to volunteer in the store. I had a lot of time on my hands so I ended up volunteering in the kitchen as well. I really enjoyed being in the kitchen and being busy. One day after my work at the Wholesale Club, I felt that I was to stop in at the Mission on the way home. Didn’t know why since I figured it was closed by then; it was not. As I walked in the door, Andrew and Bev were just coming out of the kitchen and Andrew asked if he could talk to me for a minute. I of course figured I was in trouble. (You had to have seen the look on their faces when I walked in the dining room) Andrew asked if I would be interested in being the afternoon cook and I said ‘YES!!!’ I feel that I am exactly where the Lord wants me to be right now as I am learning a lot of things about myself and about His love for me and everyone that comes through the doors. It is one of the best things that has happened to me in a long time.