It was evident from the beginning that there was something unique about this group of people that met to seek the Lord through prayer and to grow daily in Him by corporate study of His Word and mutual accountability. As this small gathering grew they sensed that they were being knit together for a purpose that was greater than they understood or could envision at the time. Led by their first pastor, Tom and his wife Diane Bellow, the 50 young believers and their pastor sought God for their future and as a result were led to seek God for a new pastor. God did lead them. In 1982 Rev. Bruce Klepp together with his wife Deborah and infant daughter, arrived to assume leadership responsibilities.

It had been very evident that this was a divine and sovereign appointment in all that God has done in and through Upper Room Assembly of God since that time. The people bonded quickly to their new leaders and they were empowered by the belief that nothing would be impossible to them. God was with them!

In what has been referred to as “the bowling alley days” God established the principles upon which we as a church have been built; affirming inclusive love for all who are part of the body of Christ; aggressive soul winning and evangelism, believing that we have not been called to be a “holy huddle” but a growing advancing army, and lively corporate praise and worship that would inspire enthusiastic daily adoration of Him, our ultimate leader.

It wasn’t long until it became evident that this facility was filling and that we would need another. After praying and searching, the leadership was led to this location – 19701 Southwest 177 Avenue. A building program commenced with great faith for the future. After the usual ups and downs of construction, the Assembly was opened in October of 1987. Rapid growth characterized the initial stages of our time at this location. Ministry staff were raised up and added to the leadership team. The growth continued until there was a need for two Sunday morning services.

The fellowship Hall, which we are now very well acquainted with, was built debt free! Then on Saturday, August 22, 1992, we heard about Andrew. He certainly was not the brother of the Apostle Peter. We met on Sunday morning and nervously anticipated a great wind, however, no one could have envisioned what absolute destruction would visit us early on August 24. Words fail to describe what for so many was the most horrific time of their lives.

This building and property, which so often was filled with the glory of God was now spared any of Andrew’s fierce fury. The grounds were devastated and the buildings all but blew away. Buildings and property were destroyed but the church was fully intact.

The Spirit of the Lord spoke to Pastor Bruce Klepp from Nehemiah 2:20, “The God of heaven will give us success and we His servants will arise and rebuild.” While the leadership’s own homes were in ruins, they set out to focus not on the buildings but on the sheep. This church with its crippled facilities served as a beacon of hope, restoration, encouragement, and salvation for many who are not here today to share the joy of this moment. Three and then four services were held in the Fellowship hall on Sunday mornings with a Spanish service in the evening, totaling five Sunday services.

Pray we did at every turn, at every obstacle, at every discouraging time, at every meeting with contractors, bankers, and Miami Dade County Officials. God was working in us, and through us, and for us, to bring about His very best. Beloved, this is a new day! It is our time! We have crossed the Jordan! This test has been passed! “The God of heaven has given us success!”

The last six years have been a spiritual adventure. This is a day to shout and to declare that “through our God we shall do valiantly, it is He who will tread down our enemies.”

Shout unto God with a voice of triumph!