Every Sunday night at 8 p.m., students around campus gather for a time of reflecting, connecting and renewing their spirits while praising God. Upper Room has been a cornerstone of Christian ministry on campus for years, and continues to draw in new visitors each and every week. The event has found a way of drawing in students from all grades, including a large array of freshman this year.

Emily Moyers, a freshman who routinely attends Upper Room, enjoys the unique style of worship.

“The thing I like most about Upper Room is its simplicity,” said Moyers, an early childhood education. “It’s not like a regular church service. It’s just worship and a testimony, a time for each individual to spend time with Jesus and lift Him up and worship.”

Upper Room generally consists of three-to-four worship songs, followed by a fellow student’s testimony, and then wrapped up with another four songs.

Michelle Harris as well as last week’s Upper Room speaker, praises the fact that the university uses students to share their stories and struggles.

“The testimonies are easy to relate to because we are all on this college journey, experiencing similar things,” said Harris, a junior human services major.

Some of the students who have given their testimonies never imagined they would be standing in front of the Upper Room audience sharing their story.

“I never pictured I would be speaking,” said Harris. “I don’t like public speaking, but felt called by God. Many of my friends spoke and shared things that were private. I hoped to affect at least one person with my story.”

Junior psychology major and Biblical ministry studies minor Tanya Vecere first shared a testimony last year. She also shared a testimony again earlier this semester, was surprised that she had even volunteered to speak in the first place.

“I would have never imagined I would be speaking. God must have been laughing because I would end up speaking twice,” Vecere said.

The topics touched upon by speakers always vary upon their own personal experience, and highlight many different aspects of life. Vecere spoke on obedience and what it means to abide in Christ. Speakers have attested to the pressure and nervousness that comes with speaking.

“Satan was discouraging, and I dealt with serious nerves going into the night,” said Vecere. Harris touched on brokenness and how God uses problems and troubles for good.

“I wanted people to see that all of the pain is for a reason, and will lead to finding peace,” said Harris.

Students have many different reasons for attending Upper Room every Sunday night, Vecere said, and she finds the most inspiration during this time of worship.

“It’s a really beautiful and raw time to enter into worship with your peers,” said Vecere. “It recharges you for the week and it’s amazing with the blessings Upper Room provides.”

Harris also appreciates the opportunity to gather with her friends.

“It’s one of the only times I get to see my close friends and have a chance of getting together with them,” Harris said.

Anyone interested in speaking should contact senior psychology major Lauren Bailey, who organizes the speakers weekly. Both Harris and Vecere have advice for those interested.

“It takes a lot to be vulnerable,” said Harris. “So make sure you are comfortable and the message isn’t forced.”

Vecere encourages students to never think their story isn’t worthy of being told.

“Pray to the Lord to make it about Him, not you,” said Vecere. “God picks broken people and allows them to share the ways He has worked in their lives.”

Vecere encourages those who have yet to visit Upper Room, to “make a trip over” Sunday nights at 8 p.m.

“It’s something this campus really needs to see,” said Vecere. “He is moving in the chapel on Sunday nights.”