More Words of Encouragement for Summer Reading Programs

"Thank You for a great show. After the show several Mothers and children told me they really enjoyed you. I had one little boy that had never been to any of the summer reading programs before tell me that he really liked the show and he planned to come to the next program. He usually goes to the movies on Wednesdays because there is a discount at the movies on Wednesday. Thank you for selling him on the summer reading program. I really liked the way you added books to your show and had the children act them out. I will tell other libraries about your program."
Tammie Edwards

"It was my pleasure to have you again at the library. You do a great job of teaching facts about history in a way that it is fun to learn. I learned something myself. Thank you again."
Judy Williams

More Words of Encouragement for Upward Award Nights

"Complete package!!! Barry had everyone laughing! One of the best Upward Programs we have had not just entertaining but what a wonderful gospel message. God used Barry to see God work in the lives of several children as well as adults."
Theresa Dockery
Director of Children's Ministry
West Park Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN

"Our church is in her 7th year of Upward Basketball and Barry was the best speaker we have ever had. He was hysterically funny, yet passionately serious when it came time to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The kids (and their parents) were spellbound and I have received nothing but praise for Barry and the entire program. In addition to his stage presence, I appreciated the fact that Barry is extremely humble and approachable. He spent plenty of time with the kids after the program concluded. He is no "prima donna"! I affirm his ministry wholeheartedly"
Greg Bowers, Pastor
First Baptist Church
Blytheville, AR

"In all the Upward programs we have had Barry Mitchell was the best. His ability to connect with children and adults alike was evident throughout his program."
Price Cooper
Central Baptist Church
Knoxville, TN

"Thanks for making our Upward Award's Night truly special. You were a hit from beginning to end. In both your magic and the skillful and sensitive way that you presented the Gospel, the audience was enthralled. You are on the short list of speakers that we will call back!"
Jerry Bimber
Lombard, IL

"This past year we had Barry Mitchell come and do our Upward Soccer Awards program. It was one of the most entertaining and professional presentations of the gospel I have seen. Barry's truly wants to see kids come to Jesus, we will definitely have Barry back"
Kevin Dutton
Children's Pastor Hot Springs Baptist Church
Hot Springs, AR.

"Barry's program was perfect for our Upward Awards Night. He was very easy to work with and tailored his message for our crowd. I recommend him to anyone who wants a captivating presentation with a great message"
Chris Jones
Director of Recreational Ministries
Christ United Methodist Church
Plano, TX

"Adults and children enjoyed it. Barry handled the altar call well--he integrated it right into his performance."
Denton Staley
Upward Director
First United Methodist, Marion, VA

"We felt truly blessed by God to have you as a part of our first Upward Celebration. Your encouragement, recommendations, and professionalism put us at ease for our special night. No matter what the audience and helpers threw at you, you handled it like a pro."
Clarann Dixon
Altapass Baptist Church
Spruce Pine, NC

"Barry's program was fun, energetic, and right on target for our Upward Basketball award's program. It is evident that he wants to reach those who do not have the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Thank you."
Gregory Sheppard
Creekside United Methodist
Cummings, GA

"Barry was great to work with and a real professional. He grabbed the attention of all of our spectators during his presentation. The way he included children from the audience in his routine was great. Specifically, a first grader gave him a difficult time, but Barry handled him with humor, professionalism, and class."
Jason Probst
Eastview Christian Church
Normal, IN

"A very wonderful program. Everyone talked about it for days. We had a very large response to the alter call. Would be happy to have Barry back again."
Teresa Coyne
New Haven United Methodist Church
New Haven, IN

"The message of how God loves us and has forgiven us of our sins if we just ask was clear in Barry's message in a child like way. The kids had a blast!"
Betty Lynn Freeman
Christ United Methodist Church
Jackson, MS

"Barry Mitchell had the undivided attention of our upward basketball awards crowd from the moment he took the stage. That was possible because he was clearly under the Holy Spirit's direction when he began. Every adult and child present heard a clear gospel presentation while having a wonderful and entertaining evening. The souls that were saved will be carefully followed up on by our visitation teams because we know they received "Good Seed" from his message."
Pastor Jerry Musick
Holy Mountain Baptist Church
Kingsport, TN

"Our church really enjoyed having Barry Mitchell for our Upward soccer awards night. Barry did an excellent job of connecting with the kids and adults and in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ."
Dan Dillingham
Englewood Baptist
Jackson, TN

"Barry's program kept our entire audience, from the youngest to oldest, mesmerized and wondering "what did he just do?" More than that, his Gospel presentation was crystal clear, what a night!"
Teresa Morgan
First Baptist
Strawberry Plains, TN

"Barry is a talented magician and gifted communicator who appeals to all ages with his attention grabbing magic tricks, light-hearted humor, and relevant life lessons. He will trick your eye, tickle your funny bone, and treat you and your family to an evening of great entertainment."
Joseph A. Focht, Sr. Associate Pastor
Nappanee Missionary Church
Nappanee, IN

"Barry was just what we needed for our Upward Awards Night. Professional, energetic, and family friendly. The kids were on the edge of their seats and focused throughout the program. His presentation of the Gospel was clear, concise and brought to a decision time. Thank you for your presentation."
Russell Liles
Glenwood Baptist
Knoxville, TN

"Barry is personal and professional. My two kids want to know when he is coming back. Barry has a great show and presents the gospel message clearly for everyone to understand."
Ricky Gobert
First Baptist Church New Braunfels
New Braunfels, TX

"Barry was exciting and he really connected with our kids. The message of how great a God we serve was very evident in his program."
Craig Lafontaine
McEachern Mem United Methodist
Powder Springs, GA

"Barry was right on target with our children. His understanding of effective communication was more than evident, it was outstanding."
Kevin Garrett
Parker Memorial Baptist Church
Anniston, AL

"We had 5 adults and 29 children pray to receive Christ at the Awards program. Barry connected really well with the audience, both children and adults."
June Poole
Dayton First Baptist Church
Dayton, TN

"Barry's program reinforced all the main points of this year's Upward basketball & cheerleading devotions. He brought the whole season to a conclusion for the Lord. He was great!"
Michael D. Bates
Trinity Baptist Church
Jonesborough, TN

"Very engaging. Children were a part of the program."
Mark Harness
Mt. Gilead Baptist Church
Keller, TX

More Words of Encouragement for VBS Programs

"We are thrilled with the tremendous turnout last Sunday. Your show was just what we needed."
Keith M. Stewart
First Baptist Church
Thomasville, GA

"It was a great night!!! My 6 year old son was still talking about you this morning. Thanks for your heart, and ability to hook the kids with great entertainment, and then present the Gospel. In this day and age, for you to have the ability to keep and hold a child's attention is truly a gift from God."
Pastor Brent
Pathways Church
Sevierville, TN

"Thank You Barry. You did a great job and the kids really seemed to enjoy it. The adults did too. It was a great way to kickoff our VBS. I liked how you had some fun facts about Australia and how you included Christian values in your show. Thanks again."
Laura Miller
Inskip Baptist Church
Knoxville, TN

"Thank you for entertaining our VBS children and for so clearly presenting the gospel to them. The children enjoyed it very much!"
Sarah Arrambide
First Baptist Church
Midland, TX

"The show was great! It included lots of audience participation, storytelling and magic, and a clear presentation of the gospel. You will be blessed to have Barry do a program at your church!"
Laura Smitherman
First Baptist Church
Burleson, TX

"It was entertaining, energetic and humorous- all rolled together with a Christian message. The kids are still talking about it! Thanks for a great VBS kickoff!"
Jennifer Jindrich
First Baptist Church
Carrollton, GA

"What a great time we had at VBS Commencement with Barry Mitchell! This is the first time that our church has ever done something like this and it was a tremendous hit with the kids and church members alike. Thanks you Barry for your dedication, love of the kids and most importantly, your love for Jesus Christ that shines throughout your program."
New Macedonia Baptist Church
Philadelphia, TN

"It was a great fit for our church to have you present Island Truths on the last day of VBS to help drive home those important points that the children learned all week. I have spoken with several children about the event and they all love it and you. It was a great way to wrap up Outrigger Island. Thanks again!!!!"
Robin Popplewell
West Jackson Baptist
Jackson, TN

"We LOVED your program. The kids AND the adults are still talking about it & they LOVED your "tricks" and they LOVED being a part of the action. Thank you for presenting Bible truths and the gospel in such a clear manner."
Susan Shay
First Baptist Church
Smyrna, GA

"Barry's program was perfect for our kids as he connected with them with his magic and humor and then a very child oriented presentation of the gospel. Great job."
Pam Neal
Grace Baptist Church
Knoxville, TN

"What a great evening we had with Inspector Iwannano....the children were amazed....when I turned around and saw they had moved from their pew seat to an "in the floor" asle seat....I knew you were a hit!!! The parents were also taken with your performance.....but it was more than a performance...it is a wonderful ministry..and I thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us to reach the children with the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Linda Chinery
Ridgeview Baptist Church
Churchhill, TN

"We were blessed to have Barry Mitchell and his Rainforest Ranger Show as our special guest on the closing night of our 2002 KIDS Crusade. Barry's unique blending of storytelling, magic, humor, and music captivated the attention of our children (and adults) and opened their hearts to the wonderful message of God's love. . ."
Rick Blevins
First Baptist Church
Columbia, TN

"I have had several comments about how well you held the attention of so many children. This was our biggest attendance for a Family Night Service for as long as I can remember. I can't wait to see what you come up with next year!"
Susan Tatum
Central Baptist Church
Oak Ridge, TN

"WOW. . . what a terrific show. Children of all ages from two-year old to adults continue to talk about the Rain Forest Ranger and Two Can. You were a hard act to follow for the rest of the week!"
Sharron Smith
Alice Bell Baptist
Knoxville, TN

"Barry is one of the most creative, talented and gifted Children's ministers I've ever met. He loves kids and wants to make a real difference in these last days. Barry has a real talent in reaching children in a simple and profound way."
Darren Casteel
Lawrenceville Church of God
Lawrenceville, GA

"Our kids had fun while learning about Spiritual truths. That's a great combination."
Janice Pearson
Calvary Baptist
Oak Ridge, TN

"We loved the program! I loved using audience participation and the way Barry related to all ages! One mom told me she laughed til she cried!"
Whitney Reeves
Central Baptist Church
Decatur, AL

"We've heard great things from both parents and children about Barry's presentation and will certainly consider bringing him back in the future!"
Lisa Tobias
White House First Baptist
White House, TN

More Words of Encouragement for MORE Than Funny Shows

"Barry Mitchell is professional in every way. The children and parents had a delightful time. He is colorful, innovative, and witty. The audience embraced his from the start of his show. We had Barry in our Sunday School gathering. He tied the theme of what we had studied for the previous few weeks into the performance and gave us so much more. Our middle and high school students came in to see what the fun was all about and they never left. His tricks and talks are clean and spiritual. He can design his regular shows into whatever you need. We hope to have him back again next year. You will not be disappointed!"
Becky Overcash
Forest Hill United Methodist
Concord, NC

"Barry Mitchell was an entertainment delight-there were lots of laughs (and not only from the children). Barry's way of sharing the Gospel message through storytelling was highly effective."
Mary Calhoun
Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church
Midway, KY

"Barry's ability to connect with an audience of all ages is phenomenal. Our kids were in such wonder as he shared his talents with us. The way he engages the kids, then presents his positive message is effective. I would highly recommend his show!"
Holly Roe
Kodak United Methodist Church
Kodak, TN

"Barry did a great job of involving the children in his program and I watched the smiles on their parents' faces while their child was on stage & in the spotlight."
Allison Kelly
Spring Valley Baptist
Columbia, SC

"Your program and gospel presentation were right on target! Both the kids and big kids (adults) loved your show. Thank you for letting God work through you. I'm thankful for the ones who came and for those kids who will forever be changed because a little church and a storytelling magician partnered together to tell boys and girls about Jesus."
Brad Smith
First Baptist Church
Surgoinsville, TN

"The Backpack Giveaway was very successful. We have given away more than 100 backpacks. The magic show was just icing on the cake for our event. It was well worth it just to see the smiles on their faces. I was impressed by how you handled the unexpected moments with your volunteers. You were fantastic!"
Amy Proffitt
Central Christian Church
Bristol, TN

"It was great to have Barry Mitchell at our church. He kept the attention of both the children and the adults with his captivating and exciting tricks. His unique way of delivering Christ's message was cutting edge and fresh"
Chris Lotz
Callaway Park Church of God
LaGrange, GA

We had Barry Mitchell for our Fall Festival and he was excellent. He kept the audience captivated and then he presented the gospel in a smooth, non threatening way. He was enjoyable and humorous and entertaining. I give him two thumbs up for his presentation!"
Tim McGehee
Grace Baptist Church
Tullahoma, TN