In late 1968 during a Sunday night service, God seemed to be speaking to him while they were singing a congregational song “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go”. He wasn't sure just what God was saying but finally said that he’d go, do, and be what God wanted him to be and that’s when God spoke to his heart and said you are going in the Army and to Viet Nam.
Rupert tried to enter other branches of service but the door was blocked on all fronts, so he volunteered for the US Army and did end up in Viet Nam with Company A, 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB), 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Camp Evans. While there in June 1970, Rupert received his credential to minister from the North Carolina District Council of the Assemblies of God. During his tour, the now Rev. Rupert Harrell, obtained permission to lead Bible studies for his fellow soldiers.
After leaving Viet Nam, he was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas where he met his wife of thirty-six years, they have two sons and two grandchildren. Following his Honorable Discharge he attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. After graduation, God opened doors for him to pastor in Kansas, South Texas, and North Texas, for a total of twenty-five years.
In 2000, Rupert joined the staff of Dave Roever Minsistries as his Director of Veterans’ Affairs. He ministered to veterans, their families, and active duty troops. He was responsible for taking the veterans back to Viet Nam on “Journey Back” and “ Journey Forward” (vets and wives). Between trips to Viet Nam, Rupert traveled and ministered by invitation in churches throughout the United States.
In 2007, due to unforeseen circumstances, Dave Roever had to lay off three of his faithful employees, Rupert was one of them. Later, visiting with Dave and Brenda Roever they confirmed what God had been dealing with him about. Brenda suggested that Rupert continue working with veterans and also taking them back to Viet Nam because of his many contacts. Shortly thereafter, Rupert Harrell Ministry’s, INC. was born. Rupert not only continues his work with Viet Nam vets but also our returning veterans from the current war. He is also going to be working with local Churches helping them set up programs to minister to the whole family.
Rupert continues his work with the Vietnamese people building house churches, and rebuilding older ones as well. A house church can be built for about $2,000.00 in Viet Nam. He is hoping and praying that this ministry will be able to work with Roever Educational Program, Int.(R.E.A.P.) and also Veterans With a Mission and other such organizations.
Rupert Harrell is an ordained minister with the North Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God and available to minister where and when the door is open.
Rupert was born December 4, 1948 to Rupert and Clara Harrell, Sr. a proud military family. Rupert’s Dad served in the Navy during WWII and in the Army during the Korean War along with his three brothers. Rupert’s Dad retired after forty years of service to his country. Rupert’s Mom, Clara, lost a brother, CPL Bob Cooke, in the Korean war, and a cousin, Lt. Hugh E.”Butch” Best III was a Silver Star recipient, was KIA in Vietnam. An artillery firebase in the southern part of Viet Nam, was named in his honor “Firebase Best.”
Rupert was called to preach at the age of fourteen and began preaching at the early age of fifteen in his home state of North Carolina. Growing up in a Christian family, he and his sisters were very involved in church activities. Rupert served as Youth President of the youth group of his church.
