presents

UPWARD UNLIMITED
Awards Night Speaker

For Church, Family, and Youth Events

Christian Sword Swallower

DAN MEYER

Most Christian artists don't perform extreme feats on America's Got Talent,
Most aren't in Ripley's Believe It or Not or hold multiple Guinness World Records,
Most don't eat fire or swallow swords underwater in a tank of sharks,
and most have not received the Ig Nobel Prize at Harvard!...

But Dan Meyer is NOT your average Christian artist!

Cutting Edge Innertainment Christian artist Sword Swallower Dan Meyer has been blessed to perform and touch lives at Upward Unlimited Awards Nights and other church and youth functions around the world.

The Performer

One of only a few dozen professional sword swallowers left in the world today, Dan is a multiple Guinness World Record holder and Ripley's Believe It or Not performer featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not cartoons, books, games, and museums.

A 3x Guinness World Record holder in sword swallowing, winner of the 2009 Christian Entertainer's Gold Award for a 1-man stage show, featured on several episodes of NBC's America's Got Talent, and world-renowned for swallowing swords underwater in a tank of sharks and stingrays for Ripley's Believe It or Not, Dan has been seen by millions performing his unique form of family entertainment and is recognized as one of the TOP performing sword swallowers in the world today!

As the President of the Sword Swallowers Association International and winner of the 2007 Ig Nobel Prize in Medicine at Harvard, Dan is recognized as the leading expert and world's foremost authority on the ancient art of sword swallowing.

But as the ONLY professing Christian sword swallower in the world, Dan tours the world performing amazing feats of skill and delivering a powerful inspirational message of hope and encouragement to youth at churches and conventions around the world.

The Appearances

Dan has been featured on programs such as America's Got Talent, The Today Show, CNN, ESPN, MTV, ET!, CMT, PBS, 20/20, 48 Hours, ABC World News, CBS News, FOX News, NBC News, MSNBC, CNN Health, MSN Health, AOL News, CNet News, NPR, BBC Radio, CBC, CTV, ITV UK, BBC World News, NTV Russia, Discovery Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Times Channel, Discovery Canada, Discovery International, Daily Planet, The Learning Channel, History Channel, Travel Channel, Documentary Channel, Entertainment Tonight, USA Network, Food Network, Armed Forces Network, RadioU Network, Telemundo, Univision, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Shocked and Amazed TV, RockMe TV, WGN TV, Breakfast TV Canada, Alan Titchmarsh Show UK, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Mancow Morning Show, Bob and Tom Show, Rick and Bubba Show, WGN Radio, Absolutely Alabama, Tennessee Crossroads, USA Today, Newsweek, National Geographic, Atlantic Magazine, Forbes Magazine, New York Post, New York Times, Irish Times, London Times, The Guardian, Telegraph, British Medical Journal, Scientific American, Science Daily, Nature Magazine, Amusement Business, Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, Religious Newswire Service, Christian Activities, Christian Index, National Catholic Reporter, and in hundreds of other radio, TV, magazine, and newspaper interviews around the world.

Dan's sword swallowing has amazed millions around the world - on America's #1 reality show America's Got Talent, on national tour with Brooks and Dunn's Neon Circus, on international tour with the award-winning Celtic Christian pop/rock band Ceili Rain, opening for Christian artists Jeremy Camp, Mike's Chair, the Crabb Family, Decemberadio, with Ringling Brothers Circus, at Ripley's Believe It or Not attractions, on Ig Nobel Science Tours around the world, and at youth programs at churches, colleges, universities, Bible camps, Upward Unlimited Awards Night Celebrations, science festivals, science and medical centers and museums, corporate conventions, and family and church youth events in over a dozen countries around the world.

If he's good enough for them, why not
have Dan perform at YOUR church or Upward program?

Dan on the Today Show Live with Natalie Morales, Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira

Dan on ESPN First Take with Dana Jacobsen and Jay Crawford

Sharon Osbourne and Jimmy Kimmel discuss Dan Meyer on America's Got Talent

The Show

Presenting the most dangerous and bizarre feats with wit, charm and style, Dan's show not only engages and educates the mind, but pierces deep into the hearts of the audience to create the most personal and profound type of experience.

Call him an inspirational speaker. Call him an extreme performer. Call him a sword swallower.
America's Got Talent and Ripley's Believe It or Not call him

"...one of the TOP sword swallowers in the world!"

This year we had the privilege of having Dan Meyer on our stage. Tremendous artist, tremendous performer... Love the man's heart... It's fun to watch the audience as Dan draws them in... Not sure what they're getting, he toys with them a bit... But as they begin to see his talent and ability with swords, It's fun to watch the cringing, it's fun to watch the gasping, It's fun to watch the eyes WIDE OPEN as he performs... ...It was a great element to have at our event I HIGHLY recommend having Dan for your event. If you've got an event coming up, you NEED to have Dan there! Listen, if he's booked, you need to CHANGE YOUR DATE to book Dan because he's a GREAT ARTIST! If you're looking for the "same old same old" for your next event, Dan Meyer is not your man. But if you're looking for something TOTALLY DIFFERENT, TOTALLY OFF THE CHARTS, then HAVE DAN MEYER ON YOUR STAGE AT YOUR NEXT EVENT!  -Grant Medford, Director Youth Encounter, President Illinois State Baptist Assoc Student/Family Ministries (listen to full testimonial interview)

The Feats

Described as a “Christian David Copperfield” who combines real feats with a powerful message instead of just tricks and illusions, Dan eats fire, performs the Human Blockhead, and swallows solid steel swords, blades, daggers, bayonets, sabers, rapiers, cutlasses, serpentine swords, curved swords, forceps, hedge clippers, and other objects from 15 to 30 inches in length and up to 8 swords at once! Despite a close call resulting in a near-fatal injury while swallowing 5 swords at once, Dan continues to amaze audiences with his family-oriented show.

“I enjoy performing REAL feats that people think are impossible to prove how awesome God made the human body,” Dan explains. As the only professing Christian sword swallower and fire-eater in the world, Dan uses his extreme form of "innertainment" in a motivational and inspirational comedy program as a way of drawing crowds and touching youth and adults in a profound way that other ministries might not otherwise be able to reach.

God made each person unique with their own unique gifts; I use my unique ministry to let audiences know it's ok to be unique and stand for what you believe in, whatever your calling is! I perform feats to impact lives. God performs miracles and changes lives. Just to see God using me, seeing people's faces when I perform, and knowing God is using my show to impact lives is tremendously exciting to me.       -Dan Meyer, Sword Swallower

The Mission

    To Entertain.   To Educate.   To Encourage.   To Elevate.   To Edify.   To Evangelize.

The Mission My hope is that I can inspire others to think beyond the obvious, to challenge them to stretch beyond their limitations, to dream bigger than they thought possible, and dare to do the impossible in their lives. My mission is to         make a positive impact on the youth of today by being REAL, to inspire them to create a vision for their lives, to dream bigger than they thought possible, and to go out and achieve those dreams and DO the impossible in their lives by putting their hearts and minds in the right place - following the Lord. I swallow swords, eat fire, and inspire people to do the impossible in their lives.     -Dan Meyer, Sword Swallower

The Method

Like a secret weapon, Cutting Edge Innertainment strikes like a double-edged sword with a 1-2 cut:

1. It's ENTERTAINMENT with an EDGE!
   On first glance, it's SHARP and FLASHY cutting edge ENTERTAINMENT
   that puts the audience on the EDGE of their seats.

2. It's a MESSAGE with a POINT!
   On a deeper level, it's a PENETRATING MESSAGE that
     CUTS to the POINT,
     PIERCES to the HEART,
     STICKS in the MIND,
     and leaves a LASTING IMPRESSION,
   it's Cutting Edge INNERtainment that gets them OUT of their seats!

   Cutting Edge INNERtainment -
         ENTERTAINMENT with an EDGE
         a MESSAGE with a POINT!
   The Proof is what's INSIDE!

Cutting Edge Innertainment's Upward Awards Night program features real shocking feats combined with light comedy and audience participation where Dan recruits volunteers from the audience so everyone can feel like part of the show! Dan performs extreme feats such as fire-eating, the comedic human blockhead, and the ancient art of sword swallowing in a professional family-oriented 20-40 minute stage show that is educational, inspirational, motivational, and UNFORGETTABLE with just the right touch of light comedy!

Dan's show is specifically designed with Upward themes in mind. Once Dan has captured the audience's undivided attention with his flashy form of entertainment performing extreme feats of fire-eating, human blockhead and sword swallowing, he then slides in his unique form of "innertainment" by presenting the Gospel message clearly and effectively to the kids and adults alike. Audiences claim Dan's show and powerful message have profoundly impacted their lives in unforgettable ways. And Dan is always willing to stay after the program to meet each child personally.

At first glance, it's flashy on the surface,
but the proof is what's inside
that leaves a lasting impression!

The Method Like a secret weapon, Cutting Edge INNERtainment strikes like a double-edged sword with a 1-2 cut: On first glance, it's SHARP and FLASHY Cutting Edge ENTERTAINMENT to put your audience on the EDGE of their seats On a deeper level, it's a PENETRATING message that     CUTS to the POINT,     PIERCES to the HEART,     STICKS in the MIND,     and leaves a LASTING IMPRESSION - it's Cutting Edge INNERtainment that gets them OUT of their seats! Cutting Edge INNERtainment - ENTERTAINMENT with an EDGE A MESSAGE with a POINT! The Proof is what's INSIDE!

The Message

Verses "He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword." -Job 39:22 "The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin." -Job 41:26 "What goes into the mouth, goes into the stomach, but what comes out of the mouth, comes from the heart." -Matthew 15:17-18 "...and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword" -Revelations 1:16 "For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword... piercing deeper than the division of joints and marrow, soul and spirit, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12  "He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword." -Matthew 26:52 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:19 "Sharp words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." -Proverbs 12:18 "With God, NOTHING is impossible!" -Luke 1:37 "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!" -Philippians 4:13

Watch Dan in action...

Watch all the way to the grand finale at the very end!

How can Dan work sword swallowing into a penetrating message? Just watch...

The Response

    The Proof is what's inside!
        But don't just take our word for it.
        Audiences consistently rave about Dan's show. Just listen to what others have had to say...

Reviews "Amazing... A hard act to swallow!" -Christian Activities Magazine "While the swords were in Meyer's throat, the spectator's hearts were in theirs!" -Nashville OnePaper "You were AWESOME!" -Jeremy Camp, Christian Artist "Fantastic! Wow! That it was incredibly... scary!" "Oh, my God! If you were to film everybody at home watching this, half of America would be going 'AAAAH!' " -David Hasselhoff, America's Got Talent "You've obviously spent years mastering sword swallowing, and it absolutely AMAZES me!... YES!! You've DEFINITELY got my vote!" -Sharon Osbourne, America's Got Talent "I've never seen that before in my life, and I bet most of the audience haven't either... You are obviously one of the best in the world at what you do..." -Piers Morgan, America's Got Talent "Wow! He DOES have talent!" -Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Kimmel Live "This is incredible... amazing!" -Danny Glover, actor (removing Lethal Weapon from Dan Meyer) "Oh my God! This is unbelievable... ...This is INCREDIBLE!" -Dana Jacobson, ESPN First Take "I've seen a lot of incredible things in my life, but I've never seen anything like THIS before!" -Pat, Cameraman, Oprah Winfrey Show "That was the most fantastic show I've ever seen! It was AWESOME!" -Suzanne Holmes, VP Documentary Channel "Amazing!... absolutely incredible!" -Jay Crawford, ESPN First Take Dan Meyer is not only the leading expert on sword swallowing and the President of the Sword Swallowers Association International, but he is a Master Sword Swallower, one of the TOP sword swallowers in the world! -Bob Masterson, President, Ripley Ent, Ripley's Believe It or Not! "He's like a Christian David Copperfield, but instead of just doing magic tricks, Dan combines incredible real feats with a powerful message in a show that's IMPOSSIBLE to forget!" -Jürgen Beck, WAFF-TV, Huntsville, AL "Just fascinating! Brilliantly done, Absolutely delightful!" -Carolyn Prescott-Price, Centre for Life, Newcastle, UK "I am just freaked out! Wow! ...I am crawling out of my skin right now... My palms are sweating... That was incredible! It freaked me out! Absolutely one of the most amazing guests we've ever had on Good Day Alabama..." -Rick Journey, Good Day Alabama, Fox News, Birmingham, AL "I'm speechless! During the finale, we were afraid for Dan, the volunteer, and ourselves! But we were captivated, and it was so much fun!" -Sian O'Keefe, Imperial College, London, England "That was incredible! Wow! He's the real deal! Now that's entertainment that makes your heart beat fast! I love him and you will too!" -Janice Rogers, Good Day Alabama, Fox News, Birmingham, AL "Dan is one of a kind. He's the Master Professor of Sword Swallowing! He is a true communicator. He talks to the audience not at the audience. I actully heard his inner body make sounds when he swallowed the sword! My favorite part of Dan's performance is his passion for what he does. He's never met a stranger and he gets you excited about sword swallowing! Dan is THE Sword Swallower!" -Suzie Wiley, Host, Valley Happenings, WYAM TV 51, Decatur, AL "That boy ain't right!" -Robert Frisk, Hartselle Flea Market, Hartselle, AL

Testimonials The PROOF is What's INSIDE! "Dan provides riveting entertainment that delivers a powerful Christian message and inspires young people all at once!" -Rev. Travis Fessler, Florence, KY "Dan's sword swallowing is amazing on its own, but his sword swallowing mixed with a positive message is revolutionary!" -Pastor Les Jones, New Song Family Church, Decatur, AL "I really didn't think sword swallowing was really real at first, but the end of the show really affected me. It was awesome! It was amazing! All the kids were talking about it all week long! It was the BEST part of the whole week!" -Britney Cobb, Impact, Hartselle Church of Christ, Hartselle, AL "Your show really affected me - It made my heart beat fast, ...almost made me wanna cry. I couldn't help but put myself in your place. It really affected me like nothing else I've ever seen!" -Brittani Trumble, Freedom Experience, Texarkana, TX "That made a bigger impact on me than anything else in my entire life!" -Blake, Impact Youth Program, David Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN "Dan Meyer is an amazing man who will shock and woo you with his feats, and then take you to a very real conclusion. The way Dan explained about God and the Sword Of The Spirit touched the soul no matter where you were in your walk, whether you were a new Christian, or if you were in the walk for a while. It was amazing! We had 53 new salvations and over 100 re-dedications! After the show was over, all we could say was 'Wow!' Dan uses his amazing skills, talents and the blessings on his life to put blessings on your life! I would highly recommend Dan to any group, church or youth group!" -Alex Meeks, Staff, Oneighty, Maize, KS "Dan Meyer's show was incredible! We had 104 decisions for Christ with 53 first-time salvations! His performance and ability is so unique, it allows him to captivate his audience for the entire performance. The best part is that Dan brought a wonderfully unique message drawing comparisons to the Sword of the Spirit that set up a tremendous response from our students. The Word was powerful and effective. I would recommend Dan Meyer without reservation to anyone looking for something new, fresh, unique and captivating. Dan is the real deal. His performance as well as behind-the-scenes character was impeccable" -Devin Leichner, Pastor, Oneighty, The Ark, Maize, KS "I was one decision away from becoming an atheist. I had no reason to believe God was real or that his word could change my life. After Dan's message, I gave my heart to Christ. He helped me see that God's word is powerful enough to change everything. Thank you for having Dan Meyer... it changed my life." -Jennifer, student, Wichita, KS "It was WONDERFUL! That was a show the kids will NEVER forget, and neither will the adults! My heart was beating so fast... It was amazing!" -Terry Lee, First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach, SC "That was awesome! I absolutely LOVED it!" -Dr. Ergun Caner, President, Liberty University Seminary, Lynchburg, VA "Dan is great to work with! His ministry is unique and attention-grabbing! The variety of "Super-human" stunts and comedy is fantastic, and his message points it all back to Christ! Want something totally different, something out-of-the-box? Spend an evening with Dan Meyer!" -Jody Hooven, Youth Pastor, Upward Unlimited, Friendship UMC, Athens, AL "Dan - You were awesome! Thanks for all you did, and for the 41 children who responded! Keep on!" -Joe Perry, Director Prestonwood Sports Outreach, Prestonwood Baptist, Plano, TX "This year we had the privilege of having Dan Meyer on our Youth Encounter stage. Tremendous artist, tremendous performer... Love the man's heart... If you've got an event coming up, you NEED to have Dan there! If he's booked, you need to change your date, because he's a great artist! If you're looking for the "same old same old" for your next event, then Dan Meyer is not your man. But if you're looking for something totally different, totally off the charts, then have Dan Meyer on your stage at your next event!" -Grant Medford, Director Youth Encounter, Student/Family Ministries, Illinois Baptist State Association "What you do is incredible!" -Aaron Crabb, Christian Artist, The Crabb Family "I think you are completely fascinating - from India to a deserted island to Op Camp! You blessed us in a HUGE way, and gave the kids an experience they will NEVER forget!" -Coach Van Gravitt, Director, Opportunity Camp, Merkel, TX "You rocked at The Rock at New Year's Aid! I went in thinking it couldn't be done, but came out knowing it was real! -Nikki Veronica McGrath, New Year's Aid, McLean Bible Church, Vienna, VA "You were awesome! You were the best part of the whole New Year's Aid!" -Jessica Corley, Worship Team, New Year's Aid, McLean Bible Church, Vienna, VA "I was absolutely amazed! As I watched the kids and adults around me, they were on the edge of their seats and stayed there the entire show! I especially loved it when Dan gave his testimony, sat down on the stage, and made it real and personal. I highly recommend Dan to all audiences; You will be entertained and amazed by what you see!" --Cesar Montoya, Upward Unlimited Director of Sports, EV Free Church, Chico, CA "Dan really holds the audience's attention! We were amazed, on edge, and inspired all at the same time! This is an Upward Awards Night that families will be talking about years from now! Dan is a super great guy with contagious enthusiasm! We highly recommend him!" -DeAnna McNeill, Upward Unlimited Director, Friendship UMC, Athens, AL "Dan Meyer is one of the most unique performers I've ever seen! Dan has developed a way of sharing the Gospel through his unique presentation that gets everyone's attention! After hearing his heart for reaching the lost, we just had to bring him on onboard Cruise with a Cause. He does a great job and we'll have him back. I'm just glad this is NOT the talent God gave me!" -Dr. Matthew Dunaway, President, PraiseFest Ministries, Cruise With a Cause "Dan was wonderful to work with. His Upward show was excellent. He has a great testimony. And he took time with the kids and parents to talk to as many as wanted to talk. I highly recommend him!" --Milan Dekich, Pastor, Fairview Church of God, Falkville, AL "Dan presented a professional top-notch show that appealed to all ages... The kids and adults laughed, oohed, and awed with equal enthusiasm!" -Clayton Owen, Upward Unlimited Director, First Baptist Church, McKenzie, TN  "Dan was one big gulp of excitement! Dan's message cut deep, but instead of shedding blood, we shed tears." -Jody Dean, Upward Unlimited Director, First Baptist Church, Rainsville, AL "That was AWESOME! ...I was blown away!" -Phillip List, Regional Pastor's Convention, Huntsville, AL "Dan is an awesome entertainer with a unique gift. He is a blast to have for any kids event! Our kids were in awe and their parents were squirming! You can't get a better combo if you deal with Children's ministry. A great show for the whole family!" -Jim Beckner, Upward Unlimited Director, Trinity Baptist, Trinity, AL "Dan's show was as *real* as it gets! Dan gave us a lot to take home, but not to try at home! This was the most unusual and challenging performance we've ever had!" -Rev. Jeff Mann, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Rainsville, AL "Dan gave one of the "sharpest" presentations of the Gospel I have ever witnessed! Young and old were awed by his unique talents. And dear to an event coordinator's heart is the fact that Dan is such a genuine and caring Christian who was willing to be flexible enough to fit into our schedule. Thanks for making our event so memorable that people will talk about it for years to come!" --DeLiska Lee, Coordinator, Faith Fellowship, Winfield, AL "That was AWESOME! But if I was you, I wouldn't do that!" -Westin, 6 years old, Shady Grove Baptist Church, Neel, AL "As the mother of a very impressionable son, I want to tell you how much we enjoyed your performance. Frank has asberger symptom, a form of autism. He was so impressed with your performance and your wonderful testimony, especially the way you connected it with following God's Word. Thank you for setting a great example for all of us to follow. You sure put on a cutting edge performance!" -Kathy Goodwin, Shady Grove Baptist Church, Neel, AL "You truly are one-of-a-kind and have a special God-given gift! You have the charisma, credentials, and Christ-like humility that will continue to bring you before unique crowds. The Bible says, 'Your gift will make room for you'. How true! Thanks for your encouragement, inspiration and powerful message!" -Frank Shelton, Evangelist/Author, Praisefest Cruise, Bahamas "Dan's show brings entertainment, faith in doing the impossible, and ministry together brilliantly." -Andy Kula, Upward Unlimited, Asbury UMC, Madison, AL "I've never seen anything like that before! I thought it was going to be fake, But it was absolutely awesome!" -Chris Cordova, World Harvest Church, Hartselle, AL "I was a little nervous that bringing a sword swallower to our church might turn into a circus… However Dan not only entertained us, but he taught our youth and adults valuable lessons in faith, and turned his performance into a meaningful experience focused on Christian values and a faith walk with Christ." -Ashley Jordan, Youth Pastor, Archer's Chapel UMC, Frog Jump, TN "Dan's ability to swallow swords is tasteful and incredibly entertaining. But he has an amazing heart for people, and to me that makes Dan a rare entertainer." -Chris Ratcliff, First Baptist Church, Paxton, IL "I had been waiting for Dan to come to Mega Youth Ministry for a few months, and I was expecting entertainment, but what I received was so much more; it was entertainment with a message that inspired not only myself, but many of the youth and adults in attendance. Great job!" -John Cowlin, Mega Youth Ministry Coordinator, Syracuse, NY "The highlight of the night was Dan's sword swallowing... Some watched in amazement, while others had trouble watching at all! I really liked how Dan worked the Sword of the Spirit into his message." -Pastor Larry Head, Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church, Newport, MI "God has given you a special gift to use a physical sword to impart truths of the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God." -Rev. Genius Wells, Chapel on the Hill Church, Nassau, Bahamas "Your sword swallowing is truly amazing! You are living proof that with God, nothing is impossible! Thank you for using the platform that God has given you to spread the Word!" -Vic Kennett, President/CEO, Kerusso, Berryville, AR "Clearly your ministry represents Christ well and serves to further His kingdom. It is an honor for us to serve you in that endeavor." -Jeff Chambers, President, Endorsed Ministry Guide "We, like Jesus, must use the ever-changing methods of communication to disseminate the unchanging message of God's love and forgiveness." -Billy Graham

The Man, The Ministry

Dan comes from a background of serving as a missionary to India, performing with missions teams throughout the United States and around the world, as an award-winning Christian songwriter working in the Christian music industry with the Bill Gaither Trio, touring internationally with major secular and Christian artists, swallowing swords and playing Irish pennywhistle in kilt with the Celtic Christian rock band Ceili Rain on tour in Ireland, serving as Youth Director for the Thrivent North Alabama board, and playing on the worship team at his church. Dan has amazed and touched millions with his shows around the world, and his ministry has been reviewed and endorsed by Endorsed Ministry Guide for doctrinal soundness, artistic giftedness, professional integrity and manageability. With over 20 years' experience as an award-winning Christian entertainer, combined with a strong background in ministry and years of experience sharing the Gospel with children and adults in ways that are powerful and unforgettable, Dan presents a memorable show your group will NEVER forget!

Personal Background, History and Ministry Testimony "I grew up in a Christian family and made a decision to give my life to the Lord when I was a teen. Because I grew up shy, it was awkward for me to witness to people through words alone." Billy Graham once said, 'Like Jesus, we must use the ever-changing methods of communication to disseminate the unchanging message of God's love and forgiveness.' "My extreme ministry allows me to reach a wide audience and touch folks across a broad spectrum that other ministries might not be able to reach, from youth to yuppies, teens to seniors, Goth rockers to bikers, including those who might never step foot in a church." Dan served as a Lutheran missionary to Tamil Nadu, south India in 1977-78, and comes from a long lineage of missionaries. Both of Dan's grandfathers and two uncles were ordained Lutheran ministers, his grandparents and several cousins were Lutheran missionaries, and his mother was born in the mission field among a tribe of cannibal headhunters in the highlands of Papua New Guinea where Dan's grandfather was one of the first white missionaries to take the Gospel to the cannibal headhunters. Dan's brother and his family have worked in mission fields around the world with Caleb Project, the United Center for World Missions, and now Greater Europe Missions in Europe. In 2005, a near-fatal injury while swallowing 5 swords at once nearly cost Dan his life, causing him to quit sword swallowing completely for several weeks while doing some serious soul-searching. It wasn't until Dan was moved by a sermon on "using your unique gifts for the Lord instead of burying your talents" that caused Dan to consider taking up sword swallowing again, but this time as a full-time calling. "...I had ignored the call to go into ministry full-time until I felt the Holy Spirit's nudging to quit my job and step out in faith into a unique ministry that had never been attempted before." After working in the Nashville secular and Christian music business for over 20 years, Dan left a lucrative six-figure job and stepped out in faith based on his strong convictions that God was calling him back into ministry to use his unique talents to reach those that other ministries might never reach. "This was NOT an easy decision to make, and I wrestled with it for a long time before I accepted that this was what God wanted me to do." In May 2007, Dan quit his job and stepped out in faith to follow his calling and pursue his unique sword swallowing ministry full-time. The rest, as they say, is history - Where it has taken him since then has been nothing short of miraculous. "Ever since I stepped out in faith and followed His leading, God has blessed me with opportunities and blessings beyond anything I could have ever imagined - so I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is what He has called me to do!" "Now the world is my mission field, and the Sword is my weapon - Have Sword, will travel!" "People often don't know what to think when they hear that I'm a 'Christian Sword Swallower' and some don't take it seriously. But I do! My ministry requires not only a deep conviction and commitment that this is what God has called me to do, but also a very real physical risk - Jesus said, 'He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword.' I literally lay my life on the line and risk my life each and every time I step out to minister to others - It requires a real life-and-death commitment, and I take it very seriously! But I love what I do... This is not only my calling, it's my life!" "God made each person unique with their own special gifts. I've found I am most fulfilled when I'm living out my calling - when I combine my unique talents with my passion to impact people for the kingdom of God. I use my unique ministry to let audiences know it's ok to be unique and stand for what you believe in, whatever your calling is!" "I like to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable by performing REAL feats people think are impossible in order to prove how awesome God made the human body!" "What I do is very REAL - By the end of my program, I've taken the audience from being non-believers to becoming believers that sword swallowing is REAL! Then I remind them that to many people in his day, Jesus was also seen as controversial, a magician or charlatan just doing fake tricks or illusions, until they saw that He was REAL, and this reality created a huge IMPACT causing them to BELIEVE in Him. I use what I do to follow in His footsteps and impact people by being the real deal." "I like to leave an impact on audiences and remind them that ALL things are possible with God! Then I challenge them to go out and do the impossible, to be REAL in their lives and impact others with their lives... to live life abundantly, with gusto... not just to sip life, but to GULP it!" "As I say in my programs, 'Keep it REAL! - The Proof is What's INSIDE!' " "Just to see God using me, seeing people's faces when I perform, and knowing God is using me to impact lives is tremendously exciting to me, and validates that this is what God has called me to do." Dan and his wife Lisa live in Hartselle, AL where they raise Arabian horses, and open up their farm as a ministry for underprivileged kids by offering them the opportunity to learn to ride horses in a Christian environment. Dan discussing his calling and ministry on Atlanta Live Part 1 WATC TV Atlanta Live Interview Part 2

Booking

IMPORTANT:
When looking for a unique Christian entertainer for an Upward or other Christian or family event, it's important to find an act that's clean, entertaining, professional and experienced in front of church and youth audiences. You're not just paying for the show, but for peace of mind. After all, if the performer offends someone in your audience, it makes YOU look bad!

Clean wholesome performers typically cost more than "club" performers. This is because good quality family entertainment for a church youth audience is much harder to find than the average nightclub performer.

Most Youth Directors and Upward Coordinators are looking for an entertainer who can not only entertain the audience and keep them on the edge of their seats, but they also want a speaker who can capture the audience's attention and get across a serious message to get them OUT of their seats -- not just to reach the kids, but also to impact other family members at the show who might not attend church regularly.

Your job is to book an entertaining act with wide appeal that won't offend your audience, but WILL reach both kids AND adults. There are thousands of club performers across the country, but only a few who can put on a compelling wholesome family show that will entertain both kids AND adults, capture their attention and convey a compelling Christian message.

Performers who risk their lives to perform specialized feats involving physical danger cost more other non-specialized run-of-the-mill performers due to the special skills, risks and dangers involved. With less than a few dozen true sword swallowers left in the world, unique quality acts like this are few and hard to find.

If you want a one-of-a-kind PERFORMER who can ENTERTAIN both kids and adults with cutting edge FEATS, and a Christian SPEAKER who can IMPACT both kids AND adults with a PIERCING MESSAGE, you’ve found the right combination!

There are only a few dozen sword swallowers left in the world, but ONLY ONE Christian Sword Swallower who provides top-notch entertainment with an EDGE, and a powerful Christian message with a POINT - a show your audience will NEVER FORGET - Cutting Edge Innertainment!

FEES

To get the best results, you need the best quality. Top results come from top quality.
To get top quality, the TOP in the field, the BEST always comes with a price, but the results are worth the cost.

Dan's Upward Awards Night Celebration show is highly entertaining, educational, motivational, inspirational and impactful. Due to high demand and the extremely dangerous nature of this death-defying act, standard pricing for a Cutting Edge corporate show typically runs from $2985-$4865/show.* However, as a special offer to Upward Directors, church youth directors, and other Christian programs, Dan offers his Upward Unlimited Awards Night and programs for churches and youth groups at a discounted rate based on the specific needs and requirements of your church, plus accommodations and travel. (*Standard rates for non-Upward show: $2985-$4865/appearance)

CEI understands the value of your budget dollar and realizes that some small churches are often forced to work within limited budgets. We’re willing to work with you on creative solutions and do whatever we can to work within your budget to create a win/win situation to make sure you get the best value from Dan coming and ministering alongside you. Call us and we'll be glad to discuss options with you. If we can’t help you, we may be able to recommend other quality performers who might be a better fit within your budget.

TRAVEL

Based near Huntsville, AL, Dan's schedule has him constantly on the road performing at venues all across the US and around the world. For regional Upward programs, other than mileage, there are no additional accommodation expenses for churches within 75 miles of Hartselle, AL (roughly between Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL).

For other locations, take a look at Dan's schedule below and see if there are any dates that he may already be in your part of the country. If you schedule Dan as your Upward Awards Night Speaker during the time he is already performing in your same CITY, YOU PAY NO TRAVEL FEE! If you schedule Dan while he is in your AREA, you can save substantially on your travel fee.

If you don’t see your area of the country listed below, please call (615) 969-2568 to double-check Dan's schedule (Dan's schedule is in a constant state of change and he may be coming to your area, but it might not be confirmed or listed yet).

Better yet, request to have Dan come to your area; If you know of at least two other churches or Upward Awards Celebrations who want to book Dan in your area, let us know and ALL THREE OF YOU WILL PAY NO TRAVEL FEE!

Of course, if you KNOW you want to Dan to come, and you don't want to wait and risk having your date get booked by someone else, BOOK it NOW or call (615) 969-2568 ASAP. Many times, it costs LESS to fly across the country than to fly or drive within your own state! Inexpensive flights can easily be arranged from Huntsville or Birmingham airports. Visa/MasterCard accepted for deposits. Don’t give up on having Dan perform at your ministry - Please call and let’s DISCUSS IT!

REQUEST A PROPOSAL, HOLD THE DATE, or BOOK IT!

Book Dan TODAY for a unique WORLD-CLASS family show your audience will NEVER FORGET!

To request a proposal, or check, hold or reserve dates for booking a Cutting Edge Innertainment show for YOUR Upward Awards Night, complete the simple online booking request form, e-mail us, or call us today to discuss details of scheduling a date for your Upward Awards Night before your date gets booked up!

BOOK EARLY, as Upward dates book up fast, and many churches book 9-12 months in advance!
To get the best available date, book your event TODAY! Visa/MasterCard accepted for a deposit to hold your date.

NOW BOOKING 2010-2011 DATES!

DOWNLOAD A FLYER

Need to run the info past your events committee? Click here to view or right-click to download a flyer or proposal that you can e-mail and share with your events committee.

For booking, use the special code below (swipe your mouse over the space below to get the code)
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Contact

Cutting Edge Inner†ainment | swordfish productions
  ENTERTAINMENT with an EDGE
  a MESSAGE with a POINT!
"The PROOF is what's INSIDE!"

contact 1.615.969.2568 Dan@swordswallow.com cuttingedgeinnertainment.com	booking 1.866.367.5333 info@reachyourcity.com www.reachyourcity.com
management g. hill management info@greshamhill.com www.greshamhill.com	school assemblies 1.877.333.2113 info@takebackyourschools.com www.takebackyourschools.com

Tel: +1 (615) 969-2568 direct
Tel: +1 (615) 258-4141 ext 309 Reach Your City Nashville
E-mail: Dan@swordswallow.com
Contact: http://danmeyer.tel
Twitter: @Halfdan

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