A Blessed Visit from Texas

In March, we were richly blessed to welcome three incredible teams from the United States: Highland Baptist Church, Shoreline Church, and Green Acres Baptist Church. Their visit brought encouragement, joy, servant-hearted ministry, and a fresh reminder that the Church is truly one body across nations and cultures.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

From worship and prayer to practical help and children’s ministry, each team played a unique role in blessing our church family and wider community throughout Teesside.

Shoreline girls getting picked up at Redcar Central Station

Serving with Joy and Purpose

The Highland Baptist Church team became deeply involved across many areas of church and community life. They led worship sessions with passion and humility, helping create spaces where people could encounter God afresh through praise. Their willingness to serve extended far beyond the platform as they also helped with practical jobs around RBC and RHOW, including painting and maintenance work, a beautiful example of living out faith through action.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23

The Highland team also connected wonderfully with local families and children. One highlight was helping lead a Texas-themed session for a local home-education group, bringing fun, culture, and friendship into the day. They also supported local schools including Zetland Primary School and Whale Hill Primary School, alongside serving faithfully in our church kids groups, like the mid-week group Kidz Club and our Sunday groups.

And of course, no Texan visit to Teesside would be complete without a few local experiences! The team enjoyed a walk to Saltburn-by-the-Sea and embraced some beloved local favourites — including the famous lemon top ice cream and the legendary Teesside parmo.

Home-Ed session with the Texan girls

A Ministry of Prayer and Encouragement

The Shoreline Church team came with a strong heart for prayer and encouragement. Their mission was centred around blessing the Teesside area through intercession, worship, and simply being present with people.

Throughout their visit, they spent time praying alongside church members and leaders, encouraging individuals personally, and bringing a real spiritual uplift to the atmosphere around us. Their presence reminded us of the importance of standing together in prayer and unity.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20

There was a deep sense that God was strengthening relationships, renewing faith, and building connections that stretched far beyond geography.

Reaching Children and Schools

Our Children’s Pastor, Jan Peters, shared some wonderful reflections from the visit:

“We were thrilled to welcome a team of Texan young people to our church back in March and we had a great time visiting Zetland Primary School where they met the children and teachers.

The team led a whole school assembly in which they shared all kinds of interesting facts about Texas and the children who were excited to have them in school were able to ask them questions. They were particularly keen to ask what type of food and drinks the Texans ate and what sports they enjoy.

The team also performed a drama sketch based on a Bible story and then taught the children some line dancing moves. The children and teachers had fun dancing to the song ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’.

Later the team enjoyed spending time in one of the classrooms and had the opportunity to join in with an R.E lesson and the children loved asking more questions.

The Texans also led games and activities at our after school church Kidz Club which went down really well with the kids.

On the Sunday at church a few of the Texans joined in with our kids groups session as we explored the story of Palm Sunday through games, craft, and drama. One of the lads was very excited to dress up in full costume as a donkey to help act out the story which was funny. The children enjoyed spending time with them and two of them shared about why they chose to become followers of Jesus.”

Hearing young people openly share their faith and serve with such joy was inspiring to both children and adults alike. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to step out in faith reflected the love of Christ in such a genuine way.

One Church, Many Nations

The visit from these Texan teams was far more than a programme of activities — it was a reminder of the beauty of God’s global Church. Different accents, cultures, and backgrounds came together with one shared purpose: to love God and love people.

We are so thankful for every conversation, every prayer prayed, every act of service, and every moment of fellowship shared during their time here. We are especially grateful for the endless generosity shown by each team in travelling such a long way to bless not only our church family, but our wider town and community as well. Their willingness to serve with such joy, humility, and love was a beautiful reflection of Christ’s heart in action.

“The body is not made up of one part but of many.” — 1 Corinthians 12:14

We continue to pray that the seeds planted during their visit will bear fruit in our churches, schools, communities, and friendships for years to come.

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of fellowship and for the blessing of welcoming our brothers and sisters from Texas into our church family. Thank You for every conversation shared, every prayer prayed, every child encouraged, every act of service given, and every moment of worship lifted up in Your name.

We pray that the seeds planted during their visit would continue to grow and bear fruit throughout Teesside and beyond. Strengthen the friendships and partnerships formed, and continue to unite Your Church across nations, cultures, and communities for Your glory.

Bless Highland Baptist Church, Shoreline Church, and Green Acres Baptist Church as they continue serving You back home. Refresh them, guide them, and fill them with Your Spirit.

May we all continue to be people who serve with joy, love with compassion, and shine the light of Christ wherever You call us.

Amen.