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June Ministry Spotlight - Texas Port Ministry – Reaching the Nations Without Leaving Home
- Amber Cole
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
This month, I have the honor of sharing about another ministry in our community with a long history of serving seafarers, port workers, and truck drivers at the Port of Freeport.
Texas Port Ministry, originally known as the Seamen's Center, began in 1974 when God stirred the hearts of people in the Freeport community to minister specifically to the seafarers arriving on ships from around the world. At that time, security protocols were much different than they are today. Seafarers were able to leave the port and walk into town to shop, make phone calls home, and enjoy some time off their ships.
Recognizing both a need and an opportunity, local believers began bringing resources directly to the port while also creating a place where seafarers could experience community, connect with loved ones via phone, and hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While Texas Port Ministry is owned and operated by the Gulf Coast Baptist Association, volunteers from many different churches faithfully serve together in this mission.
Several years ago, the board of Texas Port Ministry stepped away for a retreat to reflect on the ministry's history and prayerfully seek God's direction for the future. During that time, the Lord expanded their vision. Rather than focusing solely on seafarers, they felt called to minister to everyone who comes through the port.
Acts 1:8 became central to that vision:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
As they reflected on this passage, they realized that the Port of Freeport uniquely brings all of those places together. For Jesus' followers, Jerusalem was home. Judea and Samaria represented the surrounding region. The ends of the earth were the nations beyond. At the port, local workers, regional truck drivers, and people from countries all over the world gather in one place. What an incredible opportunity to share the Gospel with the nations without ever leaving Freeport.
When I spent the day serving alongside Texas Port Ministry, I saw that vision lived out in every interaction.
Chris Moore, Director of Texas Port Ministry, shared that they want the culture of TPM to be one that serves everyone with dignity and value. Whether someone shares their faith or not, every person is welcomed, respected, and cared for. They share the Gospel whenever opportunities arise, but their services and resources are never dependent on a person's beliefs. Through genuine relationships and practical care, they seek to treat every person they encounter as if they were serving Jesus Himself.
My time at Texas Port Ministry was filled with hearing stories of what the Lord has done through the opportunities created by simply serving those who come through the port.
One story Chris shared began with something as simple as delivering pizza to a ship's crew. During that visit, a conversation developed with the captain of a Chinese vessel. What started with an introduction from Chris and a shared meal opened the door to a life-changing conversation about faith. That day, the captain gave his life to the Lord. Later, they learned that his parents had been faithfully praying for his salvation for more than twenty-five years. What seemed like a simple act of hospitality became an answer to decades of prayer.
Another volunteer shared how she had once been part of a sewing group that made drawstring bags for the welcome gifts given to seafarers. Church members carefully embroidered each bag before it was filled with practical items and distributed to crews arriving from around the world. Today, because the ministry serves such a large volume of seafarers, those same gifts are packaged in gallon-sized zip-top bags instead. While the packaging has changed, the heart behind it has not. Every bag is still a tangible reminder that someone cares enough to welcome them, serve them, and share the love of Christ.
I also heard stories of truck drivers whose lives were changed through a simple conversation and prayer offered while waiting in the truck lot. One such story was about a truck driver who encountered Jesus through a relationship that began at the coffee trailer. Later, his wife shared that she had been praying for that kind of transformation in her husband's life for ten years. Through a cup of coffee, a listening ear, and a willingness to pray, God answered those prayers in a powerful way.
Again and again, I was reminded that Texas Port Ministry is not built on grand events or large programs. It is built on faithful people showing up, serving others with dignity, and trusting God to do what only He can do.
And they do all of this with just two full-time staff members, three part-time staff members, and approximately forty-five dedicated volunteers.
For TPM, ministry begins with the port workers. Every Monday, local churches provide and serve lunch to anyone working at the port who would like to attend. Port workers, contractors, and even seafarers waiting to board ships gather together around a meal. Those who work at the port know TPM is there for them, not only with practical resources but also with prayer and encouragement. I had the joy of helping serve lunch that day and connecting with many of the workers. For the record, I learned that half tea and half lemonade is definitely the way to go.
Truck drivers are another important part of TPM's ministry. Approximately 100,000 trucks move through the Port of Freeport each year. Many drivers spend long periods waiting in the non-TWIC lot until they can enter the port. Texas Port Ministry brings a coffee trailer directly to them, serving coffee, hot cocoa on cold days, and plenty of conversation. I enjoyed connecting with the crew working at the truck lot that day and seeing all the smiling faces.
Each driver also receives a welcome bag containing hygiene items, socks, handmade beanies, a crocheted cross, and a copy of the Gospel of John. Volunteers take time to visit with the drivers, offer prayer, and make sure they know about the showers, Wi-Fi, snacks, and rest area available at the ministry center.
The seafarers themselves are served in a variety of ways. Volunteers with TWIC credentials visit ships, deliver welcome bags, help transport crew members into town when possible, and even organize pizza dinners for crews spending extended time in port. Seafarers can have Amazon packages shipped directly to Texas Port Ministry, where volunteers receive the packages and deliver them to the ships. This simple service often allows crew members to take gifts home to their families when they otherwise would not have the opportunity.
One of the most meaningful conversations I had that day was with Carl, a seafarer from the Philippines. He shared how a scholarship program had paid for his college education in exchange for service aboard a ship. He also explained that his job provides healthcare coverage for his parents. As we talked, I shared KJIC's mission to encourage Christians globally and shine a light for those who are lost. I showed him how he could listen through the KJIC app no matter where his travels took him. He immediately downloaded the app and said he planned to share it with his family as well.
There is so much more I could tell you about Texas Port Ministry, but perhaps the best way to understand the impact they are making is to serve alongside them. Every day, God is using this ministry to encourage people, build relationships, meet practical needs, and create opportunities to share the hope of Christ. You can connect with them at: info@texasportministry.org
We are especially grateful that, because of the generosity of our donors, KJIC is able to come alongside Texas Port Ministry in a meaningful way. Through your support, we are able to provide cards for their welcome bags that connect people to the KJIC app and our Daily Bread scripture text message, allowing encouragement from God's Word and Christian music to continue long after their time at the port has ended. This partnership is helping extend discipleship beyond a single conversation and into daily life, no matter where in the world someone may be.
Thank you for supporting KJIC. Because of your generosity, the message of Jesus is reaching far beyond our FM listening area and into homes, ships, trucks, and hearts around the globe. We truly could not do it without you.
One of the unexpected joys of serving with other ministries is the opportunity to meet KJIC listeners along the way. Those conversations always encourage me and remind me that together, we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
