Propelled by People: A Night of Hope at the Texas Port Ministry Banquet
Dow Academic Center – Lake Jackson, Texas – 26 February 2026
Five hundred supporters gathered at the Dow Academic Center in Lake Jackson for the Annual Texas Port Ministry Fundraising Banquet, an evening filled with gratitude, generosity, and a shared commitment to the people of the Freeport Harbor community. Guests enjoyed excellent food, efficient service, and warm fellowship, all in support of a ministry that exists “to provide spiritual, social and physical care to the local, regional, and global people of the Freeport Harbor Community.”
The evening celebrated not only the work of Texas Port Ministry, but also the remarkable momentum of Port Freeport. CEO Phyllis Saathoff expressed pride in the port’s workforce. She highlighted the arrival of two new super post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes—so large they immediately reshape the skyline—and pointed to the nearing completion of the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project, which will make the port the deepest in the Gulf. Reflecting on the port’s centennial year, she noted that for 100 years the port has “brought the world to our doorstep,” expanding economic opportunity locally while strengthening global supply chains. With a zero tax rate and a self-sustaining financial model, she emphasized that Port Freeport is stepping into its next century with “momentum and opportunity.”
Chris Moore, Director of Texas Port Ministry, then shared the scope of the ministry’s work. With approximately 1,200 vessels calling at the port annually, an estimated 24,000 seafarers from more than 40 countries, 150,000 trucks moving in and out each year, and thousands of port workers laboring daily, the port is a vast and dynamic community. “Spiritual care is our first priority,” Moore reminded the audience, while also emphasizing respect for people of all faiths and backgrounds.
He spoke of the seafarers, truck drivers, and port workers who they have served and described the coffee trailer ministry, Monday meals, ship visits, transportation assistance, and the countless quiet conversations that build trust and friendship. Volunteers were repeatedly thanked, and team members were introduced as family. “It matters when you show up and love people,” Moore said. “God will take care of the rest.”
A moving story illustrated that truth. A Turkish seafarer, the only crew member able to come ashore from his vessel, was transported to town by ministry staff. Along the way, he was introduced to a local shop owner originally from Turkey. The two discovered they had been neighbors in a village of only thirty homes. What seemed like coincidence became, in Moore’s telling, a picture of divine connection—evidence that when people show up and serve, God weaves stories together in unexpected ways.
Dr. Jason Zuidema brought greetings from the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). He described himself as a “cheerleader” for maritime ministries across North America, encouraging those present to cheer not only with applause, but through volunteering, donating, and praying. “Maritime ministry is really easy,” he quoted a former director as saying. “You just show up and love people.” Yet he was quick to add that showing up requires resources, preparation, and commitment. The envelopes on the tables, he reminded the audience, were an opportunity to turn encouragement into action.
Keynote speaker Todd Stewart, former CEO of Gulf Winds International, delivered a powerful testimony of faith in the marketplace. Sharing his journey from forklift operator to CEO, Stewart spoke of surrendering his life to Christ at age 25 and choosing to lead his company with “faith first and profit following.” He recounted stories of praying with employees, watching hardened men weep and find hope, and navigating personal and business crises while trusting God.
Stewart challenged the audience to see themselves as “bringers of hope,” powered by God and propelled by people. “There is no greater joy than delivering hope,” he declared, urging those present to pray, serve, and give generously. His prayer asked that every gift be multiplied and that Texas Port Ministry continue to grow exponentially in its impact.
The evening also featured video greetings from seafarers who regularly call at Freeport, expressing gratitude for transportation, hospitality, and spiritual care. Their words reminded the audience that the love shown in Freeport travels far beyond the Gulf Coast, carried home to families and communities around the world.
As envelopes were opened and commitment cards filled out, the message was clear: the work of Texas Port Ministry matters. In a port that connects continents, faith, hospitality, and practical care are changing lives—one ship visit, one cup of coffee, one prayer at a time.
