Four members of the evangelistic strongman group Team Impact wowed crowds with feats of strength at a three-night show over the weekend at First Baptist Church of Richmond Hill.
More than 800 people turned out each night to see the strongmen break boards, tear phonebooks, bend metal and preach about their Christian beliefs.
The group’s crusade included a stop Wednesday at G.W. Carver Elementary School and Friday at Lanier Primary School, followed by nightly performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday at First Baptist.
Since its inception in 2000, the Texas-based group has been traveling around the world, preaching about Christianity and impressing audiences with its physical performances.
“Our mission is to share hope through faith in Jesus Christ,” said Shonn Keels, a veteran member of Team Impact and one of the performers at the weekend events.
Keels, who spoke of the importance of being “born again” through Christ, said he was pleased with Richmond Hill’s response to the program.
“It has just been phenomenal,” said the 41-year-old minister. “We’ve done 18 school assemblies and three nights here, and it’s been standing-room only.”
This is the first time First Baptist Church of Richmond Hill has hosted Team Impact. Pastor Scott Speer learned of the group through group member and Richmond Hill resident Cesar Arocha.
“Cesar is a member, a friend and our connection to this event,” said Speer.

Read more in the Dec. 7 edition of the News.