NATCHEZ — Students at Cathedral High School witnessed acts of strength and encouraging words during class Thursday morning as members of Team Impact came to the school to perform.

Team Impact performed a smaller version of their act at Cathedral, Vidalia Junior High School, Morgantown Elementary School and Adams County Christian School in preparation for three shows this weekend at Highland Baptist Church in Natchez.

Highland Baptist’s pastor, the Rev. Paul Southerland, said Team Impact is a ministry team that performs acts of strength with a positive message for those who attend.

“These are strong Christian men,” he said. “They bring a positive message to the youth and put on a show you won’t want to miss.”

Southerland said services for Team Impact at the church will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday, and residents should come out to witness the show.

“We try to think outside of the box at Highland, because without a good ministry we couldn’t do what God wants us too,” he said. “We are trying to build up the kingdom of God by planting positive seeds.”

Cathedral students were first greeted by Team Impact member Marc Minter who started off the day by blowing up a hot water bottle until it exploded.

Minter and fellow team member Shonn Keels then broke a bat, bent a half inch thick steel rod completely around two times, ripped a phone book in half and even squeezed a soda until it exploded.

Eighth grader Tori Bradford said it was an awesome experience to watch.

“They are very strong,” she said. “I was skeptical at first, but after seeing what they did, I am impressed.”

After the members performed feats of strength for the students, Keels delivered a speech to kids on the powers of their dreams, and the dangers of falling into peer pressure.

“There is something that is true about everyone. We all experience hard times,” he said. “I just want you to remember that even though there will be tough times, they don’t last.”

Keels said in order for students to remain strong during hard times, they have to remember to never quit.

“Tough people know how to say yes to their dreams and they never give up,” he said. “I want to encourage you to stand up for what is right in life.”

Eighth-grade student Caroline Smith said she enjoyed the message from Team Impact.

“It was a lot better than just hearing a speech,” she said.

“The message was very important. You don’t need drugs and alcohol, you just need to focus on your dreams.”