How a Texas church hosted a cultural and archaeological event around Jordan's World Cup game

The Rev. Dennis Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, wanted to do something special for the World Cup. Nine tournament games were scheduled at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and the church owned space downtown, not far from where they would be played.

Wiles, who will mark his 25th anniversary at the church, told Christian Daily International that the goal was simple: an outdoor gathering that felt welcoming to families, with activities to draw people in. The congregation was still working out what its role could realistically be during the tournament, he said, especially without a direct connection to any team. Still, its leaders believed they could create a space for community, hospitality and faith in action.

Then Arlington City Hall called with an unexpected opportunity. Jordanian officials were looking for space for their delegation during the World Cup, and the city thought the church's property might meet their needs. The delegation wanted a venue that could handle tents, stages and a market-style setup, along with the logistics to run it safely. Once the church understood the request, Wiles said, the decision came quickly.

What began as a World Cup celebration for local families grew into something larger — a partnership with Jordan's delegation that drew thousands of visitors over three days and turned into a cultural and spiritual exchange.

Wiles saw the opportunity right away. "I think their party is better than our party," he said. The church canceled its own celebration and redirected its plans to support the Jordanians. "We canceled our party and used the Jordanians," he said.

Planning meant close attention to safety. The church coordinated with city leaders and made sure local authorities knew its plans. Organizers expected a sizable crowd — perhaps 1,000 people — and wanted to serve visitors as well as residents looking for a place to gather.

The church handled the practical work, including insurance, coordination and security. Volunteers and leaders moved quickly on setup and operations. Wiles said the Jordanian team was organized and positive about working together. "It was pleasant all the way around," he said.

First Baptist Church in Arlington, founded in 1871, had planned its community event for June 27. The date suited the Jordanians: it was the day Jordan faced the current World Cup champions, Messi's Argentina.

In the meantime, the Rev. Elijah Brown, president of the Baptist World Alliance, connected Wiles with the Rev. Nabeeh Abbasi, president of the Jordanian Baptist Convention. The two exchanged emails, and Wiles said Abbasi's messages were encouraging and confirmed for him the value of cooperating with the Jordanian delegation.

Church leaders and members spent the day with their Jordanian counterparts, laughing and learning about one another before watching the World Cup match together on a big screen.

"We were planning for about 1,000 people for the event we had planned. Between Thursday and Saturday, around 3-4,000 people attended every day. It was incredible," Wiles said.

He was struck by the visitors. "The leaders of Jordan could not have been any more positive," he said, adding that the team was "competent, gracious." Their "professionalism and hospitality," he said, kept the collaboration smooth.

The church was grateful for the experience, Wiles added, and hoped it would lead to something lasting. "We hope it will be a developing friendship," he said.

The hospitality grew into a cultural and spiritual exchange. Five hundred people attended presentations on Jordan's biblical and Christian significance, including a talk on Thursday by Sarah Winner, an archaeologist working in Jordan. "It was a beautiful experience of biblical significance, and the plans of the 2000 celebration of the baptism of Jesus were informative and sweet," she said.

The lecture resonated, Wiles said; people wanted more than entertainment. The event also made room for conversation and new relationships — in the formal programming and in everyday exchanges among volunteers, guests and delegation members.

For Wiles, the experience showed that the church's mission is not limited to its first plans. He hopes to build on the connection, and is considering leading a group from his church on a tour of Jordan in place of its annual trip to Rome.