Eight Months In: What God is Doing at Bastrop Central

Every Wednesday evening at the Bastrop Farmers Market, something powerful is quietly happening.

For the past eight months, we have been setting up tables, grills, and tents — but more importantly, we have been showing up. What started as a new site has grown into a weekly rhythm of service, conversation, and community that continues to deepen and stretch us.

In the photo above, you will see our site coordinators, Cody and Michele, leading one of our Table Talk discussions, a 30-minute conversation we have each week before serving begins. These are not lectures. They are real, honest, and relational moments where volunteers and guests alike are invited to reflect on what God is doing in their lives. It is a time to share stories, ask questions, and explore how we can take what we are learning and live it out that very evening, as we serve burgers, listen to prayer requests, and engage with one another across the table.

This kind of intentional space is what sets Feed the Need Missions apart. We are not just feeding people physically, we are creating a place where people are seen, known, and invited into something deeper.

 

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another…”
Hebrews 10:24–25


Over the summer, we have seen a significant increase in guests, from longtime locals struggling to make ends meet to newcomers still trying to find their footing in the community. The need is growing. So is the opportunity.

We have also seen an influx of volunteers serving to complete community service hours, from students building resumes to individuals walking through brokenness and challenges. Many of them are unfamiliar with Jesus or unsure of what it means to follow Him. This has opened doors for deeper conversations and real discipleship. It is stretching our team in the best ways — teaching us to listen better, serve more intentionally, and recognize that every interaction is a ministry moment.

 

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Luke 10:2


Even among our volunteer team, something beautiful is taking place. Most of our core team did not know each other before launching this site. But week after week, we have watched friendships form, leadership grow, and people step up in unexpected ways — helping with food prep, leading discussion, praying with guests, and simply being present. It is a picture of what happens when the body of Christ comes together with a shared mission.

 

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:27


This site is also a first for us in another way: it was launched by our Missions Council — a group of local leaders committed to planting and sustaining sites in their region. For over a year, they prayed, planned, and prepared. And now, that investment is bearing fruit — not just in meals served, but in lives touched and disciples made.

We are still learning. We are still growing. But we are doing it together, and God is using it.

If you have ever driven by on a Wednesday night and wondered what’s going on… come see for yourself. Grab a burger. Join the conversation. Ask questions. You might just find that God wants to use you, too.

As Jesus said:

 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35

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The Power of Presence: More Than a Meal in La Grange

At every Feed the Need Missions site, we meet people right where they are. Sometimes at a folding table or under a canopy, sometimes in a drive-thru line, and sometimes with a quiet prayer through a rolled-down window. No matter how people show up —walking up with kids in tow or pulling up in the front seat of an old Lincoln —our team is there, ready to serve more than just food.

One evening at our La Grange site, a woman in her 80s pulled up for a meal. From the outside, she looked like she had everything together — a nice car, a warm smile, and polite conversation. But as she began to open up, a deeper story surfaced. She shared about her grown children and grandchildren, her longing to see the next generation turn to God. She asked for prayer for her family, her neighbor, and herself. Living on a fixed income, unexpected expenses had made things tight. She even asked if she could take an extra meal for someone next door.

That moment — the ask, the honesty, the vulnerability — was not about the food. It was about community. About being seen. About hope.

Kelli, a longtime volunteer at the site, was there that night. She is someone who shows up week after week, not just to serve meals, but to be present. She brings her kids to help, teaching them that ministry often looks like simply listening, playing with other children, or carrying a plate of food to a car. Her presence reminds our guests and us that people matter.

Jenny, another volunteer who joined us for the first time that evening, listened intently to this guest. Jenny and her family are exploring the possibility of starting a site in Schulenburg — an answer to prayer in itself. But that night, the guest who came to receive ended up doing some of the giving — ministering to Jenny’s heart, prompting her to think more intentionally about praying for her own extended family and encouraging others to do the same.

Moments like this remind us of something important: not all brokenness looks the same. We are often tempted to think these meals are just for the visibly struggling: the homeless, the jobless, or the hurting. But the truth is, we all carry burdens. We all have stories, needs, and wounds that do not always show on the outside.

Feed the Need Missions is not just about meals. It is about meeting people in their real-life mess, showing up with food, a smile, a conversation, and a prayer. It is about reminding people — guests and volunteers alike — that Jesus came for all of us. His love is deep, His grace is sufficient, and His presence changes everything.

Jesus said in John 13:34–35,

 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”


That is the kind of love we want to live out — not just in words, but in actions.

And why do we love like this? Because “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) That is the heartbeat behind everything we do.

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One Church, One Mission: Welcoming New Partners in Bastrop

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of joining Life Family Bastrop for a Sunday morning service. Pastor Andrew invited our team to share about the mission and heart behind Feed the Need Missions, and to celebrate what God is doing through our weekly community sites here in Bastrop County. We were deeply encouraged by their generosity, their desire to invest in the local community, and by several members who have already come out to visit and serve with us.

Moments like this are a beautiful reminder of what it means to be one Body, united in Christ.

 

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called…”

Ephesians 4:4


Life Family Bastrop may be new to the area, but they are not new to the mission — and their desire to jump in and serve alongside others already at work in the community reflects the kind of Kingdom-minded unity we are called to.

And we would be remiss if we did not also pause to honor the many churches that have been walking this road with us for years, some since the very beginning. From large congregations to small gatherings, traditional to contemporary, rural to in-town — the Church in Bastrop County has consistently shown up to love people well. You have prayed for us, sent volunteers, hosted trainings, sponsored sites, and invited us to share. And many of you continue to do so week after week.

There are too many to list, but we are especially thankful for churches like River Valley Bastrop, Bastrop Bible Church, The Gathering, Primera Baptist, First Assembly of God, First Baptist Bastrop, Cedar Creek United Methodist Church, Ascension Catholic Church, Smithville United Methodist Church, Calvary Baptist — and so many others. You have made this mission possible.

 

“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Romans 12:5


After 15 years of ministry, we have served over 5,200 site nights and provided more than 2 million meals — not because of any one group, but because the Church continues to say yes to being the hands and feet of Jesus. This is what unity in the gospel looks like. And we are grateful to be in it together.

If your church is looking for ways to serve beyond the walls of your building — whether through a one-time visit or long-term partnership — we would love to talk. The mission continues, and there is room at the table.

 

“We love because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:19

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MOBILIZING THE MISSION: UNSUNG HEROS OF FEED THE NEED

Our ministry’s success hinges significantly on dedicated volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. Volunteers like Johnny, Tobi, and Charlie, serving at different Feed the Need Missions sites, exemplify humble, practical service—towing trailers, setting up equipment, and ensuring every logistical detail runs smoothly. These individuals are just a few of the many logistics and equipment managers whose dedication allows Feed the Need Missions to function week in and week out.

Johnny’s consistent commitment to towing trailers and meticulously managing equipment ensures our La Grange site operates effectively. Tobi diligently coordinates equipment set up at our Bastrop Central location, guaranteeing every meal meets standards of excellence and care. Charlie, attentive and dependable, manages logistics at the Stony Point site, overseeing tent placement and meal distribution flow and ensuring a welcoming environment for all attendees. Their tireless efforts guarantee that every guest experiences hospitality, consistency, and excellence.

These logistical volunteers often may not fully realize the profound impact of their service. Without their consistent, behind-the-scenes dedication, Feed the Need Missions simply would not function effectively. Each role is critical in enabling our mission to unfold—meeting spiritual needs through prayer and gospel sharing and physical needs by serving meals and creating environments conducive to meaningful conversations.

When we collectively stack hands—from equipment managers and meal-prep volunteers to those actively praying and engaging guests—the result is a powerful expression of a Christ-centered community. We build trust and demonstrate genuine care by meeting physical needs first through lovingly prepared and served meals. This holistic approach creates opportunities to speak truth in love, fostering relationships that transform lives and advance the kingdom impact we strive for weekly.

We deeply appreciate every volunteer’s contribution, recognizing the immense spiritual and practical value of their dedicated service. Their faithful work ensures every participant experiences a tangible demonstration of Christ’s love and care.

Have you considered how your skills or willingness to serve could impact your community? If you feel drawn to serve in a tangible, behind-the-scenes way, we would love to have you join us. Whether you have experience in logistics or simply a heart ready to serve, your participation can significantly impact lives and further God’s kingdom.

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THE POWER OF IMMEDIATE PRAYER: COMMUNITY SUPPORTING COMMUNITY

At Feed the Need Missions, community is not just a concept—it is our daily practice. Recently, a profound moment illustrated this beautifully at our La Grange site. Nicki, one of our dedicated volunteers, approached Ed privately, requesting prayer for her ongoing health struggles. To her surprise, Ed immediately gathered the community of volunteers around her, enveloping Nicki in a heartfelt moment of prayer and genuine care.

This spontaneous act exemplifies our belief in immediate, responsive prayer. It challenges conventional comfort zones, encouraging volunteers to move past fears and uncertainties to authentically minister to one another. Ed’s simple yet powerful response highlights prayer’s essential role in our ministry—bringing immediate support, encouragement, and unity.

We are incredibly grateful for Nicki, whose dedication at the La Grange site has significantly impacted the mission over the years. Often working behind the scenes, her consistent commitment demonstrates how deeply she values the kingdom impact Feed the Need Missions has on transforming communities, including her own.

Such moments reflect the deeper calling of our mission: not only to provide physical nourishment but to foster emotional and spiritual healing through Christ-centered community interactions. The impact extends far beyond Nicki’s individual experience. Volunteers witness firsthand the power of prayer. Guests see genuine care in action and the broader community benefits from a strengthened spiritual fabric.

Have you ever experienced the power of immediate prayer in your own life or felt the calling to minister to others through prayer? We warmly invite you to join us. You, too, can make a tangible difference by engaging in meaningful, supportive prayer alongside a community committed to serving others.

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BUILDING BRIDGES: HOW FEED THE NEED MISSIONS IS TRANSFORMING BASTROP

Feed the Need Missions recently had an enriching opportunity to share our ministry vision with the Bastrop Ministerial Alliance. This gathering brought together over 40 local pastors, nonprofit leaders, and community influencers interested in collaborative community transformation.

Our presentation detailed the unique, comprehensive approach of Feed the Need Missions—addressing the four fundamental areas of poverty: physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. Attendees learned about our weekly community cookouts, discovering how seemingly simple acts like sharing meals lead to profound life changes and restored relationships.

The presentation sparked enthusiastic discussion and thoughtful engagement, affirming the powerful potential for collaboration among local churches and organizations. Many leaders expressed renewed passion and practical interest in partnership opportunities, seeing firsthand the transformative power of consistent relational ministry. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community rooted in gospel principles.

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A Family’s Journey with Feed the Need Missions: Serving, Loving, and Giving Back

There is a sacred kind of strength that rises from the ashes of hardship, and for Ashlynn and her children, that strength was found through something simple yet profound: serving others. After battling one of the darkest storms any family can face, they discovered a light in their community that would change everything.

For Ashlynn, a mom of three, life had not been easy. Her 8-year-old daughter, who has nonverbal autism, her 7-year-old son, whose heart beats with a passion for helping others, and her 6-year-old daughter, Juliet, a true warrior, had already endured more than most children should ever know. But nothing could have prepared them for what came next: Juliet’s diagnosis of leukemia.

When Juliet’s battle with leukemia began, the weight of uncertainty hung over their family like a dark cloud. But amid their suffering, a small yet powerful act of kindness from Ashlynn’s grandmother set everything into motion.

Three years ago, while living in Conroe, Ashlynn’s grandmother made a quiet request at the Feed the Need Missions site in La Grange. As she received a hot meal, she asked for prayers for Juliet, who had just begun her cancer treatment. It was a simple act that would forever intertwine their family with the Feed the Need Missions community.

Ms. Terri, a volunteer, prayed for Juliet and their family. Ashlynn recalls, “Her prayer wasn’t just a blessing; it was also a lifeline. It reminded us that we weren’t alone, that there was a whole community standing with us in our pain.”

A year later, after the family’s move to La Grange and the tragic loss of Ashlynn’s grandfather, they found themselves standing once again at the heart of Feed the Need Missions. It was a year to the day that Juliet had rung the bell and was declared cancer-free. They knew, without a doubt, that this moment was divine timing. The healing they had experienced was beyond physical; it was spiritual and emotional, and grace poured out in abundance.

Today, Ashlynn and her children find joy in the very work that once sustained them. They volunteer at Feed the Need Missions whenever they can, and in doing so, they have not only learned to give but also to receive. Each meal served, every prayer offered, and each connection made is a reminder of the grace they have been given.

Ashlynn says it best: “Serving at Feed the Need Missions isn’t just something we do—it’s become who we are. In our darkest hours, we were shown what it means to love and serve unconditionally. This place isn’t just about feeding bodies—it nourishes the spirit.” And while their family’s journey is far from over, Ashlynn and her children know one thing for sure: they will continue to serve, give, and share God’s love wherever they go—because they have experienced firsthand the transformative power of community.

Feed the Need Missions will forever hold a special place in their hearts, a reminder that through love, service, and faith, we can all make a difference—one small act of kindness at a time.

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A POWERFUL START IN BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Since the exciting announcement of our new Bastrop Central site, we’ve already experienced incredible blessings and growth. During our soft launch, there was a tangible energy in the air—an undeniable buzz of excitement as people came together, eager to serve. With 120 volunteers joining us, including a local church youth group, the enthusiasm was infectious. This amazing team didn’t just come to serve; they took it a step further, going door-to-door throughout the neighborhood to invite others to join us for a free meal. It was a beautiful example of the love and outreach that drives our mission forward.

Before we even began training, our team prayed over the site, asking for God’s guidance and blessing over each person who will step into this place in the coming weeks and months. We prayed that everyone who comes through will feel welcomed, loved, and cared for in a way that reflects Christ’s love for us all. God is moving here, preparing hearts for something special in Bastrop, and we can feel that He has big plans in store.

Over the past two weeks, we’ve served about 300 meals with the help of around 30 dedicated volunteers. It’s been heartwarming to see familiar faces from other sites—some we haven’t seen in years—alongside new neighbors eager to get involved. The blend of new and seasoned volunteers, all united in service, has truly shown the beauty and strength of the Bastrop community. Each week, we’re reminded of the powerful message of love, unity, and compassion that God calls us to embody.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, our hearts are focused on giving even more. We’ve been signing up families for Gobble Kits; as of now, 73 families are set to receive a kit this Thanksgiving. On November 20th, we’ll come together to distribute these Gobble Kits, hoping to spread the joy and gratitude of the season to families in need. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to share God’s love in a tangible way, to meet people’s needs, and to celebrate together.

If you’d like to be part of this special Gobble Kit distribution on November 20th or feel called to serve with us weekly, we’d love to welcome you into our Feed the Need community. Each moment we spend serving here is a chance to connect with others, share a meal, and be part of God’s transformative work in Bastrop.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for the Bastrop Central site. We look forward to building lasting relationships, serving those in need, and growing in faith together. God is alive in Bastrop, and we’re so grateful to be part of what He’s doing here.

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Exciting Launch of the New Bastrop Central Site

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our newest site, Bastrop Central, on October 23, 2024, pending the completion of our fundraising and recruitment goals. This site represents more than just a new location—it’s the result of years of prayer, planning, and community collaboration. With your support, we’re confident we will meet these goals and officially open our doors to serve the Bastrop community.

Several years ago, we recognized that expanding into new communities would require a sustainable model—one that would rely on local support and foster long-term connections. This led us to the concept of the Missions Council, a group dedicated to connecting resources, people, and volunteers to sustain each site. It has been amazing to see how God has worked through this council to help us launch this new site in Bastrop.

The Bastrop Missions Council was formed earlier this year, tasked with launching the Bastrop Central site while documenting the process for future site expansions. Throughout the past nine months, we have witnessed the Lord’s provision in ways big and small. Though we began without a site coordinator or the necessary funds, God provided through generous donors, including one who gave towards a brand-new trailer that’s almost complete.

With the Missions Council’s efforts, we are now two-thirds of the way to our fundraising goal. However, we still need additional funds and volunteers to fill key roles such as equipment manager, food coordinator, and guest coordinator. If you feel called to support this launch, you can donate here: Help Us Launch the Bastrop Central Site.

If we hit our fundraising and recruitment goals, we will officially open the Bastrop Central site on October 23, 2024! Your support and involvement will directly help us reach this milestone, and together, we can make this new site a reality.

We also have two upcoming interest meetings for the community to learn more about the site and how to get involved:

  • September 25, 2024 from 6:00-7:00 PM at Found Fine Art Gallery
  • September 28, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church Bastrop

You can register for the meeting that best suits your schedule here: Register for Interest Meeting.

One of the most important steps in launching a new site was finding the right location. After much consideration and prayer, we identified the Bastrop Farmers Market as an ideal location. We received unanimous approval from the city, which felt like further confirmation that this was where God wanted us to serve.

As we move toward the launch date, there are still key roles we need to fill, including an equipment manager, food coordinator, and guest coordinator. These positions are vital to ensuring the site operates effectively each week. With youth groups already showing interest in serving once a month, we know this site will be a hub for community engagement and service.

We are in awe of how God is using this site and the people involved to bring hope, healing, and the love of Christ to the Bastrop community. Through simple acts of service—like sharing a meal—we have the opportunity to build relationships that meet physical, emotional, social, and most importantly, spiritual needs.

As we approach the October 23 launch, we are praying with great anticipation for the Lord’s provision, believing that He will complete what He has started in this community. We can’t wait to see what God will do through this new site, the incredible team, and the faithful volunteers who will serve alongside us.

Together, we are making ourselves available to serve Him by serving others. We look forward to seeing how the Lord will move in Bastrop and beyond as we continue to follow His lead.

“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

John 12:26

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TABLE TALK: CORE VALUES – WEEK 6

What is new with Table Talk?

A little over a month ago, we started a new Table Talk series covering all six of Feed the Need Missions’ core values: Jesus, Consistency, Stewardship, Servant Leadership, Mercy, and Simplicity. Last week, we visited Lexington to see how the volunteers see the core value of servant leadership playing out at their site. For our final week of this series, we visited La Grange to discuss stewardship.

Week 6: Stewardship, La Grange Site

The resources Feed the Need is blessed with are to be used with integrity and accountability to those who have given generously to the mission, bringing glory to God’s Kingdom. The dictionary defines stewardship as the act of taking care of or managing something. With that in mind, we asked everyone to think about what they believe stewardship means for the site, particularly regarding resources.

We also discussed how integrity and accountability play vital roles in the stewardship of site resources & asked everyone to consider these questions:

  • Does the importance of a resource matter where integrity is concerned?
  • When someone donates to Feed the Need Missions, what do you think is the expectation of how well it will be used or managed?
  • Looking forward, what will you do to make sure the resources you use are used with integrity and accountability?

Here’s some of what our La Grange volunteers had to say about how Table Talk has impacted them personally and how it’s impacting their site.

Johnny

When reflecting on how stewardship impacts the site, Johnny said, “I see the stewarding of resources here helping us build relationships at the site—with other volunteers and with the guests coming to receive food and prayers.”

Table Talk has made a lot of our volunteers understand the importance of being in the Word, praying, and showing love to others. Johnny explained, “A lot of the things we’ve been discussing, I already do every day. I read the Bible daily, but extending Godly love to others daily is often a struggle. But I’ve come to see the importance of giving people around me second chances because God gives us second chances even when we don’t deserve them, so why aren’t I offering the same to the people around me?”

Often, when people are down on their luck, knowing someone truly sees and hears them can go a long way. Extending grace and care to others can be a way to begin journeying alongside someone, even if it’s just once a week; you get to pray with them through their struggles, celebrate their praises, and you get to be a witness to their growth. When we read the Bible daily, spend meaningful time in prayer, and show love to others, God starts showing up in some pretty amazing ways.

Kim

Stewardship is crucial to any mission for Jesus Christ, as He calls us to be faithful and responsible stewards. Kim explained, “Whether it’s people, the trailer, or food—a lot of the stuff at the site costs money, so being a good steward here is no different than if it were my own money or resources. The trailer and the money that have been donated to our site are resources we want to steward wisely. By giving back to our community, we hope those who have partnered with us can see the tangible impact of their generosity and the positive changes it brings about.”

“Through this Table Talk series, I’m also learning that servant leadership is a great way to steward the people here. Sometimes, I have to step back to let someone else in and walk beside them as they learn and grow—it’s been a journey of learning to let others go before you.”

Kim shared a story that highlights the impact of volunteers’ efforts: “I just had a lady come straight from work and tell me how thankful she was that we are here because she knows that week in, week out she can count on coming here for not just food, but for spiritual support. She said, ‘I just love how y’all pray for me.’ We get that a lot. People appreciate that someone cares enough to listen and to pray with them.”

Tuning in and listening for the urgings of the Holy Spirit is hard enough. But, an even harder thing to do is to act on those urgings.  Kim shared, “I often pray for God to help me be a good steward of the Holy Spirit; for God to bring the right person to my line and give me the words to say to help speak into their life. It’s a testament to what we’re doing when your prayer moves someone to tears, and they tell you they didn’t even know they needed that—God knew.”

Bryer

Bryer is one of our youngest volunteers. He shared how he sees stewardship: “Stewardship, to me, means helping people out. I’m not really the best at stewarding my things, but my dad is the one really teaching me the most. He’s taught me to be responsible, take care of your business, and help people out if they need it.”

Bryer envisions a world transformed by the simple act of extending love to one another, just as Jesus did. He explained, “It’s important to help others because if I help this person, there’s a chance that they’ll want to help someone else out, and that makes a whole chain of people helping people.”

Stewardship of resources is a critical aspect of our site’s functionality. It’s particularly encouraging to see someone as young as Bryer grasping the importance of taking care of our resources. “If we didn’t take care of all of the things out here, like the trailer or the tables, they would rust or fall apart, and nobody would want to come. Then the whole point of why we’re out here wouldn’t be happening—no one would be coming to the site to get a free burger or learn about Jesus.”

Bryer leaves us with some encouraging words about our weekly efforts: “I think Feed the Need is changing people’s lives spiritually and mentally.”

At our weekly sites, you walk side by side with people, which allows you to see the needs. Table Talk helps you build and strengthen your relationship with God, and when you consistently work on your faith walk, that begins to overflow into your community.

If you have never been to a site, we encourage you to check it out. Feel free to hang around for Table Talk to experience it for yourself, and if you feel compelled, stay and volunteer. The beauty of our time around the table is that you not only spend time with the Lord but also get to encourage others on their spiritual journey.

We hope to see you at one of our weekly sites soon!

“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

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