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Meet A Volunteer: Cindy

Cindy was born and raised in Mississippi. After 27 years of marriage and three beautiful adult children, she found herself divorced and alone. The downward cycle in her life started. She began to question her own worth, feeling thrown aside her whole life.

“After several years of self pity I put myself back into Church” she said. Every Sunday, she kept feeling this little tug, “Do something, Anything.” Cindy wasn’t sure what that “something” was so she ignored it for some time, knowing she needed to give of herself in some way.

A little over a year ago, after emptying her home and selling almost everything she had, she moved to Bastrop to be closer to her kids. Life can get very lonely living in a town where you are a stranger. Cindy would see her kids once a week or so, but had no other commitments the rest of the week. One day, she bit the bullet and came to a training to learn more about Feed the Need Missions.

“I have been with Feed the Need Missions around nine months now. Volunteering changed my perspective. It’s very easy to lose proper focus and dwell on the wrong things. It’s so easy to feel sorry for yourself. Until which time you realize, you have everything you need in Jesus. Volunteering helped me see that,” she said.

“At the site, I am amazed at our volunteers. I see the love in the eyes of each helper, something that didn’t happen over night but has taken time to develop. The hugs and the laughs and the tears are priceless. In the short time I have been a part of Feed The Need Mission, I have seen more and more people stay for Table Talk, because they want more. I see more people sharing their story because it is a very loving and comfortable setting. It has always amazed me, that it doesn’t matter if one person wants ten burgers and ten hot dogs, we never run out! That is Divine, not proper planning. Gods work is being done,” Cindy said.

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Meet A Volunteer: Lisa

Lisa currently serves at our Bastrop South site with her husband Jeff. They have four wonderful children.

She became aware of Feed the Need Missions through Jason, Vice President of Feed the Need Missions, who attends the same church as Lisa and Jeff. Upon getting re-married to Jeff, she fortunately did not have to continuing working, therefore she’s able to volunteer her time at several worthy organizations.

“I have been serving with Feed the Need Missions for a few months, but it has truly impacted me. I have always struggled being around people who are “different” than me, or what I am used to. I get uncomfortable and do not know how to act or what to say,” she said. Feed the Need Missions provided the platform to help her reach outside of her comfort zone.

“I have prayed and been granted the ability to see others thru the eyes of Christ. I’m naturally a compassionate person, but this organization allows me the opportunity to truly be a disciple. I have become less judgmental, more compassionate, and happier! I have seen God moving in those we serve,” Lisa added.

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Sweet Treats for Christmas

Christmastime is here and, like every year, Feed the Need Missions will still be out there serving our communities even on a special holiday, like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is a great opportunity for you and your family to come serve with us. We will be serving our regular weekly meal along with some sweet treats. And this is where we need your extra holiday help!

We are asking you to join us to make some sweet treats to bless those we serve during the Christmas season. These can be cookies, cupcakes, pies…whatever your Christmas treat heart desires. Bring your treats the day your local site meets, and we will hand them out that evening. And while you’re at it, why not stay and serve with us that day? What an incredible way to give back to your community this holiday season.

Each site has a specific set up time, serving time and clean up time. Please see below for the days we will be serving up some special Christmas treats at our sites. Click the site link for location addresses and times.

Christmas Serving Opportunities Dates and Sites

DECEMBER 23, 2018
Bastrop North
Giddings
Smithville

DECEMBER 24, 2018
Bastrop South
Stony Point

DECEMBER 25, 2018
Newark

DECEMBER 27, 2018
Justin

Have a very bright and Merry Christmas! And thank you for joining with us and spreading a little more Christmas cheer.

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Gobble Kits Impact

This Thanksgiving Feed the Need Missions partnered with churches and businesses to provide those in our community with a Thanksgiving meal kit through our Gobble Kit program. It was the first year we did this and the impact we saw in the community was incredible.

We had 467 families sign up across our seven Feed the Need locations, and with the help of the community, EVERY family who signed up was provided a Thanksgiving meal to serve their family.

We are so thankful to the churches and businesses that partnered with us to make a difference this Thanksgiving. And we are so thankful to the people who took the time to gather the supplies, donate funds, and volunteer to put the Gobble Kits together. It truly made a difference in the lives of these 467 families.

Margaret, who received a Gobble Kit, said “I wouldn’t have a Thanksgiving meal if it wasn’t for you guys.” And when she came to pick up her Gobble Kit she said “My heart is overjoyed with your team’s generosity.”

We also put together this video about our vision and experience during this first year we launched this Gobble Kit project. We hope you take a few minutes to watch a little insiders perspective to our hearts and desire to make an impact in our communities, especially during the holiday season.

 

Thank you to those who participated in providing a Gobble Kit this Thanksgiving. Because of you each family was blessed this season.

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Site Stories: Stony Point

From now until the end of the year we will be sharing stories from each of our sites across Texas. Every site has the same mission: to feed people physically and spiritually. We see God using our volunteers and those that come to grow and build relationships with those in Christ. Here are just a few of the stories from our sites this past year.

Stony Point serves every Sunday starting at 5:30pm at Stony Point Park located at 121 Stony Creek Drive, Stony Point, TX 786017

Julia

Julia has been living in Stony Point for 48 years. She has a daughter, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She spends a lot of time taking care of her grandchildren so her daughter can work.

Julia heard about Feed the Need Missions from Gilbert, a volunteer at our Stony Point site. Julia was driving by and Gilbert stopped her to give her some food. At first, Julia was a little skeptical about staying for the fellowship so she would receive her meal and leave. Now, six months later Julia stays to enjoy her meal at the site and stays after for Table Talk.

“Feed the Need Missions has been a blessing to me. I look forward to Monday nights. Every time I go everyone is so nice. I like that we pray and study the Bible together. Seeing you guys give food to everyone and seeing the smiles on the kids faces makes my heart happy,” Julia said.

Marty

“After reaching a point in my life where my health was so bad and I received a diagnosis of a rare respiratory disorder, I basically didn’t expect to be here on earth. After several years in a wheelchair, I decided to fight against everything holding me down,” Marty said.

Marty has been serving at the Stony Point site for almost a year. He loves what Feed The Need Missions is doing. It has helped him with his recovery and helped him get involved in outreach again through a positive Christ centered environment. “My purpose here is to let each person know that no matter what has been done, no matter what is currently going on, or what will occur in the future, each of us has been extended grace and forgiveness from Christ. Feed the Need Missions has provided outreach for me to share true love and grace. I am trying to be a fisher of men,” Marty said.

DONATE NOW

When you give to support our communities, people’s hearts and lives are being changed. With your help, Feed the Need Missions will continue to provide a hot meal and share the love and message of Christ to those in our communities each week.

Can you help Feed the Need Missions continue serving each week by making a generous contribution of $25, $50, or $100 today? Without your generosity, people like John and Peggy, might not get to hear about the love of the gospel and what it truly means to have people who love and support you where you are.

Don’t delay, give now and make a difference in your community today.

 

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Site Stories: Giddings

From now until the end of the year we will be sharing stories from each of our sites across Texas. Every site has the same mission: to feed people physically and spiritually. We see God using our volunteers and those that come to grow and build relationships with those in Christ. Here are just a few of the stories from our sites this past year.

GIDDINGS Serves every Sunday starting at 5:00pm at Giddings Food Pantry located at 190 North Harris, Giddings, TX 78942.

Kathy

Kathy is 64, lives with her son, his girlfriend and her two children. “I couldn’t make it on my own,” Kathy explained, “I’m on disability and if it wasn’t for my son, I don’t know what I would do.” Kathy comes to Feed the Need Missions on Sunday nights in Giddings when they don’t have enough to eat at home. Kathy is not one of those faces we see each week at the site.

Feed the Need Missions helps to fill the gap for Kathy and her family when times are tough. “My son has a job, works full time, but by the time bills are paid there’s not much left over for us to buy groceries.” Lately, Kathy has been a regular at the site because the family is in one of those tight seasons. She walks to the site often with Shawna, the daughter of her son’s girlfriend, to get a meal; sometime two meals for the family. “It’s nice knowing I can always come here and get something to eat,” Kathy shared.

Kathy is not a believer, however it is evident the Lord is working during this tough time. We are praying for Kathy and her family to come to know the love, truth, and grace found in Jesus. We know God can do great things even with something as simple as a hamburger.

Barbara

“I’ve been coming since the beginning,” Barbara says, with a smile on her face and joy in her eyes. At first glance you would not see the hurt Barbara is currently facing. Barbara is dealing with abandonment and going through a divorce.

Barbara joins us weekly in Giddings and has done so since April of 2014. She comes and updates us weekly with how life is going. The good and the bad, the ups and the downs. Barbara caught on quickly what Feed the Need Missions is all about.

She loves our burgers, but it isn’t just the hot meal she comes for. Feed the Need Missions is a place of hope and encouragement for Barbara. “I know when I have nothing to eat I can come here to eat and get the support and prayer I need. I try to make it each week for the time of prayer,”  she explains.

DONATE NOW

When you give to support our communities, people’s hearts and lives are being changed. With your help, Feed the Need Missions will continue to provide a hot meal and share the love and message of Christ to those in our communities each week.

Can you help Feed the Need Missions continue serving each week by making a generous contribution of $25, $50, or $100 today? Without your generosity, people like John and Peggy, might not get to hear about the love of the gospel and what it truly means to have people who love and support you where you are.

Don’t delay, give now and make a difference in your community today.

 

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Site Stories: Smithville

From now until the end of the year we will be sharing stories from each of our sites across Texas. Every site has the same mission: to feed people physically and spiritually. We see God using our volunteers and those that come to grow and build relationships with those in Christ. Here are just a few of the stories from our sites this past year.

SMITHVILLE serves every Sunday starting at 5:00pm at The Neighbor Place at Hart’s Chapel located at 206 Prima St, Smithville, TX 78957.

BONNY

Bonny has been attending our Smithville site for two years. She’s a widow that has lived in Smithville most of her life. Having little income and not wanting to cook, Bonny began visiting our site frequently.

“I like the people here. Everyone is friendly and always wanting to help me,” she said. “Sometimes I get lonely at my house so I come out for food and conversations.”

Bonny has gone through several hardships in her life and is trying to rebuild her life again. She decided to use her talents and make bird houses to supplement her income. Feed the Need Missions was fortunate to purchased a few of Bonny’s original creations for our recent Gala auction.

TIMOTHY

Timothy has been living in Smithville with his parents for six months. He came to Feed the Need Missions to perform his community service. Timothy grew up going to church because he felt he had no choice. However, he never really understood his own faith. Recently that all changed.

Timothy was living a good life in Austin. He was a bartender and working in the construction field. A few bad choices later, everything changed instantly and he was placed behind bars. While serving out his jail time, God got a hold of Timothy’s heart and he started reading his Bible.

“Now that I am out and in a positive environment, you guys have helped me see a different outlook on life. Seeing people going through the same things that I went through burdens my heart,” he said. “Now I can give back and share my story to those that are going through the same thing I did.”

DONATE NOW

When you give to support our communities, people’s hearts and lives are being changed. With your help, Feed the Need Missions will continue to provide a hot meal and share the love and message of Christ to those in our communities each week.

Can you help Feed the Need Missions continue serving each week by making a generous contribution of $25, $50, or $100 today? Without your generosity, people like John and Peggy, might not get to hear about the love of the gospel and what it truly means to have people who love and support you where you are.

Don’t delay, give now and make a difference in your community today.

 

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Site Stories: Bastrop North

From now until the end of the year we will be sharing stories from each of our sites across Texas. Every site has the same mission: to feed people physically and spiritually. We see God using our volunteers and those that come to grow and build relationships with those in Christ. Here are just a few of the stories from our sites this past year.

BASTROP NORTH serves every Sunday starting at 5:00pm at The Apartments on Linden located at 603 Linden St, Bastrop, TX 78602.

JOHN

“I have been living in Bastrop for a long time,” John said. “I have never seen a group of people come together for our community in such a positive way. I come for food and fellowship. I love what you’re doing with the videos and bible study (Table Talk). You guys explain it to where I can understand it. You are like my family. I can come and talk to anyone here.”

John has been coming to the Bastrop North site a long time. He began coming just a few months after the site started. John has a heart to help people. He will house people who need a home. He loves the Lord and attends a local church with his housemates.

 

PEGGY

Peggy was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised as a child in Phoenix, Arizona. “I moved to Austin, Texas in 1978 and grew up in Austin from the seventh grade into adulthood. I attended a baptist church and then moved to Bastrop where I currently live,” said Peggy.

Peggy became homeless a few times during her adulthood. She’s been in bad relationships and her life has not been easy. Because of this she started drinking and doing drugs. She would get sober and hard times came upon her and she ended up in jail and back on drugs again.

“I went back to jail a few more times before I was accepted into a women’s recovery program which is where I met you guys and started volunteering. I graduated the program and remained active with Feed The Need Missions volunteering at the different sites. It gives me an overall feeling that I am doing something to make a difference in people’s lives as Feed The Need Missions made a difference in my life by giving me purpose and meaning in life,” she said.

 

DONATE NOW

When you give to support our communities, people’s hearts and lives are being changed. With your help, Feed the Need Missions will continue to provide a hot meal and share the love and message of Christ to those in our communities each week.

Can you help Feed the Need Missions continue serving each week by making a generous contribution of $25, $50, or $100 today? Without your generosity, people like John and Peggy, might not get to hear about the love of the gospel and what it truly means to have people who love and support you where you are.

Don’t delay, give now and make a difference in your community today.

 

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Site Stories: Bastrop South

From now until the end of the year we will be sharing stories from each of our sites across Texas. Every site has the same mission: to feed people physically and spiritually. We see God using our volunteers and those that come to grow and build relationships with those in Christ. Here are just a few of the stories from our sites this past year.

BASTROP SOUTH serves every Monday starting at 5:00pm at Primera Baptist Church located at 301 Paul C Bell St, Bastrop, TX 78602.

AMANDA

Amanda has been coming to the Bastrop South site for a few years. She has been financially struggling, but managing to make ends meet. She came for a few burgers week after week. This year she began to trust some of the ladies serving and started sharing her struggles.

Through praying with Amanda she is now working two jobs to catch up on bills. “I see the blessings,” Amanda said. Through tears she said, “You guys have been so good to me. You have helped me out so much and pray with me every time I come. One day I will give back what you guys have given me.”

JOE

“I was down and out on life and you guys were the first ones to help me,” Joe said.

Joe came to Bastrop with only the clothes on his back and two dogs. Joe was new to the area and looking for community. He didn’t come to the site intending to eat, but for the community,

Joe was surprised to see a group of Christians giving back. In the places he had lived he found nowhere or no one doing anything to help people, besides himself. “I’ve always helped in the community. I was surprised that someone was already doing it. I give back when I can. This year I am putting together a Thanksgiving meal at the park for anyone who wants to come,” he said.

 

DONATE NOW

When you give to support our communities, people’s hearts and lives are being changed. With your help, Feed the Need Missions will continue to provide a hot meal and share the love and message of Christ to those in our communities each week.

Can you help Feed the Need Missions continue serving each week by making a generous contribution of $25, $50, or $100 today? Without your generosity, people like John and Peggy, might not get to hear about the love of the gospel and what it truly means to have people who love and support you where you are.

Don’t delay, give now and make a difference in your community today.

 

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Meet a Volunteer: Henry

Just a few short minutes before this photo was taken, Henry was diligently working with our grilling team to help feed others who come to Feed the Need Missions Bastrop South Site. “I started coming a year ago and I wasn’t able to financially make it here every week, so I came when I was able too,” Henry said. “Because of giving back, God has blessed me with side jobs so I’ve been able to come more regularly.”

Henry comes to our Bastrop South Site to feed himself both physically and spiritually. He looks forward to our Table Talk time and enjoys the weekly fellowship. With a smile on his face he said “You guys have helped me by feeding me and being there for me. I love the fellowship and being able to stay for Table Talk.”

“If I can, I like to do what I can to help. I take food to my neighbors and an elderly couple whose wife has dementia. I am now better equipped to share the gospel with them when I drop their food off,” he said.

Feed the Need Missions is grateful for people like Henry who work beside us to provide for our community. Click HERE to find a site near you and join us in Feeding The Need.

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