TABLE TALK: CORE VALUES – WEEK 4

What is new with Table Talk?

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 LBA to see how the volunteers see the core value of mercy playing out at their site. This week, we visited Bastrop South to discuss simplicity.

Week 4: Simplicity, Bastrop South Site

The more we complicate ministry, the more we get in the way. Keep to the heart of the ministry of feeding people physically and spiritually in everything we do. We asked everyone to consider these questions:

  • What are the advantages of keeping things simple?
  • Does simpler necessarily mean faster?
  • What do we do at our site to maintain simplicity?

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

House of Hope

House of Hope has been volunteering at the Bastrop South Site for several years. They faithfully serve every week, prepping the vegetables, wrapping hamburgers and hot dogs, and participating in devotion. A few of the ladies shared why they love Table Talk. Michelle said, “It’s a really interactive form of Bible study. It gives us time to fellowship together, study the Word, and hear other opinions and points of view.” When asked how Table Talk has impacted the site, she explained, “I’ve seen shy people joining in more, especially having the smaller group discussions. Everyone seems to participate a lot more; I think it’s getting people out of their shells.”

We all have hardships and varying paths we must walk in life, and these experiences bring unique views to the table when discussing the gospel and the importance of building relationships. Brittanie said, “I like the fact that we have different walks of life here. At this site, I get all kinds of views: wisdom from the elders, a street view, and family views. That’s why I enjoy Table Talk.” When the gospel is simple and uncomplicated, it is easy for anyone from all walks of life to share it with others.

The ladies also mirrored Asher from Smithville, stating, “There’s always two right answers to anything: Feed the Need or Jesus.”

Kim

One of the unifying responses we have heard from all the sites so far is how Table Talk has made people more accountable. Kim said, “I’m reminded every week that I have room to improve; God gives me grace.”

It can be scary to feel inadequate. We have all felt that at one time or another, but Table Talk is crafted to allow anyone, at any point in their spiritual journey, to get involved and begin growing. Kim revealed, “I’ve seen our volunteers and guests go from sitting back and not participating to actually getting involved in the conversation. I see people growing in their faith walk through Table Talk.”

The Bastrop South Site exemplifies simplicity. Compared to our other sites, it functions with much less from an operations standpoint. They do not have a trailer, and Primera graciously allows them to store things in the church and use their grills out back. Between the minimal set-up and the faithfulness of the volunteers who do their jobs efficiently, Bastrop South lives out simplicity week after week.

“I’ve been volunteering for Feed the Need for almost ten years, and I love it—I wouldn’t give it up. You leave here blessing so many that it’s hard to want to give that up, but what I walk away with is worth so much more.”

Dennis

Dennis echoed so many voices that have expressed how Table Talk has made them more accountable. Accountability is so important. We need that group of people we meet with weekly to remind each other how important it is to be in the Word, to pray intentionally, and to love others.

Dennis shared how Table Talk has helped bring consistency to the site. Yes, food will be served, but first and most importantly, volunteers and guests fellowship with one another while digging into the Bible. “The food is great, but the time we spend around the table helps put a bigger emphasis on God and studying the Word. There’s a lot of fellowship here, and people want to learn more about Jesus.” He went on to explain that if we weren’t doing Table Talk, there would be an emptiness. “It would just be us handing out food instead of building relationships and sharing the love of Jesus.”

Simplicity plays a significant role in building relationships and making the gospel accessible to everyone. “Doing Table Talk the way we do feels more natural and simple versus walking into a church. I get to see people from all walks of life come together in an informal setting to talk about the gospel—it’s a more organic give-and-take of conversation that can easily spread to the streets.”

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!

“But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”

Mark 13:11

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From Recovery to Inspiration: Annie’s Story

At Feed the Need Missions, we believe that a burger is more than just a meal; it’s a tool to share the Gospel and spread love within our community. Our weekly cookouts serve not only hot meals but also spiritual nourishment to anyone who stops by. Today, we want to share a remarkable story from our Bastrop South Site – a story of transformation, faith, and the incredible love and care our volunteers show to one another and the guests we serve. This is the story of Annie, who has been a part of our journey for about the last year and a half.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Feed the Need Missions is the way our volunteers rally around those in need. Annie’s story is a testament to this spirit of compassion and support. One aspect of our sites is not just the guests we serve, but also our volunteers. In this case, our volunteers have the opportunity to serve alongside a local women’s program, where ladies are working on recovery from addiction.

About six months ago, Annie completed the women’s program that she was in, graduating and recovering from her addictions. Upon completing this program, she has continued to come and serve on a weekly basis, continuing to grow her character and faith. Not only has she graduated, but she has also landed a job and is now helping to facilitate our Table Talk discussions.

As we continue our mission to serve both physically and spiritually, we are reminded that our work is not just about the food we provide but also the hope, love, and transformation we inspire. Annie’s journey reminds us that, with faith and support, anyone can overcome adversity and thrive. We invite you to join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve and spreading the message that a burger can be a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel and transforming lives.

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Meet A Volunteer: Beth

A lot has changed in the past few years in Bastrop and the world. In 2020, I experienced some COVID anxiety, along with feeling lonely and disconnected while isolating during the pandemic. Many years ago, I was trapped in a cycle of ‘stinkin’ thinkin’,’ leading me down a dark path of depression and panic attacks. A neighbor invited me to church, and I began a journey with Jesus—a transformation that helped lift me out of depression and gave me hope.

Over the years, I’ve seen over and over how God never wastes a hurt and how we’re not defined by what’s happened to us but by the God we serve. In June of last year, I began volunteering with Feed The Need Missions in Bastrop. Wow! Right from the start, I was overwhelmed by the kindness and welcoming nature of the other volunteers. I’ve really enjoyed the friends I’ve made serving together.

It has been eye-opening and, at times, awe-inspiring, seeing God at work through Feed The Need Missions. The power of prayer, a kind word, along with a smile and a listening ear, opens the door to building relationships with the folks we serve. You learn to sympathize with their sorrows and celebrate in their victories. There’s something uniquely personal when you serve guests a free burger along with knowing their name. It opens the conversational door to asking, “How’s it going in your life? And how can I pray for you?” I have a recent memory I will always cherish. This past November, while giving out Gobble kits, one of the guests asked if he could pray for us volunteers. We all gathered around his vehicle, and he shared a beautiful prayer of praise and thankfulness for Feed The Need Missions and their volunteers. It was priceless! Feed The Need Missions is about seeing God’s love in action while sharing the love of Christ. It’s about loving your neighbor and listening to them. I’m grateful for the wonderful tribe of volunteers I serve with.

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Site Volunteer: Willy

There are some people in our lives when we think about them, we can’t help but smile. Willy is one of those individuals. You will almost always find Willy with a smile on his face and a warm welcome when he sees you. He’s like a hawk, and always sees you first!

Raised by a single mother, Willy was quickly welcomed into a group of men from a local church who felt called to walk with him. Willy‘s involvement with Feed the Need Missions started more than five years ago when one of the men from his church brought him out to serve. He quickly found his place at the Bastrop South site, and before long Willy was submerged in not one but two faith families.

The fact Willy does not drive has not stopped him from getting to the site faithfully each week! When asked why he serves his response was straightforward but powerful, “Because that’s what we are supposed to do.”  Willy is the site’s “muscle man” and always ready to jump in and help carry the heavy items for setup and teardown. He doesn’t grill, take orders or pray with guests, but he has found a way to use his special abilities to contribute to the kingdom work happening at the site each week. Willy is an invaluable member of the team and we are so grateful to have him serve alongside us!

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A Hunger for More: Allen’s Story

When Feed the Need Missions began serving the Bastrop community more than ten years ago, Allen was among the first guests. To be sure, he was in need of the free hot meal each week. He was living on the streets and had no source of income. But that wasn’t the only thing missing in his life.

Volunteers noticed immediately that Allen was a bit different. A little unfiltered and rough around the edges. He wasn’t always easy to approach, and his appearance and behavior were off-putting to many. It was a challenge for him to connect with people—until a special group of Feed the Need volunteers stepped in.

Leaning In & Digging Deeper

Several men at the South Site, including Charlie Hoffman and Mark Miles, took notice of Allen. They leaned in where so many others had walked away. They overlooked awkwardness and rough speech. They demonstrated compassion and gave him a position and a place on the team. So Allen became a volunteer. Their acceptance filled a desperate need, because it gave them an opportunity to invest time in getting to know Allen and his story.

As the team walked alongside Allen, they learned that his challenging behaviors were connected to an autism diagnosis. They also discovered that Allen had lost his primary caregiver, his mom, several years before. This lack of help in caring for himself and his home was a huge detriment in his life. Not having a stable support system led him to life on the streets. It also made it difficult for him to make friends and articulate his needs. Most people just saw a difficult person, but our volunteers consistently returned to connect with Allen and saw so much more.

Making Connections & Meeting Needs

The volunteers didn’t stop at just understanding his challenges. Their involvement went beyond the one hour weekly site meeting. They joined together to help meet his needs. Initially, they helped with finding shelter, addressing hygiene needs, supplying him with clothing. But they went even further than just the material essentials. These men took Allen to their churches for men’s ministry events. They invited him into their homes for holidays. They became family on and off site.

A Felt Absence

Toward the end of 2021, Allen stopped coming to the site gatherings. Volunteers, who by now had been investing in his life for years, were concerned. They searched. They asked. They worried and prayed. In February, Mark Miles, one of those volunteers, received a phone call from a hospital in Austin. It seemed Allen had become ill and had been hospitalized, which explained his absence.

Mark received the phone call because Allen listed him as an emergency contact. The years of consistent investment had struck a chord with Allen. He knew there was a real relationship there, and that he could count on the Feed the Need team to show up when he was in need.

A Celebrated Return

After months of being away, Mark was able to pick Allen up from his care facility and bring him to the Bastrop South site. The team was overjoyed to see him. Guests and volunteers rallied around him, eager to pray over him. They thanked God for his safety. They asked for complete healing and provision. It was a powerful moment for everyone, and one that truly reflected the love of Christ to the guests still grappling with their faith.

Feed the Need Missions has become more than a source for a meal for Allen. It has become his family. His place to belong. His connection to Jesus. Connections like this don’t’ just happen. They are built on consistent, intentional decisions to lean in to the awkward and difficult. To love sacrificially. To consistently work to build relationships and trust. To keep showing up and showing care. Allen, like so many, had a hunger for more. God met it through Feed the Need Missions volunteers. What needs could God meet through you? We’d love for you to partner with us in caring for our communities.

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Site Story: We Are Here For You

As school approaches there is so much anxiety of the unknowns due to COVID. As one mom says, “School is an outlet for my kids to have social activity and to make friends, and I don’t want to take anymore from them.”

We at Feed the Need Missions knows the implication of going back to school. And some families struggling making the decision to homeschool. Some that we serve have even lost their jobs and are in desperate need for assistance. However the anxiety of school starting is a challenging time. We will continue to serve during this challenging time feeding people physically and spiritually and offering prayer.

As we wind down from summer and decisions are being made we are praying for you! A mom who we serve that has asthma and high risk children said, “My older daughter and I both have asthma, and we don’t feel comfortable taking that risk. As a single mom I need your prayers on making the best decision for our family.”

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Impact 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.

Scott

“I have lived in Texas my entire life. I’ve lived in Bastrop for 33 yrs and I have never seen anything like Feed the Need Missions before,” he said. Scott lives with his son and has been attending the site for 7 years. During the 7 years he’s been coming he went through some very challenging times, “my parents house burned down in 2011, a few years later they passed away, my wife also had left me and we divorced, my son had gotten very sick and I almost died from diabetic coma, and you guys were always there to listen and to pray for me,” he said.

When asked how Feed the Need Missions has helped him he replied, “it’s helped me from running out of food. I am able to stretch our food to make it week by week.”

“The encouragement that I receive here has helped me grow socially. I am able to talk more about my personal struggles and about God to other people. I’ve had a problem with going to church since my mom has passed away and you guys have helped fill me spiritually,” Scott said.

Sandra

“I have been through so much and I know where to come for prayer, right here” Sandra said with tears in her eyes. Sandra has been fighting cancer for over a year and just started radiation. Her outlook on life is always positive and she brings so much joy when she comes. “When I am here the presence of God is here, I can feel it,” she said.

She has lived in Bastrop for many years with her husband who currently works, but with medical bills and hardship she can’t always get a good meal. “I love the burgers even when I’m not feeling good, I still love them,” she said giggling.

“I can’t imagine my life without you guys. I have been coming here for years and every time I am here you welcome me with open arms. Today I wanted to come to give everyone a hug to let them know how much they are appreciated, just like the appreciation and encouragement you give me. I have grown so much in my faith and I truly believe I am healed from cancer. Maybe not on earth but I will be in heaven,” she said crying. “Thank you for everything you have done for me,” she added.

 

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 Scott and Sandra, 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: 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. Getting involved 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. Getting involved 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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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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