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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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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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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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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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JOIN US FOR A FLAVORFUL CAUSE AT THE TEXAS BURGER BASH 2024!

At Feed the Need Missions, we understand the power of community, and we rely on the support of our local friends and neighbors to keep our mission alive. As the saying goes, “It takes a village,” and our weekly sites are a testament to the unique strength and unity found in each community we serve.

Volunteers who step up to support their local sites are truly a blessing. The Texas Burger Bash was born out of this commitment to making a difference! Three passionate individuals from the La Grange site initiated this annual event to raise both awareness and funds for Feed the Need Missions.

✨ What to Expect at the Texas Burger Bash ✨

A Culinary Showdown:

  • Last year’s inaugural event was a massive success, and this year promises even more sizzle! The Texas Burger Bash is a one-day cook-off held annually on the Saturday after Easter.
  • Anyone can compete! Choose your category: Smash Burger, Chef’s Choice, or Cover Burger. Plus, new this year is a Kids Cook-Off (ages 10-17) featuring Feed the Need Missions’ Give Back Beef.
  • Prizes await the top teams in each category, with the grand champion taking home a coveted Blackstone Grill.

Cornhole Tournament Extravaganza:

  • While the savory competition heats up, we’re also hosting a Cornhole Tournament open to everyone! Grab a partner and compete for fantastic prizes as you toss your way to victory.

How to Get Involved:

  • Competition Entry: Think you have the best burger in town? Register for the cook-off by March 30. Visit the website to secure your spot!
  • Event Information: For the event schedule, map, and cook-off policies, go to the event info.

The Texas Burger Bash is not just about mouthwatering burgers and friendly competition; it’s an opportunity to make a real impact. All proceeds from this flavorful event go directly to Feed the Need Missions, helping fund our sites and support communities in need.

🌟🍔 Join us in turning the passion for food and community into a force for good! Together, let’s make the Texas Burger Bash 2024 even more successful.

📅 Save the Date: April 6, 2024
⏰ Time: 10am – 6pm
📍 Location: 151 N Washington St. La Grange, TX 78945
🌐 Register Now: Registration
⏳ Deadline to Register: March 30

 

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THE LAUNCH OF UNIT B: NURTURING COMMUNITIES THROUGH COMPASSION AND CONNECTION

In the heart of Feed the Need Missions lies a simple, profound truth: we are called to serve not just with meals but with open hearts, reflecting the boundless love of Christ in every action.

It is with great excitement and deep commitment to this calling that we introduce our latest site trailer, Unit B, a significant step forward in our mission to serve communities both physically and spiritually.

This new trailer represents an evolution in our ability to connect with more individuals, providing not only nourishment but also a space for fellowship and spiritual growth.

A New Chapter in Service

Unit B is designed with a deeper purpose, aligning with our core mission to serve as a conduit for God’s love. Equipped to accommodate two grills and additional seating, this unit is not merely a response to a growing need for physical nourishment but a testament to our commitment to fostering genuine relationships.

The meals we serve are merely the bridge to a greater encounter—the opportunity to sit, share, and show the unconditional love that drives us. Unit B has been designed with dual functionality at its core.

This strategic versatility ensures that the trailer is not only capable of supporting the launch of new sites in the La Grange area but is also fully equipped to respond effectively to disaster situations across Central Texas and beyond.

This dual capability allows us to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that we can be present and provide essential support in times of need, further embodying the spirit of service and resilience that defines Feed the Need Missions.

A Community Effort
The realization of the B Unit was made possible through the collective heart and effort of the La Grange community. Their dedication to our mission demonstrated through their successful fundraising efforts, has not only funded the construction of this unit but also reinforced the power of community and shared purpose. As we prepare to deploy the B Unit to the La Grange site, we do so with immense gratitude for the support that has turned this vision into a reality.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following donors for their generous contributions:

– John Burkland
– Second Chance Emporium
– FUMC First United Methodist Men-La Grange
– Tejas Camp & Retreat Center
– Henry and Cecilia Zoch
– Texas Burger Bash
– Shared Lutheran Ministry
– And all those whose contributions, big and small, have been invaluable to this project.

Each of you has played a crucial role in bringing the New La Grange Site Trailer from concept to reality; we are eternally grateful for that. Your generosity and community spirit embody the essence of what we aim to achieve at Feed the Need Missions.

At Feed the Need Missions, we understand that our calling transcends the act of feeding. Each meal serves as an invitation to a deeper dialogue, an opportunity to listen, share, and connect on a level that transcends material needs.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that true service involves stepping into the lives of those we serve, offering not just food but a listening ear, a word of encouragement, and a reflection of Christ’s love.

Jesus is the cornerstone of our mission, the ultimate example of service and love that we strive to emulate. The B Unit’s launch is a step forward in our journey to walk in His footsteps, to serve with humility and love that knows no bounds. We seek to embody the love of Christ in every interaction, fostering relationships that can lead to meaningful spiritual conversations and disciple-making.

As we gear up for the official launch of the B Unit on March 3rd, we invite our volunteers and supporters to join us in celebration. This event will not only be a thanksgiving for the incredible support we’ve received but also an opportunity to educate and empower our volunteers on how this new unit will enhance our service to the community.

I pray that we move forward with the conviction that our service can change lives by meeting physical needs and changing hearts and communities. We are excited to see how this new chapter will unfold as we continue to serve in the spirit of 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”

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Events: Texas Burger Bash

Every community has it’s own unique culture and that is definitely the case here in the Lone Star State! In Texas, burgers and backyard games are one of our favorite past times. For many involved in Feed the Need Missions, the thought of combining a cookout competition with a little life change makes for a good recipe. This event was a celebration of these two things coming together for a purpose!

The Texas Burger Bash is a one-day cook-off held each year in La Grange TX. The founders of the TBB are made up of a very dedicated group of friends. Their vision is to not only create a family friendly event, but to raise resources and awareness that benefits those that serve their community. All it took is a little vision, a lot of commitment and a spark that ignited the flames of this event.

 

The day started as all great gatherings should. A gathering and a prayer… “Lord let the efforts offered up here today bring life change!”  was the prayer the morning of the event. Specifically we prayed for 8-12 teams competing, 200 plus people actively showing up and participating, resources raised and people to walk away knowing that their efforts had an impact. Well, He answered that and then some! We had 11 registered teams, over 300 people came out, received almost $2000 in active donations, and after the event we noticed a substantial increase the next Monday of people coming out to the Feed the Need Missions site in La Grange.

 

This is just the beginning for this event! A special thanks to all those involved in making this happen. A shout out to The City of La Grange, Team Gonzo Cornhole, D-Poe Cattle Co., 979 Trucking Inc., Scar and Sons and of course the 4 friends that helped make this happen. From humble beginnings often comes eternal impact and that clearly happened at this years Texas Burger Bash. Consider this your invitation to next years festivities help at the end of April 2024. Visit texasburgerbash.com to see some of the highlights.

 

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A New Home for the La Grange Site

Closing in on the one year anniversary of its kickoff, exciting changes are ahead for the La Grange, Texas Feed the Need Missions site. Beginning January 31, weekly gatherings will take place at the southeast corner of the Fayette County Courthouse Square. The meeting time and day will remain Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

Why a New Location for the La Grange Feed the Need Missions Site?

The La Grange team has experienced incredible participation and growth at the lot near White Rock Park. But the change in location comes in response to a few factors. Certainly the comfort and safety of guests and volunteers in hot summer months is important. “Shade has been an issue at this location,” shares site coordinator Jeremy Finch.

 

Another consideration in moving is the accessibility of the site to the community at large. “When we started the site, we settled on a spot near a community food pantry,” shares Jeremy. This created convenience and awareness of the site to those in dire need. “The White Rock Park site was not a centralized location, but it was a great starting point. Being here has allowed us time to learn and refine our process, and to get very comfortable with running the site. Now we are really ready to stretch out, and to be in a place that is more central,” shares Jeremy. “We want to reach out more and make it clear that Feed the Need Missions is here to meet physical needs, yes—but also social, emotional and spiritual needs. It really is for everyone.”

 

La Grange Site to Meet At the Square in La Grange, Texas

Over the last several months, volunteers have been discussing, praying over and visiting potential site locations. While considering options, Jeremy vistited a county judge to discuss the possibility of meeting at the Square. “It was a great conversation he actually granted us permission to meet there,” he shares. “We were still praying about it, asking the Lord to make our next steps clear, when a reporter attending a commissioners court meeting heard about the possible move, and reported it in the paper. We decided that was God answering our prayer; so we made it official. We are very excited about our new home!”

 

Be sure to visit the Jeremy and the La Grange team beginning Monday, January 31 at the southeast corner of The Square at the Fayette County Courthouse. The physical address is 151 N Washington Street. For more information about the La Grange site, or the Feed the Need Missions organization, visit our website.

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BRAND NEW SITES & LEADERS LAUNCHING JANUARY 2021!

One of the most amazing things about of being a part of Feed the Need Missions is watching God’s promises fulfilled.

When we began serving the community 10 years ago, President Jonah Beyer and the team prayed diligently to understand God’s vision for our organization. “I knew from the beginning God wanted Feed the Need Missions to grow and expand its reach – not just in Texas, but around the globe,”  Jonah says. In the years since, God has opened doors for growth and connected us to servant leaders who are passionate about feeding people physically and spiritually in their communities.

Today we’re excited to announce a new step in our growth – we’re planning a new site launch in La Grange, Texas!

Meet Jeremy: Our New La Grange Site Coordinator

Jeremy Finch has boldly stepped up to serve the La Grange, Texas community as a site coordinator. A Texas A&M graduate, Jeremy is a mixed animal veterinarian, born and raised in Needville Texas. He lives in La Grange with his wife Amie and their four boys named Walker, Carter, Tanner and Byer.

Jeremy’s pastor at Crosspoint Community Church first introduced him to Feed the Need Missions. “He knew my heart for service and food ministry as a way to present the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Jeremy says. “We are excited to move forward. I am using this ministry launch as a personal lesson in letting God do His work His way through me instead of my tendency to more aggressively try to accomplish things in my own strength.”

We could not be more excited to see Jeremy at the helm. Join us in praying for him, his family and the La Grange community as plans become a reality!

Servant Leadership: Portrait of a Site Coordinator

 

Feed the Need Missions site coordinators are first and foremost spiritual leaders. The position is a volunteer role, perfect for people who feel strongly about taking the Gospel message outside of the walls of traditional church. They come from different professions and backgrounds, but they share a few key strengths:

  • They love interacting with people
  • They value faith in action
  • They are passionate about discipleship
  • They love to lead administratively

Each week, these transformational leaders monitor our site’s weekly achievements, encourage spiritual growth, oversee the mechanics of the site, and assist the team members in carrying out their individual responsibilities. We could not do what we do without them!

Here We Grow: Countdown to Launch Day

Follow our progress as we make preparations for our site in La Grange in January of 2021! While we are still finalizing the details, you can stay updated by checking out our La Grange Site page. There, you can also help support this sight launch through financial contributions.

Volunteer Opportunity: Are YOU Ready for Servant Leadership?

Feed the Need Missions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding people physically and spiritually. We provide free weekly meals and spiritual encouragement at eight locations throughout Texas, as well as disaster relief throughout the U.S. If you are ready to take your passion for discipleship out into your community, or if you are interested in learning about what it takes to become a site coordinator, we’d love to schedule a site tour with you. Come see us in action, catch the vision and learn how Feed the Need Missions can bless your community.

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