TABLE TALK: CORE VALUES – WEEK 3

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 Smithville to see how the volunteers see the core value of consistency playing out at their site. This week we visited LBA to discuss mercy.

Week 3: Mercy, LBA Site

No one deserves Jesus; His salvation was a gift to us. We are to conduct ourselves in a likewise manner and bring that message of salvation to all who will hear it.

Romans 6:23 says: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • The Gift of God is that he paid the price, the wage, for your sin.

Romans 5:8 says: But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

  • “While we were still sinners…” We didn’t need to get perfect first.

Romans 10:9 says: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

  • Have you done this?

We asked everyone to consider: How will you share the good news of God’s mercy at the site and throughout the week?

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

Caleb

For many guests, coming to a weekly site is their only encounter with God—this is their church experience for the week. So, our volunteers must remember why they are there, and that is the purpose of Table Talk. Caleb said, “I enjoy Table Talk. It focuses the night; sometimes you get here and get straight to prep work and forget that we’re here to serve Jesus, so Table Talk helps recenter you.”

Seeing the things we learn being lived out each week by guests and volunteers helps strengthen our desire to serve and share the gospel. “Since I started volunteering last August, I’ve seen a lot more people get involved. Actually, a lot more of the kids have started engaging during Table Talk. When the Teen Challenge boys are here, they are very active in the Table Talk discussions.”

Society’s impression of homeless people is that they don’t deserve anything; coming to the site and feeding people physically and spiritually is how the volunteers extend God’s mercy and compassion to our guests. “I don’t look at us serving as mercy; I see it as serving Jesus.“

Caleb sees serving at the LBA site as living out what Jesus called us to do: love others as Christ loves us. “Coming to the site each week is my weekly spiritual recharge, so I really love coming out here.”

Carol

Each week, there is something new to learn. Table Talk is framed in a way that is easily accessible to anyone listening and encourages engagement with each other. Carol said, “I learn something every single week during Table Talk; it’s like having a Bible study that gets us ready to serve.” She explained how she believes the guests’ comfort is part of their willingness to engage with the volunteers. “When we talk with guests in their cars, I think there’s a comfort there—they’re in their own element, so there’s still a sense of control. So, it feels like they’re more open to hearing what you share about Jesus.”

“At the LBA site, I think we get good engagement because people are comfortable—they know they don’t have to speak up, so when they do, you know it’s because their minds are truly curious. It’s outside the church’s four walls—that’s our impact; we’re going out into the community to spread the gospel and love of Jesus.”

When you see the spiritual growth of returning guests or volunteers, it strengthens the view of the importance of Table Talk. “I’ve gotten to see volunteers and guests grow spiritually through our Table Talk discussions—asking questions and providing insights—it’s been really amazing to see. It shows that they’re reading their Bibles and really questioning things.”

When we discussed the topic of mercy, we realized that none of us are deserving of God’s love or gift of eternal life, but because Jesus willingly took upon our sins and died for us, we are all offered the free gift of eternal life with God. Part of living a life in service of God is that we get to extend that love and grace to others. Carol shared, “We all deserve so much less than we receive. As volunteers, we don’t really deserve the happiness we get from being out here serving the community, but God gives it to us anyway.“

Jeremy

Jeremy discussed why he believes Table Talk is an integral component of the function of our weekly sites. “Table Talk gets you ready to serve; it’s straight from scripture, so it prepares your heart and mind to go out and serve—you’re recentered and remember the Feed the Need’s mission. Without Table Talk, being out here wouldn’t be the same. Without the spiritual refresher starting off the night, we would just be out here passing out food. We need the reminder of why we’re here. Table Talk invites God into everything we’re doing and helps us bring Jesus into our conversations with our guests.”

As we discussed God’s mercy, we are all very aware that because of our innate sin, none of us are deserving of God’s mercy and grace—but Jesus was sent to earth to bridge the gap between sin and God. Jeremy shared how he sees mercy playing a vital role at the LBA site. “Without mercy, I wouldn’t be here. I definitely didn’t deserve for anyone to take the time to tell me about Jesus, and now I get to pay it forward. Some of our guests don’t feel like they deserve to be receiving free meals, or some even feel like they don’t deserve to be living. But we get to show them mercy and tell them that God loves them. We get to show them that we’re a bunch of nobodies, just like them, but we get to show them we care by sharing the love we’ve found through Jesus with them.”

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 the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me…”

2 Timothy 4:17

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Meet a Volunteer: Tommy and Martha

Over the next several months we are going to be doing a special series on our volunteers called “Volunteers of the month”. We know that all our volunteers are worthy of highlighting but we wanted to take a moment and celebrate some people that not only go above and beyond but have some unique impact on the mission. So join us in celebrating these incredible people and the impact they have had on the hundreds they serve.

Tommy and Martha has been serving with Feed the Need Missions for four years. They were invited by Charlie Hoffman who has been volunteering over the past seven years. Tommy and Martha currently serves at three of our sites each week. Because of their dedication and desire to see more people come to Christ they were chosen as volunteers of the month for April.

“When I first started serving with Feed the Need Missions it was out of my comfort zone because of being shy,”  Martha said. Serving at three sites is helping her get over her shyness. Tommy said, “I’ve always been the talker in our marriage, but it’s been neat watching Martha meet people and seeing her smile as she talks to people.”

When you ask Martha about the ministry impact means to her, she doesn’t hesitate in answering. “We serve because we want to bless other people. Sometimes that’s just with a smile. We would show up at church, hear the message and leave. Now we are being the church and growing together.”

The Lord has been moving in their lives. Recently they met a local Pastor at one of the sites. They were invited to his church and given a bible. “We haven’t missed a Sunday if we’re in town. I was personally challenged to start reading the bible. I’ve never been challenged that way before. God is giving me understanding of His word and I never thought I would ever say that,” Tommy said.

Without Feed the Need Missions and the connections they have made they wouldn’t be who they are today. “We pray more, are more patient with each other and others as well. I see people needing community and prayer all over the place. I’m seeing prayers being answered. It reminds me how far God has brought us,” Martha said.

Thank you Martha and Tommy for being Christ Followers and Disciple Makers. We appreciate your dedication and your hearts to serve. You can meet Tommy and Martha at Smithville, Stony Point or LBA weekly. So come on out and meet our Volunteers of the Month for April.

 

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Site Volunteer: Carol

Carol has been serving with Feed the Need Missions for three years. Starting as a volunteer and working her way into a leadership role she found her “happy place.” Currently she serves as the Site Coordinator at our LBA location.

She leads with integrity putting Christ first and making disciples. The volunteers at the site support Carol in making decisions. She leads through them. A site volunteer said “Carol loves her people and understands the mission of Feed the Need Missions, we are one big family”.

When Carol was asked what her favorite part about serving is, she responded with “serving people outside the walls of the church. People don’t want to go into the churches, for whatever reason. So we bring it to them. Jesus tells us to go where my people are, and we get to do that,”

The Lord is growing Carol through Feed the Need Missions, she shared: “It has helped my marriage and for us to serve and grow together. Doing this together has been a saving grace. My husband is praying again for dinner, sharing the gospel at the grill, serving together, and praying for our guests. We are learning how to do this together.”

We stand behind our site leaders and volunteers! For the month of March, Carol was nominated Volunteer of the Month. Our staff thank’s YOU Carol, for your time and commitment serving every Thursday every week. You are a blessing to so many. Thank you for being obedient and the continuation of making disciples.

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Beyond the Grill: Celebrating Servant Leadership

It’s a late summer afternoon and a line of cars has already started to form. Busy preparations are being made in anticipation of something unusual. A truck and trailer are parked parallel to a very busy road. People begin to arrive and open up the trailer. And as the contents spill forth and excitement begins to build. A very worn grill, some worked tables and chairs, a couple canopies are erected for shade and food prep. Cutting, dicing, chopping… rustling of paper bags and a distinct smell of beef being grilled. Laughter, hugs, excitement and love are on the menu.

 

A name begins to be murmured. Someone asks, “Is Dana here yet? Where is Dana?” At the other end of the site a regular volunteer is responding “Ask Dana, she will have the answer. She always has the answers!” A random person bicycles by and yells, “Tell Dana hi and thanks for last week!  She invited me to come by and I will be here soon.”

 

‘Who is this Dana?’ I wonder. ‘She is clearly someone with a servant’s heart.’ Little did I know how impactful Dana has been with so many at our LBA Site. Volunteers eagerly cook, assemble and bag not just a burger but a gift. The FREE gift of salvation. One that Dana is overwhelmingly familiar with.

 

The next generation is often overlooked or marginalized as self-centered and egotistical. What comes to your mind when you think about a 21-year-old young adult? Most are focused on college, careers, friendship and often their future. It is rare to find someone so young with a contrary focus—but Dana is very different. She values those things, but not at the expense of the calling that she has on her life. Dana has been transformed by what was offered to her at a time of need. That answer was found in Jesus. Specifically in the way Jesus served others.That is how Dana has chosen to live her life—through servant leadership. 

 

When Dana arrives at her site, she is quick to make the focus of the evening those she is with. It doesn’t take long to realize that the burger is just an entry point for conversation and action. Jesus says in Luke 10:27, “Love the Lord your God with all of who you are and love your neighbor as yourself.” When we actively choose to live out the Great Commission, we begin to realize that true satisfaction comes from putting Jesus first and then by accepting the life he offers.

 

People love and follow Dana not because of what she does for them, but because of who she points them to. So,if you are free on a Thursday evening, consider this an invitation to “come on by!” I can almost guarantee you will be greeted with a smile, a burger and a fantastic young lady who will offer you a priceless gift that leads to a transformed life.

 

About the Writer:

This article was created by Sean Tangen. Sean serves on staff at Feed the Need Missions as our Program Director. In his role, one of his primary roles is to oversee, train and interact with our site volunteers.

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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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Site Story: LBA Family Impact

Meet Bernard, a man shot five times while in his twenties, now age 63. He led a life of disobedience toward God, until he fully surrendered and is now a follower of Christ. Praise God!

Bernard and his wife are raising their two precious grandchildren, while also facing some difficult health challenges. Their family stopped by our LBA site four weeks ago and continue to come. Bernard was asked by one of our volunteers, “how can we pray for your family?” and he said, “for an upcoming surgery.” A few weeks had passed before Bernard and his family returned to our site. Upon their return, we were all excited to hear the great news that surgery was successful.

Because Feed the Need Mission was there at the right time, his family was able to be prayed over and covered with the precious love of Jesus. They were able to experience comfort, support and peace. They give us updates every week on his progress and how their family is doing. Bernard’s two grandchildren have gone from being shy and uncertain, to knowing there are caring people in this world who show the Love of Jesus to anyone, anywhere, anyway no matter the circumstances.

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Volunteer Story: Meet Jeremy

Whether you’re helping to hand out hot meals at a soup kitchen, Feed the Need Missions, or another non-profit organization, your time and energy are valuable to both the clients and the staff. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community.

Jeremy is a new volunteer who has been serving faithfully at our Lake Bastrop Acres site. He is also finding his place as a new follower of Christ. Feed the Need Missions has helped him realize the difference between having much and having little. “People have it way worse than I have it,” he said. “It opens your eyes to a better understanding of what real life struggles look like. The people are willing to give up so much when they have so little. They don’t complain when we get low on food and they are always so appreciative.”

At Feed the Need Missions we are so thankful for people like Jeremy who take the time out of their busy lives in order to serve others. Volunteers provide a valuable service for non-profits like Feed the Need Missions. The lack of resources that is needed for the communities we serve, puts a strain on our small staff team. He said, “The smile on their face after giving them a burger is pure enjoyment. Why wouldn’t anyone want to serve with you guys? God wants us to love others and to share His love and this is a great way to do it.” 

Come out to one of our locations and be a part of the great work the Lord is doing!

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IMPACT STORIES: LBA

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.

LBA serves every Thursday starting at 5:00pm at Trinity Riverchase Mobile Home Park located at 135 Navasota Drive, Bastrop, Texas 78602.

LBA (Lake Bastrop Acres) is our newest site in the Bastrop area. This site has only been on the ground for a few months. Feed the Need Missions has prayed for a site in this area for a few years. Our prayers were answered and a local Pastor from Ridgeway Baptist Church, Jack Gilmore, saw the need and has been serving as the Site Coordinator.

A month ago the trailer that is used for this site was dismantled and had most of the contents taken out of it. This trailer is used multiple times per week in order to setup and cook meals in communities all over Central Texas. Without a trailer it’s hard to serve so we thought..

Even though we didn’t have a trailer we still served the community! The enemy wanted to hold us back, but our team pressed on. Those who served at LBA came together with materials, grills, tables and all that was needed to simply cook a hot meal for the community. Not to mention during this time of chaos, two people came to faith and accepted Christ at the LBA site. Once again, God has put together all the pieces to expand our ministry where it is most needed.

 

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, the people in the LBA community 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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