Lexington Archives - Feed the Need Missions

TABLE TALK: CORE VALUES – WEEK 5

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

Week 5: Servant Leadership, Lexington Site

We must always approach our roles with an attitude of service. We are not there to be served but to serve others in a way that is contagious so that none may boast of their own achievements.

Jesus talked about the importance of service in Matthew 20:26-28: “On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

We asked everyone to think about the roles they have served in at the site and how they can lead others while they serve. The goal of this week was to get everyone thinking about how our words and actions matter in everything we do–someone is always watching.

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

Tynan

The whole idea of servant leadership revolves around the attitude of service to others. Even Jesus’ time on earth was spent in the service of others: washing feet, teaching, healing, and simply helping. Tynan spoke about how serving others at the site each week is a reflection of God. “The simplicity of this whole operation, yeah it’s a lot of work—and it’s hot, but at the end of the day, nothing we did out here compares to what He did for us on the cross. So, if we can bring His message to our guests through our hard work and service, that demonstrates just a small piece of what Jesus did for us.”

Tynan often comes to the site straight from getting off work or heading to work. He talked about why it is important for him to be consistent each week. “Coming here every Tuesday is part of my routine. No matter if I can only come for a short time and cook, help set up, or help on the line that’s the little piece I give in service to others as a demonstration of what Jesus did for all of us.”

Megan

Megan shared how serving others at the site each week impacts her daily life. “Servant Leadership has brought me closer to Jesus. I’m a very shy person, so being around the volunteers and the guests and helping new people learn the process of the site has really brought me out of my shell and made me more confident in interacting with people.”

When you serve consistently, you get to see the changes happening around you. Whether it is the guests or the volunteers (or both), you witness God moving. “Guests come here week after week with prayer requests, and it’s really cool to see those requests being answered or shifted to lesser needs. It’s also neat to see guests go from resisting talking about Jesus to asking questions. I’ve also seen this happen with volunteers.”

Megan shared how simply wearing a Feed the Need Missions shirt out of state opened the door to invite others into what we are doing. “I was recently in Oklahoma, and I was wearing my Feed the Need shirt, and several times, I had someone ask me what it was. So, I had some cool moments where I got to share about the mission.”

Savannah

Savannah is one of our teen volunteers who recently graduated high school. She shared with us how servant leadership has impacted her life. “Servant Leadership, for me, is stepping out of my comfort zone and stepping up to teach others how to share the gospel and how to serve the site well. It’s also an act of faithfulness, and showing others how you serve God through the simplest things.”

“I feel like people see me because I’m young and say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.’ I was in a place where I didn’t want to pray with people or even talk to people, I was happy just being on the line. But someone pushed me out of my comfort zone, and now I get to push others out of their comfort zones and show them that it’s going to be okay. God’s got it. Because I was pushed to do more, I’ve been able to grow really strong bonds with the people here through prayer, and they’ve inspired me by some of the hardships they’ve had to go through, and I’ve been able to pray for them and watch them grow.”

Savannah has a challenge for each of us: “Get out of your comfort zone! God doesn’t want you to be comfortable—you’ll witness so many other things if you just move. So, I want to encourage others to just GO! Go be uncomfortable and watch God move.”

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!

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests but rather to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

June 6, 2024/by Amy Rutledge

Lexington, Testimony, Volunteers

GG’S STORY

GG’s journey began in the grips of addiction, where despair seemed to be her constant companion. But in some of her darkest moments, with courage and determination, GG slowly but surely began to rebuild her life.

After 22 years of sobriety, GG has progressed on her journey of recovery. She discovered a newfound sense of joy and purpose in serving her community, feeding people physically and spiritually alongside Feed the Need Missions.

She steps out in faith each week and uses her experiences to help her connect to people. GG uses her compassion, empathy, and dedication to serve in various roles throughout her community.

Through her personal experiences, GG understands childhood trauma’s long-term effects. Substance abuse is high on the list, and many who suffered from abuse or neglect in childhood turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with many of the side effects of trauma, e.g., depression and PTSD. She has been able to use her story to help make a positive impact on those around her.

GG is a shining example of the transformative power of service. She attends church without feeling judged and is learning how to study the Bible through our Table Talk discussions. While her recovery journey is ongoing, she has found solace and purpose in lifting others up and giving back to her community.

Her story is one of hope for those still struggling with addiction, showing them that there is a path forward that is illuminated by the light of service, compassion, and the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.

April 10, 2024/by Feed the Need Missions

Lexington

NOURISHING THE BODY, SPIRIT, AND COMMUNITY

In a world often characterized by fast-paced living and the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding a source that fulfills not only the physical need for food but also addresses spiritual and communal aspects is a rare gem. Feed the Need Missions means so much to so many people and has become a lifeline for those in search of support and love.

Feed the Need Missions goes beyond the traditional understanding of providing meals. It is an experience that feeds the soul and fosters a sense of belonging within a community. The ability to receive prayers adds a unique and powerful layer to the organization’s impact, addressing not just physical hunger but also the hunger of the spirit.

For many, the impact of Feed the Need Missions is deeply personal. Julie Tucker, who visits our Lexington Site, tearfully explained, “Feed the Need Missions has gotten me out of some really dark places by offering physical and spiritual support.” The weekly site volunteers have been instrumental in helping guests like Julie and fellow volunteers on their journey toward healing and hope.

If someone were to ask any of our weekly guests about Feed the Need Missions, it would be described as a community-driven organization that aims to fulfill various needs – not just in terms of meals but in fostering a sense of community and bringing the message of Jesus to individuals. It is an embodiment of love that reassures people of their worthiness.

Julie’s powerful testimony highlights the significance of Feed the Need Missions in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis.

“If it wasn’t for y’all’s commitment and love for everyone, I don’t know how I would’ve handled being diagnosed with breast cancer. I was invited by Terry and Tammy Brown, so I came and checked it out. Since then Savannah Chastain has become a true source of support by praying for me and loving on me every step of the way.”

The kindness of weekly site volunteers goes a long way in making tangible differences in the communities they serve.

Feed the Need Missions is more than a charitable organization; it is a testament to the transformative power of love, community, and spirituality. I pray that we recognize the profound importance of the impact volunteers make in the lives of our guests–offering not just meals but a lifeline to those in need.

Feed the Need Missions and those who sacrifice their time and energy to volunteer with us continue to prove what can be achieved when compassion and commitment come together, impacting our communities and God’s Kingdom one meal and one heart at a time.

February 22, 2024/by Feed the Need Missions

Lexington

Site Update: Lexington

Have you ever heard of a little town in Texas called Lexington? If you have, it might be because of the world famous Snow’s BBQ, which is world famous for all the right reasons! It might be because of the Lexington High Schools football program, which sported a 10-1 season this last year. So what else is so special about this sleepy little town you might be wondering. Well, this is the location of our next Feed the Need Missions site launch.

There are always so many variables to consider with a new launch. Would the community benefit from a Feed the Need Missions Site? What obstacles are there that can slow the process of a build? Is there a group of people that can collectively lead the ministry? Most of all, does the Lord want us there? As we look to expand in the direction that He leads us in, patients and prayer has to be at the center of all we do.

This has been a year in the making! It started with a couple of young hearts set on seeing the direction of the Lord regarding starting the ministry. Jeremy and Dana Chastain have childhood ties to Lexington. They began volunteering with the mission a number of years ago and has secretly prayed for a Site in Lexington. Over the last several years they have been vital to our LBA location, not to mention many other aspects of the ministry. They both work and live in Lexington and often found themselves praying over the new launch as they served people in different communities. Jeremy and Dana know intimately the special characteristics of their home town. They also know the challenges that people face there.

Last month we had a soft launch in Lexington. It started with a simple video posted to social media. The video caught fire and has now been viewed over 3000 times. That is incredible considering that the population of the city is just over 1200. The night of the first gathering we had over 30 volunteers and served over 200 meals. The needs and desires are clear. We now find ourselves in the final stages of our launch. Will you join us in prayer for a clear location, community unity and a God-sized impact as we move forward with this launch? If you would like to join us in supporting not only Jeremy and Dana but those that live in Lexington let us know. For you too can have an impact and add to the list of things to be thankful for in Lexington.

May 16, 2023/by Feed the Need Missions