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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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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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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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Volunteer Story: Debbie and Lewis

The ushering in of fall brings many a sense of joy and thanksgiving. For Debbie and Lewis, our Giddings site leaders, this is no exception. This season has brought special change for them that we are excited to share. The Giddings site is newly reopened with a brand new location and schedule!

“I’m so excited that we are open,” Debbie shared. She shared that she is eager to see the ministry blossom here over the coming weeks. “Once we have the consistency of being there week after week, the neighborhood will be able to trust that we will continue to be there weekly,” she shared. “Since everything is so different, it’s giving everyone a chance to get more familiar with a new way of doing things.”

Come check out the new site this Sunday! Serve with us and stay for a burger. Set up begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner service begins at 5:30 p.m. Visit our updated Giddings site page and stay up to date with the latest news and updates!

Our new Feed the Need Giddings Address:
Simmang Park
801-899 W Washington Street
Giddings, TX 78942

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Site Story: Giving Back

Seven year old Kate wanted to make some money this summer for her own spending, but also to give back to her community. Exploring ideas, she decided to use her creativity to make bracelets. Faithful community members came together to support Kate’s entrepreneurial spirit and bought several bracelets for her to pass out to people visiting our Bastrop sites. Kate just wanted to put a smiles on people’s faces.

“Well, I wanted to make bracelets because I thought it would be fun way to earn money and I just thought people would like it. I know a lot of people I know support Feed the Need Missions, and I thought they would like the opportunity to support Feed the Need Missions and get a bracelet too!
I’m glad I was able give bracelets to people at Feed the Need Missions because it seemed to brighten their day.”

Kate spent her money wisely while tithing to her church and giving money to Feed the Need Missions to continue feeding people physically and spiritually. Thank you, Kate for giving back and supporting Feed the Need Missions. If you would like to give back like Kate, click this LINK to read more about ways you can give.

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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 Bastrop North: Rebecca & Gil

As COVID continues to make its way through our communities it have given our volunteers more time to spend with individuals and families while they are sitting in their vehicle waiting to be served food, and even some on foot. Rebecca said, “ We pray with people and chat with them as much as we can.”

Summer is here and can be a hindrance to everyone we serve. “I can’t imagine living on the streets with the heat and not knowing what to do,” she said. “Gil who has been on and off the streets is having a lot of medical issues, especially with his heart and his doctor is concerned with being on the streets in the heat.”

Our Bastrop North site is now cooking on site and continue to serve “to-go” style. Rebecca has been able to witness more to Gil and pray for him while she serves him and serves with him. She’s been spending more time walking with him during his health crisis. “Pray for our friend. I am thankful to be able to serve and to be there for him,” she said.

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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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MEET A VOLUNTEER: TONIE

Feed the Need Missions has brought Tonie and her family lots of joy. Being a mom of two little girls, one on the way, and married, her family is able to serve together. “We’ve been able to teach our girls about giving to others and also for them to not have a fear of talking and praying with people.” Tonie said.

Being involved in the community is important to Tonie, but what is most important is God and teaching her children to love others. “We are God’s children and we need to take care of each other mentally, physically and spiritually. Feed the Need Missions allows us to serve together and build relationships in the community. I love the simplicity of it.” she said.

Feed the Need Missions’ ministry is simply to feed people. We provide a hot meal on a weekly basis in communities across Texas. This weekly meal allows us to build long-lasting relationships and proclaim the love and message of Christ. Be a legacy like Tonie and get involved today!

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