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TABLE TALK: CORE VALUES – WEEK 2

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

Week 2: Consistency, Smithville Site

No matter where we are, everything we do must stay consistent in order to spread the mission and advance the vision of feeding people physically and spiritually. How do we stay true to this not only at our sites but with those we do life with? Here was the challenge for this week:

  1. We learned that harmony is a synonym for consistency. So, we asked, “What does it mean to have Harmony with Jesus (and with others)?” And,  “What would it look like if all our volunteers and guests had true harmony?”
  2. We asked everyone to consider this: How are you being consistent?

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

Marion

Marion shared that when she first started volunteering with Feed the Need Missions, the main focus was on the physical need being providing—it was more self-focused. But as the weeks go on, she has seen the guests become more genuine, and they have gotten more involved with Table Talk. “The physical need began fading as the primary reason for returning to the site each week. That is the defining shift that has occurred in Smithville.”

She also discussed how the guided questions within Table Talk has helped her engage with others more, which has started deepening her relationships with the volunteers and the guests. She also credits the Tangen family with modeling effective ways of engaging with others. “They have provided so much consistency in how they express genuine love and care for the people here—they’re always engaged with everyone. They know how to pull people in, and I’m trying to learn from that because that doesn’t come naturally to me. I know there will come a time when I will feel more confident engaging with people where I can sit down at the table with them and have a meaningful conversation.”

Asher

Asher is one of our teens who consistently serves each week–wherever he is needed. He talked about how he has seen the guests talking and engaging more during Table Talk instead of just the volunteers, and how that shows that they are truly listening to what is being discussed. “I think the impact of being consistent with Table Talk and discussing salvation has people thinking more about how God is working in their lives.”

He explained how he has learned that you can’t judge someone’s relationship with God based solely on their body language or lack of participation. Even though someone may appear disengaged, they will eventually show you they are paying attention. “Sometimes, you’ll see someone nodding to something being said or saying something that shows that the things we discuss around the table are sinking in; when it’s easy to understand, it helps us share what we’ve learned with others.”

“I’ve also learned that there’s always two right answers to anything: Either Feed the Need or Jesus.”

Heather

Heather explained how the questions during Table Talk have been very useful in leading into conversations with guests. “I’ve had several instances where I’ve been really excited to expand on the questions with guests, which have led to some of the most meaningful conversations.”

She also talked about how consistency at the site, from set up to engaging with guests as orders are being taken, has let to building community through a meal and a time of devotion. “It’s been really cool to see the regular guests who consistently get here early every week to be part of Table Talk. It’s also been amazing to see guests, who you think aren’t listening, prove that it is really sinking in when you have a conversation with them or just seeing their hearts softening—I think a lot of that comes from the consistency of our volunteers—and we’re all participating in Table Talk together.”

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!

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24

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IGNITING CHANGE: SMITHVILLE SITE TEAM

The mission and vision of Feed the Need Missions is to feed people physically and spiritually while simultaneously building communities of Jesus followers that noticeably impact their community. Some of our Smithville Site Volunteers recently demonstrated this vision by helping some of their regular weekly guests relocate. This dedication shows how volunteering goes beyond our weekly sites; sometimes making an impact is simply filling a need while showing the love of Jesus.

For safety reasons the guest’s names have been changed and their faces have been blacked out.

Moving day is often a mix of excitement and bittersweet farewells, but for Jane and John, their relocation to a new town in Texas was a day filled with camaraderie, joy, and the promise of fresh beginnings. By 9 am, the volunteers were already in full swing, turning the process of packing up a home into a collaborative and heartwarming experience.

The scene unfolded with little kids and adults diligently hauling out the contents of Jane and John’s house. Packed boxes were strategically placed in the trailer, reminiscent of a game of Tetris. Within an hour, their once cozy home stood bare, and as the last donut was savored, it was time to embark on the journey to their new abode.

Despite the typical March move being cold and wet, Texas bestowed upon them a perfect day – not too hot, not too cold, and not a raindrop in sight. With the volunteers, passengers, dogs, and a four-foot ball python loaded, they hit the road. As the hours passed, conversations flowed about the new town and the myriad possibilities awaiting them.

A fresh start is never devoid of challenges, yet it brings forth valuable lessons, new connections, and a heightened sense of confidence in overcoming difficulties. Unpacking their belongings and rearranging furniture, the volunteers discussed the significance of creature comforts and the little things that transform a house into a home.

Amidst the flurry of activity, there was a tinge of sadness among the volunteers. The realization dawned that they wouldn’t see their friends every week anymore. However, that sentiment was overshadowed by the overwhelming happiness for Jane and John, who were about to embrace a unique opportunity. Before heading back home, the group gathered around the couple, offering prayers for their hope and future.

The sentiment echoed a powerful verse from the Bible, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) Gratitude was expressed for the chance to be part of their journey, and prayers were offered for them to find a faith-building community that would provide hope, encouragement, and truth.

As the day concluded, an old Irish blessing lingered in the air, “May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.”

The heartfelt sentiments encapsulated the spirit of the day – a celebration of friendship, community, and the beautiful opportunity to be a small part of a blessing. The volunteers left with hearts full of warmth, knowing they had played a role in creating a foundation for Jane and John’s new chapter.


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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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Changed Lives: Tamika’s Story

Meet Tamika! She is a long-time Smithville resident and regular guest at the Smithville site. Tamika is one of many guests who have attended weekly site gatherings since the beginning of the site’s launch. Tamika is a dedicated guest. She is usually the first one at the site, even before the volunteer team arrives. Not only is she the first to arrive, but she is also the last to leave. You will always find her with a smile on her face.

Tamika’s curiosity brought her out to the site. She was intrigued by what she saw, and it kept her coming back week after week. “I saw a lot of people, good people and I wanted to check it out,” Tamika shared. “I really liked the hospitality and the personalities [of the volunteers].”  Tamika found the weekly cookout to be inviting, hospitable and engaging.

Tamika, by her own admission, is quite shy; large crowds can be difficult at times. However, this does not hinder her getting out each week.  “There were a lot of good Bible verses I heard, and I love the music,” Tamika recalls. She has found herself growing in God’s word each week as she participates in Table Talk. “I’ve learned to be more open with people and it has helped work me out of my shyness.”

Like so many of us, Tamika has experienced her fair share of heartbreak and difficulties.  Though the trials of life have left bruises and scars, she chooses to hold tight to hope. Tamika has recently made the decision to follow Jesus and is trusting her future to him. Pray for Tamika as she begins her new faith journey!
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Full Circle: Cynthia’s Story

When It All Comes Full Circle

At Feed the Need Missions, discipleship is at the core of our mission. We do what we do in order to create a guest experience that fosters the building of disciple-making relationships. One of the most exciting things to witness is the real transformation that takes place in lives because of this. Recently, we were able to celebrate with Cynthia, a guest-turned-volunteer, as she came full circle in her journey from receiving discipleship to enabling ministry to others.

Getting to Know You

Cynthia has been a guest at our Smithville Feed the Need Missions site location for years. Her first visits were prompted by a desire to not just know about Jesus but to really live for Him. At the time, she was struggling to commit fully to the Lord because of brokenness in her past. Painful experiences had caused her to turn inward and had stunted her spiritual growth. Knowing something needed to change, she came to the site looking for answers.

She quickly got to know Jonah Beyer, the president of Feed the Need Missions, and several other volunteers. As the weeks passed, the team intentionally took time to get to know her, to really listen to her story. As they prayed, encouraged, and cared for her, Cynthia became a regular attender.

Step By Step

Each week, she took part in Table Talk discipleship discussions that opened her eyes to the Lord in a powerful new way. After a time, Jonah challenged her to seek more answers through regular church attendance. Ready to take the next step, Cynthia found a church and got very involved. Her growth continued, and her commitment to God grew as she healed and pressed into the counsel she received at the sites.

Just a few months ago, Jonah and Cynthia reconnected on an evening in Smithville when she drove up to pick up a meal at the site. It was a joy-filled reunion as they talked and reminisced about all the growth that has happened in her life over the years. Jonah, once again, challenged her to take another step in faith. He invited her to start serving her community as a site volunteer. Having experienced the value of this ministry as a guest, she said yes.

Change the World

The very next week, Cynthia came to serve. She was nervous and unsure about her new role because, as a guest, she had gotten the inside story about many of her fellow guests. She felt a tension about serving people she thought might be taking advantage or guests who didn’t have the purest motives.

But once again, the team pointed her to Jesus. He loves, blesses, and gives to His children unconditionally. She was challenged to see and serve as Jesus does—not on the basis of deservedness, but as an act of obedience and in honor of Jesus. A new wave of heart transformation and growth began to unfold within her. As she served, she began to see others just as God had seen her.

Ready to Run

Cynthia’s posture has completely changed since stepping into her volunteer role. She has become so passionate and invested that she recently felt led to supply burgers for the Smithville site meeting. Also, during a recent shortage of burgers, she timed a trip to visit family in Corpus Christi so that she could gather the needed supplies, stopping at three Walmart locations along her route just to ensure the site would have supplies for the meeting.

She looks back in awe at the transformation in her life. God is now using her to have a powerful impact on others in the way that Jonah and other Feed the Need volunteers had on her years ago. She is now a vessel for Christ, meeting needs and helping others lean into the Lord. Her personal growth and passion are having a contagious impact, bringing down walls. She has come full circle and is now the one spurring others on to grow and serve.

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Meet A Volunteer: Timothy

Timothy and his family live in the Ukraine. They helped host our Feed the Need Missions team that went to the Ukraine in October of 2019. After the Ukraine trip, Timothy had the opportunity to visit the US. While he was visiting in Smithville, Texas, we got to meet up for dinner and shared more about the vision and heart of Feed the Need Missions.

Being in Smithville he had the opportunity to serve at the Smithville site. “I love to tell people about Jesus,” he said, “especially to those that listen,” he winked. Timothy spent time with a group of teenagers explaining the gospel and his culture back in the Ukraine.

Timothy loves the mission and vision behind Feed the Need Missions and is wanting to start a site in the Ukraine. Now that he has hands on experience, he’s even more excited to get something off the ground in his country. Pray with us for God’s guidance as we encourage and help the Ukrainians fulfill Jesus’ last words: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”– Matthew 28:19

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Impact Stories: Smithville

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.

SMITHVILLE serves every Sunday starting at 5:00pm at The Neighbor Place at Hart’s Chapel located at 206 Prima Street, Smithville, TX 78957.

Justin

Justin and his family were looking for more community. They heard about Feed the Need Missions at a meeting held at Calvary Baptist Church where his friend Tim attends and is currently the Smithville site coordinator. “We needed something more,” he said “I didn’t realize that I was stuck in the social poverty aspect of my life and my family as well.”

“When I told my children we were going to go and serve, they didn’t want to come. They grumbled back and that’s when I knew as a father and Christ follower I was not raising my kids up the way I needed to,” he said. “Not only that I wanted them to experience what it was like to serve others,” he said. It’s important to teach your children to serve others, and now Justin has the freedom of doing so.

“We as a family have grown so much. Having our social poverty being fulfilled through Feed the Need Mission has allowed us to open our eyes and to see a different way of life,” he said in closing.

Casey

“Man, I have been coming to this place for a few years now,” Casey said. “I love coming here. All you people are so nice and help me when I need extra help,” she said with a smile. Casey lives in Smithville with her mom and has struggled with addiction since her teen years. Regardless of her struggles our volunteers still meet her where she’s at.

“I know God, and I like watching the videos you play. I like to learn about Him. It’s hard for me to go to church because I am different. So this is my church and family,” she said with tears. “I can’t explain the feeling I have when I’m here. I think it’s peace from God. I come here for food, prayer and to get away from home. It’s safe here and I can always come talk to you guys,” Casey said.

Casey is still learning how to walk with Christ, as we walk alongside of her meeting her social, physical and spiritual needs. We continue to pray for her addiction and that one day she will have a break through, like many of those we have served and are currently serving.

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 Justin and Casey, 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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Site Stories: Smithville

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.

SMITHVILLE serves every Sunday starting at 5:00pm at The Neighbor Place at Hart’s Chapel located at 206 Prima St, Smithville, TX 78957.

BONNY

Bonny has been attending our Smithville site for two years. She’s a widow that has lived in Smithville most of her life. Having little income and not wanting to cook, Bonny began visiting our site frequently.

“I like the people here. Everyone is friendly and always wanting to help me,” she said. “Sometimes I get lonely at my house so I come out for food and conversations.”

Bonny has gone through several hardships in her life and is trying to rebuild her life again. She decided to use her talents and make bird houses to supplement her income. Feed the Need Missions was fortunate to purchased a few of Bonny’s original creations for our recent Gala auction.

TIMOTHY

Timothy has been living in Smithville with his parents for six months. He came to Feed the Need Missions to perform his community service. Timothy grew up going to church because he felt he had no choice. However, he never really understood his own faith. Recently that all changed.

Timothy was living a good life in Austin. He was a bartender and working in the construction field. A few bad choices later, everything changed instantly and he was placed behind bars. While serving out his jail time, God got a hold of Timothy’s heart and he started reading his Bible.

“Now that I am out and in a positive environment, you guys have helped me see a different outlook on life. Seeing people going through the same things that I went through burdens my heart,” he said. “Now I can give back and share my story to those that are going through the same thing I did.”

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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MY MISSION IS HERE

In 1986 David accepted Christ after marrying his wife at the age of 18. He and his wife were deployed to Korea where David was a medic for 7 years. He was released from the Army because of a heart condition.

Years after his heart diagnosis, he was in a tragic car accident that caused brain damage to the right side of his brain that has left him paralyzed. Not being able to have full range of motion to the left side of his body has caused David many limitations and he’s currently homeless.

David refuses to let his physical limitations stop him from doing what he loves to do; sharing the gospel. “I wanted to be an overseas missionary and because of my heart issue I wasn’t able too. My mission is here”, he says of our Feed the Need Smithville Site. “I tell people about God everywhere I go. I don’t care about nationality or what they look like. I also let them know that God loves them and there’s nothing to frown about.”

We are encouraged by David’s servant heart and inspired by his faith and love for our Savior, despite his own personal hardships. Thank you David for sharing Jesus!

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Community Stories: Smithville

Every week until the end of the year we will be sharing stories from each of our six communities. Each of our communities serve anyone who stops by, but we have noticed that at each site similar stories start to pop up. 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 location in Smithville.

SMITHVILLE serves on average 140+ meals every Sunday at The Neighbor Place at Hart’s Chapel. Because of the division of races, we have come together to unite the body and those we serve. Unity is bringing people together to be able to live safely and to share a meal with neighbors.

 

PHILIP

Philip and his three boys have been attending Feed the Need Smithville for two years. Philip is a quiet single dad who keeps to himself. He works for minimum wage and strives to make ends meet, but life happens and sometimes providing food for his boys means going to several of Feed the Need sites in a week. With pain in his eyes and a slight smile on his face he said “it’s a real blessing. I don’t know what I would do if we didn’t eat at at least two of your locations weekly.”

Having to work full time and care for three children is exhausting. His oldest son is autistic, but Philip still finds the time to attend school events and to help his children with school work. Philip finds his strength in the Lord.

The family would drive by our Smithville site every Thursday, and for a month or two Philip would watch out his van window to try and figure out was happening in his small community. He finally set his pride to the side and stopped one evening to get a hot meal. He asked why we were doing this and we told him to love on people, to give back to the community and to share the gospel. Philip knew he was safe and in the right place.

To know the impact that Feed the Need Missions is making in his life is powerful. Philip and his boys are able to go to other sites when pennies are tight to receive what the need. They now stay for bible study and his kids participate by reading bible verses and praying for Feed the Need. Their lives are being changed, all because of a burger!

“There are people out there that want to help. That care enough to do something like this. It’s a good thing. And a blessing. If I had extra money I would give back. I would want to start a site like this or a soup kitchen in Smithville. You guys have inspired me.”

 

TYRONE

Tyrone has been attending Feed the Need Missions for three years. It brings joy to our hearts to see people, like Tyrone, keep coming back for food every week. When he doesn’t come we always ask him the next time we see him where he was and his response is, “with all these people out here you still think of me and remember me?”

Tyrone was born in Bastrop and moved around in his teen and college-aged years and is now currently back in Smithville. He’s on disability for many health reasons and is living paycheck to paycheck. “The food here helps me get fed for a day out of the week. I don’t have to worry about that day.”

Sitting down and listening to his childhood and struggling questions about if there is there a God, Tyrone is growing and finding peace and unity in his neighborhood. “It’s never been this quiet,” he mentioned. “I come here to enjoy fellowship where I am cared about.”

Building relationships is part of our mission, and Tyrone is experiencing the mission Christ told us to do.

 

DONATE NOW

This is the kind of difference you are making when you give to support our communities.  With your help, Feed the Need Missions will continue to provide a safe place people like Philip and Tyrone can gather for a hot meal each week, a place where you see the love of Christ in action.

Can you help Feed the Need Missions continue serving each week by making a generous contribution of $25, $50, or $100 today? And if you give by the end of the year, thanks to a generous matching gift, your donation will be DOUBLED—up to $12,000—to make an even larger impact in the lives of so many people in our communities.

So don’t delay, give today so you can DOUBLE your gift and help even more people like Mike experience unconditional love.

 

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