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FINDING PURPOSE IN SERVICE

Cherie has been part of the Feed the Need Missions family since 2010, lending her hands and heart to everything from back-office tasks to on-the-ground service at our community sites. While she’s always been dedicated, it was during last year’s Gobble Kit season that she experienced something truly life-changing.

The Gobble Kit initiative is one of Cherie’s favorite events. Each Thanksgiving, we distribute meal kits to families who might otherwise go without, bringing a bit of joy and relief to their holiday. “It warms my heart that we get to help people who might not otherwise enjoy a Thanksgiving meal like this,” Cherie shares. “I love being able to help others!”

Through her experience handing out kits, Cherie discovered that Feed the Need Missions is about more than just meals—it’s about connection, compassion, and hope. She recalls seeing the gratitude on people’s faces as they received their kits, a reminder of the impact that a simple meal can have. “Being involved at the site has helped me see people through God’s eyes and love them more,” she reflects. “I feel more open when sharing His love with others.”

For Cherie, Feed the Need Missions has become a place of purpose and growth. By slowing down and being present with those she serves, she’s found a deeper connection to the community and to her faith. Her journey exemplifies the power of serving others—how it can transform both the giver and the receiver.

At Feed the Need Missions, we are committed to creating change in our communities by feeding people physically and spiritually. Each meal we serve is a chance to connect, support, and uplift. Join us as we continue this mission, whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering with us. Together, we can build a community united by compassion and faith.

VOLUNTEER FOR GOBBLE KIT EVENT DAYS
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2024 FIRED UP CONFERENCE RECAP

A few weeks ago, we had an amazing time at our Fired Up Conference! With around 100 people in attendance, the day was filled with heartfelt worship, an inspiring message, and a challenge to deepen our walk with Jesus and each other.

Ben Johnson, our keynote speaker, shared a message that resonated deeply with all of us. He drew from the story in Mark 2:3-11, where friends lowered a paralyzed man through a roof to bring him to Jesus. Ben’s message made us think about our own faith journey. Are we helping others get closer to Jesus, or do we need to let others help us? His words encouraged us to reflect on our relationships and our roles in supporting one another.

Jeremy, one of our volunteers and site coordinator at our Lexington site, shared his experience: “The conference was nothing short of amazing, from worship to all the messages. Jesus was at the forefront of it all. There were things I came in struggling with and left with a better sense of security from Jesus. Since learning about the THRED journal, I’ve taken it home and started journaling for the first time in my entire life. Man, oh man, has God shown up and shown out! I cannot wait to find my group of individuals to share this with and have them experience and walk through this journey with me. The conference definitely lived up to its name because I am Fired Up!”

A highlight of the conference was learning about THRED Journaling, a process designed to help us grow in our relationship with Jesus through writing and reflection. We discussed how journaling can bring us closer to God and each other. If you want to know more about this, you can visit THRED Journal.

Dana, Jeremy’s wife and also a site coordinator at our Lexington site, felt deeply touched by the conference: “During the entire conference, you could feel the presence and love of Jesus. Worship really set the tone. The THRED journal personally touched me with people and relationships that I need to work on and pray over. My goal is to start the journaling part of it now. The Servant Leadership breakout stuck out to me the most. Jason asked a question about who is a person who’s influenced you with servant leadership and are you continuing that influence. This has challenged me to pay more attention and focus on making sure I am continuing the influence.”

Our breakout sessions focused on the core values of our mission, including servant leadership, which Dana found particularly impactful. These sessions provided practical ways to live out our faith daily and were a wonderful opportunity to share and learn together. Many attendees left feeling uplifted and motivated to apply these values in their lives.

What was especially encouraging was hearing how inspired everyone felt by the end of the day. We’ve already seen new faces at our sites, eager to get involved and continue the journey. It’s our hope that each of us will keep growing in our faith by spending time in the Bible, praying, journaling, and inviting others into fellowship with Jesus.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the Fired Up Conference successful. Let’s keep this fire burning as we support one another and deepen our walk with Jesus.

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2024 Fired Up Conference

Welcome to our 3rd Annual Fired Up Conference at Feed the Need Missions, where our mission to physically and spiritually feed people takes center stage. Every week, we fire up grills in small communities, handing out a hot meal that goes beyond nourishment—it fosters connections and transforms lives through the love of Christ.

This year, we’re taking a refreshing turn in our conference approach. While past conferences emphasized on-site training, we are thrilled to announce a renewed focus on spiritual development. It’s about deepening our faith and understanding of Christ’s teachings—perfect for anyone at any stage of their faith journey.

Prepare for a day filled with uplifting worship and insights from an outstanding keynote speaker whose messages resonate with our mission. Our breakout sessions are designed to help you explore various aspects of your spiritual life, from prayer and Bible study to sharing your faith and living out your mission daily.

We extend a warm invitation to our volunteers and anyone eager to grow in their faith. Consider this an opportunity to bring friends or family along—perhaps someone you’ve been praying about who could benefit from this day of spiritual enrichment.

Join us on June 8, 2024, at River Valley Bastrop (1224 HWY 71 W. Bastrop, TX 78602) from 9 am – 3 pm. Your registration includes a delicious lunch and a unique gift as a memento of our time together. Those who register before May 27th will receive a special Feed the Need Missions T-shirt.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be inspired and inspire others. Register today and step into a day of profound faith and fellowship designed to equip and empower you to live fully for Jesus.

Who will be your +1?

 

We are an organization that relies on partnerships with local churches, so if you are interested, or know a church that may be interested in joining us in our mission to feed our local communities physically and spiritually by partnering with us for our Annual Fired Up Conference, here are some resources for you to help promote our event. If you have questions or need further information, please get in touch with Sean Tangen.

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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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Empowering Compassion: A Recap of January’s Volunteer Training

This past Saturday, January 20th, marked a pivotal day for Feed the Need Missions, as we hosted our largest training session to date. Over 88 individuals gathered, eager to learn and engage with our mission. This remarkable turnout is a testament to the growing commitment and enthusiasm within our community.

Volunteerism is the lifeblood of many nonprofits, and at Feed the Need Missions, we are blessed with over 400 incredible volunteers. Their dedication is the driving force behind our success. Regular training and the annual Fired Up Conference are vital to advancing our mission and vision, and this event was a step forward in that ongoing journey.

When asked about takeaways from the training, one of our volunteers shared, “Understanding why the processes are so important was my biggest takeaway. It’s easy to get lost in the routine at a site, but the training realigns our focus and reminds us of the do’s and don’ts. It puts everything back into perspective.”

A crucial component of our training involved teaching volunteers how to witness to others and share the gospel. Through interactive exercises like the 15-Second Testimony method and guidance on what not to say, we aimed to make evangelism more approachable and impactful.

One volunteer stated, “There’s no reason not to share your testimony anymore. Learning the 15-Second Testimony method made it come alive–it’s so real for me now. Being taught how to respond to others when they share how they feel was an eye opener and it has challenged me.”

Our training sessions are designed with specific goals to improve performance and deepen understanding. Our hope and prayer are that this training achieved just that. As one volunteer aptly summarized, “It’s a great reminder and a refreshing perspective.”

We are already preparing for our next training session in July, which will continue to focus on mobilizing believers to feed people physically and spiritually in their communities. This session will further emphasize building disciple-making relationships, a core aspect of our mission.

As we reflect on the success of this training, our hearts are filled with gratitude and hope. With a strengthened and inspired team of volunteers, Feed the Need Missions is more equipped than ever to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Join us in this journey of compassion and community transformation, one meal and one soul at a time.

Volunteer
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Spreading Holiday Cheer

‘Tis the season of joy, love, and giving! At Feed the Need Missions, we are beyond grateful for the support and dedication of our incredible volunteers. As a small expression of our appreciation, we hosted a special Christmas party to celebrate our volunteers.

It was a joy to see the camaraderie that permeates our staff and volunteers. We decorated gingerbread houses, had a build your own burger bar, and played Christmas themed games that had us laughing until we cried. Our volunteers had the opportunity to share about how the mission has impacted them, and our staff had the opportunity to express our deep gratitude to all our volunteers who have helped us carry out our mission of feeding people physically and spiritually. We also had the opportunity to honor Mike and Lynn, who have faithfully served at our Bastrop South site for the last 10 years. After the Christmas party, we gathered in downtown Bastrop to participate in the Christmas parade.

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to ensure that our volunteers feel the love and appreciation they deserve. The Christmas party was just one small way to express our gratitude for the selfless gifts of their time and energy throughout the year.

Feed the Need Missions volunteers—We pray that the love of Christ, which is at the heart of Christmas, guides you throughout the coming year. We love you, and we are beyond thankful for everything you do.

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Impacting the Next Generation

So often, we wonder about the future of the next generation and, as a byproduct, our own impact. Will they have a positive influence on the world? Will they value society as past generations have? How will they pursue Jesus in their ever-changing lives? Can they live without their phones? As a father of two teens, I find myself pondering these questions and many more.

Recently, I had the privilege of firsthand learning about the desires and hopes of the next generation. During this year’s Gobble Kit season, the Student Ministry at River Valley Christian Fellowship decided to give back to their community and partner with Feed the Need Missions. River Valley was fully committed to supporting the Gobble Kit program, collecting 144 kits as a church. These kits represented not only 864 meals but also a desire for people to be fed both physically and spiritually.

In conversation with Jason, their youth pastor, a plan was hatched to invite the youth to pack and distribute the kits to families at our LBA Site. Without hesitation, the youth said YES!

I believe we have a responsibility to align the passions of the next generation with the heart of Jesus. If we do that early enough, we can help give kids a vision for others that impacts a lifetime! Proverbs 22:6 – Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

The week before Thanksgiving became “Serve Week” for the River Valley students. Wednesday was our kickoff, and the youth group’s plan shifted. With over 100 students and leaders gathering, we talked about legacy. The question was asked, “What legacy do you want to inspire others toward?” Every student was tasked with repacking the Gobble Kits in a transportable way for distribution.

After repacking the bags, we paused to look at what the Bible says about serving others. Our missional theme verse challenges us to love with the fullness of Jesus. The beauty of asking kids to love others reminded me how fully, authentically, and innocently kids can care for others. They learned that their story matters and that each of them has one!

My 17-year-old daughter Shayla and her friend Ruby taught their classmates how to share their testimonies with others in 15 seconds. When you discover this can be done in words and action, confidence builds.

We broke out into small groups with a challenge: to share their stories and write heartfelt messages to those who will be receiving a kit. At the end of the small group time, we came back together, placed the notes in the bags, and prayed over the 144 kits. There is nothing like seeing kids praying for Jesus to impact the lives of those receiving the kits this holiday season.

To cap off Serve Week, we invited the students to come to our site at LBA in Bastrop and hand out the kits the next night. I am excited to say that we had nearly 140 volunteers show up, many of whom came and brought their families to serve. Every kit was handed out, and students found purpose in sharing their stories with others.

River Valley students have taught me many things about the next generation. Our future is bright when students make other people a priority. Their compassion for those in need gives them insight that we, as adults, forget or can never see. The best part is that when they see the connections between Jesus, themselves, and others, they want everyone to experience it!

So, shout out to you River Valley students and leaders for seeing the value in others. Keep sharing your testimonies and transforming the world one person at a time!

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Feed the Need With Us On Giving Tuesday

Each week Feed the Need Missions diligently works to meet the physical and spiritual needs in the communities we serve across Texas. Our sites meet at the same day and time each week to provide a consistent free meal to anyone who shows up. Beyond the offering of hamburgers and hot dogs, our volunteers and staff also offer each guest prayers and spiritual encouragement.

When disaster hits, we equip a core team with one of our cooking trailers and load it up with food and supplies, and they willingly go at moments notice to help those communities impacted by disaster.

How can you partner with Feed the Need Missions on Giving Tuesday?

Read more about us here. If you feel like we are a good fit for you, there are several ways you can give:

  1. Simply click here to make a donation online. We are so thankful for our generous donors. You can give this one time or even select a monthly amount for ongoing support.
  2. Check with your employer to see if they match donations. This can double or even triple the financial donations or even volunteer hours you generously give to Feed the Need Missions! Search here to see if this is something your employer offers or check with your HR department and ask about matching employee donations.
  3. Give through other revenues. Take a look at our Ways to Give page to learn more about giving to Feed the Need Missions through stocks, planned giving, and more. And feel free to contact us if you have any questions about these various ways to make a difference in our communities.
  4. Purchase our Give Back Beef. You can purchase one time or sign up for monthly subscription boxes at Community Gardens or from our online shop. Our Give Back Beef program not only gives you a great meal, but it also helps us provide hot meals to individuals in need in our communities. Every purchase goes directly to support our weekly programs, making sure we can serve hot meals, lend a friendly ear, and share the love of Jesus.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, volunteered, sponsored, and partnered with Feed the Need Missions this year.

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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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