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Thanksgiving Gobble Kits Impact Stories

2020 was a record year for the Feed the Need Missions Gobble Kit program.

Over the course of four Gobble Kit distribution days in November, we served Thanksgiving meal kits to eight Texas communities, with the help of more than 250 volunteers, made possible by financial support from more than 350 donors. We distributed a record 764 Gobble Kits, praying over every single guest. While the statistics are exciting because they show the growing breadth of our program, it is the personal experiences that show the depth and impact. Read on to hear a few touching stories from those involved in this year’s program. 

The Blessing of Service: Volunteer Testimonies 

We are beyond grateful for our incredible volunteers, many who began helping months before the actual Gobble Kit distribution. From sorting, organizing, promotion and logistics to praying, visiting, and sharing the Gospel—these people went above and beyond to feed people physically and spiritually. As you read their stories, you’ll find the common thread that as they blessed others, they were equally refreshed and blessed.


Jeanette from Bastrop South shared, “being able to sign people up and check them off the list made me feel so blessed. The fact that this program does so much for others, makes me so grateful. I thought it was wonderful and those who received were over joyed and so appreciative. It makes me feel joyful knowing that I was a part of this.”

Jennie from Stony Point told us, “Watching my husband experience joy as he serves the community has changed our marriage. It’s such a blessing. My husband has never really been a part of something like this. It has helped us grow together because it gets us outside of ourselves. You don’t see the need until you’re present. It’s been a huge blessing for me to witness those who experience receiving food and watching the growth of our volunteers.”

Jack from LBA said “It was a neat way to break in some of the folks that have just recently moved to the community by asking them if they were in need of a Gobble Kit. We have a lot of single parents that are trying to make ends meet and the thankfulness from them brought me to tears. Because of COVID and serving the Gobble Kits to the guests at their vehicle brought more opportunities to build the relationship and people were more vulnerable, especially those who couldn’t be with their family. The impact on being a family together is extremely emotional to the ones who couldn’t travel to see loved ones. We prayed together and cried together.” 

Teresa, who serves at multiple sites, was extremely impacted by the volunteers presence at each sites. “We all came together and helped each other out at the different sites. Many Site Coordinators and other lead teams worked together to help make the Gobble Kit program a success. It touched my heart seeing so many people being prayed for and the acceptance of our guests wanting prayer. I saw many faces that I haven’t seen before that are struggling and this turkey meal was enough to give them HOPE.”

Becca: A Guest Experience

Becca is a single mom from a local community who has been struggling financially. She’s new to the area and heard about Feed the Need Missions by looking online for free Thanksgiving dinners. “I was in need, and so were my kids. I have three kids and it’s hard right now to work because of COVID and my babies being home. I wanted to make Thanksgiving for them to do something that felt more “normal,” Becca shared.
She came to one of the local serving sites to sign up for a Gobble Kit. When she saw the line of over 150 cars in line before her, she felt sure she would not receive one. “To go home and have to tell my kids there would be no Thanksgiving was going to be so hard for me.” 
Thankfully because of the generous supporters and donations, she was able to receive a Thanksgiving meal for her family. “I can’t thank you enough. I have been praying to God to send people to help me, and He did.” Not only did she receive a meal but now Becca is serving and was given a list of some resources in the area that could give her more assistance. 



Feed the Need With Us

What a joy it is to be able to report such powerful experiences. Not only is the program growing each year, but it is growing people up in Jesus. Volunteers are experiencing life change and our guests are encountering the peace and provision of Jesus. If reading these stories has inspired you to get involved, we would love for you to become part of the Feed the Need Missions family. You can support us financially by making a donation, or serve at one of our eight site locations each week.

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Site Update: New Location For Our Justin Site

Josh Matthews drove to his work site every morning for several weeks. Each time he would pass by a snow cone place sitting in a parking lot that is considered the “Heart of Texas.” Over the course of a couple of weeks he stopped and got more information about the area and their hopes for building up the small community. Feed the Need Missions was mentioned in conversation and the Justin team was offered a grassy spot in the corner parking lot.

Josh wrestled with the idea of moving the site but in prayer and confirmation between him and Site Coordinator Daniel, they took the offer and were approved to begin serving the community. The first week they began serving meals a man stopped and offered a financial donation to Feed the Need Missions. “If we weren’t at that location we would probably have missed that opportunity,” Josh and Daniel agreed.

This site is now meeting at:
PARKING LOT OF JUSTIN STATE BANK
412 S HWY 156 N
Justin, TX 76247

Join them every Thursday from 5:30-6:30pm for a hot meal and discipleship.

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Meet A Volunteer: Caylie

Earlier this year, the Justin site was blessed with a young lady named Caylie, who was eager to volunteer. As a part of her school curriculum, she was required to complete service work in her community. She heard about Feed the Need Missions through her church and wanted to get involved.

Many seniors serve through their high school program, like Caylie, for service work with Feed the Need Missions. We appreciate the out pour of seniors that choose to complete their service hours by serving with us.

Caylie started to come to the site and help out, and became an official volunteer in February after completing the online orientation. Since then, she has been faithful to lend a hand, pray with others, offer her home and recruit family members to participate in this mission.

Congratulations to Caylie and the Class of 2020. In the fall, Caylie will attend The Culinary Institute of America to pursue a degree in Food Business Management and Culinary Arts. We are so proud of her accomplishments and other senior graduates.

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Volunteer Story: Shawna

As Shawna was trying to formulate her words about how Feed the Need Missions has helped her grow she realized that it was in so many different ways and that the impact was far greater than she thought. “I’m a single mom and have been coming to the Justin site for awhile and it has helped me by providing a meal for my children so are monies can stretch a little farther,” she said.

When asked how Feed the Need Missions has helped her personally she said “Because of you guys I have more confidence in myself. You have helped me understand more of what walking out my faith and being a Christian is. I am now serving and have a leader role at the site which I never thought I would be able to do and I can! We all can,” she said.

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Meet A Volunteer: Keith

Keith has been serving at the Justin site for a little over a year. “I was brought up catholic and never really got into church after I grew up. I started using right out of High School. I was partying with family and friends until I was 25 years old. I put myself in rehab and I knew if I put myself there and could stay clean for the 2 weeks I was there, I could pull through,” Keith said.

After rehab he started working as a rancher and got saved seven years ago. He went all in for Jesus and decided it was best for him and his now ex wife and son to move to Texas for a better living environment. “The passion that God was showing me was so overwhelming I needed to listen to where He wanted me to go, so we went,” he said.

Keith heard about Feed the Need from Josh, who is a leader at the Justin site. Josh is also a leader in celebrate recovery where Keith is a part of too. “He told me about Feed the Need Missions on and off for a year or so. Things happened in Bridgeport and doors got closed so I moved to Denton. When I moved I got involved with Feed the Need Missions. I can now share my testimony of using drugs for 10 years, to the person I am today,” he said with excitement.

“I love Feed the Need Missions. I think people should come and experience it too, and get involved,” Keith said. “The smile on kids face and being able to pray with people and cry with people when they are struggling is what it’s all about, just being there like Jesus would.”

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Impact Stories: Justin

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.

JUSTIN serves every Thursday starting at 5:30pm at Justin Park located at 415 N. College Avenue, Justin, TX 76427.

Josh

Josh has been serving with Feed the Need Missions for the past couple of years at our Justin site. He is currently our trailer lead and resides in Justin with his wife Patty. Josh heard about the ministry by attending a class Brandon Phifer was facilitating at First Baptist Church Justin about being on mission. “He spoke about Feed the Need Missions and what it was about so I went to the site to go check it out,” he said.

“I didn’t really understand what Feed the Missions was about. I stood behind the grill and cooked. Didn’t say much to people,” he said. “Now I know what it’s about through the training and stepping up. It’s about the relationships and sharing the gospel. I no longer get upset when I see people taking several burgers home. It’s not about the numbers it’s about a personal connection with them and Jesus Christ,” he said in tears.

Josh has grown a lot through serving. He will even tell you his personal conviction and how he tries to look at all situations through Christ’s eyes. “It’s hard to do sometimes, but this ministry has helped me do that,” he said.

Shawna

As Shawna was trying to formulate her words about how Feed the Need Missions has helped her grow she realized that it was in so many different ways and that the impact was far greater than she thought. “I’m a single mom and have been coming to the Justin site for a while and it has helped me by providing a meal for my children so our monies can stretch a little farther,” she said.

“I love the new changes in Table Talk and how the message is presented now. It’s not just about a person sharing their testimony, it’s about growing closer to Christ. It has also made me realize how important the mission of Feed the Need Missions is. More people need to be doing this,” she said.

When asked how Feed the Need Missions has helped her personally she said “Because of you guys I have more confidence in myself. You have helped me understand more of what walking out my faith and being a Christian is. I am now serving and have a leader role at the site which I never thought I would be able to do and I can! We all can,” she said.

 

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 Josh and Shawna, 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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Meet a Volunteer: Jaynet

Jaynet has been coming to the site for almost a year not just for food, but also for friendships. “A friend from First Baptist Church Justin was delivering Thanksgiving baskets (Gobble Kits) last year and there was a Feed the Need Missions flier in there. I wasn’t wanting to come out for the food, but the lady told me some people come out just to visit,” Jaynet said.

She loves to bring cookies with her every week to bless those who come through the line for food. “I was use to blessing folks with cookies, and thought delivering to Feed the Need Missions would be a great way to start building relationships,” she said. And it has. It also helps her to get out of the house once a week. And she said, “cookies make people smile and I like to make people smile.”

“Feed the Need Missions has allowed me to meet and get to know people I never would have met before. I am 81 years old and like to serve others. I sometimes stay for the video at the end (Table Talk).” Jaynet has grown by being able to bring a smile to others. It fills her heart with so much joy that she continues to bring cookies every week and enjoys a burger while fellowshipping with others.

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Meet a Volunteer: BRANDY

Brandy has been serving at the Justin site since 2017. Her and her husband Daniel accepted the Site Coordinator role this past year. Brandy has struggled with addiction and depression throughout her young adult life. The past three years Brandy has been working diligently to get her life back on track.

Because of her transformation, her struggles are far less dramatic compared to when she first started serving with Feed the Need Missions. “I have come to realize I truly am a new creature in Christ and the OLD really has GONE. Today, I focus on moving past what I used to be, and growing more into who I want to be. Feed the Need Missions has offered encouragement and accountability in my victories and struggles. It has truly become my forever family,” she said.

Feed the Need Missions has led her to grow in Christ by offering a discussion with lessons during Table Talk each week. Brandy said, “It has inspired my growth through scripture, fellowship, and prayer. I have grown in Christ through this ministry by loving volunteers and others who participate in the community.”

“I am gratefully thankful for Feed the Need Missions in helping me see who I really am, learning more about Jesus, and the transformation that has happened in my life.”

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MEET A VOLUNTEER: SHELIA

Sheila lives in Justin, Texas and currently attends the Justin site. She and her husband have been attending since Fall of 2017. Her husband, John, worked with our Site Coordinator Daniel who invited John to come for a burger. Sheila had just gotten out of the hospital when she was she received a burger from her husband.

After several months of healing, Sheila came to the site to serve. She was physically limited on how to help because of her two broken ankles. Over time she’s been able to stand on her feet and serve with joy. “Feed the Need Missions has helped me get outside of my four walls (house),” Sheila joyfully said.

Feed the Need Missions has impacted her by providing a new family, “one that I love AND they love me back,” she said. “My favorite part is the fellowship and volunteering. It has given me a sense of worth and also has provided support in my faith, hope and encouragement. It’s not as scary now to step out in faith,” Sheila added.

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Site Stories: Justin

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.

JUSTIN Serves every Thursday starting at 5:30pm at Justin Park located at 415 North College Ave., Justin, TX 78647.

Jay

Jay moved to Justin Texas from California in 1975. Growing up he spent most of his life moving around. “Dad was in the military and we moved around every 3 years. I had a hard time making friends and keeping friends because of it,” he said.

He moved in with his parents in 2009 to take care of them. In 2010 his father passed away and in 2016 his mother. Jay was married, but divorced because of alcoholism and other reasons. Right before he moved in with his parents Jay decided he needed to quit drinking and to get his life back on track with God.

After Jay’s mother died he started battling depression. He found himself slipping back with no where to turn. Before Jay started serving he would come to get free food and Brandon, our Justin Site Coordinator would pray with him every chance he could. Soon, Jay started serving and was being picked up for church by Brandon.

But that’s not all, just a few months ago Jay called Brandon in desperation. He was wanting to take his life. With a gun to his head he sent a desperate text message to Brandon and Brandon immediately went to his house. Through conversations and prayer Jay realized his life on earth still had meaning.

Jay was just recently baptized at First Baptist Church Justin where Brandon attends. Brandon was able to be in the baptismal with Jay. “I was the crazy guy dancing and raising my hands in the air after I came up out of the water. If it wasn’t for Brandon helping me through my challenges and praying with me, I would not have been able to experience God’s presence, and if it wasn’t for Feed the Need Missions I wouldn’t have a place where I can serve and share my story with others.”

Sheila 

Sheila lives in Justin Texas just a few miles from the Justin site. She heard about Feed the Need Missions from kids holding up signs for free hamburgers almost a year and a half ago. 
 
“Feed the Need Missions provides me an opportunity to meet new people and make friends. These friends have prayed and help support my emotional needs through my multiple chronic health issues. I have Sjogrens, Polymyositis (auto-immune, lymphoma, and cancer). As you can imagine it gets lonely.”
Shelia attends the Justin site when her health allows her too. Her favorite part of Feed the Need Missions is the devotional at the end (Table Talk). “Table Talk helps me learn. It has also enabled me to be brave enough to ask people to pray for my polymyositis and other chronic health issues.”

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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