Re-engaging the Next Generation Through Service and Conversations

In recent years, church participation has been steadily declining, particularly among younger generations. Church attendance in the U.S. has dropped significantly, with only 24% of Americans attending services regularly, compared to 36% pre-pandemic. The numbers are even lower for Gen Z and Millennials, where only 12-22% attend consistently​ (Barna Group)​ (The Christian Century). Despite this, there is still hope. Younger generations aren’t abandoning faith—they are simply looking for real, meaningful ways to live it out, especially through service and conversations about their beliefs​ (Pew Research Center).

The Church’s Role: More Than Just Community

Historically, churches have served as hubs of community support, emotional resources, and places where people can seek answers to life’s tough questions. But as church participation declines, these resources are becoming less available. This shrinking church involvement is contributing to growing isolation and a lack of emotional support in many communities​ (The Christian Century)​ (Shared Justice).

Research shows a direct connection between food insecurity and mental health. People facing food insecurity are 1.6 times more likely to suffer from psychological distress​ (BioMed Central). Ministries, like Feed the Need Missions, fill this gap by providing weekly meals that go beyond addressing just physical hunger. They offer emotional and spiritual nourishment through consistent engagement, which builds relationships and reduces isolation, especially in rural areas where churches have traditionally served as community anchors.

How Service Is the Key to Engaging the Next Generation

An encouraging trend is that while many younger adults are disengaging from traditional church attendance, they are eager to engage in acts of service. According to Barna Group, many young people want to put their faith into action through service-driven causes like social justice, mental health, and community involvement. Ministries like Feed the Need give them an outlet to live out their faith in practical, meaningful ways.

At Feed the Need Missions, each of our weekly site communities sees 3-6 one-on-one Gospel conversations. These are intentional moments where volunteers and guests can engage in meaningful discussions about faith, life, and purpose. In addition, we host Table Talk discussions where 30-40 people come together to discuss a scripture passage and explore how to intentionally walk it out during that evening’s outreach. These discussions are not just for volunteers—they also create a space where guests can engage with faith in a safe and open environment.

Meeting Basic Needs and Building Community

Meeting basic needs, like providing a hot meal, goes far beyond addressing food insecurity. Studies show that ministries addressing food insecurity help reduce poverty and create a platform for community reconnection. The weekly consistency of these meals fosters trust and opens the door for deeper spiritual engagement.

Feed the Need doesn’t just aim to meet immediate physical needs. It also helps reconnect people to local churches and spiritual communities. By building relationships week after week, we provide opportunities for people to feel seen, known, and valued, which often leads them back to the church community.

The Long-Term Opportunity: Growing the Local Church and Building the Kingdom

The long-term opportunity here is immense. By providing consistent service opportunities and engaging in Gospel conversations, ministries like Feed the Need create pathways for re-engaging the local church. We see volunteers and guests alike begin to attend church again and experience renewed faith, all through the simple act of consistently showing up and caring for their community.

According to research from The Urban Institute, for every $1 invested in community outreach ministries, there’s a return of up to $5 in social and healthcare savings. By providing consistent care and support, churches and ministries like Feed the Need are laying the groundwork for long-term community transformation. These efforts help build relationships, reignite faith, and ultimately grow the Kingdom.

We are living in a time where church participation is declining, but that doesn’t mean people have stopped seeking deeper meaning. Ministries like Feed the Need Missions offer a solution to this challenge. Through consistent acts of service and intentional faith conversations, we help bridge the gap for younger generations and those who feel disconnected from the church. We’re not just feeding people physically—we’re feeding them emotionally and spiritually, building lasting relationships that can transform both lives and communities.

By stepping into this space, we can help reignite the church, restore it as a place of community, hope, and support, and create long-lasting change in our communities.

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THE FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWTH

Feed the Need Missions has been on a journey to help our weekly sites become self-sustaining and figure out best practices for launching new sites. The first Missions Council was established and began meeting regularly in early 2024.

Greg Rutledge provided some insights into the purpose of the Council.

One pivotal role of the Missions Council is to establish the target operating model for local and area-specific missions councils. These regional councils will serve as a support system, steering all sites within their jurisdiction towards a sustainable future. By sharing best practices, resources, and insights, these councils will play a vital role in aligning individual sites with the broader mission and vision of Feed the Need.

By the end of 2024, with the help of the Missions Council, we plan to launch a new Bastrop site and start the process of launching two sites out of state.

Would you join us in prayer for the launching of upcoming sites and for the Lord to move in helping us make connections in communities needing physical and spiritual nurishment.

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Fire Safety: Protecting Your Home and Family

This week is National Fire Prevention Week. This is observed annually during the week of October 9th and commemorates the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the critical need for fire safety awareness and preparation.

Back in 2011, Feed the Need Missions provided disaster relief during a massive fire right in our own community in Bastrop. Thousands of our neighbors, including our staff members and many of our long-time donors, were evacuated and many homes were lost. It was a devastating time for our community, but we had the opportunity to jump into action and provide a hot meal and listening ear to our neighbors in need.

We served over 18,000 meals in the first two weeks and Feed the Need Missions was forever changed by that experience. It unfortunately was not the only widespread fire we have responded to in our communities over the years, but it taught us a lot about how impactful disaster relief can be to communities in need because we experienced it first hand, especially when you come prepared.

Fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and taking proactive steps to protect your home and family can make a significant difference in the event of a fire emergency.

In honor of this week, let’s explore essential fire safety practices, including maintaining fire and carbon monoxide detectors, creating a thorough escape plan, and emphasizing the importance of educating your family on fire safety.

Regular Maintenance of Detectors:

Fire and carbon monoxide detectors are essential tools for early detection of potential dangers. Regularly test and maintain these devices to ensure they function correctly. Change batteries as needed and promptly address any malfunction or low battery alerts. Remember, these detectors can save lives by providing crucial early warnings.

Creating an Escape Plan:

Developing a detailed escape plan for your household is crucial. Involve all family members in the planning process and ensure everyone understands the plan thoroughly. Identify primary and secondary escape routes from each room in the house. Designate a safe meeting point outside the home where everyone can gather after evacuating.

Educating Your Family:

Knowledge is power when it comes to fire safety. Educate your family, especially children, about the importance of fire safety and the actions to take during a fire emergency. Teach them how to identify the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and what to do if they hear these alarms.

Emergency Contacts and Resources:

Keep emergency numbers, such as the local fire department and poison control center, easily accessible. Additionally, familiarize yourself and your family with fire safety resources provided by organizations like NFP.org. These resources offer valuable information on fire prevention, safety measures, and creating a fire-safe environment.

Regular Fire Drills:

Conduct fire drills at home to reinforce the escape plan and ensure that everyone knows what to do in a fire emergency. Practice different scenarios, including escaping from various parts of the house and meeting at the designated safe spot. Repetition helps to instill a sense of preparedness and calmness during stressful situations.
By regularly maintaining detectors, creating a comprehensive escape plan, educating your family, and staying informed through reputable resources, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related emergencies.

Let’s prioritize fire safety and work together to protect our homes and loved ones.

To learn more about fire safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website [here].

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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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Staff Team Update: Nichole Garner

When you think of answered prayers, what comes to your mind? For us at Feed the Need Missions it has come in the form of someone special. We are so proud to announce that God not only brought us a new Office Manager, but went beyond our expectations and brought someone with experience and a heart for the Mission! Here is a short message from Nichole:

“My name is Nichole Garner. My family became affiliated with Feed the Need Missions about six years ago. We began with this organization serving as Site Coordinators for the Smithville location when it was on Sunday evenings. My husband, Tim, my two children, Anna and Luke, and I, served this Smithville community for four years. Our prayer was to find a place that we could serve as a family…and God answered that prayer with Feed the Need Missions.

Serving with this organization gave us an opportunity to be God’s hands in a community of people that were, not only hungry, but hurting. The people were extremely grateful for a free meal, but more so, they came every Sunday to have someone to listen, cry, laugh, hug, share God’s word and pray with them. What they didn’t know was that they were blessing us just as much as we were blessing them. God did amazing things at the Smithville site during this time and my family and I got to witness it.

Powerful prayers were being answered; relationships were mending as new ones were forming; addictions were being overcome; and people were finding Jesus. Feed the Need Missions gave us the opportunity to walk along side people as God changed them drastically. So AMAZING!

I am so excited to be back with Feed the Need Missions, currently working as the new Office Manager and once again serving at the Smithville site. Since I began serving again in Smithville, I have seen a lot of new faces, but some familiar as well. I love seeing how God has continued to work in this community and has brought me back to be a part of it. What a blessing!”

Welcome back Nichole. We are grateful to the Lord for bringing you back into the Mission!

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The Evolution of a Mission Mobile

Every week, beautiful, custom built trailers roll in to sites across Texas, fully equipped to feed communities physically and spiritually. These are the Feed the Need Missions trailers. But it hasn’t always been this way. We sat down with Jonah Beyer, president of Feed the Need Missions, to learn about the evolution of these incredible “mission mobiles.”

In the Beginning

Feed the Need Missions trailers are vital tools used to deliver supplies and support the work of feeding communities. But when Feed the Need Missions began operating, there was no trailer. “We started with volunteers showing up with personal grills. Chairs and tables were hauled over in pickup trucks and flatbed trailers,” Jonah shared. But over time, leadership realized this wasn’t a sustainable plan. “We needed a place to store supplies, so that they would last longer. We needed a mechanism for maintaining cleanliness. And carting things to the sites every week was very wearing on the volunteers.” So the team put their heads together to try to come up with a solution. And the idea for the trailer was born.

The Flatbed Prototype

Trailers seemed like a good place to start. “Volunteers brought small box trailers in the beginning,” Jonah said. “Unfortunately, people kept bumping they heads on them, because they are so short.” Realizing something more custom-made would be needed, they began to dream.

They started by assessing needs. The trailers would need to fit everything needed to run the site, including chairs, tables, a grill, serving and cooking utensils, cutting boards, tents, cleaning supplies paper towels, food, and drink coolers. “When we built the first trailer, it was just me and one volunteer. I was learning to weld at the time. So we grabbed a flatbed trailer and started to try to modify it.” They soon realized this was a daunting challenge to modify. “So, back to the drawing board, we decided to retrofit an enclosed box trailer.”

Unit A-1: The Modified Enclosed Box Trailer

“We had very specific criteria as we set out to modify the box trailer,” said Jonah. “We needed to keep it compact, so it was easy for a volunteer with a half ton pickup truck to tow. We wanted it to protect all of the supplies and maintain the durability of the supplies and equipment. It needed lighting because in the winter months it got dark early. It also needed a water supply because some sites didn’t have water. But it also had to be low maintenance.”

In 2015 Feed the Need Missions completed and launched Unit A-1. An enclosed 10′ box trailer, it was equipped with solar power, lighting, and a gravity-fed water system onboard. A spigot on the front of the trailer would provide opportunity to fill drink coolers and wash utensils and supplies.

A-2: The Next Generation

“Once we put A-1 in the field, and did training, we realized that it was just too compact,” Jonah laughs. “The team kindof teased me because I packed everything in like a Tetris game, but it wasn’t simple for most volunteers to figure out how I had done it. It wasn’t easy to restock, the layout wasn’t user friendly—we realized we were going to need a little more space pretty quickly.”

So, two years later, Unit A-2, which was larger, was launched and dispatched to the north Texas sites in 2017. This time things were laid out and additions were made. It was completed just in time to dispatch it for Disaster Relief during Hurricane Harvey and helped us serve countless meals to those affected by the massive storm in Texas.

A-3: A Fully Equipped Mission Mobile

“The latest model of our Feed the Need Missions trailers was deployed just last week,” Jonah shared. Additional modifications have been made, including a solution to put hot water on board, which is helpful for north Texas especially, for winter season, and for cleaning.

“But one of the best modifications to these new trailers is that we have equipped them with AV,” Jonah said. “Years ago, my Grandad visited a site. I was sharing with him about Table Talk, our discipleship plan and he suggested that it would be helpful and beneficial to find a way to put a television on the side of the trailers to keep consistent messaging at all the sites. That conversation took place in 2013, and it’s reality now. On this new unit, there is a tv mounted in the side with a door that flips up and it has sound. It’s very exciting.” This AV equips volunteers to do effective and consistent ministry, to reach our guests with a clear presentation of the Gospel message.

A-4: Built to Last

In production now is Unit A-4. While A-3 captures the functionality of what each site needs, the next generation of trailer will tackle durability. “We are looking at what hasn’t held up well over the years and what needs to be built to last longer,” shared Jonah. One of the ways they are doing that is by tapping in to creative partnerships.

“We contracted with a local company called Spiradrill to help us build out a more durable unit.” Spiradrill is a local company that is a big supporter of Feed the Need Missions. The partnership in the trailer building arose because sourcing challenges and product shortages made if difficult to find a cost effective way to costom build what was needed. “We purchase the basic box trailer, which is easy to acquire, and Spiradrill is doing the upgrades like cabinetry and equipment installation. The labor is donated, and in return they get a beneficial visibility to the community.

 

The Current Model

Our weekly site trailers are designed to support 3 sites within an area. They are a self contained unit equipped with a grill, tables/chairs, freshwater, dish-washing station, water heater, lighting, solar power, all equipment to run a site, and supplies it has everything needed to be self-sufficient and convenient. Each trailer should be able to support 3 sites for a month (12 events). It is branded to help promote and spread the word about the mission. Contact us for more information about Feed the Need Missions or partnerships. 

 

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The Heart Behind the Hamburger

Motive Matters in a Mission

Mission statements are important.

Simply put, they are an organization’s what—as in “what we do.” Carefully crafted statements of intent, these manifestos are a tool that unifies a team with a task-focused purpose. Mission statements are a necessary part of internal communication, as they clarify specific objectives and expectations. They drive (or deter) activity. Externally, mission statements are important outreach tools. They enable people in need of a service to find it, and they also connect an organizations with individuals who might choose to join or support the cause.

However, as well thought-out and appealing as any organization’s “what” might be— the “why” is equally as important.

Mission statements are action-based, but they must be developed in tandem with a specific motivation. While mission statements provide information, it’s the heart behind an organization that stirs necessary passion. The “why” brings the emotional and spiritual aspects into play. It makes it personal, connecting people who share a set of values and beliefs to a set of goals. And this galvanizes resolve. Ageeing on the “why” behind the “what” strengthens individuals to push through resistance, change, discomfort, turnover, exhaustion, inconvenience, and sacrifice that inevitably come over time in any organizational endeavor.

The Motive Behind the Feed the Need Mission

At Feed the Need Missions, our mission is to mobilize believers to feed people physically and spiritually in their communities, while actively building disciple-making relationships.

In other words, we are a food-related ministry that equips Christians to fulfill the divine call on their lives to love others (John 13:34) and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). While that all begins with the firing up of a grill to fill hungry bellies, our ultimate goal is to build relationships so that we can grow the Kingdom of God in depth and breadth.  

But why do we do what we do?

If you’ve visited one of our eight Feed the Need Missions site locations, or attended one of our events, you wouldn’t have difficulty discovering why. The answer is printed on nearly everything, from the volunteer attire to vinyl signs, supply trailers and more:

We love because He first loved us.

-1 John 4:19

This Scripture reference serves as an ever-present visual reminder of our “why.” Simply put, we are compelled to share the love Christ because of the way we have personally experienced it. We do what we do because we have encountered the living God, Jesus Christ. Our action is in response to our gratitude for the hope He has instilled in us.

We do what we do because Scripture challenges us to reciprocate toward God by caring for others. And this is almost an instinctive reaction, because  we truly want others to have the opportunity to share in the joy, transformation and healing He makes possible. Whether at our site cookouts, when dispatch disaster relief teams, or in planning any planned event. The heart behind the hamburger is the love of God. All that we do is in order to put it on full display.

What is Love According to the Bible?

In basing our motivation on biblical love, it follows that we should be careful to understand the nature of biblical love.

First, it is distinctive from the world’s concept of love. Today’s cultural perception of love is often short-lived, because it is based on personal gain, fleeting emotion, physical attraction, or convenience. Biblical love, by contrast, perseveres because it is rooted in so much more than feelings or circumstances. Holy love is a commitment to a lifestyle of action. When the Bible instructs us to love, often its meaning is synonymous with others-focused service (1 John 3:18).

Jesus, the embodiment of divine love, spent His ministry years meeting the physical, social and spiritual needs of others. He loved by offering meals, grieving with those who had lost loved ones, giving encouragement, teaching and training, healing wounds, giving counsel, interceding, intervening with literally everything He had to connect people to His father and His church. He expects nothing less that this from us. In fact, he warns of the judgement to come in Matthew 25, making that the mark of a true believer is sacrificial loving actions toward “even the least of these.”

Biblical love is not based on deservedness. Flawed, selfish, sinful human beings receive grace as a gift from a perfect God. No one can possibly deserve it.  And yet, He reaches out. He pursues. He blesses. He heals and forgives. And so, as image bearers, we must extend the love outward to others in the same way. Without distinction. Without preference. As Christ-followers, we can help dismantle the flawed thinking that people have to ‘clean up” to come to God. Jesus was a diety who ran to others in humble service, rather than making demands. Just as God offered to us openly to consistently, and unconditionally, so we must do the same.

Share the Love with Feed the Need Missions

What is your “why?” Have you discovered a way to connect your values to a mission in active service? If you’re passionate about loving others God’s way, making disciples, sharing the Gospel, meeting physical and spiritual needs, or sharing your testimony, we would love to connect with you! Visit our website for more information about how to get involved.

 

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Bringing Hunger Relief & Hope to Texas & Beyond

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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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Getting to Know the Staff

Last month, Feed the Need Missions welcomed Sean Tangen as our new Program Director. Sean’s overwhelming drive is for people to find and serve in their purpose. With 29 years of vocational, leadership and volunteer ministry experience, we know he will be an incredible asset to our mission. Recently, we sat down with Sean to get a sense of his vision as he dives into his new position here. Check out the inspirational events that led him to our team.

Q: How did you discover Feed the Need Missions?

A: Four years ago, we served as a family on a missions trip in the dumps of Tijuana. That adventure jumpstarted my search for how to live a missional life. For two years I prayed for the Lord to direct our family in how to live that trust-filled life while sharing His hope as a family. I came across a video of Feed the Need Missions late one night in my prayer and research. In that video, I witnessed someone share the impact the mission had in their life. It wasn’t about the burger, it was about the relationship! It was so obvious that he found it in the Feed the Need Missions community. His story was not unlike so many others all around us. People hungry to discover their belonging and purpose. It was then I knew I had to get involved.

Q: Tell us about your previous work/ministry experience.

A: It is said, “Do what you love and you will never work a day of your life.” That has never been more true for me. I have always had a heart to serve others. It began when someone took time to invest in me at 15 years old when no one else would. During that time of mentorship, I learned the value of Scripture. I committed to live out 1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us!” That has led me to some of the greatest “jobs” you could hope for.

I have worked/volunteered with various ministries for almost 30 years. Most recently I worked for a ministry called Young Life. I served as an Area Director in four communities in three states over 20 years. I have also served as Program Director in a ministry focused on kids in the juvenile justice system. I have owned two businesses, helped start four others and currently help coach other non-profits in various ways.

Q: Tell us about you – your family, things you enjoy.

A: I have been married to my high school love, Erin, for 25 years. We have served together in life and ministry and believe that has been God’s plan for us since the beginning of our relationship. He has always showed us how to love each other well. This has be the catalyst in every aspect of our lives. 

I have two exceptional kids. Shayla is 15 and Asher is 13. Shayla is an incredible artist and writer. Her compassion for others is rarely seen in teens today. She has a heart for those in need and one day plans to “serve the least of these” through missions work. Asher is my son through and through. He loves being the center of attention and making people laugh. He also has an extremely sensitive side and goes out of his way to include everyone.

Q: Tell us what excites you about this new season.

A: I am so thankful that the Lord has led me and my family to Feed the Need Missions! The first part of my role is to help solidify and support the existing ministries that are currently happening. We have incredible volunteers that give so faithfully and I plan to support them in every way I can.

It is also part of my vision and role to grow Feed the Need Missions in 2022. We are looking to expand into three to six additional communities over my first year on staff, Lord willing. It is clear that this ministry can impact multitudes of people. I have seen a number of ministries with a similar design, but none have had the impact that Feed the Need Missions does regularly. I know firsthand the desire of wanting to be known. Feed the Need Missions offers that missing piece in our society today. I can’t wait to see what Jesus has in mind in the near future.

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