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Where is God in Coronavirus?

by Michael Warden, Board Member

Anytime we are faced with widespread suffering, the first question that always comes up is “Where is God in all of this?” The good news is that the answer remains that God is where He always has been, on His throne, and in complete control.

At first, this can seem disheartening. If bad stuff can happen, even when God is in control, why should I trust God? But consider the reverse. If God were incapable of stopping bad things from happening, would that make you feel better or worse about the situation?

The reality is that we as believers can feel confident through hard times precisely because we know that our God will use this situation for our good and His glory.

Disease and Death Enter the World

Let’s back up. Scientists believe Coronavirus first infected humans in a market in Wuhan, China, but where did this virus come from, spiritually speaking?

God did not create the world for death and suffering. After God had finished making Eve so that Adam would not be lonely, Genesis 1:31 says:

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. (ESV)

But Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3, and through that sin, we see that death and suffering enter the world. We were not made to separated from the ones we love, or to suffer through painful disease, and so the emotional and spiritual tolls are often as great as the physical ones.

God Uses Suffering for Our Good and His Glory

But God, being all-powerful and all-knowing, did not just leave His children to suffer in vain. The pattern in scripture is clear. He is Lord, even in our sufferings. We can see the promise made in Romans 8:28, among other places.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)- Romans 8:28

But this promise is not idle. Repeatedly throughout scripture, God fulfills His purposes for the good of His people through trying times. In Genesis, Joseph is sold into slavery, sent to Egypt, only to redeem His people by leading Egypt through a tremendous famine. In the end, Joseph declares:

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (ESV) – Genesis 50:20

In Job, God allows Satan to take everything away from Job but his life. His possession and his children are destroyed. In the end, Job confesses:

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (ESV)- Job 42:2–6

In this case, God restores Job’s family and possessions to him, and, in fact, doubles them, but more importantly, Job trusts God through all of His suffering, and through that trust, it is counted righteousness to Him through Jesus Christ.

We could take nearly endless other examples of suffering from the Bible to make similar points, from Jonah, to Paul, but the most obvious example is Jesus Himself. Through Jesus’ suffering, God reconciled the world to Himself. Jesus’ death on the cross was not Satan’s defeat of God, as the men on the road Emmaus wondered (Luke 24:13-17), but God’s defeat of Satan once and for all (John 19:30- “It is finished.”).

For the Unbeliever

The reality is that the world is like this, full of disease, suffering, and death, whether you believe there is a merciful God on the throne or whether you believe that this is also just random chance. The difference between the two outlooks is whether the reality of the current world will produce hope or dismay.

For the unbeliever, suffering and loss in the only time you believe you have could easily lead to dismay. This world, you believe, is as good as anything ever gets. If it’s not so good to you, what hope might you have for something better?

For the believer, however, we are included in the promise of Romans 8:28. All things work together for our good, whether in this life or eternity, and this world is the worst we must endure. All things will be made new.

If you have not yet put your faith in Christ, this is an opportunity to enter into His promises. Ask us how.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (ESV)- Revelation 21:3–5

How are we as Christians called to respond?

As believers, because we can be confident in the promises of God even in the midst of suffering, we do not have to respond from a place of fear. We are free to demonstrate God’s love for us, by loving others. Ministering to people’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs continues to be our response.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (ESV)- Romans 12:15

 

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. (ESV) – John 21:15–17

 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (ESV)- James 1:12

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Come Make A Difference

Feed the Need Missions’ ministry is simply to feed people both physically and spiritually. We provide a hot meal on a weekly basis in communities across Texas. This weekly meal allows us to build long-lasting relationships and proclaim the love and message of Christ.

Scott from Bastrop South shared this, “The encouragement that I receive here has helped me grow socially. I am able to talk more about my personal struggles and about God to other people. I’ve had a problem with going to church since my mom has passed away and you guys have helped fill me spiritually.”

Feed the Need Missions depends on our volunteers. Without our dedicated team of volunteers, we would not be able to serve our communities like we do. Debbie from Giddings said, “We get more out of Feed the Need Missions than what we give in to the ministry.”

We need your help! Come make a difference in your community or surrounding area. Be a part of what God is doing through those that serve and those being served.

Check out what a few more of our volunteers and those we serve have said about Feed the Need Missions:

“I’ve never had anyone ask me if they could take my picture,” Jimmy said in tears. “I’ve been coming around here since you started behind the Lumberyard years ago, and now I live on this side of town so I come here on Sunday’s.”– Jimmy from Bastrop North

“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.” – Justin from Smithville

“The encouragement that I receive here has helped me grow socially. I am able to talk more about my personal struggles and about God to other people. I’ve had a problem with going to church since my mom has passed away and you guys have helped fill me spiritually,” – Scott from Bastrop South

“We want to be the church and to love people where they are,” – Jack from LBA

“I’m plugged in now. I come here and do Table Talk to our guests. I translate it to them in Spanish for them to understand the gospel. It feels great to help out, and share God’s love, and it’s also helping me grow,” – Nat from Stony Point

“Feed the Need Missions is about the relationships and sharing the gospel. It’s not about the numbers it’s about a personal connection with them and Jesus Christ,” – Josh from Justin

“I love being able to serve in the ministry. We can’t all go on mission trips due to funds and vacation time, instead me and my family can serve here,“ – Nick from Newark

Come out to one of our communities and be a part of the great work the Lord is doing!

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SCHOOL IS IN SESSION – PRAYERS APPRECIATED

As parents and children were standing around at the sites talking about going back to school, I overheard a conversation of a mother who was nervous about sending their kids off to school this year. “There’s so much going on in this world, you never know when our schools will be next” she said. She has three girls and two boys who will be attending school this year.

Most parents I’m sure feel the same way. As August draws to a close, the minds of parents turn to all-things back-to-school. This time of year can definitely be filled with anxieties but it can also be an exciting time too. In honor of back to school, we asked a few families to share how they feel about going back:

“Life always brings its challenges whether your in school or out of school”– Mike

“My boys are strong enough to make it a good year and I believe they will. I am very involved in their schooling and I do believe that plays a big part in it.”– Philip

“I’ve been teaching for 18 years and each year brings it’s own challenges, but I have faith in God to get us through.”– Miss Garcia

“I’ve never had any issues with the schools here. I think our school system does its best with what it has to work with. Of course we can fear the unknowns, but that takes up to much brain power. So I just keep moving forward and hope for the best.”– Annette

“I love my school and all my teachers. Sometimes kids can be mean but it’s a part of life.”– Pablo

As a community we need to serve our schools. There are countless opportunities available to get more involved. Visit your locals schools webpage to find out how you can stay involved and make a difference in the lives of our educators and students.

And pray. Every single day. Pray.

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Beat the Heat, Part 2

July and August are the two hottest months in Texas.

Extreme Heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. In most of the United States, extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body. Remember that:

  • Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
  • Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
  • Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

IF YOU ARE UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING:

  • Find air conditioning.
  • Avoid strenuous activities.
  • Watch for heat illness.
  • Wear light clothing.
  • Check on family members and neighbors.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
  • Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

 

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Story: Vasquez Family

The Vasquez family of seven struggles to make ends meet. During the school year, the free and reduced feeding programs at school make meals easier for their family. Now that summer is coming, they frequently eat their dinners with us at Feed the Need Missions on Sundays at the Bastrop North site.

“We are a large family. My husband works full time and I take care of the children. Sometimes it’s hard to feed 7 people and during the summer it’s even harder. We like to come for free burgers. It helps my family so much. I can’t buy much meat during the summer because I have to buy more food for us. Thank you so much for feeding us.”

The Vasquez family has been coming to the Bastrop North site for the past 2 years. “Sometimes my children like to come and serve with you. It’s a way we can say thank you.”

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NEW SITE LOCATION: NEWARK

Feed the Need Missions is excited to announce the launch of our second site in the Denton Area! Our Newark location launched with Site Coordinator Scotlan Stewart and his wife Ronette. Scotlan and Ronette heard about Feed the Need Missions through Brandon Phifer and served along side of him at our Justin site.

This site will be meeting Tuesday evenings. Set up starts at 5pm-6pm and feeding to follow from 6pm-7pm. Followed by Table Talk and clean up. This site meets at the park across from the Fire Station in Newark located at 405 Hudson St. Newark, TX 76071.

We are so excited to see what God is doing in this area and we thank all of you for your prayers and generosity during this time of harvesting.

Here is our newest location!

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Fort Bend County Here We Come!

Seven years ago, God burdened my heart for this ministry and gave us a vision to spread it across the country. That seemed like an impossible task for us, and it is, but it is not impossible for God. I’m so excited about all of the things that He has been teaching us over the past several years. He’s been teaching us how to minister to people, sharing the gospel in our churches and communities and how to be effective at running and operating a sucessful ministry.

We have come a long way in developing the Bastrop area, which currently has five sites and operates on a weekly basis. The Denton area was launched last year and currently has one site and soon we will be establishing a second.

Our next new adventure is launching into the Fort Bend County area. A couple of years ago God showed us the next place He wanted us to go. Being unsure of the logistics and timetable, we continued to pray and waited patiently. God is now opening up the doors and has given the ministry a green light, or should I say “the command to go.”

I am excited about this next step as we continue to learn what it looks like to launch in new areas. This is where we need your help! Without you, the ministry wouldn’t be able to function the way it does. We are so grateful for you! It’s because of people like yourself, who listen to God and follow the passion that He is giving you for this ministry. You allow Feed the Need Missions to reach people for Christ. We NEED you to help us to continue carrying the mission and vision that God has for our ministry.

First, we are reaching out and asking you for prayers. Pray for the Fort Bend County leadership and volunteers that God has hand selected for His specific locations that He wants us to plant. Pray that the soil begins to cultivate and seeds are planted.

Second, we are reaching out and asking you to connect. Connect us with those that might be interested in serving. Help connect us with your church, friends and family.

Third, we are reaching out and asking you for funds. Over the next few months we will work to raise the first phase of funds and recruit volunteers in preparation to start three new sites in October. Our goal is to raise $100,000 between now and the end of the year, to help with the initial process of launching the Fort Bend County area.

God has called us to feed people physically and spiritually. For us that looks like providing a weekly hot meal and a listening ear while pointing people to Christ. The consistency of having a weekly meal is critical to building relationships and trust in order to effectively share the gospel and make disciples. Each meal costs an average of two dollars. But the impact is so crucial, even if it’s just one person who responds. How can we put a value on that person’s soul?

There are three ways you can support us financially:

  1. Pledge a monthly amount, so we can continue to be at each one of our sites faithfully each week, rain or shine, holiday or not.
  2. Make a one-time gift to help us launch Fort Bend County.
  3. Help us spread the word. Let your family, church family, and neighbors know about Feed the Need Missions and encourage them to give too.

Again, I can’t thank you enough for all the prayers, time and generosity that you have given to this ministry. I am humbled and honored to have the privilege to serve our God in the capacity He has called me to in this ministry. I look forward to seeing how He continues to use each of us to reach more people with His message and making disciples of all nations.

Learn more about our Fort Bend County launch or to donate.

Blessings,

Jonah Beyer
President

 

DONATE NOW
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Thanksgiving Happenings: Updates

Thanksgiving Day

On Thanksgiving Day our Feed the Need Justin site will be serving Thanksgiving dinner to it’s community. The site will be having a potluck style classic Thanksgiving Dinner from 5pm-6pm. If you’re in the Ft Worth area and you and your family need a hot meal or a place to serve on Thanksgiving, join us at 415 N College Avenue Justin, TX at the Justin City Park.

Thanksgiving Boxed Dinner Giveaway

Feed the Need Missions had the opportunity to partner with Primera Baptist Church this past weekend and provided 220 turkeys for their food pantry distribution. In addition, each Feed the Need site in the Bastrop Area registered families for Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway meals. With your help, we were able to make 140 meal bags and pass out another 210 turkeys, for a total of 430 turkeys.

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One dad that stopped by recently lost his job, and he was so thankful to be able to still provide a Thanksgiving meal for his family. His family thanks everyone who has been a part of Feed the Need. “I can’t believe you did this,” his son said while helping him with groceries to his van.

What a blessing it is to know that many families will be able to cook a Thanksgiving meal together!

 

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A Letter from Our President

I have been eagerly waiting for the day to share this news with you. Today, I am pleased to announce that Mission U-Too is officially changing its name to Feed the Need Missions, and we are thrilled to see what God does through this new name.

Seven years ago God burdened my heart to get involved with a group of people that were flipping burgers and telling others about Jesus. They called it Mission U-Too because their heart was aimed to get you involved also.

A year later it became clear that there was more to this simple cookout than just serving burgers in one small town in Texas. God wanted us to spread this ministry and empower people to share their faith with a hurting world that might not typically step foot in a church. Today we serve in six locations across Texas, and are equipped to provide disaster relief in our own communities and across the country if needed.

I have seen this organization build strong communities in the areas where we meet weekly. People are drawn in from all walks of life, and serve together with a heart of making disciples that are passionate about seeing God’s kingdom advance. By using a tool as simple as a burger, the gospel is being shared and people’s lives are being changed. It is truly amazing to watch God expand this ministry and continually remind us of our need for Jesus.

As the ministry has grown, it has been a challenge to explain what our organization does because our name, Mission U-Too, can come across confusing. We began to pray about a new name a few years ago and the past year Feed the Need Missions fell into place. And we couldn’t be more excited about this change.

Our focus is still the same mission, same great people, same free burger, and same desire to spread the gospel by feeding people physically and spiritually. I love the fact that the name not only calls us to action in feeding people, but also reminds us of our need to be fed by Jesus.

Here is a link to our press release and official statement regarding our name change. Please do not hesitate to call or email me with any questions you might have. I hope you are as fired up as we are about this new chapter, we can’t wait to see God move through Feed the Need Missions.

In Him,

Jonah Beyer
President

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A Pledge Update

Check out the video above with the latest updates from Jonah Beyer, Mission U-Too’s President.

The past couple of months, we have been talking about and asking people to partner with us financially each month. Our ask is simple: Can you commit to giving $20 each month?

The ask might be simple, but the impact is huge. When you give $20 a month, you are allowing 10 people to be fed and reached for the Gospel every month. That’s 120 people you are impacting each year, just from giving $20 a month.

On average each community needs $2,500 in monthly pledges to cover all costs. So we set the goal for $20 monthly commitments from 125 people from each community so all our costs are covered and we can focus on pouring into the lives of those who come to Mission U-Too each week.

The progress we have made in less than two months is so encouraging. Currently, we have raised 60% of our overall goal for our six communities. And some individual communities are over 75% funded! Just check out the progress from each of our communities.

 

 

Our goal is within sight, but we still need your help to reach it!

If you haven’t had a chance to sign up to give monthly, it’s not too late. Or maybe you are giving monthly, but you are able to give more. Any amount helps us to continue to serve our local communities and spread God’s love.

Simply pledge now!

Are you in?

SIGN UP NOW
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