Cardboard Testimonies

We recently had the incredible privilege of coming together at our 2023 Annual Gala, and what a night it was! It was a night filled with celebration, generosity, and gratitude for the remarkable transformations that have taken place in the lives of countless individuals.

At this gala, we were surrounded by a multitude of volunteers and guests who have been deeply touched and changed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. It was an awe-inspiring moment when these brave souls stood before us and shared their stories of life before Christ and how He had transformed them through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

For the past 13 years, our weekly outreach sites have been beacons of hope for those who, for various reasons, might not have otherwise stepped foot in a church or felt deserving of it. We’ve witnessed lives being transformed simply by providing a hot meal and a listening ear. These acts of kindness, fueled by your unwavering support, have impacted our communities incredibly.

We were reminded of the power of simplicity as we prepared to deliver the message at our Annual Gala about how God has been working through our weekly sites. We’ve been equipping our volunteers with a powerful tool: the ability to share their testimonies in just 15 seconds. It’s a small but effective way to initiate conversations and invite people to reflect on their own stories and how God has influenced or changed their lives.

This year, we wanted to highlight the lives that have been forever changed because of what God did on the cross through His son, Jesus. So, we reached out to our volunteers and guests from all our weekly sites, asking if they would be willing to share their “cardboard testimonies” during the event.

The response was overwhelming, and on the night of the gala, a video link played, followed by numerous guests and volunteers standing up in the room, each holding a cardboard with their testimony. It was a humbling moment as people looked around the room, witnessing the incredible impact that God’s grace had on so many lives.

We want to take this moment to express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for believing in our mission, your unwavering support, and your incredible generosity. Thank you for volunteering your time, your resources, and your love. Most importantly, thank you for seeking after the Lord and being vessels of the gospel message being proclaimed.

As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that lie before us. Together, we can continue to be beacons of hope, love, and faith in our community, and through the simple act of sharing our stories, we can continue to spread the message of God’s grace and redemption.

With heartfelt thanks and blessings,

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Changed Lives: Tamika’s Story

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

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

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

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

It’s easy to do what we’ve always done. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” is all too familiar. Change can be incredibly hard, and stepping out into the unknown is often unnerving. 

Just six months ago, I was on staff at a church in the southeastern corner of Iowa making plans to launch a mutli-site campus for a growing church. I had a carefully thought-out plan for the next several years concerning my position and the church’s growth.  I’ll spare you the details, but it was a really good plan.  Just before we got into the thick of planting, my wife, Lindy, thought it would be good to recharge with folks we knew would encourage us and pray over us, and rest a little before we kicked into full-blown church planting busyness. So, in late February, we made a trip to Texas to visit our faith family and close friends.  The trip was amazing and we got far more than we had hoped for!

One evening towards the end of our visit Lindy asked, “We’re moving back to Texas aren’t we?” “No way,” I told her. “We’re planting a church in Iowa,” I reassured. The visit had been an incredible time to recharge. I felt more confident in my giftings and how God would use them in Iowa. Little did I know God was putting into motion a new plan. The problem was it did not align with my carefully crafted plan. 

After a couple weeks, God began to stir within my heart. I even found myself wrestling with the decision I had already made and was set on following through with. I was planting a new church and that’s the end of it!!! It was not the end of it, however.  Cue dark billowing clouds rolling in and lightning strike. Ok, so it wasn’t quite that dramatic—but the Lord did remind me, 

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.—Proverbs 19:21

Now the hard part. In my pride I felt foolish. I was leaving the church at a critical time as the launch was happening. How would that look?  I was moving my family back to Texas away from the family we moved to be closer to in the first place. In all His goodness, God revealed I was more concerned about how others would perceive this transition than my obedience to His calling for myself and my family. Pride is a tricky beast. Kick it in the pants, repent, and prepare to live in the fullness God intends for us. 

The question I have to ask you is this: Are you willing to move as the Lord leads? Are you willing to step back from the comfort of the familiar? Is God calling you do something hard or maybe bigger than you can seemingly handle? When we move in accordance with the Holy Spirit, we often get a front row seat to see the beauty of God’s work unfold before us. What’s holding you back? 

About the Writer
Hi, I’m Jace Allen! I’m the newest staff member to join Feed the Need Missions team.  Actually…I’m back, y’all!  For those of you who don’t know, I had the privilege of serving on staff with Feed the Need Missions from 2017-2019. My wife Lindy, my son Jax, and my daughter Piper made it back to Texas the first part of June. I cannot adequately express how overjoyed we are to be back and serving with Feed the Need Missions! God is on the move.  He’s always on the move and we are honored to be a part of His work. We can’t wait to see Jesus continue to transform lives in the communities in which we serve. 
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Disaster in My Own Backyard

Unfamiliar Territory

My family moved to Texas a little over seven months ago when I came on staff at Feed the Need Missions. Hailing from the Northwest, we’ve seen little in the way of natural disasters. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I could grasp some of what happens when catastrophe strikes.  

We were just closing on the sale of our home in Elgin, Texas when the tornado warnings began. By mid-afternoon, these escalated to shelter-in-place orders. I will never forget the eerie feeling I got when instructed to “hide in the center of my home and brace for possibility of impact.” What a jarring reality to be faced with for the first time.

Fortunately, nothing happened to our new home. But news quickly began to circulate about possible touchdowns. My mind raced. Were my neighbors and friends safe? How could we help? What should we do next? Just as I started to panic, the reassuring Spirit of the Lord showed up and Isaiah 41:13, which I had committed to memory, echoed in my mind:

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Help resonated with me. God was reminding me that He is the helper I need. It was scary, but I wasn’t alone. I remembered what was most important in those moments. I felt immediate relief in being reminded that I have all I need in Him, and He would surely guide me in what steps to take next.

Blessed to be a Blessing

It didn’t take long for those steps to be made clear. In the wake of the tornadoes, Feed the Need Missions was asked to deploy our Disaster Relief ministry arm to aid in the cleanup efforts. So, a small contingent of  faithful volunteers graciously came out the next Saturday to help. We set out to cook meals for those cleaning up.

That morning, a woman showed up and began to tell me the story of how her family had been impacted (I realized over the course of the day that when tragedy strikes, one of the biggest things needed is a listen ear and open heart). I listened as she shared, through tears of gratitude, how thankful she was that her sister and family was spared from the impact. What a clarifying experience disasters can be. They certainly remind us of what is most important.

She asked if I would like to join her in delivering food to her family and those impacted by the destruction. I realized that what this woman needed most wasn’t food—but to feel like she wasn’t alone. I smiled, recalling how just days earlier, I felt that same need, and the Lord filled it with His presence. Now, He was allowing me to be an extension of Him, by being present and bringing comfort to someone else in need.

You Gain When You Give

Nothing could have prepared my for the physical destruction I witnessed first hand. Homes lifted from foundations, structures obliterated into thousands of pieces. I witnessed a 20-foot beam from a home pierce through a garage, a car, a concrete slab and imbed itself four feet into the ground like a javelin. 

There were stories of fear, hurt, emptiness and pain. But even in this, God was providing hope and perspective. As I stood over the rubble of a 87-year-old man’s home, he said tearfully, “None of this stuff matters. What matters is what we choose to do with what God gives us!” His words continue to echo in my mind. It was incredible to see that as I poured out, my heart was softened, encouraged, and recentered. 

Get Involved in Disaster Relief

There’s an expression that I heard once that says,

“Crisis is opportunity dressed up in work clothes.”
When God is in the forefront of our lives, we have every reason to view challenges we face as opportunities to experience—and extend— the love of Christ. 

So here’s my question: Are you ready to see God move in lives across our communities? Are you ready to be an ambassador of God’s hope, peace and provision in the wake of crises? At Feed the Need Missions, we prepare all year long in the event that disaster strikes. Consider this your invitation to get involved with our Disaster Relief Team or as a volunteer at our weekly sites. I am confident you’ll find, as I did, that you’re just as blessed by the people you serve as they are by you. 
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More than a Handout

More Than a Meal: Feeding Hungry People


“We’ve never been so hungry in our life, “ Peter said.

The first time Peter and Dana came to a Feed the Need Missions site, they had both been struggling with illnesses which took them out of work for some time. During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, they lost their jobs. They were in a desperate place. “It’s embarrassing to struggle this much. I could possibly lose my car, and I have to move out of my rental place—I have never been this poor my entire life,” Peter shared.  
The pair had a lot of questions about what Feed the Need Missions is all about. “We stopped because we heard about it from a friend and we are so hungry. Being out here, serving anyone, that just blows my mind,” they confessed. What they didn’t anticipate, however, was the spiritual fueling and filling they would receive.

While Peter was raised in church, he had developed a pattern of running from God, returning to God, and then running again. The simple act of receiving a free, no-strings-attached meal and being offered prayer, led to a watershed moment in his faith. It also transformed their outlook on their situation. “You don’t know how much your prayer meant to us,” Dana said. I didn’t even have to ask for prayer you asked me. You brought us hope…and we thank you.”  


Do Free Handouts Really Help Needy Families?

You’ll often hear Feed the Need Missions team members say that what we offer is more than “a free handout.” Occasionally, we are asked if we believe this free meal is truly helping, or if it isn’t just enabling certain folks to take advantage. Our response is two-fold.

First, we believe there is more than one type of hunger. Often this has nothing to do with wealth. Some people may have all the financial comfort they could need, but lack community and support. As they gather surrounded by loving volunteers, the meal helps. Some may be carrying significant emotional burdens. As they are prayed over and connected to resources, the meal helps. And the most urgent, some are experiencing a total starvation of the spirit. They may be completely ensnared in hopelessness or a destructive lifestyle from which they have no idea how to break free. As they discover the truth that freedom is found in Jesus, the meal helps. At Feed the Need Missions, we welcome every king of hungry soul. There is no requirement, and no need to deserve it. There is no taking advantage here, because the truth is, we all need what lies beyond the burger.

Second, regardless of deservedness, we believe that we have a biblical directive to feed and fill others in every sense. Countless scriptures speak to our call as God’s image bearers to be burden sharers. Bridge buildings. A people of reconciliation. To meet every kind of need, regardless (even in spite of) deservedness. Check out a few of those here:

I, the LORD, have called you
for a righteous purpose,
and I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and appoint yo
to be a covenant for the people
and a light to the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring prisoners out of the dungeon
and those sitting in darkness
out from the prison house.

Isaiah 42:6-7

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

2 Corinthians 5:18

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:35-36, 40

 

Volunteer Opportunities to Feed the Hungry


If reading these scriptures and hearing these stories of real life change inspires you, Feed the Need Missions would love to meet you and give you the opportunity to start filling up every kind of hunger in Jesus’ name. Check out our site locations, choose one hear you, and simply show up! Everyone is welcome to eat, and everyone is invited to serve.

 

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You Never Know Who’s Listening: A Volunteer Story

Playing to Your Strengths

“Invariably, when I go through the line at the grocery store, someone looks at my cart stuffed full of grill-out supplies and says,  ‘You must be throwing a party.’ And every time, my response is the same. ‘Yep, we are! And you’re invited!'”

Larry serves Feed the Need Missions as a purchasing volunteer, shopping prior to the site meeting each week to ensure all supplies and ingredients are up to par and ready to go for serving the community.

Larry’s commanding voice earns him attention from other shoppers and staff in the grocery store. “Other people can hear me two or three aisles down, giving out the details about what I’m doing and why.”

The platform he has been given via the volume of his voice (and the groceries in the cart) is something he uses to his advantage. Capitalizing on the curiosity around him, Larry takes the opportunity to be invitational and informational. And the impact is incredible.

A “Chance” Encounter

“About a month ago, standing in line, I was checking out, explaining Feed the Need mission and vision to the cashier. I was explaining that we simply feed our community, and share the love of Christ. A gentleman behind me blurted out, ‘I want to come!’ I replied that at our sites, everyone is welcome. We do meet physical needs, sure, but our hope is to relieve all kinds of hunger, from empty bellies to a need for companionship, purpose and prayer. Seconds later he shoved a $20 bill in to my hand and said, ‘Let me help you buys your groceries tonight.'”

“The story didn’t end there. Not long after, the same gentleman showed up at the site. ‘Do you remember me?’ he asked. I grinned. Of course I did. ‘I decided I want to come help, if you could use me.’ It was incredible how the Lord used a chance encounter at the grocery to connect us and mobilize this man to give and serve with me.”

“We visited, talked about Jesus, and I shared more about what we do at Feed the Need Missions. I learned a precious lesson that day. You just never know who’s listening.”

We love how Larry is embracing his role, and his unique personality, making himself available to be used by the Lord and draw people to the sites.

An Open Invitation

Our challenge for you today is to think about how God has uniquely equipped YOU to serve, to give. Maybe you could help support our mission through a twenty dollar donation, like the man in the grocery store. Maybe it’s time to visit a site and find out what we’re all about. If you’re ready to put feet to your faith, activate your own unique skills for the Kingdom of God and serve your community, we want you to know you’re invited to the Feed the Need family! We would love to meet you, pray for you, and help you find the perfect place to plug in! Check out our locations, find one near you—we can’t wait to meet you!

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What Legends Are Made Of

If you are ready to maximize the ultimate measure of your life, you can rest assured that Feed the Need Missions is an avenue through which you can make a major impact on those in most need and also reflect the character and values of Dr King.

Read more
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Impact Stories: Bastrop South

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.

BASTROP SOUTH serves every Monday starting at 5:00pm at Primera Baptist Church located at 301 Paul C Bell St, Bastrop, TX 78602.

Scott

“I have lived in Texas my entire life. I’ve lived in Bastrop for 33 yrs and I have never seen anything like Feed the Need Missions before,” he said. Scott lives with his son and has been attending the site for 7 years. During the 7 years he’s been coming he went through some very challenging times, “my parents house burned down in 2011, a few years later they passed away, my wife also had left me and we divorced, my son had gotten very sick and I almost died from diabetic coma, and you guys were always there to listen and to pray for me,” he said.

When asked how Feed the Need Missions has helped him he replied, “it’s helped me from running out of food. I am able to stretch our food to make it week by week.”

“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 said.

Sandra

“I have been through so much and I know where to come for prayer, right here” Sandra said with tears in her eyes. Sandra has been fighting cancer for over a year and just started radiation. Her outlook on life is always positive and she brings so much joy when she comes. “When I am here the presence of God is here, I can feel it,” she said.

She has lived in Bastrop for many years with her husband who currently works, but with medical bills and hardship she can’t always get a good meal. “I love the burgers even when I’m not feeling good, I still love them,” she said giggling.

“I can’t imagine my life without you guys. I have been coming here for years and every time I am here you welcome me with open arms. Today I wanted to come to give everyone a hug to let them know how much they are appreciated, just like the appreciation and encouragement you give me. I have grown so much in my faith and I truly believe I am healed from cancer. Maybe not on earth but I will be in heaven,” she said crying. “Thank you for everything you have done for me,” she added.

 

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 Scott and Sandra, 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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Never-ending JOY!

Barbara, a retired gym teacher from Franklin, Texas lost her home in the Franklin F3 Tornado. “I was laying on my bedroom floor when the roof was lifted off of my house,” she said. Her aged father was in a closet in the hallway. “All I could do was pray, and pray hard,” she said with tears.

She brings so much joy to her community, before and after the tornado. In fact, people kept telling us how much joy she still brings to them even though she lost everything, including her three vehicles. When asked about her joy, she said, “Why let it get you down? All lives were spared by the grace of God. He didn’t have to do that.”

Like Barbara, many others got to experience what the love of Christ is all about. “I came here every morning, and every evening and sometimes at lunch time too. I could have easily went to other places giving out free food, but there is just something special about you people, I know it’s God, but come on, there must be something else,” she would tell us with a hug.

Barbara touched our hearts too. Watching the joy and her being strong for her community was endless. She welcomed everyone with open arms and asked every single person how they were doing. Some days she cried, but most days she had a smile. On our last day of serving she came by and hugged us all and said, “You have helped me so much in ways I can’t even describe, if my house is built by Christmas, you can all come to my house for Christmas dinner so I can feed you like you did for me and the community.”

Feed the Need Missions has wrapped up our time serving those affected by the tornado in Franklin, Texas, however we are always preparing to respond to the next disaster.

Can you partner with Feed the Need Missions and help us be prepared when a disaster strikes by providing a donation today? Simply click the donate button and designate your gift to disaster relief. Thank you!

DONATE NOW
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Site Stories: Newark

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.

Newark Serves every Tuesday starting at 6:00pm at the Park Near Fire Station located at 405 Hudson Street, Newark, TX 76071.

Scottlan and Ronette

Scottlan and Ronette have been married for almost 11 years. They have four beautiful daughters. The family heard about Feed the Need Missions from Brandon (Justin, Site Coordinator). They helped Brandon get the Justin site established.

“I love the simplicity of Feed the Need Missions. Love God and Love People. Feed the Need Missions does just that. When we found out we were moving to Aurora we were sad to leave the Justin site but we knew there was a great need for one in Newark so we began to pray about becoming Site Coordinators,” said Ronette.

After a year of prayer and preparation Scottlan and Ronette are now the Site Coordinators of the newest site in North Fort Worth; Newark. “It has had such an impact on me. It has shown me that the gospel is simple. We don’t have to complicate it. I am blessed each week by seeing people serve others and seeing others fall in love with Jesus by using the burgers as a tool. It draws me closer to the Lord and blesses my soul,” she said.

Meagan

Meagan and her family moved to Rome 3 ½ years ago. “God said here is your home, now do something with it. My family and I have been looking for community. Feed the Need Missions is a beautiful thing that gets people out with no strings attached. It’s exactly what I always envisioned real, raw authentic ministry to be,” she said. “We now have a place to serve together.”

Meagan explains exactly what Feed the Need Missions is: “You look out and see a legacy. It’s a seed. Jesus said go out and feed the people and share the love and that’s what you guys are doing,” Meagan said. Feed the Need Missions spreads the seed of Jesus Christ.

 

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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