,

The Impact of Feed the Need Missions On My Prayer Life

When I first joined Feed the Need Missions, I knew I would be challenged spiritually, but I had no idea just how much it would transform my relationship with prayer. I have always felt comfortable praying in my “quiet place”—those moments of solitude where it is just me and God. But public prayer? That was a different story.

Praying out loud with others has always been intimidating. I worried I would not sound eloquent enough, pick the right words, or would not be as knowledgeable as others around me. But over the last year and a half, being a part of Feed the Need Missions has taught me that public prayer is not about being perfect. It is about connecting with God and others in an authentic and meaningful way.

Prayer is a core principle at Feed the Need Missions. Whether at a weekly site, in a staff meeting, or simply in conversation with others, prayer is there. It is not just something we do; the more you get involved, the more it becomes part of who you are.

At every weekly site, we pray with guests, volunteers, and team members. This consistent practice has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. While I still feel some initial reservations, the power of prayer and the way it brings people together has started winning out over my fears.

I have realized that God does not ask us for perfection. He asks us to come to Him just as we are. One verse that resonates with me is Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This verse serves as a light in the darkness for me as I continue to fight the fears that used to hold me back. It reminds me that God is not looking for polished words or perfect delivery. He simply wants us to trust Him and bring our joys, burdens, and sorrows to Him.

Through prayer, I have experienced a deeper connection with God and with those around me. There is something truly beautiful about standing alongside others in prayer—bearing one another’s burdens, celebrating victories, and lifting one voice to God. It is not about me or my abilities but about Him and His power to work through us.

Feed the Need Missions’ culture of prayer has helped me find the courage to step out and pray boldly. It is a daily reminder that prayer is one of our most powerful tools—not just for our relationship with God but also for connecting with and serving others in love.

So, if you, like me, have ever felt nervous about praying with others, let me encourage you to take that step. It does not matter if your words are perfect; what matters is your heart. God will meet you there, and I promise it is worth it.

/by
,

What It’s Like Working in a Christian Workplace

Hi, my name is Shayla Tangen, and on January 1st, 2024, I began my Feed the Need Missions internship. A few years ago, my family felt called to move to Texas, where my dad, Sean Tangen, took on the role of Program Director with Feed the Need. Since then, my whole family has been involved with the organization. My boss and his wife, Jonah and Christy Beyer, have embraced me and my family with open arms. Working with them has been such a joy. Jonah’s passion for building relationships and expanding God’s Kingdom makes him the best boss I ever could have hoped for (I had to butter him up a little!).

At the beginning of my internship, I was seventeen years old and knee-deep, all things college-prep/senior year of High school. Not long after starting, I was taught that every workday is started with time focused on God. It didn’t matter how busy we were; a day started in the Word was a right one. The tool we use for spiritual growth is called a Thred Journal. If you check out the blog on our 2024 Fired Up Conference, you can read more about it!

It came to Jonah’s attention that I didn’t have a study Bible, and a week later, he surprised me with a beautiful, leather-covered, 25-pound study Bible. The thing is an absolute beast, and I love it so much! The fact that someone cared about me and my spiritual growth enough to buy me such a grand piece of art meant a great deal to me, and it set the tone for the rest of my year.

The Feed the Need family has poured into me earnestly, consistently, faithfully, and fervently. I am surrounded by God-fearing adults who want to see me succeed. I recognize how blessed I am and how rare that is in today’s workplace. I have been pushed far outside my comfort zone. That seventeen-year-old Shayla wouldn’t recognize me today.

I have learned that praying out loud isn’t only for people who are naturally comfortable praying in public or have a massive vocabulary of conspicuous Bible lingo. It’s for anybody who has a voice. Don’t get me wrong, I still panic when I’m voluntold to pray, but it doesn’t matter what other people think of me when I’m talking to God. I no longer feel inadequate to share knowledge about the Bible, and I don’t get embarrassed when I am unable to answer somebody’s question.

I have spent a lot of time praying for my next steps in the organization and am excited about the new role I’ll be playing in the mission. Thanks to a workplace focused on Jesus, I’ve experienced growth in every area of my life, not just at work. I’ve learned that being a daughter of the Most High is an incredible honor, and I’ve come to accept that God loves me just the way I am.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Philippians 1:9-11

/by
,

A Family’s Journey with Feed the Need Missions: Serving, Loving, and Giving Back

There is a sacred kind of strength that rises from the ashes of hardship, and for Ashlynn and her children, that strength was found through something simple yet profound: serving others. After battling one of the darkest storms any family can face, they discovered a light in their community that would change everything.

For Ashlynn, a mom of three, life had not been easy. Her 8-year-old daughter, who has nonverbal autism, her 7-year-old son, whose heart beats with a passion for helping others, and her 6-year-old daughter, Juliet, a true warrior, had already endured more than most children should ever know. But nothing could have prepared them for what came next: Juliet’s diagnosis of leukemia.

When Juliet’s battle with leukemia began, the weight of uncertainty hung over their family like a dark cloud. But amid their suffering, a small yet powerful act of kindness from Ashlynn’s grandmother set everything into motion.

Three years ago, while living in Conroe, Ashlynn’s grandmother made a quiet request at the Feed the Need Missions site in La Grange. As she received a hot meal, she asked for prayers for Juliet, who had just begun her cancer treatment. It was a simple act that would forever intertwine their family with the Feed the Need Missions community.

Ms. Terri, a volunteer, prayed for Juliet and their family. Ashlynn recalls, “Her prayer wasn’t just a blessing; it was also a lifeline. It reminded us that we weren’t alone, that there was a whole community standing with us in our pain.”

A year later, after the family’s move to La Grange and the tragic loss of Ashlynn’s grandfather, they found themselves standing once again at the heart of Feed the Need Missions. It was a year to the day that Juliet had rung the bell and was declared cancer-free. They knew, without a doubt, that this moment was divine timing. The healing they had experienced was beyond physical; it was spiritual and emotional, and grace poured out in abundance.

Today, Ashlynn and her children find joy in the very work that once sustained them. They volunteer at Feed the Need Missions whenever they can, and in doing so, they have not only learned to give but also to receive. Each meal served, every prayer offered, and each connection made is a reminder of the grace they have been given.

Ashlynn says it best: “Serving at Feed the Need Missions isn’t just something we do—it’s become who we are. In our darkest hours, we were shown what it means to love and serve unconditionally. This place isn’t just about feeding bodies—it nourishes the spirit.” And while their family’s journey is far from over, Ashlynn and her children know one thing for sure: they will continue to serve, give, and share God’s love wherever they go—because they have experienced firsthand the transformative power of community.

Feed the Need Missions will forever hold a special place in their hearts, a reminder that through love, service, and faith, we can all make a difference—one small act of kindness at a time.

/by

Stepping Out in Faith: Savannah’s Journey of Serving and Trusting God

At our recent Feed the Need Missions Gala, Savannah, an 18-year-old volunteer, shared her heartfelt testimony of how God has been working in her life and the lives of others through her service at the Lexington site. Her journey of stepping out of her comfort zone to serve has not only impacted the community but has also strengthened her own faith in profound ways.

Savannah’s story began when she was just 12 years old, helping her family launch the LBA site. Even at a young age, she looked forward to serving each week despite long school days. What started as a family commitment grew into a deep personal calling for Savannah. Over the years, she witnessed firsthand how a simple meal and a warm welcome could bring hope and healing to those in need. “The very first time I showed up at LBA, I fell in love with the entire mission,” Savannah shared. She realized that the impact of Feed the Need goes far beyond a burger and a hot dog—it’s about building relationships and sharing God’s love.

One of the most meaningful relationships Savannah formed was with Miss Julie, a guest who started attending the Lexington site during a difficult time. Julie spoke in the video that was shared at the gala, saying, “When I first came up here, I was greeted by Savannah, and she has become a godsend to me. I keep coming back not just for the food, but mainly for my spiritual needs.”

Their relationship began with a simple conversation about Julie’s steering wheel cover that said, “Jesus, take the wheel.” From there, a deep connection grew. Julie shared her struggles with Savannah, who was initially hesitant to pray for her, feeling unqualified as a 17-year-old. “It was a lot to take in,” Savannah said in the video. “I had no idea what to do. I didn’t feel like I was the one meant to pray, and I thought no adult would want to listen to a little kid talk.” But as Julie continued to return and shared how her prayers were being answered, Savannah’s confidence grew. She began to see the power of prayer and how God was using her in ways she hadn’t expected.

Savannah’s humility and willingness to serve, despite her doubts, became a source of strength for both her and Julie. Julie shared how Savannah’s prayers and encouragement renewed her faith: “Savannah prayed over me and helped me by reinforcing God’s Word that there’s always hope, that all I have to do is ask for it, and so far, Savannah and God have not let me down.” Julie’s testimony shows how Feed the Need has not only met her physical needs but has also restored her faith and trust in God.

The transformation in Savannah’s own life has been equally profound. Dana, Savannah’s sister-in-law and fellow site leader, reflected on Savannah’s growth over the years, saying, “I’ve seen her go from, ‘I’m not doing that’ to going out on her own and building relationships.” Savannah’s willingness to get uncomfortable, take orders, and pray for guests is a powerful example of what God can do when we step out in faith.

For Savannah, serving at Feed the Need has been a journey of learning to trust that God can use anyone, regardless of age or experience. She was inspired by the verse in First Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” That verse has given her the courage to step up, pray for guests, and witness the Lord at work in their lives.

Her challenge to us all is simple yet profound: take a leap of faith. Whether it’s praying for someone, offering a kind word, or simply showing up to serve, God can use each of us in unexpected and powerful ways. Savannah’s story reminds us that it’s often the smallest gestures, like complimenting a steering wheel cover, that opens the door to life-changing conversations and relationships.

We are so grateful for Savannah, Miss Julie, and all the volunteers who continue to serve with love, faith, and compassion each week. Their stories inspire us to step out of our comfort zones and trust that God is working through every prayer, every meal, and every conversation. As Savannah said, “Those pickles only get you so far.” Let’s all take that leap of faith and go the extra mile for Jesus.

/by

The Power of a Simple Burger: Annie’s Journey from Guest to Leader

At Feed the Need Missions, we often see God working through the simplest of gestures—whether it’s serving a meal or offering a prayer. Annie Howell’s story is a remarkable testimony to this. What began as a visit to one of our sites for food turned into a life-changing moment, and today, she stands as a leader, helping others experience the same grace she received.

Annie first encountered Feed the Need Missions during one of the most challenging times in her life. She was struggling with a 10-year battle against addiction, feeling lost, depressed, and hopeless. One day, a neighbor invited her along for what seemed like a casual food run. Curious and hungry, Annie agreed. They pulled up to one of our sites, where volunteers were serving meals.

As she sat in the car, waiting for her food, two volunteers approached, asking how many meals they’d need. One volunteer joyfully went to get their meals, but what happened next planted the seed that would eventually transform Annie’s life. Another volunteer asked if they could pray for her. Surprised and caught off guard, Annie thought, “Why me?” But she allowed them to pray.

That simple act of kindness and prayer sparked something deep within her. As Annie shared during our gala, “Oh, that precious seed that was sown that night.”

Fast forward a few years—Annie entered a faith-based recovery program, and during her stay, she often remembered that night at Feed the Need Missions. The recovery program encouraged community service, and one of her favorite activities was returning to the same site where she had once been a guest, now preparing meals for others in need. “I got to go back and prepare hamburgers and hot dogs at the same site that I was once a guest at,” she recalled with gratitude.

Three years into her recovery, Annie found herself being invited to lead Table Talk, a gospel-centered discussion held weekly before meals are served at our sites. Erin, a previous Table Talk leader, had always encouraged her, telling her that she’d be leading one day. Annie didn’t believe it at first, but eventually, she accepted the challenge. “And then it happened,” she said with joy. “Erin asked me to lead Table Talk with him, and all of that precious seed that was sown came to life.”

Now, Annie serves faithfully at our Bastrop South location, sharing her testimony and leading others to the love of Christ. She reflects on the impact volunteers have had on her journey and the countless others they serve. “Every woman who has lost her sense of self-worth is given a chance to share the love of Jesus and give back to the community.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that the small things—like a simple burger and a heartfelt prayer—can be the beginning of something extraordinary. Annie closed her speech with gratitude for everyone in attendance at the gala, urging them to continue sowing those precious seeds of kindness and faith because they have the power to transform lives, just as hers was transformed.

Annie’s journey is a living testament to the mission of Feed the Need—to feed people physically and spiritually, one meal, one prayer, and one precious seed at a time.

/by
, ,

GG’S STORY

GG’s journey began in the grips of addiction, where despair seemed to be her constant companion. But in some of her darkest moments, with courage and determination, GG slowly but surely began to rebuild her life.

After 22 years of sobriety, GG has progressed on her journey of recovery. She discovered a newfound sense of joy and purpose in serving her community, feeding people physically and spiritually alongside Feed the Need Missions.

She steps out in faith each week and uses her experiences to help her connect to people. GG uses her compassion, empathy, and dedication to serve in various roles throughout her community.

Through her personal experiences, GG understands childhood trauma’s long-term effects. Substance abuse is high on the list, and many who suffered from abuse or neglect in childhood turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with many of the side effects of trauma, e.g., depression and PTSD. She has been able to use her story to help make a positive impact on those around her.

GG is a shining example of the transformative power of service. She attends church without feeling judged and is learning how to study the Bible through our Table Talk discussions. While her recovery journey is ongoing, she has found solace and purpose in lifting others up and giving back to her community.

Her story is one of hope for those still struggling with addiction, showing them that there is a path forward that is illuminated by the light of service, compassion, and the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.

/by
,

What Feed the Need Missions Means to Me

When I think about Feed The Need Missions and how it’s specifically impacted my immediate family and our family by marriage (we call ourselves the “Chamores,” which is a combination of our last names, Chastain and Gilmore). It is like witnessing a beautiful patchwork quilt of people coming together from all walks of life.

Our crew is a mix of city slickers and country folks, and while we may disagree about worldly topics, we’re all on the same page about Jesus—He is King, and we’re here to spread His love and make a difference in our community.

Sixty years separates the youngest from the oldest. But this generationally diverse group has shown me we can all serve. When asked what Feed the Need Missions means to them, or who they serve at the weekly sites, there was a unifying theme of love, compassion, and community.

Colton (7) sees Feed the Need Missions as a way to ensure nobody goes spiritually or physically hungry by sharing the gospel and burgers. Hope (12) keeps it simple but profound: “Jesus loves all people.” The way the little children see things so plainly is a testament to the simplicity of sharing God’s love.

Our teenagers, Cleo (13), Brooke (16), and Savannah (16), talk about how serving at Feed the Need Missions pushes them out of their comfort zones and lets them share Jesus’ love by building relationships. It’s inspiring to see the younger generation embracing the idea of community and spreading Jesus’ love.

Then we’ve got Jeremy, Kim, and Dana (20s/30s), who emphasize how diverse the Feed the Need Missions community is, with folks from all walks of life coming together. It’s like a big, loving family.

The more seasoned folks in our family—Susan, Waylon, Jack, Carol, and Floyd (40s-60s)—see Feed the Need Missions as a way to build a community, bring the message of Jesus outside the walls of a church, remind people that they’re loved, and give them a sense of purpose.

Waylon admitted that he wished Feed the Need Missions had been around earlier in his life. It might have led him to Jesus sooner. It’s incredible how personal experiences can drive our desire to help others.

In our diverse bunch (7-67 years old), Feed the Need Missions isn’t just a mission—it’s Jesus’ calling for every one of us, regardless of age. We are called to spread the gospel and build a body of disciples, which happens every week at each one of our sites.

The “Chamore” Family see God moving in their lives, the lives of all our volunteers, and our weekly guests. Feed the Need Missions brings people together, spreads love and compassion, and reminds us that every single one of us has a purpose in God’s grand plan.

We’re beyond thankful to Feed the Need Missions for being the bridge that brings two families together, not just through marriage–but through a simple meal.

/by

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,

/by
,

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!
/by

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. 
/by

Subscribe to Our Emails

Stay up to date with the latest at Feed the Need Missions, delivered right to your inbox. Sign up below to subscribe to our newsletter and email updates.

ABOUT US

GET INVOVLED