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From Darkness to Hope: Ruben’s Story in Stony Point

(The picture of Ruben facilitating Table Talk shows more than a man leading a discussion—it shows the fruit of years of prayer, the power of consistency, and the goodness of God at work in Stony Point.)

 

When Feed the Need Missions first began exploring how to serve the Stony Point community in Bastrop County, we heard the same warnings again and again: “It’s too dangerous. The gangs won’t let anyone do good out there. Anyone who tries will be run off.” Stories of crime, violence, and fear seemed to surround the neighborhood.

In 2014, our team began to pray. We asked God to show us His plan and His timing. At the beginning of 2016, He answered. A small group of volunteers committed to launching a weekly site in Stony Point Park, right in the middle of a season when shootings and even bodies found in the area dominated local news.

So we prayed harder. Volunteers walked the streets, asking God for fertile ground, for protection, and for hearts that would be open. Slowly, God began to reveal what He was doing.

One of the moments that still gives us chills happened years later when a former gang member, who had come to Christ through our ministry at another site, said:

“You know why you don’t get run off out there in Stony Point? Because the local gang members know not to mess with you. God’s protection is over you.”

That reminder, straight from someone who knew, was a powerful testimony of the Lord’s hand at work.

God Raises Up Leaders from Within

Fast forward to today, and we see God answering prayers in even greater ways. One of those answers is Ruben. Ruben grew up in Stony Point. For years, friends like Ben and his wife, Debi, prayed faithfully for him and his brother. Today, Ruben is a lay pastor at Stoney Point Fellowship Church, and he serves alongside our team every week at the Feed the Need site.

What makes Ruben’s presence so powerful is not just his leadership—it’s his heart. He loves people. He longs for them to know God. He is eager to learn, and he has embraced our training, which emphasizes slowing down, listening well, and prioritizing relationships above all else. As he often says, “The burger is important, but the relationship matters more.”

Just last night, Ruben facilitated Table Talk with volunteers and guests gathered around the tables. The message was simple: “Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” Afterward, during our debrief, Ruben was moved to tears. The Word had encouraged him personally to keep going, even when the burdens of work, ministry, family challenges, and community needs feel overwhelming.

Light in a Hard-to-Reach Place

Stony Point is still a hard community. Decades of struggle and generations of hardship have left scars. But through faithful weekly presence, God is transforming hearts.

Ruben is proof. Once on a destructive path, he now carries the hope of Jesus back into the very community that raised him. And he’s not alone—volunteers, neighbors, and disciples are rising up, choosing to press forward, and choosing to believe that light can overcome darkness.

How You Can Join Us

  • Pray for Ruben, his wife, and kids, and for the strength to continue serving.
  • Pray for Ben and Debi, whose years of faithful prayer helped sow the seeds.
  • Pray for Stony Point—for healing, hope, and a new generation of disciples to rise from within.

What once was known only for fear and brokenness can become a community marked by hope, transformation, and the presence of Christ.

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NOT JUST IN CRISIS: WHY YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU EVERY WEEK

Over the past few weeks, we’ve witnessed the Church at its best—serving meals, offering prayer, and showing up for neighbors affected by the devastating Texas floods. The response has been incredible. Volunteers have traveled, donated, and loved people in the midst of heartbreak. It’s been a beautiful reminder of what happens when we step outside of ourselves and live on mission.

And here’s what we’ve seen time and again: when the Church shows up, lives are changed.

But disaster isn’t the only time people need hope.

All across our communities—on quiet streets and in everyday parking lots—people are experiencing their own private storms:

The parent struggling to feed their kids.
The widow navigating loneliness.
The man searching for purpose or peace.
The teenager carrying silent burdens.

These are the people we serve week after week at our Feed the Need Missions sites.

 

Because We Believe in Consistency

Our calling isn’t just to respond in crisis—it’s to walk alongside people consistently, building trust, serving meals, and offering prayer with no strings attached. At every site, we see physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs being met in real ways. Meals and smiles open doors to relationships. Relationships open hearts to the hope of the Gospel.

 

Why? Because Jesus Calls Us to Go

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples…” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” That call wasn’t just for times of disaster—it’s for everyday life.

We believe that ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact when they show up with compassion and a willingness to serve. No special skills required—just a willing heart.

 

Your Community Needs You—Every Week

Whether you helped with disaster relief or have never served before, there’s a place for you. Join us at a local site. Be part of something bigger than yourself. You don’t need to go far to be on mission—just show up, serve a meal, offer a prayer, and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

👉 Find a Site Near You

👉 Learn More About Volunteering

Because loving your neighbor isn’t just for moments of crisis—it’s a way of life.

 

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The Power of Presence: More Than a Meal in La Grange

At every Feed the Need Missions site, we meet people right where they are. Sometimes at a folding table or under a canopy, sometimes in a drive-thru line, and sometimes with a quiet prayer through a rolled-down window. No matter how people show up —walking up with kids in tow or pulling up in the front seat of an old Lincoln —our team is there, ready to serve more than just food.

One evening at our La Grange site, a woman in her 80s pulled up for a meal. From the outside, she looked like she had everything together — a nice car, a warm smile, and polite conversation. But as she began to open up, a deeper story surfaced. She shared about her grown children and grandchildren, her longing to see the next generation turn to God. She asked for prayer for her family, her neighbor, and herself. Living on a fixed income, unexpected expenses had made things tight. She even asked if she could take an extra meal for someone next door.

That moment — the ask, the honesty, the vulnerability — was not about the food. It was about community. About being seen. About hope.

Kelli, a longtime volunteer at the site, was there that night. She is someone who shows up week after week, not just to serve meals, but to be present. She brings her kids to help, teaching them that ministry often looks like simply listening, playing with other children, or carrying a plate of food to a car. Her presence reminds our guests and us that people matter.

Jenny, another volunteer who joined us for the first time that evening, listened intently to this guest. Jenny and her family are exploring the possibility of starting a site in Schulenburg — an answer to prayer in itself. But that night, the guest who came to receive ended up doing some of the giving — ministering to Jenny’s heart, prompting her to think more intentionally about praying for her own extended family and encouraging others to do the same.

Moments like this remind us of something important: not all brokenness looks the same. We are often tempted to think these meals are just for the visibly struggling: the homeless, the jobless, or the hurting. But the truth is, we all carry burdens. We all have stories, needs, and wounds that do not always show on the outside.

Feed the Need Missions is not just about meals. It is about meeting people in their real-life mess, showing up with food, a smile, a conversation, and a prayer. It is about reminding people — guests and volunteers alike — that Jesus came for all of us. His love is deep, His grace is sufficient, and His presence changes everything.

Jesus said in John 13:34–35,

 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”


That is the kind of love we want to live out — not just in words, but in actions.

And why do we love like this? Because “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) That is the heartbeat behind everything we do.

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FROM COMFORT TO COURAGE: GROWING VOLUNTEER LEADERS

At Feed the Need Missions, we have the privilege of seeing incredible transformations in our volunteers every day. What begins as hesitant participation often blossoms into bold leadership through intentional training and a supportive community. Recognizing the importance of equipping volunteers for effective ministry, we have developed Feed the Need University—a monthly training initiative that fosters spiritual growth, builds leadership skills, and encourages meaningful engagement at our weekly sites.

Initially, many volunteers join Feed the Need Missions eager to help but uncertain of their own abilities to engage others spiritually or lead conversations effectively. Common hesitations include fear of public speaking, uncertainty in handling tough conversations, or doubts about their biblical knowledge. Through Feed the Need University, we intentionally create a welcoming environment that addresses these concerns head-on, helping volunteers grow from timid participants into confident servant-leaders.

Each session is carefully crafted around core biblical principles, practical leadership insights, and interactive discussions designed to encourage immediate application. Volunteers leave empowered with the tools and confidence needed to lead meaningful interactions and ministry moments. They learn the significance of asking open-ended questions, actively listening, and offering prayer, ultimately enhancing their ability to connect deeply with guests and fellow volunteers.

We have seen remarkable outcomes. Volunteers who once avoided eye contact during prayer now eagerly volunteer to lead group discussions. Those previously hesitant to initiate conversations with guests now proactively seek opportunities to connect and encourage. Each transformation enriches the individual volunteer’s experience and profoundly impacts our community outreach. Through consistent, intentional training, Feed the Need University is cultivating courageous, compassionate leaders who embody the heart of our mission.

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MOBILIZING THE MISSION: UNSUNG HEROS OF FEED THE NEED

Our ministry’s success hinges significantly on dedicated volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. Volunteers like Johnny, Tobi, and Charlie, serving at different Feed the Need Missions sites, exemplify humble, practical service—towing trailers, setting up equipment, and ensuring every logistical detail runs smoothly. These individuals are just a few of the many logistics and equipment managers whose dedication allows Feed the Need Missions to function week in and week out.

Johnny’s consistent commitment to towing trailers and meticulously managing equipment ensures our La Grange site operates effectively. Tobi diligently coordinates equipment set up at our Bastrop Central location, guaranteeing every meal meets standards of excellence and care. Charlie, attentive and dependable, manages logistics at the Stony Point site, overseeing tent placement and meal distribution flow and ensuring a welcoming environment for all attendees. Their tireless efforts guarantee that every guest experiences hospitality, consistency, and excellence.

These logistical volunteers often may not fully realize the profound impact of their service. Without their consistent, behind-the-scenes dedication, Feed the Need Missions simply would not function effectively. Each role is critical in enabling our mission to unfold—meeting spiritual needs through prayer and gospel sharing and physical needs by serving meals and creating environments conducive to meaningful conversations.

When we collectively stack hands—from equipment managers and meal-prep volunteers to those actively praying and engaging guests—the result is a powerful expression of a Christ-centered community. We build trust and demonstrate genuine care by meeting physical needs first through lovingly prepared and served meals. This holistic approach creates opportunities to speak truth in love, fostering relationships that transform lives and advance the kingdom impact we strive for weekly.

We deeply appreciate every volunteer’s contribution, recognizing the immense spiritual and practical value of their dedicated service. Their faithful work ensures every participant experiences a tangible demonstration of Christ’s love and care.

Have you considered how your skills or willingness to serve could impact your community? If you feel drawn to serve in a tangible, behind-the-scenes way, we would love to have you join us. Whether you have experience in logistics or simply a heart ready to serve, your participation can significantly impact lives and further God’s kingdom.

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THE POWER OF IMMEDIATE PRAYER: COMMUNITY SUPPORTING COMMUNITY

At Feed the Need Missions, community is not just a concept—it is our daily practice. Recently, a profound moment illustrated this beautifully at our La Grange site. Nicki, one of our dedicated volunteers, approached Ed privately, requesting prayer for her ongoing health struggles. To her surprise, Ed immediately gathered the community of volunteers around her, enveloping Nicki in a heartfelt moment of prayer and genuine care.

This spontaneous act exemplifies our belief in immediate, responsive prayer. It challenges conventional comfort zones, encouraging volunteers to move past fears and uncertainties to authentically minister to one another. Ed’s simple yet powerful response highlights prayer’s essential role in our ministry—bringing immediate support, encouragement, and unity.

We are incredibly grateful for Nicki, whose dedication at the La Grange site has significantly impacted the mission over the years. Often working behind the scenes, her consistent commitment demonstrates how deeply she values the kingdom impact Feed the Need Missions has on transforming communities, including her own.

Such moments reflect the deeper calling of our mission: not only to provide physical nourishment but to foster emotional and spiritual healing through Christ-centered community interactions. The impact extends far beyond Nicki’s individual experience. Volunteers witness firsthand the power of prayer. Guests see genuine care in action and the broader community benefits from a strengthened spiritual fabric.

Have you ever experienced the power of immediate prayer in your own life or felt the calling to minister to others through prayer? We warmly invite you to join us. You, too, can make a tangible difference by engaging in meaningful, supportive prayer alongside a community committed to serving others.

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TRAINING FOR KINGDOM IMPACT: FEED THE NEED UNIVERSITY

Feed the Need Missions has historically conducted extensive training through lengthy workshops and conferences. However, recognizing volunteers’ busy lives and the need for ongoing, practical training, we have adopted a new, innovative approach: Feed the Need University. This monthly training model provides accessible, bite-sized sessions designed for maximum impact in minimal time.

Our recent focus has been the “Table Talk” curriculum, which unpacks the foundational principles behind our method of ministry. Understanding the “why” is crucial for volunteers, enabling them to appreciate the deeper purpose behind seemingly simple acts, like serving meals or facilitating conversations. Each session includes targeted teachings, practical tools, and three core questions that guide reflection, group discussion, and immediate application.

The sessions occur directly before volunteers begin serving at weekly sites, creating a timely opportunity to prepare and align our hearts with God’s spiritual purpose. Volunteers learn practical skills for leading discussions effectively, nurturing relationships, and ministering with humility and grace. We emphasize servant leadership and a community-focused mindset, reinforcing the belief that volunteers and guests alike have valuable insights and spiritual contributions.

Upcoming sessions will delve deeper into team-building and viewing each site as a robust platform for ongoing discipleship. We are excited about the potential of this training approach to multiply our impact, transforming the weekly cookout from a meal service into a powerful discipleship and community-building tool. The positive feedback and visible growth in our volunteers confirm the effectiveness and necessity of this continuous, focused training.

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A POWERFUL START IN BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Since the exciting announcement of our new Bastrop Central site, we’ve already experienced incredible blessings and growth. During our soft launch, there was a tangible energy in the air—an undeniable buzz of excitement as people came together, eager to serve. With 120 volunteers joining us, including a local church youth group, the enthusiasm was infectious. This amazing team didn’t just come to serve; they took it a step further, going door-to-door throughout the neighborhood to invite others to join us for a free meal. It was a beautiful example of the love and outreach that drives our mission forward.

Before we even began training, our team prayed over the site, asking for God’s guidance and blessing over each person who will step into this place in the coming weeks and months. We prayed that everyone who comes through will feel welcomed, loved, and cared for in a way that reflects Christ’s love for us all. God is moving here, preparing hearts for something special in Bastrop, and we can feel that He has big plans in store.

Over the past two weeks, we’ve served about 300 meals with the help of around 30 dedicated volunteers. It’s been heartwarming to see familiar faces from other sites—some we haven’t seen in years—alongside new neighbors eager to get involved. The blend of new and seasoned volunteers, all united in service, has truly shown the beauty and strength of the Bastrop community. Each week, we’re reminded of the powerful message of love, unity, and compassion that God calls us to embody.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, our hearts are focused on giving even more. We’ve been signing up families for Gobble Kits; as of now, 73 families are set to receive a kit this Thanksgiving. On November 20th, we’ll come together to distribute these Gobble Kits, hoping to spread the joy and gratitude of the season to families in need. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to share God’s love in a tangible way, to meet people’s needs, and to celebrate together.

If you’d like to be part of this special Gobble Kit distribution on November 20th or feel called to serve with us weekly, we’d love to welcome you into our Feed the Need community. Each moment we spend serving here is a chance to connect with others, share a meal, and be part of God’s transformative work in Bastrop.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for the Bastrop Central site. We look forward to building lasting relationships, serving those in need, and growing in faith together. God is alive in Bastrop, and we’re so grateful to be part of what He’s doing here.

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FINDING PURPOSE IN SERVICE

Cherie has been part of the Feed the Need Missions family since 2010, lending her hands and heart to everything from back-office tasks to on-the-ground service at our community sites. While she’s always been dedicated, it was during last year’s Gobble Kit season that she experienced something truly life-changing.

The Gobble Kit initiative is one of Cherie’s favorite events. Each Thanksgiving, we distribute meal kits to families who might otherwise go without, bringing a bit of joy and relief to their holiday. “It warms my heart that we get to help people who might not otherwise enjoy a Thanksgiving meal like this,” Cherie shares. “I love being able to help others!”

Through her experience handing out kits, Cherie discovered that Feed the Need Missions is about more than just meals—it’s about connection, compassion, and hope. She recalls seeing the gratitude on people’s faces as they received their kits, a reminder of the impact that a simple meal can have. “Being involved at the site has helped me see people through God’s eyes and love them more,” she reflects. “I feel more open when sharing His love with others.”

For Cherie, Feed the Need Missions has become a place of purpose and growth. By slowing down and being present with those she serves, she’s found a deeper connection to the community and to her faith. Her journey exemplifies the power of serving others—how it can transform both the giver and the receiver.

At Feed the Need Missions, we are committed to creating change in our communities by feeding people physically and spiritually. Each meal we serve is a chance to connect, support, and uplift. Join us as we continue this mission, whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering with us. Together, we can build a community united by compassion and faith.

VOLUNTEER FOR GOBBLE KIT EVENT DAYS
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TWO BY TWO: WALKING OUT THE MISSION

At Feed the Need Missions, our calling is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing His love and message with those in need. This is not just a mission; it is a way of life that drives us forward each day.

Before we begin serving each week at our sites, we gather for a Table Talk discussion with our volunteers and guests. This moment sets the tone for our service, reminding us why we are here: to point people to Christ and to support each other in our shared journey. A humbling truth we embrace is that we are all in need of something, and together, we discover and meet those needs.

Recently, our Table Talk series focused on the intentionality behind using an order form to take guests’ orders. While this may seem like a small detail, it is a powerful tool for fostering meaningful interactions. We emphasize that even small acts of service can have a significant impact when done with love and purpose.

After our discussions, we pair up our volunteers, pray, and send them out to engage with walk-up and drive-up guests. This approach not only provides support and encouragement but also offers opportunities to train and equip each other in sharing the Gospel and ministering to people, ultimately elevating relationships.

As Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”

One inspiring example comes from Lupe, a dedicated volunteer at our Stony Point site. Lupe has faced many challenges in life, but through Jesus, he has experienced incredible transformation. Despite his reservations about engaging directly with guests, an opportunity arose when another volunteer needed help. Sean, our Program Director, asked Lupe if he would assist with taking orders. Hesitantly, Lupe agreed, and the impact was profound.

By translating and connecting with a family in deep need, Lupe not only gained confidence but also experienced the joy of making a real difference. He met their immediate needs and prayed for them, and together, our group joined in prayer. This moment highlighted the beauty of our mission: one person’s willingness to serve, another’s belief in their potential, and the power of relationships to bring a glimpse of heaven to earth.

We invite you to come out to one of our sites and experience the mission firsthand. Witness the power of community, the impact of service, and the joy of being part of something greater than ourselves. Are you willing to step out and join us? If you can’t, will you pray for us and those we serve? Your involvement, in any form, makes a difference.

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