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TABLE TALK: CORE VALUES – WEEK 2

What is new with Table Talk?

We started a new Table Talk series covering all six of Feed the Need Missions’ core values: Jesus, Consistency, Stewardship, Servant Leadership, Mercy, and Simplicity. Last week we visited Stony Point to see how the volunteers see the core value of Jesus playing out at their site. This week we visited Smithville to discuss consistency.

Week 2: Consistency, Smithville Site

No matter where we are, everything we do must stay consistent in order to spread the mission and advance the vision of feeding people physically and spiritually. How do we stay true to this not only at our sites but with those we do life with? Here was the challenge for this week:

  1. We learned that harmony is a synonym for consistency. So, we asked, “What does it mean to have Harmony with Jesus (and with others)?” And,  “What would it look like if all our volunteers and guests had true harmony?”
  2. We asked everyone to consider this: How are you being consistent?

Here’s some of what our Smithville volunteers had to say about how Table Talk has impacted them personally and how it’s impacting their site.

Marion

Marion shared that when she first started volunteering with Feed the Need Missions, the main focus was on the physical need being providing—it was more self-focused. But as the weeks go on, she has seen the guests become more genuine, and they have gotten more involved with Table Talk. “The physical need began fading as the primary reason for returning to the site each week. That is the defining shift that has occurred in Smithville.”

She also discussed how the guided questions within Table Talk has helped her engage with others more, which has started deepening her relationships with the volunteers and the guests. She also credits the Tangen family with modeling effective ways of engaging with others. “They have provided so much consistency in how they express genuine love and care for the people here—they’re always engaged with everyone. They know how to pull people in, and I’m trying to learn from that because that doesn’t come naturally to me. I know there will come a time when I will feel more confident engaging with people where I can sit down at the table with them and have a meaningful conversation.”

Asher

Asher is one of our teens who consistently serves each week–wherever he is needed. He talked about how he has seen the guests talking and engaging more during Table Talk instead of just the volunteers, and how that shows that they are truly listening to what is being discussed. “I think the impact of being consistent with Table Talk and discussing salvation has people thinking more about how God is working in their lives.”

He explained how he has learned that you can’t judge someone’s relationship with God based solely on their body language or lack of participation. Even though someone may appear disengaged, they will eventually show you they are paying attention. “Sometimes, you’ll see someone nodding to something being said or saying something that shows that the things we discuss around the table are sinking in; when it’s easy to understand, it helps us share what we’ve learned with others.”

“I’ve also learned that there’s always two right answers to anything: Either Feed the Need or Jesus.”

Heather

Heather explained how the questions during Table Talk have been very useful in leading into conversations with guests. “I’ve had several instances where I’ve been really excited to expand on the questions with guests, which have led to some of the most meaningful conversations.”

She also talked about how consistency at the site, from set up to engaging with guests as orders are being taken, has let to building community through a meal and a time of devotion. “It’s been really cool to see the regular guests who consistently get here early every week to be part of Table Talk. It’s also been amazing to see guests, who you think aren’t listening, prove that it is really sinking in when you have a conversation with them or just seeing their hearts softening—I think a lot of that comes from the consistency of our volunteers—and we’re all participating in Table Talk together.”

At our weekly sites, you walk side by side with people, which allows you to see the needs. Table Talk helps you build and strengthen your relationship with God, and when you consistently work on your faith walk, that begins to overflow into your community.

If you have never been to a site, we encourage you to check it out. Feel free to hang around for Table Talk to experience it for yourself, and if you feel compelled, stay and volunteer. The beauty of our time around the table is that you not only spend time with the Lord but also get to encourage others on their spiritual journey.

We hope to see you at one of our weekly sites soon!

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24

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TABLE TALK: CORE VALUES – WEEK 1

What is Table Talk?

Table Talk is how Feed the Need Missions feeds hungry souls. Our interactive discipleship time takes place at our sites every week, where we provide free meals for anyone who joins us. Table Talk includes a practical, Gospel-centered devotion with discussion questions to encourage interaction and relationship development among our volunteers and guests.

What is new with Table Talk?

This week, we started a new Table Talk series covering all six of Feed the Need Missions’ core values: Jesus, Consistency, Stewardship, Servant Leadership, Mercy, and Simplicity. As a staff, we realized that each one of our Central Texas sites boldly embodies these core values, so for the next six weeks, we will highlight one of our sites and see how our volunteers see that core value playing out at their site.

Week 1: Jesus, Stony Point Site

He is the heart of why we serve. He is the model for how we serve each other as well as those he has called us to serve. Jesus modeled for us how to serve, and in Matthew 6:9-14 He said, Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, holy be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others of their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their offenses, neither will your Father forgive your offenses.”

Here’s some of what our Stony Point volunteers had to say about how Table Talk has impacted them personally and how it’s impacting their site.

Sean

“Table Talk takes you out of the busy work and helps remind us why we’re here. It’s helping our guests realize that they can come here and have their souls nourished as well as their bodies, and there’s definitely been an uptick in the number of guests who are partaking in Table Talk regularly.”

Ben

“Our weekly Table Talk has guests curious, so when they join us, they see that we’re serious about studying the Word of God, and that helps us plant seeds. Table Talk has greatly affected our church. This last Sunday, one of our regular guests, who we have kept inviting to church, finally showed up. We have other guests who have shown up, too– they want to be part of what’s going on out here.”

“Being a part of Feed the Need Missions has opened me up enough to get involved with other missions that serve local communities; serving at the site teaches us generosity.”

Debbie

“Table Talk is making me think more about my actions, like, I need to be reading my Bible more, and I need to be sharing the gospel more. It’s making me aware of what I really need to be doing. It’s also helping get to know others–who they are and what they think.”

“Today, I talked to a couple who joined Table Talk for the first time, and they told me how much they enjoyed being part of it. We made sure they knew they were welcome to join every week.”

At our weekly sites, you walk side by side with people, which allows you to see the needs. Table Talk helps you build and strengthen your relationship with God, and when you consistently work on your faith walk, that begins to overflow into your community.

If you have never been to a site, we encourage you to check it out. Feel free to hang around for Table Talk to experience it for yourself, and if you feel compelled, stay and volunteer. The beauty of our time around the table is that you not only spend time with the Lord but also get to encourage others on their spiritual journey.

We hope to see you at one of our weekly sites soon!

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6

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REMEMBERING ALLEN

Allen’s life was a profound lesson in the power of acceptance and the deep impact of community care. At Feed the Need Missions in Bastrop, Texas, Allen found much more than meals—he discovered a family. When he first arrived, his appearance and manner made it difficult for people to connect with him. Despite his unkempt state and sometimes rough language, Allen was embraced by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Over the last few years, several volunteers visited him regularly at the nursing home, demonstrating the deep and enduring bonds they formed. These volunteers and others cared for Allen in various ways over the last decade, integrating him into their lives, taking him to church, and celebrating holidays together, filling the void of family he had felt for so long.

Allen’s journey was not without its challenges. Struggling with mental health issues, he could be tough to love at times. However, those who took the time to look beyond his rough exterior learned invaluable lessons about themselves and about love. Allen, with all his complexities, inadvertently taught those around him to love unconditionally and to meet people where they are, regardless of their circumstances.

Despite the difficulties, Allen’s kindness and gratitude shone through. His story is a powerful reminder to look past first impressions and reach out with empathy and kindness.

Allen passed away on April 8, 2024, but his legacy of teaching others about the depths of human kindness will always be remembered. His life encourages us to deepen our connections, offer our support selflessly, and cherish the community we help build.

As we remember Allen, let us continue to carry his spirit of understanding and connection forward, making every interaction meaningful and every relationship count.

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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.

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IGNITING CHANGE: SMITHVILLE SITE TEAM

The mission and vision of Feed the Need Missions is to feed people physically and spiritually while simultaneously building communities of Jesus followers that noticeably impact their community. Some of our Smithville Site Volunteers recently demonstrated this vision by helping some of their regular weekly guests relocate. This dedication shows how volunteering goes beyond our weekly sites; sometimes making an impact is simply filling a need while showing the love of Jesus.

For safety reasons the guest’s names have been changed and their faces have been blacked out.

Moving day is often a mix of excitement and bittersweet farewells, but for Jane and John, their relocation to a new town in Texas was a day filled with camaraderie, joy, and the promise of fresh beginnings. By 9 am, the volunteers were already in full swing, turning the process of packing up a home into a collaborative and heartwarming experience.

The scene unfolded with little kids and adults diligently hauling out the contents of Jane and John’s house. Packed boxes were strategically placed in the trailer, reminiscent of a game of Tetris. Within an hour, their once cozy home stood bare, and as the last donut was savored, it was time to embark on the journey to their new abode.

Despite the typical March move being cold and wet, Texas bestowed upon them a perfect day – not too hot, not too cold, and not a raindrop in sight. With the volunteers, passengers, dogs, and a four-foot ball python loaded, they hit the road. As the hours passed, conversations flowed about the new town and the myriad possibilities awaiting them.

A fresh start is never devoid of challenges, yet it brings forth valuable lessons, new connections, and a heightened sense of confidence in overcoming difficulties. Unpacking their belongings and rearranging furniture, the volunteers discussed the significance of creature comforts and the little things that transform a house into a home.

Amidst the flurry of activity, there was a tinge of sadness among the volunteers. The realization dawned that they wouldn’t see their friends every week anymore. However, that sentiment was overshadowed by the overwhelming happiness for Jane and John, who were about to embrace a unique opportunity. Before heading back home, the group gathered around the couple, offering prayers for their hope and future.

The sentiment echoed a powerful verse from the Bible, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) Gratitude was expressed for the chance to be part of their journey, and prayers were offered for them to find a faith-building community that would provide hope, encouragement, and truth.

As the day concluded, an old Irish blessing lingered in the air, “May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.”

The heartfelt sentiments encapsulated the spirit of the day – a celebration of friendship, community, and the beautiful opportunity to be a small part of a blessing. The volunteers left with hearts full of warmth, knowing they had played a role in creating a foundation for Jane and John’s new chapter.


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IGNITING CHANGE: CHARLIE

Charlie Hoffman’s story is one of dedication, friendship, and unwavering service. Charlie has been committed to making a difference in his community for the past eight years by volunteering with Feed the Need Missions. Even in retirement, his spirit of service burns brightly, illuminating the lives of those around him.

His journey has been marked by unforgettable experiences, including serving during Hurricane Harvey and the Franklin tornado. Charlie’s faith has been his guiding light in the face of danger. He vividly recalls the treacherous conditions during flood rescues, where the reality of rushing waters starkly contrasted with television portrayals.

“When we got to the family we were helping, there were 8 of us in the boat. It was almost midnight when we hit swift water, but we made it back safely. I was thanking God.” Despite the risks, Charlie’s resolve remained unshaken because of his trust in God’s unwavering power.

But Charlie’s service extends beyond disaster response. Every Monday, he extends a helping hand to his 92-year-old friend, Gordon Powell. Together, they tend to Powell’s cows, then get the Feed the Need Missions’ trailer to take to the Stony Point site.

For the past four to five years, Charlie has been pulling a trailer as part of his volunteer routine for Feed the Need Missions. Through his years of volunteering, Charlie has gleaned invaluable wisdom: the realization that faithful service to God comes from serving others by extending the love, kindness, and compassion of Jesus Christ.

While taking responsibility for a trailer might not seem like a significant task, Charlie’s story demonstrates how this seemingly simple way to volunteer opens the door to building meaningful relationships while, at the same time, meeting the physical and spiritual needs of those around him.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” Ephesians 4:32


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IGNITING CHANGE: CHERIE

Meet Cherie.

Cherie has been an integral part of Feed the Need Missions since 2010, serving in multiple capacities, including the Missions Council team for the Bastrop area. She has been actively involved in back office tasks for nearly four years, helping enter receipts and with various annual mailers. She said, “Knowing that the mailers are mostly for fundraising, it touches my heart to be a part of every envelope and letter that is mailed.”

At the core of Feed the Need Missions is a desire for people to know Jesus. The organization relies on individuals like Cherie to support its vision of reaching people nationwide, using a burger as a unique tool to share the gospel. Without the invaluable assistance of volunteers in the back office, realizing this vision would be more challenging.

Cherie’s involvement goes beyond administrative tasks; one of her favorite annual events is the Gobble Kits initiative. This initiative holds special meaning for Cherie as it allows families to enjoy Thanksgiving without the added financial burden. She shared:

“A neighbor of mine lost his wife (I know how that feels from losing my husband); he came to Gobble Kit distribution and signed up to receive a kit. Knowing he received a kit warmed my heart.”

Feed the Need Missions has been a source of strength and focus for Cherie during challenging times. “Serving has had such a tremendous impact on my life.”

Cherie’s story exemplifies the transformative power of volunteering and the significant impact one person can have on our mission. Her dedication to various roles, events, and back office tasks showcases volunteers’ vital role in bringing others hope and joy. Feed the Need Missions continues to thrive, thanks to the selfless contributions of individuals like Cherie, whose generosity and compassion truly make a difference in the lives of those they serve.


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IGNITING CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Over the next month, we will be sharing stories of Feed the Need Missions’ volunteers serving in various capacities. No matter how one serves, the mission is still the same: to feed people physically and spiritually.

When people think about getting involved with Feed the Need Missions, they often think about the “front line” (our weekly site locations). While that is a large part of what we do, that is not the only way to get involved.

It takes much more to keep our organization running, allowing us to maintain consistency in our communities by providing weekly physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support.

Feed the Need Missions maintains a small staff to help us give as much as we can back to our communities. Which means we are always in need of help from our volunteers.

We understand that not everyone enjoys speaking or engaging with people. We can assure you that you have a skill, talent, or knowledge that could help us ignite change in our communities and impact God’s Kingdom.

Jeremy

A few years ago, Jeremy and some friends saw a need in their community and wanted to respond. They had an idea to provide meals for people, but they weren’t entirely sure how it would look. After church one day as they were brainstorming, a staff member from his church overheard their conversation and it was mentioned to the pastor, and he connected him with Feed the Need Missions. And long story short, the La Grange site was born.

Jeremy has been the site coordinator for the La Grange site since day one. He and his family are all involved in serving their community every week, and they have truly been changed by this experience.

“You come for whatever reason and you don’t even realize what starts changing you, and then that goes out and changes families, schools, it changes the whole community,” Jeremy told us.

Jeremy came up with the idea of starting our Give Back Beef program after realizing that in order to make a site sustainable, it needed to be supported financially as well. This idea truly meets needs and ignites change.

There is a place for you here at Feed the Need Missions. We are here to answer your questions about how you can get involved—we need you. Do you feel called? Will you step out in faith and ignite change in your community today?


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Empowering Compassion: A Recap of January’s Volunteer Training

This past Saturday, January 20th, marked a pivotal day for Feed the Need Missions, as we hosted our largest training session to date. Over 88 individuals gathered, eager to learn and engage with our mission. This remarkable turnout is a testament to the growing commitment and enthusiasm within our community.

Volunteerism is the lifeblood of many nonprofits, and at Feed the Need Missions, we are blessed with over 400 incredible volunteers. Their dedication is the driving force behind our success. Regular training and the annual Fired Up Conference are vital to advancing our mission and vision, and this event was a step forward in that ongoing journey.

When asked about takeaways from the training, one of our volunteers shared, “Understanding why the processes are so important was my biggest takeaway. It’s easy to get lost in the routine at a site, but the training realigns our focus and reminds us of the do’s and don’ts. It puts everything back into perspective.”

A crucial component of our training involved teaching volunteers how to witness to others and share the gospel. Through interactive exercises like the 15-Second Testimony method and guidance on what not to say, we aimed to make evangelism more approachable and impactful.

One volunteer stated, “There’s no reason not to share your testimony anymore. Learning the 15-Second Testimony method made it come alive–it’s so real for me now. Being taught how to respond to others when they share how they feel was an eye opener and it has challenged me.”

Our training sessions are designed with specific goals to improve performance and deepen understanding. Our hope and prayer are that this training achieved just that. As one volunteer aptly summarized, “It’s a great reminder and a refreshing perspective.”

We are already preparing for our next training session in July, which will continue to focus on mobilizing believers to feed people physically and spiritually in their communities. This session will further emphasize building disciple-making relationships, a core aspect of our mission.

As we reflect on the success of this training, our hearts are filled with gratitude and hope. With a strengthened and inspired team of volunteers, Feed the Need Missions is more equipped than ever to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Join us in this journey of compassion and community transformation, one meal and one soul at a time.

Volunteer
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Spreading Holiday Cheer

‘Tis the season of joy, love, and giving! At Feed the Need Missions, we are beyond grateful for the support and dedication of our incredible volunteers. As a small expression of our appreciation, we hosted a special Christmas party to celebrate our volunteers.

It was a joy to see the camaraderie that permeates our staff and volunteers. We decorated gingerbread houses, had a build your own burger bar, and played Christmas themed games that had us laughing until we cried. Our volunteers had the opportunity to share about how the mission has impacted them, and our staff had the opportunity to express our deep gratitude to all our volunteers who have helped us carry out our mission of feeding people physically and spiritually. We also had the opportunity to honor Mike and Lynn, who have faithfully served at our Bastrop South site for the last 10 years. After the Christmas party, we gathered in downtown Bastrop to participate in the Christmas parade.

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to ensure that our volunteers feel the love and appreciation they deserve. The Christmas party was just one small way to express our gratitude for the selfless gifts of their time and energy throughout the year.

Feed the Need Missions volunteers—We pray that the love of Christ, which is at the heart of Christmas, guides you throughout the coming year. We love you, and we are beyond thankful for everything you do.

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