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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.

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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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A Forgotten Community

Meet volunteers Ben and Debbie Ortiz. They faithfully serve weekly at our Stony Point site.

When asked about the impact on the Stony Point community Feed the Need Missions has had Ben shared, “Stony Point is a forgotten community and people do not want to go in there.”

“Not even the cops,” Debbie chimed in.

“Feed the Need Missions makes people feel like they are somebody and not forgotten,” Ben continued.

Ben and Debbie have lived near Stony Point for 40 years and are far too familiar with Stony Point’s reputation.

“We Christians have an ability to make people invisible, and so many have made Stony Point invisible. You can walk by people and make them invisible, walk by them like they are not even there”, Ben admitted. “Feed the Need Missions has changed that,” he continued.

“People are hungry for interaction, to be seen, to be prayed for,” Debbie added.

Serving has helped Ben, Debbie and countless others to see people the way God sees them and recognize opportunities to demonstrate God’s love to those we might otherwise walk right by without a second thought. Debbie recognized there were still people in the community that were not served and felt the Lord prompting them to go into these rougher areas.

“She [Debbie] reminded me we are forgetting the people in the corner. I have the ability to close my eyes to the things I don’t want to see,” Ben said. This opened a door to reach deeper into the community to serve people who are inaccessible to most.

One night after serving there was left over food and Ben saw an opportunity to serve those who most would ignore. He headed into that dark pocket with provision and purpose. Using the burger as a tool he offered a meal and prayer.

The response was overwhelming. Ben shared how one woman was tearful as she received the food and prayer. “The people that are bad when they see someone praying for them they’ll come up to you to get prayer. That’s what Feed the Need Missions has allowed me to do, to go into those spots in my community. It gave me a reason to go into those places to share the gospel.”

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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.

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