Tag Archive for: community

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KERRY-LYNN’S STORY: WHEN A WEEKLY MEAL BECOMES SOMETHING MORE

Kerry-Lynn didn’t know where she belonged anymore.

As a single mom navigating a painful separation, ongoing medical challenges, and the daily responsibility of caring for her girls, life had narrowed. Community felt complicated. Relationships felt uncertain. Even faith—once familiar—felt harder to reach.

“I didn’t know where I belonged anymore,” she said. “I just needed to be around people.”

Two friends invited her to come to a weekly Feed the Need site. They didn’t give a long explanation. They simply invited her to show up. So one Wednesday night, she did.

What she found was simple—a grill, volunteers serving meals, people gathering—but what she experienced was deeper. She was welcomed without question, offered a meal without strings, and seen without judgment.

In a season where stability felt fragile, that simple act mattered.

 

A Firm Foundation in an Unsteady Season

Kerry-Lynn came back the next week. And then the next.

Feed the Need isn’t a one-time outreach. It’s a consistent, weekly presence—same place, same people, same heart. Over time, that consistency created a sense of safety. And safety made room for trust.

One evening, she stepped into the greeting line alongside her friends. After showing her what to do, they moved on to serve elsewhere. Suddenly, Kerry-Lynn found herself welcoming guests, listening to stories, and praying with people she had never met before.

One prayer in particular stayed with her.

“The words I prayed for her were the words God wanted me to hear for myself,” she said. “He put me exactly where I needed to be.”

In the middle of a season marked by upheaval, Kerry-Lynn realized God was becoming her steady ground again—her firm foundation when everything else felt uncertain.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.”  (Psalm 18:2)

God met her not just through words, but through people—through presence, prayer, and a community willing to walk with her.

 

More Than a Meal

As weeks turned into months, something began to change.

Volunteers noticed when Kerry-Lynn wasn’t there. Guests remembered her name. Her daughters were welcomed and included. They began helping run food, make signs, and create cards—small acts that made them feel valued and safe.

And then something unexpected happened.

“I started seeing people around town who recognized me,” she said. “I didn’t know I could find a community that extended into my whole life.”

The meal met a physical need.
The conversations met a social need.
The care met an emotional need.
The prayer met a spiritual need.

This is the heart of Feed the Need Missions—meeting people where they are and addressing the deeper forms of poverty that so often remain unseen. Hunger is real, but so is isolation. So is fear. So is the quiet ache of feeling disconnected from God and others.

Scripture speaks directly to this kind of ministry:

“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness… and the Lord will guide you continually.”  (Isaiah 58:10–11)

 

From Receiving to Serving

Kerry-Lynn didn’t just receive care—she began to give it.

She had served in ministry before but felt hesitant about praying with adults. At Feed the Need, God gently stretched her. Week after week, she prayed with people carrying heavy burdens—grief, addiction, financial stress, loneliness.

And through those moments, God was shaping her as well.

“Sometimes I say something to someone else and realize I need to hear it too,” she said. “God is working in all of us.”

What formed wasn’t a program. It was relationships—real, patient, disciple-making relationships built through consistency and care.

 

A Living Picture of the Mission

Kerry-Lynn’s story reflects what Feed the Need Missions exists to do:

  • Believers mobilized to love their neighbors.
  • Physical needs met with dignity.
  • Spiritual needs addressed with grace.
  • Relationships formed that lead to healing and growth.

“It wasn’t just hamburgers,” she said. “It was people really caring about each other. I found a place where I could heal—and a place where I could serve.”

Her story is one of many, but it captures the heart of the mission: showing up consistently, loving people well, and trusting God to do the deeper work.

One meal.
One conversation.
One relationship at a time.

 

As the year comes to a close, we invite you to prayerfully ask how God might have you be part of this work. Any year-end gift you make will be matched by a generous donor, doubling the impact and helping us continue bringing hope, meals, and connection to our communities.

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THE POWER OF SHOWING UP: RYLEE’S STORY

If you’ve spent any time at our Bastrop South Site, you’ve likely seen Rylee. He’s the one quickly breaking down tables, picking up trash, restocking supplies, and doing it all with a smile. He is known around the site as someone who gets things done — a dependable, hardworking young man who shows up week after week with a cheerful heart and a servant’s attitude.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Rylee and learn more about his story. Although I had seen him around the site before, this was our first real conversation, and it left a lasting impression.

Rylee, now a high school senior, is juggling classes, soccer practice, and all the busyness that comes with the final year of high school. Most mornings, he gives a friend a ride to school before starting his packed day. However, no matter how full his schedule becomes, Rylee continues to prioritize serving with Feed the Need Missions.

His family moved to Bastrop four years ago, and the South Site has been a significant part of his life ever since. He began coming because his dad heard about it through their church. What started as a visit soon turned into a weekly rhythm — one that has shaped Rylee more than he expected.

This October was especially meaningful, as Rylee’s father returned home after serving overseas in Kuwait for 9 months. Their family was overjoyed to welcome him back, grateful for his safety and the chance to be together again. Since his return, Rylee and his dad have already been serving side by side at the Bastrop South site.

When I asked Rylee what had impacted him the most, his answer was simple and sincere: “The role models.” He spoke about the strong spiritual men and women who have poured into him, helped him answer difficult questions, and guided him in his faith. Those relationships deeply shaped him during a time when he could have felt lost or isolated. Rylee found faith-filled mentors who reminded him what steady faith and humble strength look like when lived out.

Serving at Bastrop South has also changed Rylee’s perspective. He explained that the Lord has been teaching him gratitude, humility, and what true servant leadership looks like. It has helped him slow down, notice others, and recognize how blessed he truly is.

Rylee is naturally a doer. He jumps in, works hard, and keeps moving. But recently, he has learned that some of the most meaningful ministry occurs when you take the time to truly see someone. Rylee excels at this. Even on the busiest nights, he pauses, looks someone in the eye, and meets them where they are. That kind of intentionality is rare and leaves a lasting impact.

He has also learned that God can use conversations that don’t “go perfectly.” Some discussions may be emotional or messy, but those moments can still plant seeds. Rylee is discovering that faithfulness isn’t measured by how smooth a moment is, but by whether we choose to show up with love.

When asked what he would say to someone considering volunteering, his answer was spot on: “It’s a great place to share your faith and talk about Jesus.”

Our conversation left me deeply encouraged. Rylee embodies what it means to serve like Jesus: with joy, intentionality, humility, and purpose. He reminds us that when we show up faithfully, God works to shape not only the lives of others but also our own.

We’re grateful to have Rylee as part of this community and are excited about what God continues to do in and through him. Please pray for his soccer season and the rest of his senior year!

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FROM YOUR HANDS TO THEIR TABLE

Across our weekly sites in Central Texas, something beautiful is unfolding. Families, churches, and small groups are filling bags with groceries and praying for the people who will receive them. Each turkey, each can of corn, and each box of stuffing is more than food—it’s a message: You matter. You’re not forgotten.

At Feed the Need Missions, we call these our Gobble Kits. Right now, our teams are hard at work signing up families and preparing to serve each one personally in the coming weeks. Behind the scenes, volunteers are collecting and sorting bags so that every family who registers can sit down to a Thanksgiving meal filled with hope.

A Bag of Food. A Story of Hope.

In just the first two weeks of sign-ups, more than 350 households have already registered to receive a Gobble Kit. Many of them are living with real stress: working hard but still juggling rent, groceries, and childcare. Some households are now dealing with the ripple effects of delayed paychecks or stretched-thin benefits.

Here in Central Texas, the need is real. Nearly 1 in 6 households across Texas faces food insecurity. In Central Texas, more than 1 in 4 children live in households where food is uncertain. Locally, in Bastrop County, the estimated poverty rate is approximately 12.4%, and in Fayette County, it’s about 11%.

What this means is that for many families, the holiday season is not just about joy and celebration—it’s shadowed by worry: “Will we have enough?” “Will there be food on the table?” “Are we forgotten?” On top of that, holiday time often magnifies isolation, pressure, emotional fatigue, and unseen needs.

When you fill a bag, you do more than give groceries—you place hope on a table. You give dignity. You say: We see you. You are not alone.

Meeting the Need Together

The weekend of November 15–17 will be our Gobble Kit drop-off and collection weekend—the time when all the filled bags come together so our teams can assemble and distribute them to families before Thanksgiving.

While it’s a vital part of making sure every registered family receives a meal, the greater impact comes when these meals are delivered—when conversations happen, prayers are offered, and lives are touched.

To make that possible, we still need your help:

  • Fill a Gobble Kit bag this week and drop it off during collection weekend. You can find all pick-up & drop-off locations on our website.
  • Invite others to join you—friends, small groups, or workplaces can fill bags together.
  • Pray that God would meet the growing need, give our teams wisdom and strength, and open hearts to the hope of Jesus through every encounter.

More Than a Meal

Each Gobble Kit is a doorway to ministry. As our volunteers deliver meals and pray with families, we see God move in incredible ways—restoring hope, healing relationships, and reminding people that He has not forgotten them.

We don’t know exactly how large the need will be this year, but we trust that God does. He knows every family who will sign up, every volunteer who will serve, and every bag that will be filled.

So let’s keep showing up with open hands and open hearts—trusting that He’ll multiply what’s offered, one meal and one prayer at a time. Thank you for helping bring hope to the table this Thanksgiving.

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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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Eight Months In: What God is Doing at Bastrop Central

Every Wednesday evening at the Bastrop Farmers Market, something powerful is quietly happening.

For the past eight months, we have been setting up tables, grills, and tents — but more importantly, we have been showing up. What started as a new site has grown into a weekly rhythm of service, conversation, and community that continues to deepen and stretch us.

In the photo above, you will see our site coordinators, Cody and Michele, leading one of our Table Talk discussions, a 30-minute conversation we have each week before serving begins. These are not lectures. They are real, honest, and relational moments where volunteers and guests alike are invited to reflect on what God is doing in their lives. It is a time to share stories, ask questions, and explore how we can take what we are learning and live it out that very evening, as we serve burgers, listen to prayer requests, and engage with one another across the table.

This kind of intentional space is what sets Feed the Need Missions apart. We are not just feeding people physically, we are creating a place where people are seen, known, and invited into something deeper.

 

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another…”
Hebrews 10:24–25


Over the summer, we have seen a significant increase in guests, from longtime locals struggling to make ends meet to newcomers still trying to find their footing in the community. The need is growing. So is the opportunity.

We have also seen an influx of volunteers serving to complete community service hours, from students building resumes to individuals walking through brokenness and challenges. Many of them are unfamiliar with Jesus or unsure of what it means to follow Him. This has opened doors for deeper conversations and real discipleship. It is stretching our team in the best ways — teaching us to listen better, serve more intentionally, and recognize that every interaction is a ministry moment.

 

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Luke 10:2


Even among our volunteer team, something beautiful is taking place. Most of our core team did not know each other before launching this site. But week after week, we have watched friendships form, leadership grow, and people step up in unexpected ways — helping with food prep, leading discussion, praying with guests, and simply being present. It is a picture of what happens when the body of Christ comes together with a shared mission.

 

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:27


This site is also a first for us in another way: it was launched by our Missions Council — a group of local leaders committed to planting and sustaining sites in their region. For over a year, they prayed, planned, and prepared. And now, that investment is bearing fruit — not just in meals served, but in lives touched and disciples made.

We are still learning. We are still growing. But we are doing it together, and God is using it.

If you have ever driven by on a Wednesday night and wondered what’s going on… come see for yourself. Grab a burger. Join the conversation. Ask questions. You might just find that God wants to use you, too.

As Jesus said:

 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35

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One Church, One Mission: Welcoming New Partners in Bastrop

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of joining Life Family Bastrop for a Sunday morning service. Pastor Andrew invited our team to share about the mission and heart behind Feed the Need Missions, and to celebrate what God is doing through our weekly community sites here in Bastrop County. We were deeply encouraged by their generosity, their desire to invest in the local community, and by several members who have already come out to visit and serve with us.

Moments like this are a beautiful reminder of what it means to be one Body, united in Christ.

 

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called…”

Ephesians 4:4


Life Family Bastrop may be new to the area, but they are not new to the mission — and their desire to jump in and serve alongside others already at work in the community reflects the kind of Kingdom-minded unity we are called to.

And we would be remiss if we did not also pause to honor the many churches that have been walking this road with us for years, some since the very beginning. From large congregations to small gatherings, traditional to contemporary, rural to in-town — the Church in Bastrop County has consistently shown up to love people well. You have prayed for us, sent volunteers, hosted trainings, sponsored sites, and invited us to share. And many of you continue to do so week after week.

There are too many to list, but we are especially thankful for churches like River Valley Bastrop, Bastrop Bible Church, The Gathering, Primera Baptist, First Assembly of God, First Baptist Bastrop, Cedar Creek United Methodist Church, Ascension Catholic Church, Smithville United Methodist Church, Calvary Baptist — and so many others. You have made this mission possible.

 

“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Romans 12:5


After 15 years of ministry, we have served over 5,200 site nights and provided more than 2 million meals — not because of any one group, but because the Church continues to say yes to being the hands and feet of Jesus. This is what unity in the gospel looks like. And we are grateful to be in it together.

If your church is looking for ways to serve beyond the walls of your building — whether through a one-time visit or long-term partnership — we would love to talk. The mission continues, and there is room at the table.

 

“We love because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:19

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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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Exciting Launch of the New Bastrop Central Site

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our newest site, Bastrop Central, on October 23, 2024, pending the completion of our fundraising and recruitment goals. This site represents more than just a new location—it’s the result of years of prayer, planning, and community collaboration. With your support, we’re confident we will meet these goals and officially open our doors to serve the Bastrop community.

Several years ago, we recognized that expanding into new communities would require a sustainable model—one that would rely on local support and foster long-term connections. This led us to the concept of the Missions Council, a group dedicated to connecting resources, people, and volunteers to sustain each site. It has been amazing to see how God has worked through this council to help us launch this new site in Bastrop.

The Bastrop Missions Council was formed earlier this year, tasked with launching the Bastrop Central site while documenting the process for future site expansions. Throughout the past nine months, we have witnessed the Lord’s provision in ways big and small. Though we began without a site coordinator or the necessary funds, God provided through generous donors, including one who gave towards a brand-new trailer that’s almost complete.

With the Missions Council’s efforts, we are now two-thirds of the way to our fundraising goal. However, we still need additional funds and volunteers to fill key roles such as equipment manager, food coordinator, and guest coordinator. If you feel called to support this launch, you can donate here: Help Us Launch the Bastrop Central Site.

If we hit our fundraising and recruitment goals, we will officially open the Bastrop Central site on October 23, 2024! Your support and involvement will directly help us reach this milestone, and together, we can make this new site a reality.

We also have two upcoming interest meetings for the community to learn more about the site and how to get involved:

  • September 25, 2024 from 6:00-7:00 PM at Found Fine Art Gallery
  • September 28, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church Bastrop

You can register for the meeting that best suits your schedule here: Register for Interest Meeting.

One of the most important steps in launching a new site was finding the right location. After much consideration and prayer, we identified the Bastrop Farmers Market as an ideal location. We received unanimous approval from the city, which felt like further confirmation that this was where God wanted us to serve.

As we move toward the launch date, there are still key roles we need to fill, including an equipment manager, food coordinator, and guest coordinator. These positions are vital to ensuring the site operates effectively each week. With youth groups already showing interest in serving once a month, we know this site will be a hub for community engagement and service.

We are in awe of how God is using this site and the people involved to bring hope, healing, and the love of Christ to the Bastrop community. Through simple acts of service—like sharing a meal—we have the opportunity to build relationships that meet physical, emotional, social, and most importantly, spiritual needs.

As we approach the October 23 launch, we are praying with great anticipation for the Lord’s provision, believing that He will complete what He has started in this community. We can’t wait to see what God will do through this new site, the incredible team, and the faithful volunteers who will serve alongside us.

Together, we are making ourselves available to serve Him by serving others. We look forward to seeing how the Lord will move in Bastrop and beyond as we continue to follow His lead.

“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

John 12:26

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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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