Tag Archive for: pray

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The Impact of Feed the Need Missions On My Prayer Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWTH

Feed the Need Missions has been on a journey to help our weekly sites become self-sustaining and figure out best practices for launching new sites. The first Missions Council was established and began meeting regularly in early 2024.

Greg Rutledge provided some insights into the purpose of the Council.

One pivotal role of the Missions Council is to establish the target operating model for local and area-specific missions councils. These regional councils will serve as a support system, steering all sites within their jurisdiction towards a sustainable future. By sharing best practices, resources, and insights, these councils will play a vital role in aligning individual sites with the broader mission and vision of Feed the Need.

By the end of 2024, with the help of the Missions Council, we plan to launch a new Bastrop site and start the process of launching two sites out of state.

Would you join us in prayer for the launching of upcoming sites and for the Lord to move in helping us make connections in communities needing physical and spiritual nurishment.

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When It’s Hard to Love

When you hear the word “love,” what comes to mind?

Most of us think of our spouses, children, family, or friends. We think of people who are easy to love, because they love us back. We often don’t think about those who are hard to love. Jesus says “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? (Luke 6:32). He goes on to issue this challenge to His followers: “But love your enemies, do good to them” (Luke 6:35). It is not enough for us to love the people that are easy for us to love; we are called to love those who are hard to love.
But how?



How to Love the “Hard to Love”

Do we just put on a smile and make fake conversation until we can make the quickest exit? It’s important to remember here that biblical love is not about warm feelings. It’s about actions. Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit within us, Jesus has given us the ability to love everyone, in word and deed—even those we think we can’t love. Here are some steps you can take to tap in to that power:

Pray often for God to change your heart. When we pray for our attitudes, and when we pray for our enemies, it’s amazing how or hearts begin to soften toward those who we find tough to love.

Forgive often as Jesus forgave us. This word in the Bible can mean everything from remitting a debt, to leaving something alone and even to simply overlook. And if you need motivation, just think about how God has done this in your own life!

Set healthy boundaries. Loving someone doesn’t mean you have to be that person’s best friend. We can love even the most difficult people by being kind, meeting their needs, and showing them respect. 


Why We Love the “Hard to Love”


As Christians, we lead by example. Servant leadership is one of our core values at Feed the Missions. We believe it’s important to approach everyone with an attitude of service, just as Jesus did. Loving people who don’t love us back can feel thankless at times. But we have a Savior who can relate.

Jesus loved us before we knew who He was or wanted a relationship with Him. So when we feel like it would be so easy to bring attention to ourselves or be angry at someone that has hurt us, let’s remember that we are who we are because of a God who never gave up on us. And if we’re committed to loving others well, one day maybe the hard-to-love folks in our lives will be able to look back and say the very same thing. 


Praying for a Heart to Love the “Hard to Love” 

 
Lord Jesus we ask that you forgive us for the way we treat others. Change our hearts to be more like yours. Thank you for loving us unconditionally and teaching us hard lessons. Allow us to be faithful to your word and walking out truth. Fill our hearts with compassion and servant leadership skills to help us love those that are hard to love. Your word says people will know we are His followers by the way we love- John 13:35. May we be reminded of who we are as we continue to love everyone. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
 
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