Tag Archive for: serving

Stepping Into a New Role: A Season of Growth and Gratitude

My name is Shayla Tangen, and I’m honored to share a meaningful milestone in my journey with Feed the Need Missions! On July 1st, I officially transitioned from intern to full-time Outreach Coordinator—a step that reflects both the work God is doing in me and the doors He’s opening for our mission in Bastrop County—and beyond.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to co-present a grant proposal alongside our Program Director (my dad), Sean Tangen, through Bastrop County Cares. It was my first time navigating the grant process, and I’ll admit, I was extremely nervous. But as we stood before the committee, I was amazed by their genuine encouragement and clear belief in the next generation. That support stayed with me long after the presentation ended.

We were thrilled to learn that $40,000 was awarded to Feed the Need Missions as part of the Outreach and Development Initiative for Community Restoration. This investment is an incredible step forward. It will enable us to expand our local outreach efforts, host more community-driven events, and continue creating spaces where both physical and spiritual needs are met with the same love that Jesus has shown us.

I’m deeply grateful for the countless people who have helped make this possible: our donors, volunteers, prayer partners, and the families we serve. Your faithfulness has paved the way for moments like this, and I carry your encouragement with me as I step into this new role. The past year and a half has been a massive learning curve; I’ve experienced significant growth, both personally and spiritually. I’ve learned the value of starting each day in God’s Word, working alongside a Christ-centered team, and trusting Him through seasons of uncertainty and celebration. This role is more than just a job; it’s a calling. I am earnestly seeking God’s direction as we move forward.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities to Serve

This grant is just the beginning of what we believe God wants to do in Bastrop County. As we begin planning and hosting outreach events throughout the community, we will need volunteers to help bring these efforts to life.

Whether you’re gifted in hospitality, logistics, prayer, or simply showing up and serving with a willing heart, your involvement will make a meaningful difference.

Visit feedtheneed.org/volunteer to sign up and learn more, or contact me directly at shayla.tangen@feedtheneed.org to get involved.

Thank you for being part of the Feed the Need Missions family. It’s a privilege to walk alongside you as we continue to share the hope of Jesus and meet people where they are, with food, friendship, and faith.

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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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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: 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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THE LAUNCH OF UNIT B: NURTURING COMMUNITIES THROUGH COMPASSION AND CONNECTION

In the heart of Feed the Need Missions lies a simple, profound truth: we are called to serve not just with meals but with open hearts, reflecting the boundless love of Christ in every action.

It is with great excitement and deep commitment to this calling that we introduce our latest site trailer, Unit B, a significant step forward in our mission to serve communities both physically and spiritually.

This new trailer represents an evolution in our ability to connect with more individuals, providing not only nourishment but also a space for fellowship and spiritual growth.

A New Chapter in Service

Unit B is designed with a deeper purpose, aligning with our core mission to serve as a conduit for God’s love. Equipped to accommodate two grills and additional seating, this unit is not merely a response to a growing need for physical nourishment but a testament to our commitment to fostering genuine relationships.

The meals we serve are merely the bridge to a greater encounter—the opportunity to sit, share, and show the unconditional love that drives us. Unit B has been designed with dual functionality at its core.

This strategic versatility ensures that the trailer is not only capable of supporting the launch of new sites in the La Grange area but is also fully equipped to respond effectively to disaster situations across Central Texas and beyond.

This dual capability allows us to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that we can be present and provide essential support in times of need, further embodying the spirit of service and resilience that defines Feed the Need Missions.

A Community Effort
The realization of the B Unit was made possible through the collective heart and effort of the La Grange community. Their dedication to our mission demonstrated through their successful fundraising efforts, has not only funded the construction of this unit but also reinforced the power of community and shared purpose. As we prepare to deploy the B Unit to the La Grange site, we do so with immense gratitude for the support that has turned this vision into a reality.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following donors for their generous contributions:

– John Burkland
– Second Chance Emporium
– FUMC First United Methodist Men-La Grange
– Tejas Camp & Retreat Center
– Henry and Cecilia Zoch
– Texas Burger Bash
– Shared Lutheran Ministry
– And all those whose contributions, big and small, have been invaluable to this project.

Each of you has played a crucial role in bringing the New La Grange Site Trailer from concept to reality; we are eternally grateful for that. Your generosity and community spirit embody the essence of what we aim to achieve at Feed the Need Missions.

At Feed the Need Missions, we understand that our calling transcends the act of feeding. Each meal serves as an invitation to a deeper dialogue, an opportunity to listen, share, and connect on a level that transcends material needs.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that true service involves stepping into the lives of those we serve, offering not just food but a listening ear, a word of encouragement, and a reflection of Christ’s love.

Jesus is the cornerstone of our mission, the ultimate example of service and love that we strive to emulate. The B Unit’s launch is a step forward in our journey to walk in His footsteps, to serve with humility and love that knows no bounds. We seek to embody the love of Christ in every interaction, fostering relationships that can lead to meaningful spiritual conversations and disciple-making.

As we gear up for the official launch of the B Unit on March 3rd, we invite our volunteers and supporters to join us in celebration. This event will not only be a thanksgiving for the incredible support we’ve received but also an opportunity to educate and empower our volunteers on how this new unit will enhance our service to the community.

I pray that we move forward with the conviction that our service can change lives by meeting physical needs and changing hearts and communities. We are excited to see how this new chapter will unfold as we continue to serve in the spirit of 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”

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Finding Peace and Purpose in the Midst of Chaos

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, with its unending stream of news, personal worries, and daily stressors, finding a moment of peace can often seem like an insurmountable challenge. Yet, in these times, it is crucial to discover our own sanctuary, a place where our soul can find quiet and solace.

My mornings often begin under the weight of anxiety, a common experience in our fast-paced world. However, I’ve found a profound source of comfort in the ancient words of Psalm 131:2, which speaks of a soul stilled and quieted like a child in their mother’s arms. This imagery inspires me to envision myself in a similar state of stillness, resting in the Lord’s presence.

In moments of distress, I close my eyes and picture myself in the comforting lap of the divine, feeling a sense of safety and unconditional love. This practice of visualization – imagining a gentle embrace, a calming heartbeat, and a reassuring presence – helps slow my racing thoughts and brings a sense of peace to my troubled soul.

Yet, stillness is not only found in moments of solitude and prayer. I have discovered an equally profound peace in active service. Engaging in community work, like my involvement with Feed the Need Missions, offers a different kind of restorative experience. It is in these moments, when I’m listening to and helping others, that I feel a deep connection and purpose.

Asking someone, “How are you holding up?” can be a simple yet powerful way to step outside of oneself and enter into the world of another. This act of reaching out can reveal unexpected needs and stories, reminding us of the power of empathy and connection. It’s a practice that may require us to set aside our own agendas, but in doing so, we open ourselves up to genuine human interaction and the joy of serving others.

Embracing a servanthood posture inspired by Jesus’ example can profoundly change our lives. It shifts our focus from seeking comfort to giving it, from clinging to being empowered. This transformation leads us toward a life marked by boldness, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose.

As you navigate the noise and challenges of your own life, I invite you to reflect: Where is your place of peace? How can serving others bring you closer to stillness and purpose? Sometimes, the path to inner quiet and fulfillment lies in the most unexpected places – in service, prayer, and the simple act of asking someone about their day.

Let us find our peace in quiet moments of reflection and the meaningful act of reaching out and serving those around us.

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