Food for Body and Soul: Hunger Offering ministry meets needs across Metroplex

By Jaclyn Bonner

Linda, a ministry volunteer, gently challenged Tamara with two poignant questions. “Why do you always come with your hand out? Why don’t you come and serve?” Linda’s view of service as a blessing affected Tamara, who decided to serve at the food giveaway the following week.

Tamara, a South Collins resident, learned about Christ through Linda, the neighborhood Bible study leader, who brought her food from Mission Arlington each week and invited her to Bible study.

When Tamara met Linda, she was not making good choices. She was impressed with Linda’s kindness and love. Linda continued to serve Tamara, driving her to work each day, encouraging her to attend church, and planting gospel seeds of truth.

Linda is one of about 2,000 annual volunteers affiliated with Mission Arlington, which is also referred to as Mission Metroplex. Weekly Bible studies are offered in 349 places across Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Fort Worth.

Tamara has not forgotten Linda’s wise words about giving instead of just receiving.

Today Tamara has adopted a lifestyle of service, spreading the love of Christ with others as Linda first did with her

Founded in 1986, Mission Arlington has been providing both physical and spiritual food for the hungry for more than 30 years.

More than 800 families request assistance from the ministry daily. Churches, organizations, businesses, and individuals partner with Mission Arlington to help provide food assistance, medical care, emergency assistance, after school programs, mentoring, Bible studies, and many other services.

Food assistance is one of the most widespread needs and frequent requests, so Mission Arlington distributes food through their food pantry and neighborhood programs. Texas Baptist Hunger Offering partners with Tarrant Baptist Association to help provide food for Mission Arlington.

“We are grateful for the opportunities God gives us to meet the physical needs of people throughout the city so that they might be open to hear the gospel,” said Executive Director Tillie Burgin.

“The goal is always food for the soul, but often God fills a belly so He can touch their soul.”

Gifts to the Hunger Offering are helping ministries like Mission Arlington serve those in need.

The next 5th Sunday Hunger Offering will be April 30, in Baptist churches across Texas, but you can give any time here.