Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Hope in God is our new theme for Missions and Community Outreach. We live in a time of increasing hopelessness in our world.  We know that anxiety, depression, effects of illness, financial problems, substance abuse, and mental health issues have created an ever-increasing sense of hopelessness.  The answer…hope in God!

Having our hope in God allows us to be agents of hope.  It is our presence, our touch, our words, our personalities, our giftedness, and the Spirit of God that lives in us that carries a message of hope to our world. We must live it out…we are not ashamed of the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ.  We hope in Him, and we have hope in God. We, First Woodway and Viento Fuerte, are called to go, serve, love, and proclaim the hope of Jesus Christ, hope in God.

There are three ways you can be involved with missions and community outreach at First Woodway. First, we need those who will Pray for our events, our encounters, our conversations, and our trips so that God would be honored and proclaimed in all we do. Second, we want you to Go. Come join us in serving in our community, the US, or internationally on a mission trip. Finally, we want you to Give. This may be of your time, giftedness, or financial support for our mission trips or community outreach opportunities. Your giving will help proclaim God to our community, country, and the world.

There is a place for everyone to be connected in sharing the hope of the gospel through missions and community outreach. Please consider getting involved as we Pray, Go, and Give.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

International Marketplace: An opportunity to give and serve the world right here in Waco!
Large and small household items are being collected this summer to help the international students at Baylor that will be coming from all over the world to study and work on campus. In August, there will be a free marketplace for these students with all the items that have been donated on their behalf. Donated items should be new or gently used. Please refer to this flyer for all the details. You may also contact Rhonda Glanzer if you have any questions.

Wash and Prayer | Every 1st and 3rd Monday | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Contact: René Maciel

We will be caring for and serving our community at The Washtub Laundromat on 235 N Hewitt Dr. We will pay for their laundry, offer drinks, snacks, and have great conversations. Join us in loving our neighbors by washing their clothes and praying with them. Come join us every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Sign up here. See our 2024 dates below:
May 20 | June 3 | June 17 | July 8 | July 22 | Aug 5 | Aug 19 | Sept 16

Caritas of Waco
Contact: Lynn Brooks
We minister at Caritas every Wednesday from 8:45-10:45 am.  We serve in their pantry by stocking shelves and helping customers shop for their food. As we do this, we engage in conversations and at times pray with those who come to Caritas seeking help. We hope that these conversations and opportunities to pray with others will lead to sharing the gospel with many. The harvest is ripe to feed and share the gospel. Caritas is located at 300 S 15th St. in Waco. No sign up or RSVP necessary.

Given in Jesus’ Name Food Pantry 
Contact: Rhonda Jones
Looking for volunteers every Thursday from 8:30-11:30 and 12:30-2:30 pm. We need volunteers to shop, stock the pantry shelves, bag food orders, talk to and pray with our customers, and bring food to cars on carts. Sign up here. Every week we feed families from all over Central TX. We need your help in keeping our food pantry stocked. Please click here for a list of current food items needed.

God’s Toolbox
Contact: Lynn Brooks
God’s Toolbox’s primary focus is to care for, share with, and serve others through home repair projects, ramps, and grab bar installation. GTB assists the elderly, people of low income, and the disabled, enabling them to live in warmth, safety and independence. Email Lynn with your need, a brief description of the project, address of home, and cell number of main contact person. You will be contacted to confirm the details submitted.

Narrow Road Hiking Club | June 29 | 7:30 am | Redwood Shelter, Cameron Park
Contact: Jen Martinsen
Narrow Road Hiking Club is relaunching, and Jen Martinsen is leading this group. Make plans to join us and bring a neighbor and friend as we hike various trails and take in the beauty of God’s creation! See you there!

Wednesday Night Saints
Contact:  Wanda Glaze  (or call 254.666.8276)
Each Wednesday night during the school year, 30-40 people receive a warm meal along with a hug and a prayer. These homebound families love the conversation time the most, just knowing someone cares about them. Call and see how you can spend one hour each week to help deliver a meal to someone who is hurting and alone.  Learn more about ways you can serve here.

Viento Fuerte Church

We are excited to have Viento Fuerte holding Sunday morning worship services on the First Woodway campus. They host a Spanish service at 9:30 am and a bilingual worship service at 11:00 am – both in the MAC Parlor. We hope you will drop in some time to experience worship with them!

Pastors Tom and Elizabeth Gutierrez lead Viento Fuerte. To find out more information, please email Tom and/or Elizabeth at egutierrez@vientofuerte.net.

VIENTO FUERTE WEBSITE

Missions and Community Outreach Team

René Maciel  |  Missions and Community Outreach Pastor
rmacie@woodway-clone.clevr.me

Lynn Brooks  |  Community Outreach Coordinator
lbrooks@woodway-clone.clevr.me

Sherrie Anderson  |  Missions Associate
Sanderson@woodway-clone.clevr.me

Rhonda Jones  |  Acteens Director | Given in Jesus’ Name Food Pantry Coordinator/Volunteer Coordinator
rjones@woodway-clone.clevr.me

Vision Statement

Open to God, open to people, open to the world.

1. Open to God – we are open to be led by His Spirit.

  • Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me. 2 Corinthians 2:12
  • But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

2. Open to people – we are open and want to be extended and ready to speak life into individuals.

  • We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 2 Corinthians 6:11
  • Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

3. Open to the world – we are open and available to go and share the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

  • On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27
  • Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Click the icon below to stay connected to our First Woodway Missions Page!

Partners

Caritas of Waco
Caritas of Waco is a non-profit organization that was opened in 1967 to serve the needs of poverty-level individuals living in the Waco-McLennan County area. The mission of Caritas is to “provide urgent support to people in need in our community.” This is accomplished by offering emergency/supplemental assistance in the form of food, clothing and household items, utility assistance, prescription medication assistance, rent and mortgage assistance, emergency lodging and travel. The philosophy of Caritas is to move low income families “beyond hunger to hope” through a combination of urgent assistance (e.g., food) and the case management intervention. Caritas is effectively placing many individuals into employment positions and into vocational training programs through it case management program. For volunteer information contact Lynn Brooks.

Friends for Life
Friends for Life helps the elderly and adults with disabilities live independently as long as possible, protects, and cares for those unable to care for themselves. Our core values of integrity, professional teamwork, and compassionate service define who we are and how we act as individuals within Friends for Life.
To learn more or volunteer Contact Kay Johnson at 254-772-7600 ext. 110 or email: wacocoordinator@friendsforlife.org

Mission Waco
Mission Waco’s mission is to empower the poor and the marginalized through Christian-based, holistic, relationship-centered programs, equip the middle-class to become more compassionately involved among the poor, and to engage in systemic issues of social injustice which oppress the poor and marginalized. Mission Waco deeply values the contributions of volunteers and donors, whose dedication and support play a crucial role in fulfilling our mission.
Volunteer Page:
https://missionwaco.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Donor Page:
https://missionwaco.givecloud.co/give
Front Office Coordinator:
Office@missionwaco.org
254-753-4900

Mentoring Alliance
Mentoring Alliance is a faith-based organization that serves kids and families in the Waco area through partnering with local public schools for after-school programs, summer camps, and 1:1 mentoring. For volunteer or giving opportunities contact:
Amie Reynolds, Executive Director
areynolds@thementoringalliance.com Phone: 254.447.6364

Salvation Army
Our endeavor is to break the cycle of poverty through a variety of programs while meeting the basic needs of those in our community. The Salvation Army is needing even more help in the summer months. We are asking all of our volunteers to sign up for a shift through the summer or sign up for TWO!  The shift is from 4:30 – 6:30 pm.  This is a serving job that includes set up and clean up. Our volunteer platform has changed, so here is the link to Sign up.

Together For Good
This organization exists to create pathways for the local church to come alongside vulnerable families in Christ-centered ministry. Find out more about opportunities to give or serve.
Contact Person: Kellie Davidson, Kellie@tfgood.org, 214-616-1929

Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children (ACCVC)
ACCVC promotes healing of children and crime victims through culturally sensitive advocacy, collaboration, prevention, and treatment. To learn more, donate items, or volunteer, contact Lori McCarter or visit their website. www.advocacycntr.org
lmccarter@advocacycntr.org
254-752-9330 ext. 130

Compassion Waco
At Compassion Waco, we firmly believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual regardless of their socioeconomic status. Guided by our faith principles, we are committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and nurturing environment that empowers homeless families to regain stability, dignity, and hope. To learn more, volunteer, or give to Compassion Waco:
Phone: 254-755-7640  Email: Compassion@compassionwaco.com
Address: 1421 Austin Ave, Waco, Tx 76701

Fellowship of Christian Athletes
The Heart of Texas Fellowship of Christian Athletes seeks to advance the Gospel and make disciples of every coach and athlete in Central Texas. We have multiple volunteer and funding needs connected to our Jr Captains Camp, Captains Camp, Victory Bowl, and Character Coach ministry. To learn more about this ministry, serve, or give, contact Ben Johnson, Metro Director.
Website:  www.heartoftexasfca.org    Email:  benjohnson@fca.org    Phone:  254-717-4290

Isaiah 117 House
Isaiah 117 House provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children and teens awaiting foster care placement. We are able to live out our threefold mission of reducing trauma of removal day, lightening the load for child protective services, and easing the transition for foster families because of community support of our mission. Contact Janay Morgan, McLennan County Location Leader if you would like to get involved to help change the way foster care begins!  mclennantx@isaiah117house.com or 423-518-3760 ext. 635

Care Net
Care Net Pregnancy Center helps support pregnant women and parents with life affirming services that radiate the abundant love of Jesus Christ. You, your family, or life group are invited to help with individual or group volunteer needs. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, contact Rachel Van Pelt at volunteering@pregnancycare.org or call her at 254-772-8270. She would love to connect with anyone looking for a place to serve!

Family Abuse Center
Family Abuse Center serves victims of domestic violence in six counties across Central Texas. Today, Family Abuse Center is the sole comprehensive domestic violence service agency in a six-county region, serving Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties. Family Abuse Center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency safety shelter, counseling, case management, legal advocacy and other services to help survivors of domestic violence. For more information about FAC email or call Makayla Smith at:  Makayla.Smith@familyabusecenter.org or call 254-772-8999. In terms of donations, FAC always needs: trash bags, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and paper towels. Here is a link to their volunteer page: https://www.familyabusecenter.org/volunteer/