It's such a blessing and a privilege to volunteer for this ministry! In addition to providing toiletries, a listening ear, English or Spanish Bibles, & prayer for 300+ client families on a weekly basis, MBS at Bay Harbour United Methodist Church has two special projects each year. They provide around 500 children of the clients with back-to-school supplies in the fall and Christmas presents in December. The generous Bay Harbour congregation 'sponsors' each child to make these additional, large projects possible. The joys these items bring to the children and their parents are multiplied for the people who voluntarily provide this support. Being part of the MBS ministry is rewarding and I'm so pleased that Bay Harbour UMC has established this nonprofit to help vulnerable families in our community!
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This wonderful ministry is a weekly blessing to the volunteers as much as to the clients served. Seeing the success of special projects like Back to School Supplies and Christmas Assistance is gratifying for donors, sponsors, the clients, and especially the smiling children who get to feel the love of a community and of Jesus through the items they receive.
MBS is an organization dedicated to serve with love and compassion our brothers and sisters in need. I have had the honor to volunteer at this place during 2 different seasons and be a witness of God's grace and blessings. The group of people who work there have an incomparable devotion to those who are struggling and in need of help. MBS is a cleaning and personal hygiene supplies pantry, but that's I believe the least of what they offer to every person who steps into their modest building. Each person is treated like family, kids are given toys, clothes and books, families are asked about any special needs they might be having. I was there during Hurricane Harvey, and know of the great efforts this organization made to provide with clothes, furniture, cleaning supplies and other needs of many of their clients who had lost it all. I know of their special Back To School and Christmas Campaigns each year, where everybody works extra to satisfy the volunteer needs of those campaigns and also the regular operations of the pantry. Long hours of hard work and outrageous coordinating efforts are made during those times, but always in faith that God is in charge... and yes He is! Each campaign comes with the reward of thankful clients and the unbreakable cohesiveness that only love and the grace of God can create in our communities. But what MBS gives goes beyond material objects, which we all human beings need to live and survive. It goes beyond the smile they receive you with and the tender hug they say: 'Goodbye! We will see you next time!' MBS volunteers make sure before clients leave, that they have listened to their clients' stories, to what is in their hearts, sometimes sad experiences, sometimes joyful ones, so that together they can pray to and praise the Lord, to thank for His gifts, and goodness, and also to ask for his grace, peace and comfort in times of trouble. MBS strives to sincerely connect with the people in need in their community; I have seen their clients know MBS truly cares, and because of this be reassured there is a God that will always provide for their children, for humanity.
I feel blessed to have been there, and I thank God for MBS and the beautiful souls that work there. God bless their hearts!
Erica Garcia
Here I am attaching a couple of pictures of the 2017 school campaign.
Mind Body and Soul is a leader in this community. MBS is a place where people can come for many services from prayers, clothing, and toiletries but also offer help in anyway that is needed. They also provide backpacks full of school supplies in the summer for the children of the community who can not afford supplies as well as presents at Christmas. Mind, Body and Soul knows no limits on the help they provide and I will continue to support this charity in anyway I possibly can.
These are a great group of volunteers with a desire to spread love and hope to a needy world. They listen to their stories, lift their needs to Heaven, give out toiletries, school supplies, clothes, furniture, household goods, and whatever is available at the time. They show compassion, acceptance and dignity to those who are hurting. They probide Christmas assistance and invite these families to special events like Trunk or Treat and Christmas programs. They don’t just do this for these people once a year, they do it once a month!
My Body and Soul reaches out to those in need. Each client is listened to and prayed with when they come to the Pantry. The back to school supplies and Christmas gifts for the clients’ children are supported by the congregation at Bay Harbour UMC.
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I've been fortunate to volunteer for My Body and Soul for several years. What makes this ministry so special is the time taken with the clients to sincerely help improve their lives. Through prayer, a listening ear and toiletry items, the ministry makes a profound impact on the clients' lives. It is a joy to work with this amazing ministry.
I have been a volunteer for about 2 years. I am so deeply touched each day I work by what transpires between the volunteers and clients, who each come with serious concerns. They find a place at MBS where people truly care. Each client is given the time to tell their problems to a person who listens and tries to help in anyway possible. Even more important, that volunteer sincerely prays with the client, so deeply and with so much love. Our volunteers always amaze me. The MBS Christmas giving program is so much more than anyone might expect. Last year over 700 children received a gift bag containing 4-5 gifts especially chosen for that specific child (about $50. worth per the prior requests from the parent). Each present is beautifully gift wrapped. Watching the expressions on the children's faces make the hundreds of hours put in on that project all so worth while.
I have watched the volunteers restore hope to the clients of My Body and Soul by listening to their stories, encouraging them with kind words and a loving smile and can say unequivocally that this organization is making a difference in the world!
The pantry positively affects the lives of families in our community that need help every week. A friendly smile, a hug, toiletries needed by the family and most of all prayers are shared with many. Kids love to come and play or translate for their parents. The families also appreciate the school supplies and Christmas gifts provided each year. Many of the kids do not receive other gifts and would go to school without supplies.
The pantry also provides a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to give of themselves and to receive much in return. Some volunteers work every day we are open, others work on Saturdays, some work during the distributions of school supplies or Christmas gifts, and some are active members of our prayer team. The rewards for volunteering are truly amazing.
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What a joy it has been to work with MBS for another year. I have grown so much working with the volunteers and the clients. It is amazing to see and feel the differences that are made in lives. The generosity expressed by so many is heartwarming. One can never doubt that our time is well spent.
My Body and Soul is a fantastic charity where 100% of the money donated goes to the clients. We serve many hard working and caring families in the League City area providing much needed assistance including toiletry items. Major projects include back to school supplies and Christmas gift assistance for the clients' children. The assistance helps the children break the cycle of poverty which is amazing to see. It's a privilege to work with such an outstanding ministry.
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My Body and Soul is a great charity that helps fill some of the needs in our local community. Providing mainly toiletries and the like that are not covered by food stamps, MBS also receives donations of clothes, household goods, and even the occasional piece of furniture from people in our local area.
The Back to school/Christmas gift drives have helped hundreds of families provide gifts and school supplies for their children as well.
I have seen My Body and Soul not only change the lives of the people it serves but the people who do the serving as well! It has opened up a whole new avenue of compassion in this community and has been an example to others as to how to reach out to people less fortunate.
I enjoy serving at My Body and Soul at the Bay Harbour United Methodist Church. I can see, from my short time there, that this service provides for people in need. It is very evident from the smiles and many "Thank You" comments from the people we serve. Glad to serve.
I love volunteering at My Body and Soul pantry at Bay Harbour Methodist in League City! My kids and I find it to be very rewarding to help people in our community with Back to School and Christmas assistance.
Volunteering at MBS has been a catalyst for change in my life. It has been wonderful to know that there is a niche being filled right in our backyards. In a community that is fairly wealthy, it is disheartening to realize that there are families struggling with inadequate basic personal care items. MBS provides those items, but that's not all. MBS also provides hope. We dispense this to clients with prayer, dignity, love, and faith. After filling their items list, holding hands with a client and praying with and for them makes my heart swell. It doesn't matter that they don't speak English and I don't speak Spanish. There have been stories from clients where they had no more hope, but after visiting MBS, they leave with a sense of hope and dignity. Although MBS is a ministry for providing personal care items to clients, it is so much more, for both clients and volunteers!
I have volunteered for My a Body and Soul as well as have known someone who has benefitted from this nonprofit organization. It provides a much needed service to the community. The clients are so thankful and appreciative of the little we are able to supply them with. My Body and Soul has blessed me by allowing me to make a difference in these people's lives.
Our Sunday School class at church collects basic care items to donate to My Body and Soul each month. Although it never seems like much, toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, and other personal care items are not covered by food stamps and can really cost a lot to a family on a tight budget. It is wonderful to be able to make a difference in such as simple and easy way. We are so glad to support such a worthy organization, that truly meets people's basic needs, and also reaches out in Christ's name to minister to them.
My Body and Soul has filled a niche in our community that no other non-profit has reached. Thank goodness for their coat drive, toy drive, and school supply drive. Hundreds of adults and children are touched by this ministry many times a year, and many are reached each week by the non-perishable items they distribute. It is so wonderful to have this organization serving so many in need. The picture of over 500 backpacks filled will school supplies, waiting to be distributed, will be forever etched in my memory. Thank you, My Body and Soul, for all you do!
I am a donor to My Body and Soul, at first i was a bit skeptical about the mission; I mean really, toilet paper, ect. Over the years I have observed the dedication of the volunteers and the services they provide and am amazed. Lives are truly changed, both clients and volunteers. My Body and Soul now has my full support, it is really filling a niche in peoples lives that cannot be taken care of any other way. Our community is truly blessed to have this organization helping people with a need.
Although My Body and Soul is considered a Non Profit organization, my experience is that it is a loving group of people volunteering time for the betterment and support of the surrounding community. Not only does it assist in providing toiletry items used in everyday life, but we are also providing a safe place to bring ones concerns and problems, and have someone to talk to, and to pray with. We also hear folks joys and thanksgivings, and celebrate milestones that affect our clients. I love being a volunteer, but I especially like when we bring our own children in to help and assist our clients, so that they too can feel the joy of helping others.
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I began volunteering at My Body and Soul about a year ago. My first impression was "it sure would be nice to load up on toilet paper, dish detergent, shampoo and other amenities every month." As my position changed from filling the bags to meeting with the clients, I finally understood the ministry. It is not a place for clients to come to get "freebies" it is a place for them to have a person to talk to , to pray with, and to seek love from a group of people who care about their well-being. My disposition has changed through listening to their concerns, their family crises and their needs. My Body and Soul is an outreach ministry that touches so many lives and helps them in turn help others. We have seen families whose children have returned and thanked us for the years of help. Many have come and volunteered when we distribute Christmas presents or Back packs. It is a truly uplifting experience.
It's nothing short of awesome to watch My Body and Soul and its dedicated volunteers at work. In August, school supplies were provided for almost 500 children! Most people do not realize that basic necessities such as school supplies and personal care items can't be obtained with the Lone Star Card (nutrition assistance funds) making the unserved need huge. Providing these types of resources to help children succeed in school is just one of the many ways MBS changes lives.
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I volunteer for My Body and Soul because it changes lives, and that’s not a platitude. It really does – both the clients and the volunteers alike. The items provided to the clients are important, however the volunteers listening to and getting to know them is what really makes a difference. The power of a smiling face letting them know that they matter is awesome. I can’t imagine how difficult life must be for many of the clients. Imagine having to ask someone for toilet paper or having to send you child to school in dirty clothes because you couldn't afford laundry detergent – or how difficult it would be to learn if you were that child. Helping people with these sorts of basic needs that are often not available to them anyplace else and giving them a place to talk about their problems is such a simple way to make a big difference.
About 5 years ago I got involved with MBS. At first I thought I would be there to help others and what ended up happening is they helped and inspired me. These unbelievable people are so wonderful and have strengthened my relationship with the LORD. So what ended up happening is MBS helped me and changed my life!! Also, I love the ladies I serve with. They are lovely GOD LOVING ladies!! THX MBS!!
I've volunteered with MBS for about 5 yrs. it is a part of my week I really look forward too. The clients are so grateful and feel so blessed to have a place like this they know they can count on!!!!!
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I started volunteering at MBS when I heard about it thru my church bible study. I honestly thought of do it for a few months and stop when the bible study ended. That was almost 5 yrs ago!!!! I'm still at it. There every Thursday. the services we provide are invaluable to these people. It's more than just daily essentials. It's about the time we spend with them and the comfort we give them. I am so proud to be a part of this organization!!!!
MBS is all about people helping people, and isn't that what Jesus encouraged?! I volunteered for the first time to help with distribution of school supplies and backpacks to our local children in need. I was taken aback at how extremely well organized the event was, but more important, the delight it brought to the children and parents was heartwarming beyond explanation. A volunteer fluent in Spanish was a special treat to youngsters who were a bit shy and not totally comfortable speaking English. But, the exchange of smiles and gratitude was universal. Small blessings. Memories of a lifetime. Join us and see!
I'm honored to volunteer at My Body & Soul because the clients truly bless us by providing such a valuable way for us to serve the community. I am eager to improve my Spanish language skills in order to be able to talk more with some of our non-English-speaking clients--their stories & resilience are amazing in the face of issues I can only begin to understand. This organization is so well-organized, it's able to help hundreds & hundreds of people with supplies for daily living, filled backpacks for pre-K to 12th grade students each new school year, and Christmas presents for children of our clients each December. I'm so glad I've found this vital ministry!
Kristen
MBS has been a blessing to the League City community for many years. It has been a privilege to volunteer there and see the great support it brings to people in need. I know when I have times of personal struggle, it reminds me of how I have and others need by giving and volunteering to this great organization.
Shelly
My Body and Soul seeks to fill in the gap between what food stamp provide and the need for personal hygiene care. They do so in such a way that the clients leave with a sense of dignity and the knowledge that someone cares for them and their families. I have seen how this ministry has gone the extra mile to provide beyond toiletry needs so that students had jeans, backpacks, and school supplies. They truly care for the hurting aroud them.
It's been a blessing to volunteer with MBS on distribution days - handing out presents at Christmas, school supplies in backpacks, and clothing or coats. The clients that come get so much more than their very needed items for their families. They get love, support, prayers, and friendship. It's been my favorite part of volunteering - watching the relationships that develop that go far beyond that of just client and volunteer.
And as a donor, I have loved watching the sanctuary be literally filled with presents, school supplies, or clothing. It's amazing what a group of like-minded individuals can accomplish when they work together. The results are impressive.
My Body & Soul is an incredible ministry! It is fascinating to witness the many ways God provides for this ministry. Our volunteers are super dedicated to the mission of MBS & they absolutely love the clients. When you walk into the pantry during client visits, you can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. To watch the clients pour out their hearts to the volunteers and see the volunteers drop everything to pray with each client is an unforgettable experience! This ministry was founded with no set plan or budget. God has provided above & beyond! It has been a blessing to watch MBS grow into an organization that provides toiletries, love & hope! Thanks be to God for My Body & Soul!
I always had a desire to serve the community.I was invited to be part of MBS ministry when I was in a bible study two years ago. I am bilingual and they said that they needed someone to speak Spanish. I thought about it and prayed about it before I jumped. I was trained to be at the front desk where I have to do paper work,listening and pray with the client.My biggest fear was to pray with another person regardless of the language. I am grateful for the director and leaders who encouraged me to overcome my fear. MBS ministry not only helps the clients,but shows me how much I need them too, to put the Gospel in to action.It has been an honor to be able to listen to their stories because I found my story connected with theirs.The gratitude that the clients express for all the people involve in this ministry has been a humble experience. I am a witness of how much MBS ministry changed all of us.Thank you, God for this opportunity.
The volunteers of the My Body and Soul pantry learn what it means to be the eyes, ears and feet of God. We see more people than we have resources for, we hear the most devastating life situations, and yet we, through the power of prayer can walk with our clients to a better relationship with God. A relationship of trust in His provision, His timing, according to His plan.
Our monthly supply of toiletries such as soaps, shampoo, toilet paper and diapers if needed get used and run out. But the one on one listening to joys and concerns about family members, the relationship that is established, the trust in God....they last a lifetime. To me the
best part of volunteering in this ministry is seeing the burdens of life lifted after prayer, a sense that the client leaves in a better state of mind...with a few toiletries which last until the next visit.
When I retired from teaching, I needed a purpose in my life. That purpose turned out to be MBS. By working with women/men/children of various nationalities, economical levels (mostly very poor), and various backgrounds, I came to realize how many people in our society need help, compassion and a listening ear. Not only do they need material help, but they need help with their souls as well. The people who come are in need of various products, but what seems to be the thing they are most grateful for is kindness, someone to listen to their wants and needs and someone to pray with and for them, their families and friends. So many times these clients have emotional breakdowns but leave with a sense of hope once they have spoken to the volunteers.
I relocated to League City, Texas in December of 2009 as a widow. I was seeking an identity as an
individual after having been a "we" for 49 years and heard about MBS. During the initial orientation,
it was revealed that this ministry would provide toiletries for those who could not afford to purchase
them in addition to praying with them. PRAYING! Oh my! PRAY OUT-LOUD
Though insecure and timid at first, it did not take long for me to learn that God had control of this
ministry - that He had indeed called many to serve Him through this ministry - HIS ministry.
It was this very important part of the ministry that changed my life - changed the trying to find "me"
to listening to what God - HE - wanted for me. I and many other volunteers have been blessed with
the opportunity to serve others and to see the fruits of His labor through clients who have become
family to MBS.
I can still remember how surprised I was to learn that there was no organized assistance for people who were struggling to receive personal care items. I couldn't believe that a single mom was having to leave her baby in a diaper that needed to be changed or going without shampoo and toothpaste. My Body and Soul was created to provide hope for tomorrow by helping today. This organization has helped hundreds of families retain their dignity and self worth. Clients report that being able to go to a job interview or school well groomed with clean clothes made an positive impact in their life and situation. It has been my greatest joy to watch as My Body and Soul has grown into an organization that offers so much hope and assists so many in having hope for a better tomorrow!
It's such a blessing to contribute to an organization that utilizes the dollars donated to have the greatest impact for those it serves. My Body and Soul is run mostly by volunteers, therefore the majority of the dollars raised go directly into helping those in need. The organization is run with integrity and is very conscientious of how it spends it's money. The clients that it serves are given basic needs for living - toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, soap, deodorant, laundry detergent, baby wipes, diapers, etc. Possibly even more importantly they also receive compassion and prayer from a trained volunteer who truly cares about their situation. It's an amazing organization and run by an equally amazing group of volunteers!
I knew I wanted to find a place where I could have the biggest impact possible with my time spent volunteering. I found that at My Body and Soul (MBS). Not only are you able to offer basic toiletries to people in need but more importantly you also are able to nourish their spirit. The Christian compassion from the director and other volunteers is inspiring. The back to school and Christmas assistance programs are highly organized which made volunteering even more enjoyable. MBS is not just a great non-profit organization, it is an amazing experience based in serving others through Christ’s love.
I am the former Director of the My and Body and Soul Ministry. I helped to start, coordinate, develop, and operate this ministry since it's conception in Nov. 2009 until August of 2014. I am currently a Board Member.
Being involved in this ministry has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I expected the ministry would help struggling families. I did not expect it to change volunteers' hearts more towards compassion and selflessness. I sure did not expect it to change me. My faith and trust in God has grown as a result. Praying for others (and out loud comes) easily to me now. I have seen prayers answered instantly through humble service to others. I have a deeper relationship with my Savior as a result.
I have been blessed beyond measure and have witnessed what an only be described as miracles on a daily basis as a result of this ministry. I am thankful to have been involved with MBS, but even more touched by the people I connected with, prayed for, and served along side for 5 years. It is truly a gift to serve God by serving others!
Gina Hoover
My Body & Soul is truly an example of Christ in action. For several years, my husband and I have been blessed by contributing to My Body & Soul through the school supply and Christmas gift programs. I have volunteered regularly at the distributions for both of these programs because of what I experienced the first time - seeing the wondrous faces of children as they received their very own bags of school supplies and having the chance to interact with the adults even if only with smiles and a few words of encouragement. Recently my husband and I have committed to a small monthly donation to help this wonderful ministry of love meet its ongoing service to those in need in our community.
I have been living in the area about 2 1/2 years. We found our church home before we closed on our house. If you have ever moved, you know it takes time to become embedded in the community. As time went on my prayers included finding the area in which I am called to serve. I had heard many stirring positive testimonies from volunteers who serve My, Body and Soul. I knew this was an area ministry welcoming additional volunteers and support. I was not certain it would be my comfort zone and avoided seeking to serve in this ministry. After expending much effort in a handful of other ministries in the area, I began to feel a stronger undeniable pull toward My, Body and Soul. The day I surrendered and walked right over to the ministry building and expressed my desire to plug in, is the day I experienced why I was being called there. I experienced the love of Christ living and active in all those serving. This ministry provides so much more than the much needed basic material personal items needed for daily living. I witnessed volunteers praying over clients; greeting them by name with a loving smile and embrace as they stepped through the door; the director knew every single client and their story; staff members recognizing the children of clients and searching for a donated toy to add to their grocery bag. This ministry treats those clients with genuine love and respect. As for me, I believe I needed to be called out of my comfort zone. I found what I lack, God provides. Perhaps my call to serve this ministry is more about changing me.
Mind, Body, and Soul is a non profit that truly makes a difference. I have enjoyed making regular donations over the years, knowing that everything I give goes directly into the hands of people in desperate need. I love that this non profit is affiliated with Bay Harbour Methodist Church. The collaboration allows for the recipients to receive ministry as well as needed goods.
I had the blessing of being involved in the school supply program the last few years. I know that the backpacks and supplies gathered and donated made the lives of families so much better. Those children were able to go back to school, prepared and confident and were ready to succeed!
MBsndS is a well run, hands-on non profit. The needs in our community are so great. Fortunately, MBandS goes above and beyond and truly makes a difference!