Mariano Sr. quit his maintenace job in favor of opening Midland Soup Kitchen
Ministry on the corner of Terrell Street and New Jersey, the first feeding
Ministry in Midland, Tx. For an entire year, he and his wife, Mary, went
without pay for their efforts. But as long as they had food, shelter, and
clothing, they didn’t mind the lack of salary. They were living their dream and
that was all that mattered.

“I always wanted to help people but I didn’t have money or a way” said Mariano Sr.
“The Lord came to me in a dream and told me to quit work to start Midland Soup Kitchen”

March 15, 1984 Mariano Sr. & Mary Rendon began to answer a call from The
Lord. The call came through the Word of God in John chapter 21, verse 17
where Jesus said “If you love me, feed my sheep”. This has been Midland
Soup Kitchen Ministry’s motto since the beginning, no questions asked.

Beginning next door to their personal residence, The Rendon’s started putting
the needs of the community before their own full time. The Rendon’s served
between 80 to 100 people each day from the little home. The charitable
Rendon’s offered help whenever possible, which included cheering up
depressed patrons and praying before each meal. Since then Midland Soup
Kitchen Ministry’s work and geographical base has grown a great deal.

Mary Rendon would say, “When we’re there with the people, it’s a beautiful
feeling that you can do something for someone else.” Along with Mariano Sr.
adding, “We need to show them there is a God by first filling their stomachs,
then we fill them with The Word.”

Midland Soup Kitchen is family run to this day. Since the passing of the
founders, their daughter Nancy Ivy is continuing their legacy alongside her
husband Jason Ivy, who preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ everyday as people
eat their home cooked meal. Their children Jay Anthony Ivy and Nathen Ivy
are also part of the family Ministry.