When a young person recognizes what he or she has been given and discovers the ability to give back, that is a new level of freedom and maturity.

Paul famously wrote to the followers of Christ in Corinth, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." What a joy it is for community workers when they see anyone who's been under their care finding it within his or her means to contribute in some way to the relief or the advancement of others!

"When you learn, teach. When you get, give."
--Maya Angelou

Recently, one of the James 1:27 Trust's first beneficiaries discovered the joy of giving back. Having built friendships with several of the other individuals under the Trust's care, this young lady, who is now working as a legal assistant, created an opportunity for another of the Trust's clients, a young man who recently finished matric.

She noticed a "job seeker workshop" advertised at her place of work. Aware of his struggles in finding work, she grabbed the opportunity, securing an invitation for the young man to attend the workshop, and getting assistance from the Trust for his transportation.

Why are we so excited about this? Because this young lady, once marginalised from society as an orphaned child and suffering from malnutrition and dangerous living conditions, has advanced not only to a place of autonomous living but to a place of discovering that she can help meet the needs of others!

It's so incredible to see those who were once in need now giving back into their communities. When you contribute to emergency relief and development of orphans and vulnerable children and youth through the James 1:27 Trust, you are helping move them toward this ultimate goal: the freedom and capacity to "abound in every good work!"