This is why I love my job! (And you make it possible)

Just four days ago, the GAB trustees agreed a mechanism for finding our next project. (If you haven’t read about that yet, you really should. It’s going to be a lot of fun!) In short, it would mean people and projects who needed help putting together a video application about all that they hope to do and how we here at Give A Brick can help.

So this morning I’m making breakfast for the children, cup of tea, Twitter, Facebook, usual early morning routine, when I read a shout out via Facebook from a friend in need. Without help, he wouldn’t be able to pay his rent or his school fees and would fail to graduate. I have no money. How can I help? I did the only things I could do: I told my friends about this need and asked God to help him out too. Before the sceptics jump on my case, I’m not suggesting God has a bank vault up there but if this job has taught me nothing else, I’ve learned that God really does move people to help out in miraculous ways if you talk to Him about it. In fact, I should re-phrase that. He has been known to help out when only offered a barely inaudible cry for help

I re-posted the note on my personal Facebook page whilst drinking a cup of tea. Within 90 minutes I had an excited message saying that the tuition fees were covered. Thirty minutes later my phone rang. It was my dad, Give A Brick treasurer, authorizing me to send $500USD via Paypal to this young man. I was speechless, completely lost for words. I had hoped we could help a little but boy, oh boy!

So this guy hadn’t submitted a video, he hadn’t applied specifically to us for help. He just put out a cry for help, trusting that the right people would see his appeal at just the right time. Give A Brick weren’t the only ones to help him. I already know of at least one Give A Brick friend who sent money directly. People gave as they saw fit and in line with what they could afford. The power of everyone working together to make a massive difference. Give A Brick in action to make the impossible, possible. Here’s the message I got via Facebook from our thankful friend:

“It’s all paid off! Thank you SO MUCH! I can’t tell you how much of a load you just took of my shoulders!! God has always shown Himself faithful this whole year and He never ceases to amaze me. Thank you so, so so much… It’s all taken care of and paid. Rent, tuition and all. Thank you!”

All that was before half past ten in the morning too! It’s been an amazing day (this coming yesterday after the exciting news that Katrina from A Star Media has a contact in a global brick company who wants to helps us!) and I love my job! OK, so I get paid in love and warm fuzzy feelings rather than your traditional pounds and pence but does that make it any less of a job? That one’s still being debated over at Christine Livingston’s place

All I will say is that this is an awesome job and it wouldn’t be anything like as much fun (or even possible now I come to think of it!) without you here with me. So, thank you And remember, whilst we did something extraordinary today, we really do need to see those application videos so be sure to tell everyone and anyone who will listen Give A Brick: Making the impossible, possible! (And I love it )