Welcome to The Full Circle Podcast! I’m Bill. Today we want to explore new ways to fight poverty and empower communities around the world. The Bible is so clear about our calling. We’re commanded to care for the poor, the widows, and the orphans. We want to take a moment to commend everyone out there serving in these ways. You are the hands and feet of Jesus, fulfilling His calling. Your work is vital, and we’re so grateful for what you do. But at The Full Circle, we’ve been given a different mission. Our focus is on finding a better way to fight poverty, one that addresses its root causes and creates lasting change. Let’s face it: Handouts don’t break the cycle of poverty. Local leaders often lack the resources they need to make a lasting impact. And while traditional charity has its place, it can unintentionally foster dependency instead of independence. And we don’t want to forget that short-term mission trips and one-time donations raise awareness and meet immediate needs, but they rarely address the deeper issues. That’s why The Full Circle is all about Inspiring, Educating, and Supporting people with the vision and passion to impact their communities. We do this by partnering with organizations, entrepreneurs, and donors who share our belief that every individual: Has the responsibility to achieve their own economic destiny. Must own their problems. And has the ability to overcome the barriers keeping them from their full potential. Which brings us to something fascinating that Dr. David Lewis shares in his book, 10-Minute Time and Stress Management. Dr. Lewis says people can be divided into four categories: 30% are inactive. These individuals don’t have goals and only act when told what to do. They’re often stuck in dependency and depression. 50% are reactive. They respond to change but rarely take initiative or control their own destiny. Fear holds them back. 10% are dreamers. They have big ideas but fail to take the practical steps to make those dreams a reality. And then there’s the final 10%: the proactive. These are the people who make things happen. They take responsibility for their actions and turn their wisdom into meaningful contributions. This reminds me of what Jesus says in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” That’s such a powerful truth. God loves every person and wants them to live a fulfilled life. But at The Full Circle, we’ve chosen to focus on the proactive 10%—the ones who not only want to improve their own lives but also their businesses, churches, and communities. And here’s where it gets complicated. Empowerment and welfare are both important, but they don’t mix well. Welfare provides critical support for immediate needs—things like food, housing, and medical care. It’s essential for people in crisis. But empowerment is different. It’s about equipping people to move beyond crisis and take control of their futures. And when an organization tries to mix the two, both welfare and empowerment, it creates confusion. People who’ve relied on unearned support for most of their lives often struggle to believe they can—or should—take responsibility for their financial situation. It’s like oil and water—they just don’t mix. That’s why The Full Circle focuses on partnering with organizations and entrepreneurs who already embrace an empowerment mindset. Our goal is to invest our time, talent, and resources where they can make the most lasting impact. So, if you are an organization that has heard about what the Full Circle is doing, where do you fit in? If you’re an organization that primarily provides welfare to the people you serve —feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, or offering medical care—we commend you. Your work is vital and that should continue to be your focus. But we at the Full Circle are probably not the right partner for you. On the other hand, if your mission is about empowerment—helping people develop skills, savings clubs, start businesses, and take control of their futures—we’d love to connect with you. Visit us at the full circle dot org to learn more about how we can work together to transform lives. Thanks for joining us on The Full Circle Podcast. If this message resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s make it happen together.