What do you think when you pass a busker? A few coins, perhaps a polite smile — and then you move on.
But for Giles, busking has never been about spare change.
Several days a week, rain or shine, he shoulders his bags, grabs his harmonicas and a homemade percussion shaker, and heads to the local supermarket. He sets out a small sign and begins to play. Some days shoppers linger. Other days, especially in winter, they hurry past and he returns home with just a handful of coins.
Either way, Giles calls it his job.
Since childhood, Giles has lived with mental health challenges that have made learning and everyday life far from simple. Yet he taught himself harmonica through YouTube videos and tips from generous musicians. Music became both expression and purpose.
Years ago, after hearing how one deep water well could transform a community, Giles decided to give half of everything he earned to GAiN’s water projects.
Over the past five years alone, his faithful busking has raised $7,000.
His family has matched his giving. Together, they’ve funded a $15,000 water well in Tanzania — bringing safe water to a community in need. In May, the family will travel there to witness the impact firsthand.
Giles’ offering may look like small change. But it has become living water for hundreds.
His mum once wrote, “He inspires me to give generously — not according to our ability or even capacity, but from a willing spirit.”
Maybe that’s the invitation for all of us.
If you’ve ever considered going on mission, this could be your moment. GAiN has many opportunities to reveal hope and restore life to vulnerable people and communities.
And if you can’t go, you can still help bring clean water to communities in need.
Because when a willing heart meets God’s purposes, even spare change can change the world.