Optimism radiates from Jaco Booyens. With infectious enthusiasm, he is spreading his message of living faithfully, the value of good old-fashioned morals, and the importance of giving back. A former professional rugby and football player, Booyens has experienced his fair share of personal challenges. Debilitating injuries sidelined his athletic career. With intense rehabilitation and discipline, Booyens recovered. At the core of his perseverance and life journey—faith. At the core of his mission—to effect lasting positive change.

A human being is the most amazing organism on the planet. We can change culture. We can get rid of addiction, we can change habits, we can be saved by faith. We can—but it’s hard work.

With the podcast The Bottom Line, film company After Eden Pictures, and Jaco Booyens Ministries, Booyens is finding creative ways to inspire a culture shift from self-focused to community-focused. Says Booyens, “You are here to contribute, your purpose is to be the best you can be so that you can help more people.” He adds, “If that’s the focus, you’re going to build a culture that’s saying ‘it’s not about me. I need to do! I’ve got these skills and I’ve got to learn how to use them, to do better, to help more people.’”

A prolific public speaker, especially on college campuses, Booyens extols the virtues of competition, taking responsibility, experiencing consequences, working towards goals, and devoting time to serving the community.

As a native South African and proud American citizen, Jaco Booyens’ dual nationality and unique journey have taught him that life requires self-motivation, focus, and hard work. Maintaining liberty and freedom requires even more. However, Booyens vigorously endorses what he calls “the servant’s life” of giving back. “It touches you. People are looking for purpose. They may have a job, but the minute you get someone to help another or to actually impact a situation—they walk away changed, they can’t help it and that is a very addictive drug.”