No ceiling for dreams

How one father’s faith changed a whole family – and their future

What would you do with extra income in hand?
Would you put more food on the table? Light your home with electricity? Set aside savings for emergencies? Fulfill a dream? 

For many TOLI entrepreneurs, the answer is simple: the very first thing they do is pay school fees so their children can be educated. 

In Kenya, Obed – a father of eight – long dreamed for children to finish school and attend university. But earning just $2 a day, it was impossible. Until he received a $300 TOLI microloan and started a small dairy farm behind his house. For the first time, he began to imagine a different future. 

“My dream is to have a lot of cows. For the first time with TOLI, I was able to have one cow and then increased it to two. In two or three more years, I will have so many cows and be able to send all eight of my kids all the way through university.”
– Obed, dairy farmer, Kenya

Today, because of Obed’s hard work, his oldest son Kevin is excelling in school. Kevin earned the highest marks on his national exam – opening the door to study at any school in Kenya and pursue his own dream of becoming an architect. Obed’s vision for his family is already taking shape.

TOLI’s ultimate aim is to not just help people achieve their own dreams for themselves or their families, but to point to the truth that God has dreams for each one of us. 

The Bible says, “no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

That means God has dreams for Obed – bigger than a dairy farm, bigger than income, even bigger than the ability to educate this family. We can’t imagine the dreams God has in store for him. 

Obed is deeply grateful, and in his own words, he “loves TOLI very much.” Through this program, he has broken the cycle of poverty for his family by building a business with dignity. 

And it all started with a $300 microloan, a few cows producing milk behind a house, and a good God who made the impossible possible.

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A BITTERSWEET ANNOUNCEMENT

After three years as TOLI’s Associate of Donor Care and Events, Amy Cullins — known to so many of you through her calls, cards, and encouraging prayers — is closing her time at TOLI. Her wisdom, creativity, love for people, dedication to joy, strength, and all-in heart for TOLI's mission has built up every aspect of this ministry. We send her into the next season with our prayers and gratitude for her role in the TOLI family… now and as a continued prayer warrior. THANK YOU, AMY!
(And if you would like to say thanks or share an encouragement or prayer with Amy, click here to send her a quick note!)

A MESSAGE FROM AMY: 

Hello All,

I wanted you to know that I will be stepping down as TOLI’s donor care and event associate. It was a hard decision, and one I prayed about for a long time, but I think it is good timing for both me and TOLI – and God’s timing is always perfect. My family is at a point where I need a little more margin at home. TOLI is exploding (praise the Lord) and needs someone who has margin to give more. 

Reflecting on my time at TOLI is really just recounting the blessings the Lord has bestowed on me through TOLI the last three years. I came with open hands and an excited heart to see how God was going to grow me here. Word of the Lord’s goodness to the organization had spread, and I knew this was a place to work to see God at work. He did not disappoint. 

I have seen TOLI-US staff pour their hearts into the work the Lord has called them to do with kindness and humility. Audrey, you were my constant, and the Lord has given you so many gifts, and it was a gift to work with you as you poured them back out to the Lord. Thank you for always being right there with me. It has simply been a joy and a pleasure to serve with the TOLI team and board past and present.

I have watched our donors give generously out of the overflow of their hearts, so that our clients can carve a better path for their families and be introduced to our Savior in a loving and tangible way. It has been a blessing to have a front row seat to see the ways God provides.

I have seen our partners excited to use the TOLI program in their community, spearheading hope and change to those around them. They are the bridge that makes it possible for us to reach these communities in an effective way, and the key to the “for local by local” model. 

I have seen TOLI Social Workers, first hand, be the hands and feet of Jesus. Sacrificing daily for the well being of others. I have never met another group of people who exude this type of joy and care for others. This group is truly special, and the heartbeat of TOLI. They have taught me so much.

And then there are our clients who I have seen flourish. Seeing the pride and hope in their eyes as they tell you about their business, and how God is working in their lives is the why to everything else. There is nothing else like it.

All of these parts and memories, people and moments are seared into my heart forever, and I can honestly say I will never be the same.

As for Eddie and Monna, thank you for being obedient to what the Lord was calling you to do almost 20 years ago! I have watched you give of yourselves over and over, and be faithful to the Lord. Your hearts are as big as Africa, and it has been an honor to serve with you. I am so thankful I was able to be a small part of the TOLI family. (You are stuck with me now:)) I am so excited to see how God works the next 20 years, because we trust and serve Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. To Him be all glory and honor and praise forevermore. Amen!

With a full heart,
Amy Cullins 

God is able

“God is ABLE…

…to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to the power at work within us.” // Ephesians 3:21

Every month, a growing number of TOLI donors give faithfully – because they believe in what God can do and what He will do through their generosity.

And we’ve seen the difference it makes – that you can be a part of, too. Because of steady gifts, 75 new people receive a TOLI microloan every month. Families once struggling to survive now afford three daily meals, send their children to school, and attend church weekly. 

We call this group The Able Community. It’s inspired by the Scripture that fuels TOLI’s work:

“God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”  – EPHESIANS 3:21-22 

When you join The Able Community, you come alongside families in extreme poverty, empowering them with:

> Business training rooted in the Gospel
> Asset-based microloans (average $200–$300) in the hands of families 
> Long-term Christian discipleship that displays the love of Jesus Christ

And here’s why it matters:
Your faithful support gives TOLI the joy-filled confidence to say yes when Partners tell us about a widow ready to start her first business or a new village eager for business training. Because of you, we can dream boldly about where God is calling us next – and then actually go there – knowing you're helping lay the foundation. 

As part of the community, you’ll also receive:

> The Able Update – insider stories of impact and discipleship tools you can use everyday
> A small thank-you gift as a token of our appreciation for standing with TOLI entrepreneurs

But most of all, you’ll join the story of restoration – the Kingdom work of restoring dignity and hope to some of the world’s most vulnerable people through Christ and the work of His people.

Are you ready to see your giving go further, month after month?

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We are better together.

"I donate to TOLI as a dignified avenue of supporting those in need abroad, and also as a way to remind myself that God has greater purposes for the resources he has given me.” — Molly Heygood, member since 2024, TEXAS

“This is the best program if someone wants to get out of poverty. It helps lift people from the ground to higher. And I am an example… Now I don’t stress. I have more hope and purpose. I bought bricks to improve my house. I educate my children. I am buying land, and I never thought it’d be possible, but now I have animals.” – Moses, tea farmer, KENYA

”I was richly blessed to travel to Kenya in June 2025. I truly appreciate the amazing job they do in supporting the clients and in sharing the Gospel. TOLI continually says ‘yes!’ to God, and I was filled with gratitude to see up close how many lives have and continue to be transformed.” — Julie Andrews (pictured, middle), member since 2020, COLORADO

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How God is moving in Egypt

Meet Khaled Ghobrial – TOLI's new Chaplain in Egypt

TOLI shows God’s love in practical ways – through microloans and business training that lift families out of extreme poverty. We’ve seen incomes increase, children sent to school, and lives transformed. But we know true, lasting change only comes through Jesus.

That’s why TOLI hired a Chaplain in Egypt: Rev. Khaled Ghobrial. In just a short time, Khaled has led revivals, mentored staff, equipped pastors, and walked with clients through loss and powerful healing.

“I see God working in the streets of the villages – He’s knocking on clients' doors and fulfilling the needs of families with microloans. I am praying God will speak powerfully to the people in Egypt and do miracles in the midst of the families of clients... It’s a wide open door for ministry.” – Khaled Ghobrial

In an interview, Khaled shares stories of hope and reconciliation, and how he sees God using microloans and the Gospel to transform Egypt. 

1. What impact have you seen the TOLI program have in ministry? 

“The impact is amazing actually. We have two wings of the ministry. The first is the practical washing of the feet of the saints (TOLI entrepreneurs) through microloans. The other wing is the spiritual aspect – it’s discipling, teaching, preaching, training, and equipping. Together, the impact is deep and powerful. When I visited the churches in Egypt, I see how they are serving people in both ways, and it’s so appreciated.” 

2. What specific successes have you seen within the past year — can you tell us about a client or two that has inspired you the most?

“... Another client visit was a woman in a village. She had so many problems with her kids. The boys were violent, and it was so bad. We met with the most aggressive of the brothers, and after two and a half hours, by the grace of God and work of the Holy Spirit, we saw and felt the work of God in their hearts. The Holy Spirit touched their hearts and shifted their bad bitter attitudes to be forgiving and hopeful. It was a great visit. 

This story is great on the individual level – but I cannot forget or deny the blessing of God in the three day revival teachings with clients in each site. God was so gracious and used my simple words very powerfully. It’s just his grace.” 

3. What is your vision for the TOLI program in your ministry in the future? How do you feel God is leading you while working with TOLI? 

“I am praying that God will help me to establish partnerships with American churches. Not to just give money but to truly partner with them – and ask them to come and visit Egypt. I am hoping this year to have two churches visit – not for money but to come and serve... This is a combo ministry. It serves the real needs of people and preaches the Gospel. It does both. TOLI is a special ministry that serves the poorest of the poor with microloans and discipleship. It’s received so positively. God has been so faithful and gracious.”

Is your church interested in partnering with TOLI and visiting Egypt? Let us know! We’d love it. 

2024 Impact Report

A year of courage, unity, and growth. With grateful hearts, we are please to share with you TOLI’s 2024 Impact Report.

"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” – PSALM 90:17

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WATCH: “The Difference”

At the heart of TOLI is the simple idea that every person is born with purpose, value, and God-given creative capacity. Assets to share. Gifts to give. Futures to build. Dreams to dream. The hard facts of a broken world will tell them what they lack, what they’re missing... But God – and TOLI – shows them what they have to give. And that makes all the difference.

TOLI Family, you're amazing

We can't thank you enough

"... so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." – ROMANS 12:5

With overwhelmingly grateful hearts, we say THANK YOU for the amazing TOLI Family event last week in Colorado Springs! Together, as one family, we celebrated 12,000 clients whose lives have been transformed with the Gospel and microloans. Our God is so big, and He is so beautifully weaving our stories together for such a time as this. 

Thanks to your generosity, over $84,000 has been raised so far for THE FAMILY FUND— and counting!  (If you couldn't make it to the event, there's still time to give to help us meet our goal.)

Thank you again for transforming lives through TOLI. We hope you left inspired. It's an honor to be a part of this family with you. 

With joy, 

Amy Cullins, 

Donor Care + Events, TOLI

Launching Uganda

All things new

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” – Isaiah 43:19

Praying over a woman and her family in Kiteezi, Uganda, who are stuck in a cycle of material poverty.

RE-INTRODUCING TOLI-UGANDA. God knows all our unknowns. His sovereignty is unmistakably woven into the story of TOLI’s new partnership with Deliverance Church Kiteezi in Uganda.

Deliverance Church Kiteezi is part of a network of over 660 churches throughout Uganda. Our paths first crossed in 2022, not in Uganda, but in Kenya, through a Regional Conference with Development Associates International (DAI) – a Colorado Springs-based ministry that provides global leadership training.

Through prayer, meetings, vision trips, and more prayer… what began as a leadership conference blossomed into a full TOLI partnership to transform communities in Uganda with the Gospel and microloans.

On April 5th, that vision officially launched when Deliverance Church Kiteezi hosted its first-ever TOLI Business Basics Course. The room was full of eager volunteers, TOLI staff members, and future TOLI clients – all gathered to learn about budgeting, marketing, leadership, and the incredible possibilities that come with a microloan. After five days of training, each participant received a certificate of completion to mark the beginning of their journey with TOLI.

The participants at Deliverance Church Kiteezi’s first Business Basics Course.

And God is at work! At the end of the course, Nicholas Wafula, a Partner Ministry leader in Uganda, shared the Gospel. He summed up TOLI’s mission in Uganda by sharing how God not only cares for clients' physical needs (with microloans), He cares for their spiritual needs. In that moment, one future client stepped forward – giving his life to Christ.

A new chapter is beginning in Uganda. Please pray for Deliverance Church and the lives they will touch through the program.

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INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST TOLI-US TEAM MEMBERS. 

JACK SENTZ. Jack joins TOLI as Program Associate in the US office, where he'll help expand our program's impact and capacity. As an entrepreneur himself, with a heart for the Lord, Jack is passionate about bringing holistic transformation to people in material poverty.

Here's a quick Q+A to get to know Jack better:

• What drew you to TOLI? I love how TOLI’s program seeks to walk the journey of faith in Jesus with clients while simultaneously meeting an immediate need. The material and the spiritual aren’t thought of as two different things. At TOLI, we want to see our clients' entire lives change for the better, not just their financial position.

• What is a random fact about you? My fun fact for life is that one time I rollerbladed 100 miles in a day, from Buena Vista to Colorado Springs.

• What is your favorite Bible verse? Colossians 2:20, “Therefore, since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belong to it, do you submit to its rules?"

CHELSEA CHARLES. Chelsea joins TOLI as a part-time Administrative Assistant. With extensive ministry experience overseas, Chelsea brings her heart for the nations and for administration to the TOLI team. Hear more about her heart for the Lord in a Q+A! 

• What drew you to TOLI? What attracted me to TOLI was its ministry structure and the way it seeks to uphold the dignity of those it serves. The ministry empowers people to use their God-given gifts and talents to better their lives and the lives of their families and community. I love that this is all done in the name of Jesus and is a way to lead people to Christ!

• What is a random fact about you? I love the ocean... like LOVE it! I enjoy the mountains where I live, but the beach is my happy place.

• What is your favorite Bible verse? My favorite verse is Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

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THE TOLI FAMILY EVENT

The “TOLI Family Event” is May 2nd, and we’d love to see you there. Reserve your seat today to celebrate 10,800+ clients, 68 staff, and the generous community of this big, beautiful TOLI family. Join us for dinner, live music, and stories.
You won’t want to miss it! 

Celebrating 10,000 loans

In 10,000 ways and more, TOLI has been a tool in God's hands — transforming communities from the inside out.

Ten thousand microloans in the history of TOLI. 10,799 to be exact.

That's more than 10,000 new beginnings.
More than 10,000 ideas made reality.
More than 10,000 prayers answered.

TOLI microloans have made a world of difference in the lives of men and women around the world. Widows in Ethiopia are providing for their families. Marriages in Egypt are strengthened. Kids in Kenya are fed and educated. More and more people understand their God-given value – some for the very first time.

And the ripple effect of microloans is changing whole communities.
There are now more than 10,000 businesses building up economies.
More than 10,000 innovations.
More than 10,000 everyday conveniences that help communities grow and thrive.

A farmer can buy medicine for his livestock right in his own village. A woman can have her hair professionally done just down the street. A widow can go for a coffee in a cozy shop next door. A taxi driver can get gas at a local shop, instead of going across town. 

And 10,000 families have learned to dream and plan for the future. They feel the satisfaction of taking responsibility for themselves, of achieving a dream, and of paying off their loan so their neighbor can get one, too.

So today, we’re celebrating a few clients who are a part of this incredible journey. 

Tamir and Mekit, sisters from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, took a microloan to open a small store. Today, that store is anything but small! They’ve expanded to a second location and have even bigger dreams for the future. Step into their shop, and you’ll likely find them brainstorming new business ideas or reading their Bibles.

Rhonda lives in a small village on the Nile in Egypt. For years, she looked for a way to support her two young children. With TOLI’s help, she launched a hair scrunchie business, selling to wholesale buyers. Through the program, she has not only increased her income but also deepened her relationship with God.

Phineas, a widower in rural Kenya, used a TOLI microloan to expand his dairy farm and provide for his three children. But he didn’t stop there — along the way, he discovered how to dream bigger and love his community even more.

As we celebrate these clients and 10,795 others, we give thanks for the very first. And we praise God that He uses small beginnings to create beauty, joy, and hope in unexpected places.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” – 2 PETER 3:18

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Mark your calendars!

for the 2025 “TOLI Family” Event
in the Springs | Friday, May 2nd

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"I took a loan that changed my life."

As we begin this year, we wanted to start with a simple but heartfelt message: thank you. Through your partnership, God is restoring dignity and transforming lives in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

Hope and beauty in unexpected places

In the center of Cairo is a region called Garbage Village, home to nearly 100,000 people. Here, the whole economy and rhythm of life is centered around collecting, sorting, and recycling the city's trash. 

Garbage is everywhere – but look closer, you’ll see a village full of people with remarkable resilience, creativity, and hope.

For 10 years, TOLI has helped restore dignity in this community. Recently, the TOLI leadership team in Egypt hosted a skills training to help women in Garbage Village develop opportunities beyond trash collection. One of those trainings? A gel manicure workshop.

That’s where Martina and Mariam, a mother-daughter duo, discovered a new passion. With a TOLI microloan, they purchased nail polish and a gel light kit and launched their own beauty salon. Now, these women carefully and artfully paint their neighbor's nails.

Not only does their salon provide a steady income, it’s a source of joy, confidence, and dignity. They’re doing work they love!

Pictured: Mariam (middle), Martina (right), and Mary (left, the youngest daughter)

In a place known for trash, Martina and Mariam are creating beauty and sharing hope. They’re inspiring others – like Fifi, a woman in the village who used a TOLI microloan to start a bakery. 

“I heard about TOLI because of friend in the village said, ‘I took a loan that changed my life.’”
– Fifi, TOLI baker, Garbage Village, EGYPT

Dreams are taking root, businesses are growing, lives are changing, God's people are creating beauty, and dignity is spreading in Garbage Village. Sometimes, God uses the darkest places and the most resilient people to shine His light most brightly. 

Your generosity through the years is generating lasting hope. Our Partners plan to grant 4,000 new loans in 2025 to help individuals start or expand small businesses. 2,500 of those loans will be funded by repayments from past clients, keeping resources circulating within communities — just like in Garbage Village!

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Mark your calendars… for the 2025 “TOLI Family” Event
in Colorado Springs | Friday, May 2nd

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TOLI is headed to Kenya in June, and we’d love for you to come along! Travel to see the ministry firsthand and experience the life-changing impact of microloans. For details and applications, email Audrey.

Join the journey of hope

THIS CHRISTMAS
Bring hope and restore dignity

“I tell you, open your eyes and look to the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” – John 4:35

Nazariah looked down at her granddaughter, her heart heavy and full of love. How was she going to provide? Nazariah’s son passed away from cancer and her daughter-in-law fled to Nairobi. Now, it was up to Nazariah to step in – to love, nurture, and provide for her family. 

Nazariah had heard stories of transformation from neighbors in a nearby area. They spoke with joy of how the TOLI program enabled them to start businesses, provide for their families, and walk with a new sense of dignity. But for Nazariah, the TOLI program was out of reach. It wasn’t in her area. Not yet.

Then one day, everything changed. David, a compassionate TOLI Social Worker with a smile that radiates the heart of Christ, knocked on her door. 

With business training and a $280 microloan, Nazariah started a small convenience shop. Through that simple shop, God brought her hope. Her shelves are stocked with cereals, flours, and snacks. She has a steady and growing income – enough to provide food, pay school fees, and even set aside money for her granddaughter's college education — a dream that once seemed impossible.

Nazariah’s story of hope is possible because of people like you. Thanks to your generous support, in 2024, TOLI expanded into Nazariah’s community and into three additional communities in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Now, our Partners work in 26 locations. This year alone, TOLI served almost 5,000 entrepreneurs, caring for over 10,500 children. Thank you! We’re so grateful for your partnership.

But the work isn’t finished yet.

Based on current projections, we cannot meet the requests from our Partners to expand their loan funds to the level they desire. This is a good problem to have. Through the years, our Partners have built their capacity to transform entire regions with the Gospel and microloans. Since 2019, the TOLI programs have grown an average of 53% each year. It’s working! 

This Christmas, we’re praying for an additional $150,000 to reach more clients, bringing fresh hope and transformation where it's so desperately needed.

Will you prayerfully consider partnering with us to empower clients to know Jesus and provide for their families with dignity? It makes all the difference. Just ask Nazariah. 

Gratefully, 

Don Paterson & the TOLI Team

P.S. Did you know that a $50 monthly investment in TOLI provides two full microloans each year? $100 provides four microloans and $200, eight microloans. Our microloans are invested, repaid, and reinvested again and again in the same community. It’s hope that multiplies!

If you spend $5 at Nazariah's shop, she'll give you a free cup of tea. 

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From the TOLI family to yours…

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Crowd full of thanks

A letter of thankfulness

Great is thy faithfulness, Oh God, my Father!

There is so much to be thankful for – God is great! God is faithful! God is our father, and we are His children!

As I reflect on my first year at TOLI, my heart is filled with gratitude. I’m deeply grateful for our passionate, faithful, and generous donors who support this ministry! I’m grateful for our incredible Partners: Heliopolis Evangelical Church in Egypt, Life Center Ethiopia, and Kenya Connection Kids.  I give thanks for the TOLI Field Staff, who do amazing things with God to impact so many lives. And I praise God for TOLI clients who are working hard to grow their small businesses and change their communities.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Egypt and see the work being done to bring about truly sustainable change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities through the TOLI microloan program.  

During the visit, our Partner hosted an inspiring worship event. Over 1,800 TOLI clients and their family members attended this event. Better Life, one of the largest Christian bands in the Middle East, led clients in worship. TOLI’s Chaplain clearly presented the Gospel and invited clients to respond. The Holy Spirit was present in extraordinary ways. Over 370 people surrendered their lives to the Lord.

Please take a couple of minutes to watch the accompanying video. I believe it will move your heart to thankfulness.

With heartfelt thanks, and with a prayer that this blesses you as a transition from celebrating Thanksgiving to celebrating the message of Christmas,

 Don Paterson, TOLI Executive Director

P.S. Keep your eye on your inbox in the coming weeks for TOLI’s year-end campaign! Our world needs hope and restoration more than ever, and I encourage you to pray and consider a year-end gift.