2023 Impact Report

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. "
— 2 CORINTHIANS 3:17

Dear friends,

TOLI is made up of people, partners, and staff who are passionate about serving the Lord and impacting one life, one family, and one community at a time. We're passionate about fulfilling Christ’s model of discipleship by serving the under-resourced in word and deed.

God is changing lives physically and emotionally through microloans. More than anything, God is changing lives spiritually as local TOLI Field Staff build relationships and share Christ in their communities.

I’m passionate about this ministry and thrilled to be a part of it – serving the Lord for His glory! I hope this annual report shares just a little of that passion and a glimpse into all God is doing through TOLI and our Partners.

Thank you for partnering with TOLI to bring transformation to families around the world.

 

Don Paterson
Executive Director, TOLI 

Transforming lives together

“For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.”
– 1 Corinthians 3:9

When Alemteshay took a TOLI microloan to support her family, she never imagined the depth of support she’d receive from Life Center Ethiopia, TOLI’s Strategic Partner. 

TOLI works hand-in-hand with local, Christ-centered ministries who are called to reach, serve and empower the vulnerable in their communities. TOLI is designed to be a powerful “tool in their toolbox” for Partner Ministries, so they can more effectively reach those God called them to serve.

Life Center Ethiopia implements TOLI’s “Cycle of Hope" to break the cycle of poverty and demonstrate God’s love to widows in Ethiopia. Here's how it works:

As Alemtsehay started her own clothing store, Life Center and TOLI Field Staff provided instruction and encouragement. They taught her how to manage her inventory, set prices, and market her store. They reassured her of her capabilities. They guided her through obstacles and celebrated her success – all while pointing her to the Lord! 

Partners like Life Center are integral to the success of each client. Their wisdom, knowledge, and experience broadens and deepens anything TOLI could do alone.

“Partnership is working together for the same goal and mission to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what we are doing together with TOLI…We are not alone in the work. Partners help us to make us stronger and better because of the support, experience, and knowledge that they bring to our ministry.”
– Mulu Woldetinsae, Founder and Executive Director of Life Center Ethiopia

Thanks to this partnership, Alemtsehay:  

  • Established a business that provides steady income for her three children

  • Saved money for the first time

  • Grew in confidence in God-given value and capabilities

  • Repaid her first microloan and took a second to expand her business

  • Became a Christian leader who encourages more women to join the program

And Life Center Ethiopia is just one of TOLI's amazing partners reaching people in their communities. Click below to read about partners in Kenya, Uganda, and Egypt.  
 

Join us in this partnership!

Right now, TOLI and Life Center are looking to distribute more microloans and hire a new TOLI Social Worker to lift more people out of material poverty and share the hope of the Gospel. Would you help us meet this need?

Mark you calendars to…

Meet Don Paterson, TOLI's new Executive Director

Drop in for an open house at the TOLI Colorado Springs office to meet Don. There will be appetizers, fellowship, and a time for questions. See you there!

WHEN: Thursday, May 2nd // 5-6:30pm
WHERE: The TOLI office – 5785 North Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO

 

Introducing Don, TOLI's new Executive Director

Dear TOLI Family,

After seven years of serving TOLI as a Board Member and Executive Director, the time has come for me to step into a new chapter of ministry. While I am so sad to say goodbye, I am full of gratitude and joy to be able to introduce you to the next leader God sent to shepherd TOLI into its own flourishing next chapter!

After months of prayer, reviewing more than 70 applications, seeking the Holy Spirit, and even more prayer, we’re delighted to introduce Don Paterson as TOLI’s next Executive Director.

Don brings with him deep faith in Jesus, extensive ministry experience, a humble heart, and desire to leave a lasting legacy that brings glory to God. Don has served at the highest levels of world-class organizations, including World Vision and Awana International to name a few. He’s led teams ranging from just a handful to hundreds of staff, serving ministries working in the areas of discipleship, poverty alleviation and development, evangelism, and holistic ministry. Don is particularly adept at leading through important moments of transition and growth. We praise God for placing a call on Don’s heart to bring dignified, sustainable, Christ-centered transformation through TOLI.

Thank you for continuing to pray for TOLI and our team as we all work to ensure a smooth transition. We can’t wait to see what God has in store.

With gratitude and joy,
Abigail 

A message from Don

Dear friends, 

First, let me say how excited I am. It’s a privilege to be a part of this ministry and the TOLI family! I believe the mission of TOLI – to provide microloans, share the Gospel, and work with amazing partners – is vital for transformational and sustainable development. 

My goal in every season is to respond to God’s call in my life – to be a life-long disciple of Jesus Christ. My desire is to consistently give witness to God’s love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and faithfulness. I became a Christian at a young age and have seen God’s overwhelming faithfulness to me and my family. My wife of 46 years, the love of my life and best friend, went home to be with the Lord in February 2020 after a one year battle with cancer. Her servant-heart and steadfast faith were a blessing and impact to many. We have three sons and five grandchildren, all who claim Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Four years ago, I moved to Colorado to be near our youngest and his family.

My desire is to leave a Christ-focused legacy in my family, church, community and anywhere that God asks me to serve for His glory – including TOLI!

After serving in leadership positions at several large corporations, God opened the door for me to transition to full-time ministry. I’ve served in senior and executive leadership roles at World Vision, Awana Clubs International, CSB Ministries, Africa Heart, City Mosaic, as well as in executive church leadership. God has called me to serve at both large and small organizations, with specific opportunities to lead in and through times of major change and transition; in environments of high growth, merger, start-up, repositioning, branding, and leadership transition.

I truly believe God has called me to serve and lead at TOLI.  One of my earnest prayers is that he would allow me to apply the experience and gifts he’s given me to this ministry and empower people to be the best God has for them. It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will use my prayers and experience to accomplish his purposes and plans for TOLI – all for His Glory!

God is always only faithful, and I look forward to what He has in store in the days ahead.

With joy in serving the Lord,
Don Paterson
Executive Director

Stay tuned for opportunities to get to know Don in-person and virtually in the coming months, or drop him a note of welcome!

Why dignity makes all the difference

“You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” // PSALM 8:5

Few people understand the meaning of dignity as well as Mercy, a TOLI entrepreneur in rural Kenya.

Mercy and her husband had struggled to provide for their four children. She took out high-interest loans just to send them to school. She felt helpless to care for her family, dependent, invaluable, and undignified.

But with TOLI, that changed. Through the program she says she feels seen by the Lord. Like God reached down in His great love to lift her out of helplessness. “I feel lifted…” she says, “...TOLI has lifted me quite big!”

“I learned so many things,” Mercy said, “TOLI has lifted me quite big!”

Through TOLI, Mercy stepped into her God-given creative capacity. She turned a $260 microloan into a thriving general store, a steady income with savings that provide for her children, and, ultimately, into a confidence of her value. 

TOLI is built on the truth that all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). All people have dignity. Tim Keller explains it like this:

"The image of God carries with it the right not to be mistreated or harmed.... Regardless of their record or character, all human beings have an irreducible glory and significance to them, because God loves them.... So we must treasure each and every human being as a way of showing due respect for the majesty of their owner and Creator."

This truth transformed Mercy's life, and now she's transforming her community. 

Mercy volunteers her time and travels on foot from savings group to savings group to teach people principles she learned in TOLI’s Business Basics Course. She encourages each group to save and in her own words “introduces them to an organization that will give them a boost [TOLI]."

"I am ready for the community to learn and uplift themselves…because when one person grows, another person grows, and the community grows and uplifts.” 

– MERCY, KENYA

As Mercy shares TOLI's revolving loan model, she explains how repayments provide a dignifying microloan to another needy person in their community. 

She tells them that one person can uplift the lives of three…

And three people can uplift the lives of 23…

And eventually, their whole community can be lifted out of material poverty. They can experience a restored view of self. They can walk in their God-given capacity. They can know their own dignity. And it makes all the difference. Just ask Mercy.

Help fund a microloan, and change a community.

TRAVEL with TOLI

TOLI Learning Trips are the best way to understand TOLI's impact in communities around the world. This summer, we're traveling to Kenya and to Ethiopia. Head to our website for dates, information, and the trip application.

A turning point

TOLI isn't just a program—it's a turning point. 

For 17 years, Nadia struggled to raise her large family as a widow and sole breadwinner.

Then last year, she heard that a nearby church offers a program called TOLI to help women like her—and not just with handouts of food or clothes. Nadia had a lifetime of experience and the ability to work hard, but she needed resources and support. She didn’t need handouts—she just needed a hand up.

That’s when Nadia’s turning point came. She took TOLI’s Business Basics Course, then applied for a microloan to buy a milk separator machine to grow a business serving local dairy farmers. The new business provided new steady income for her and her big household. But the turn her life took through TOLI was so much more than financial:

  • She gained new skills and knowledge.

  • She become a ‘peacemaker’ in her village, acting as mediator when farmers confide in her about conflicts with neighbors.

  • She now uses her business to reflect God’s love.

Nadia lives with her four adult children, their spouses, and 10 grandchildren.

Like Nadia, TOLI is at a turning point too.

This year, God blessed TOLI with expanded teams and technology allowing us to not just grow but truly scale. Partner Ministries are bringing restoration to more and more poor communities by replicating TOLI’s powerful ministry of business training, microloans, and spiritual discipleship.

This year we launched TOLI in seven new sites, granting 45% more microloans than in 2022. And right now, our Partners are equipped and ready to replicate our program in at least NINE MORE locations across four countries in the next 12 months. They have the tools, teams, track record, and strategy in place. The last ingredient is the capital.

Will you lean in to this turning point with us? Will you pray and consider adding to your usual end-of-year gift to TOLI, so God can multiply its impact? We’re praying for an additional $120,000 by December 31, 2023, to fund this expansion and help our Partners get started replicating TOLI in new villages, bringing fresh hope and transformation where it's so desperately needed. 

Because of TOLI, Nadia's life turned from one of loss and tragedy to a life of growth, independence, and Gospel influence. Because of your support, TOLI can multiply stories like Nadia's throughout whole villages ... or even nations. And what a turning point that could be. 

With gratitude and joy,

 

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director, TOLI

P.S. As you consider stewarding your year-end gifts, remember: a gift to TOLI becomes a microloan that’s invested, repaid, and reinvested again and again in the same community. It’s truly hope that multiplies.

 

Nadia with Abigail at a recent TOLI spiritual retreat near Nadia's village in Upper Egypt. 

Imagine multiplying Nadia’s story throughout a whole village
... or nation.

Giving thanks — and dreaming BIG

2023 HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Granted 2,000+ new microloans — a 45% increase over 2022

  • Equipped 3,000+ with small business training

  • Added 7 new Sites: Egypt (4), Kenya (2), Ethiopia (1)

  • Grew global staff to 53, including six regional-level positions in Egypt and Ethiopia

  • Added a Strategic Partner to expand in Ethiopia

  • Launched TOLI Atlas, a custom app to help track client transformation

2024 MINISTRY DREAMS

  • Equip 3,600+ materially poor entrepreneurs with microloans 

  • Empower 4,000+ people with business training

  • Launch up to 9 new Sites 

  • Operate in more than 30 communities worldwide

  • Expand field staff training and capacity-building globally

  • Strengthen spiritual impact through expanded discipleship programming

From the TOLI family to yours ...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We are so grateful for you!

Top 7 things we're grateful for

Seven ways I'm "TOLI Thankful"

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:14-15

As I look back on the year, there are so many new things to be thankful for – new strategic partners, new tools and technology, unprecedented growth, and the Dare to Dream Event. But this year, as I've gathered stories from clients, staff, and supporters and seen the growing impact of TOLI, what I’m especially grateful for is our people. 

7. LEADERS. This year, TOLI entrepreneurs have been the engine of the program. We’ve seen entrepreneurs tell their testimonies at TOLI's Basic Business Course, lead Savings Groups, and share the TOLI program – and the Gospel – with their neighbors. Transformation is in their hands!

6. VOLUNTEERS. Event planners, prayer warriors, and committee volunteers give their time to serve the program. And in each TOLI Site around the world, there are local volunteers who read microloan applications, pray with TOLI entrepreneurs, and point clients to the local church. They are a gift! 

5. DONORS. Thank you for your gifts and generosity. Thank you for loving your neighbor in a different culture and seeing the worth, dignity, and creative capacity in every individual. Your donations transform lives.

4. TOLI FIELD STAFF. They're the secret weapon of the TOLI program. This year, we’ve added 19 Field Staff to the TOLI family – 52 in total. They devote themselves to building up TOLI entrepreneurs, helping clients run businesses, and pointing them to Christ, the source of all hope. Field Staff are diligent, creative, compassionate, and the most faith-filled people I know.  

3. US STAFF AND BOARD. An incredible group of people who love God, love people, and pray for each other and the ministry. They bring the Kingdom of God into every spreadsheet, donor call, and strategic plan – and I’m so grateful! 

2. PARTNER MINISTRIES. Our partners are Life Center Ethiopia, Kenya Connection Kids Ministries, Goshen Gospel Ministries, and Heliopolis Evangelical Church. Serving wholeheartedly, they reach the most vulnerable people in their communities and break the cycle of poverty with the Gospel and a microloan. TOLI is just one aspect of their powerful ministries (click on the links to learn more and support them).

1. CLIENTS. Without a doubt, what I’m most thankful for are TOLI entrepreneurs. More than 2,000 new entrepreneurs joined the program this year. Entrepreneurs like Albert, a butcher in Kenya, who had a failing store, but, because of TOLI’s program, now employs two people and provides for his family. Or Alemntseye in Ethiopia, who boldly proclaims the Gospel and sends her children to school. Or Nancy, a shop owner in Kenya, who provides for her young children and has a hope from the Lord that radiates through her community. 

 “I support my family now – a lot! Thank you.” – Nancy, shop owner, Kenya

Five hundred supporters, 56 staff, 75 volunteers, more than 7,000 total clients. I thank my God for every person in TOLI. They show me the goodness of God, they bring the Kingdom of God to earth, and they make this my favorite story to tell.

Gratefully,

Audrey Putney
Communications Associate

From engaging your business to traveling with TOLI, there are many ways to invest in people and make a difference.

The heart of transformation

Christ at the heart

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." // Colossians 3:17

Roseh joined the TOLI program hoping to provide for her family. She didn't know God would strengthen her faith. 

After receiving a TOLI microloan to start a grocery store, Roseh received a gift she cherishes more – headphones and a headset with a recording of the Bible in Arabic. Her first Bible! Now each day as she takes inventory in her store, Roseh listens to the word of God.

Last month, Roseh worshipped God at a spiritual gathering in Egypt with 255 other TOLI entrepreneurs. In the crowded room, God became more real. She felt His love as she heard testimonies of entrepreneurs like her and prayed with her peers. 

Roseh’s story illustrates the heart of TOLI's program: Providing practical tools to break the cycle of material poverty, all while pointing to the one true source of abundance, a relationship with Jesus. That's why Christian discipleship is integrated into everything we do. 

WATCH this 90-second video below to see how: 

“At graduation, when I give the bibles and see the excitement and hope on the clients’ faces, that's my very, very favorite part of this program.” 

– Hailu, TOLI Program Director, Ethiopia

Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 // 5:30-7pm

Drop in at the TOLI Colorado Springs office to help TOLI count the ways the Lord has blessed us this year. There will be appetizers, fellowship, and sharing of stories. We'll send you off with a token of our gratitude to remind you how grateful we are that you are part of our story, too. Hope to see you there!

The TOLI Office
5785 North Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

TOLI’s Global Day of Prayer and Fasting

Thank you for your prayers on TOLI’s Global Day of Prayer and Fasting. See our global pray-ers clockwise from left to right in Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, and on the global Zoom call.

Marking a milestone

Celebrating the 1,000 mark

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” // Habakkuk 2:14

In Chuka, a rural town on the base of Mount Kenya, there are 1,000 people to celebrate. Here, 1,000 entrepreneurs have started their own businesses – stepping out of material poverty through TOLI’s program. That’s 1,000 graduations, 1,000 new dreams, 1,000 changed families, and 1,000 lives transformed. 

Watch this video for a glimpse into the TOLI program in Kenya:

Around the world, one in 10 people live in extreme material poverty, living on less than $2.15 a day. But a lack of material resources is only one aspect of poverty. Material poverty deeply affects how people view themselves. Those in the grip of extreme poverty often say: “I feel hopeless.” “I’m embarrassed.” “I feel ashamed.” 


Our partner ministries and TOLI Social Workers meet clients in their material poverty, and with Scripture and a microloan, they teach clients they have worth, dignity, and creative capacity. TOLI entrepreneurs who graduate from the TOLI program have said: “I feel empowered.” “I believe in myself.” “I feel strong and visionary.” “I feel at the top.” “I have become hopeful.”

Meet Esther – our 1,000th client in Kenya. Before TOLI, Esther’s only income was from her small seasonal farm. Completely dependent on rainfall, Esther felt stuck and lived day to day. One day a TOLI Social Worker came and talked to her savings group about TOLI. With hope, Esther entered the program. She completed the Business Basics Course, learned how to run a business, and, just last month, took a microloan to start her own retail store. Already her business is growing, and she’s saved enough money to buy a goat for security. 

And even though her journey has just begun, the biggest transformation is her heart. Esther’s now hopeful, looking forward to her future, and giving all the glory to God.

So we praise God for Esther, for the 999 clients who came before her, and for the next 1,000 clients to come! 

Nicaragua News

The TOLI Board recently had to make a very tough decision: After 5 years of providing the TOLI program through our partner Verbo Ministries in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, we have been forced to end our program there. Please click below for the full report, and how to pray.

“I am very grateful to God and the TOLI program for giving me the privilege of belonging to this beautiful TOLI family. The relationship with you transformed my life and that of my family. We’ve never experienced so much love and support. Thank you very much. I think I have an economic and spiritual foundation to continue undertaking and continue supporting my children and family.”
– Brenda, TOLI entrepreneur in Nicaragua

Mark your calendars for TOLI’s Global Day of Fasting and Prayer on October 24th! Your prayers make a difference. Join us for a global Zoom call, communion at the TOLI office, and, most importantly, 24 hours of prayer – praying for clients, TOLI Field Staff, and partner ministries by name. Sign up for a specific hour of prayer below.

TOLI in Nicaragua

The TOLI Board recently had to make a very tough decision: After 5 years of providing the TOLI program through our partner Verbo Ministries in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, we have been forced to end our program there. 

Sadly, the circumstances leading to this step are part of a larger crisis impacting Nicaragua, ministries, and its people. While we had already paused normal operations in the spring and prayed for a breakthrough, as the months unfolded it became impossible – even unsafe – for our work to continue. 

Your support for our work in Nicaragua since we began in 2018 has brought blessing, hope, and transformation for hundreds of families in Puerto Cabezas. The Kingdom fruit of the TOLI program is beautiful: lives given to Jesus, families reconciled, personal transformation and redemption, even physical healing. These are things that can never be taken away, no matter what the temporal circumstances are – we praise God for that!  

“I am very grateful to God and the TOLI program for giving me the privilege of belonging to this beautiful TOLI family. The relationship with you transformed my life and that of my family. We’ve never experienced so much love and support. Thank you very much. I think I am leaving with an economic and spiritual foundation to continue undertaking and continue supporting my children and family.” – Brenda, TOLI Entrepreneur

We also praise God for the opportunity to partner with such amazing brothers and sisters in Christ in Puerto Cabezas, who taught us so much about faith, vision, perseverance, and hope. Please pray for our Social Workers, Junior, Orlando and Miguel; our colleagues at Verbo; and for our clients, who are all facing uncertainty, oppression, and a crippled economy. Pray for new livelihoods for our Field Staff. And pray for wisdom for Verbo’s church elders as they seek to care for former ministry staff, as well as all those Verbo has served – all while Pastor Earl is still recovering from a devastating car accident in June. They need your prayers now more than ever.

 “There is a lot of opposition, but we don’t lose our hope or our faith. Since we fear God, we are always conquerors in him.”  – Orlando, TOLI Social Worker

While TOLI has had to shut our doors in Nicaragua, we’re so grateful that our ministry partners in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda continue to expand TOLI’s program and impact for the Kingdom in incredible ways. Thanks for being part of this big TOLI family – through its ups and its downs. We are grateful for your partnership and prayers. 

An important update from Abigail

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
PROVERBS 16:9

Dear TOLI family, 

Back in December of 2017, when I said yes to becoming TOLI’s first Executive Director, I knew then it would be an assignment for just one small chapter in TOLI’s much bigger story. Today, almost seven years later, and after months of prayer and discernment, a new chapter is beginning. 

This week TOLI begins its search for a new Executive Director to replace me by early spring of 2024. And I want to invite you — our cherished TOLI family — to pray and walk with us through this transition. 

First let me share with you a bit about how God’s been at work in this, on two levels: 

On a personal level, for more than a year the Lord’s been gently guiding me to refocus on my family and the church family we serve together here in Colorado Springs. Those roles and relationships have always been my first and most treasured callings, and I know I’m now entering a season where I want to give them my full focus and energy. 

At the same time, on an organizational level, TOLI’s needs have been rapidly changing. This ministry has exploded in growth over the past seven years, and so its leadership needs are now fundamentally different. When I first came on board my skills as a creator, builder, and storyteller were put to good use as the ministry was getting established. But thanks to God’s provision and your faithful support, we are a profoundly different organization today: an annual budget that’s quadrupled in size; a global staff that grew from five to 54 and a US staff that grew from zero to four; new regional teams established in three countries; and new systems built to help us scale. This growth requires a leader with the capacity and experience to shepherd the ministry into its next chapter and beyond. 

But this isn’t goodbye for me just yet. Over the next six months I’ll be working closely with our teams here and abroad to create a smooth handoff. I am confident our incredible staff and partners — with your continued, faithful support —will continue to grow TOLI, bringing dignified, sustainable, Christ-centered transformation to more and more materially poor communities all over the world.  

Finally, we covet your prayers as we search for the next Executive Director, who God is already preparing to join this incredible TOLI family. Thank you again for your support, trust, partnership, and prayers.

With gratitude and joy, 

 

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director

Please pray with us — and help us spread the word — as we search for God's next leader for TOLI. 

 

Help fund a TOLI microloan. It's hope that multiplies.