Doing what it takes to keep families together
Maria* is a brand new TOLI client in Nicaragua who started a little grocery store this month with a $300 microloan. But her story is particularly special.
Maria is a single mom — of SEVEN kids. And until a few weeks ago, Maria's kids lived in an orphanage. Extreme poverty meant she didn't have the means to care for them in her home. That is, until now.
When Maria's children were released from Casa Bernabe Orphanage to return back into Maria's home, she was thrilled, but needed support.
So our ministry partners at Verbo Church, which runs Casa Bernabe, leapt into action. They fast-tracked Maria into the TOLI program, set her up with a microloan and the support to purchase inventory for her shop. Now Maria not only has her family back together, she has a real shot at providing a stable home, financial security, and a whole new future.
It's a perfect picture of TOLI's mission: Through local partnerships, our program is a powerful tool in the toolbox of ministries who are on the front lines, fighting for fragile families, and reaching out with the help and hope of the Gospel— just in time.
Because of Verbo Church and TOLI, Maria will not walk this road alone. She'll have a coach, spiritual support, other TOLI clients to cheer her on and learn from—and an army of faithful witnesses praying for her and her family.
That army is YOU.
Will you stop right now and pray for Maria and her family? Pray for courage, for persistence, for her children's welfare, and for our friends at Verbo Church as they support her. Pray especially for TOLI Social Worker, Junior, who will walk beside Maria every step of the way.
What's ahead for Maria and her kids is still far from certain. But because of your support and prayer, it is certain that they won't have to do it alone.
(*Names have been changed for privacy.)
Volunteers help unload Maria's new inventory for her shop.
TOLI Board Member John Jaeger with Maria.
Help more families like Maria's ...
2019: Stronger, together.
Because of your incredible support, last year TOLI served more clients and partner ministries than ever before. And more supporters than ever are gathering around our vision of "dignified, Christ-centered, sustainable transformation." Our Annual Report will be released in February, but here's a taste of 2019 in review:
> 405 new microloans were granted
> 607 men and women in poor communities received TOLI small business training
> TOLI launched in Ethiopia for the first time
> the number of communities we serve doubled over last year
> TOLI's total revenue doubled over last year
> 6 team members joined our field staff and 2 team members joined our US staff
Inspired? Get involved! Here's how:
> Pray with us — in person, by phone, or on your own! Join us for our monthly Prayer Gathering every second Tuesday from 12-1pm — in person at the TOLI office (5785 N.Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918) or by phone (conference line: 605-313-4819, access code: 928642#). Don't miss our monthly prayer emails that list specific prayer needs for our clients, field staff and ministry partners. Got a question about TOLI's prayer ministry? Email Megan Nilsen for more info.
> Host a TOLI Small Dinner. Email Erin Eilmes to find out more.
> Become a MONTHLY giver! Our plans for 2020 are ambitious! By giving an automatic, monthly gift, you'll help fuel TOLI's work in a powerful way. Click here to sign up online — just click "Monthly" when prompted.
> Got skills or time to give? We occasionally need administrative help, event volunteers, or an extra set of hands. Email us to be added to our go-to list.