— COVID-19 Fund UPDATE —
"… I will be honest, I had rough times wondering where food will come from. Business is shut down, I didn't know where to go. But you were God sent and saved us..."
These are the words of Scholastica, a client in Kenya who received food aid last week through our COVID-19 Relief Fund, in the video above. The need and impact has overwhelmed us, and it continues. But because of your help, kids are not going hungry, clients are being sustained, and families are sharing with neighbors even needier than themselves. Scholastica continues:
"You have saved many, because I cannot watch my neighbor sleep hungry while I have that flour or rice or beans..."
Scholastica is multiplying the blessing that began with your generosity. You've given $34,197 for COVID-19 Relief, surpassing our original $30K goal. And here's how it's helping:
> 260 packages of Food Aid (a 3-4 week supply of food per family) have been provided to clients in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt
> Food Aid will continue and expand to include Nicaragua next month
> 4,000 face masks were produced and distributed (and 2000 more ordered) through our Face Mask Project, which is employing 16 needy TOLI clients and widows. Masks are handed out in villages by TOLI social workers as they provide critical health education.
> Food packages will now include a Bible. Thanks to a US donor and a Bible ministry in Egypt, 625 bibles will be delivered during this crisis. (What's better? Clients began asking for bibles this month, not knowing God was already preparing this gift for them!)
> Due to lockdowns, some TOLI clients have been forced to literally eat their inventory. When things reopen, the Relief Fund will help replenish lost inventory and revive businesses.
> New microloans are slowly being granted again in Egypt, as the economy reopens. But demand is huge: In one area, there's a waitlist of 37 ready to join TOLI's program. The Relief Fund ensures we'll be able to meet this demand when conditions allow.
And that's just the beginning. To hear more details and stories of how we are at work in these hard hit communities, please join us for a special COVID-19 Report and Prayer Gathering on June 9:
The direct, tangible results above are easy to list. But what may be more powerful and lasting are the indirect, intangible ripple effects:
> Families receiving help are turning to their neighbor to share and multiply the blessing.
> Clients are hungry for God's Word, and they're receiving it.
> Social workers are powerfully ministering in crisis.
> Clients who were at risk of giving up have recommitted to the program after experiencing TOLI's unrelenting love.
> Whole communities are paying attention to how unconditionally and effectively our Gospel-driven partners serve.
And God is getting the glory (2 Corinthians 9:12).
So we agree with Scholastica, who said to each of you in her message,
"May God bless you and remember you, just like you have remembered us."
Above, Scholastica and her young family. Her soap business just started in January, shortly after the birth of her third born. The COVID lockdown has meant all sources of income and food security ceased. The support she is getting from TOLI's COVID-19 Relief Fund has been a lifeline and source of tangible hope for her, and for her whole community. Together they are determined to thrive, bless others, and come out stronger.