What's happening around the TOLI family? LOTS.
Here's a cheat sheet on the latest news from all our partners.
EGYPT // New hope, new locations
> 673 CLIENTS currently in the program.
> WHAT'S NEW? Two new TOLI locations have launched this year — in Taha Al Amidah and Atlidem, both in Upper Egypt. We've added staff and structure to our head office in Cairo, which is accelerating program growth throughout the country and beyond, even launching a new program in Uganda in May.
> COVID UPDATE. After a spring spike in cases, things are opening up again and the outlook is hopeful. We're especially encouraged that groups are allowed to gather again for business training for the first time in 18 months.
> HOW YOU CAN PRAY. For our field staff: Social Workers (14 and counting); Maged Metyas, Egypt Country Director, Evette Shoukry, Program Assistant; and Bassem Gad, Financial Assistant; and for Pastor Sameh Anwar, Missions Pastor at Heliopolis Church, our Strategic Partner. For clients' courage and boldness to restart business projects after setbacks or interruptions.
KENYA // Growing the TOLI family — and the church
> 183 CLIENTS currently in the program.
> WHAT'S NEW? We're thrilled to add Thika Town Church (PCEA) to the TOLI network, which will spearhead our outreach in the slum of Kiandutu, north of Nairobi. We even joined forces on a special project to build a new church in Kiandutu (which was just completed and dedicated August 1!) We're growing our field staff too, adding four new social workers so far this year, bringing the team to six.
> COVID UPDATE. After a spring spike and an accompanying lockdown, cases of Covid fell in early summer. However recent data shows an uptick in cases again.
> HOW YOU CAN PRAY. The pandemic has taken its toll on youth and education. Schools closing meant a spike in teen pregnancies, female genital mutilation (FGM), and forced marriage. Pray for students as they head back to school this month. Pray for the new church in Kiandutu. Pray for wisdom for our partners as they discern God's plan for TOLI in Kenya. Pray for clients whose businesses were set back by the pandemic. Pray for our Social Workers Nicholas, Mary, Olive, Casperin, Hellen, and Judy; pray for Partner Ministries Kenya Connection Ministries, and Comet House.
CENTRAL AMERICA // New staff helps continue the recovery
> 73 CLIENTS currently in the program
> WHAT'S NEW? We welcomed new Social Workers — Orlando and Miguel — who are helping expand TOLI in Puerto Cabezas. Our Business Basics Course is attracting more and more participants; recently we celebrated 17 graduates.
> COVID UPDATE. The spread of the coronavirus seems to have slowed. However, the rainy season has driven up cases of dengue fever, malaria, and other respiratory illnesses, especially in kids.
> HOW YOU CAN PRAY. The pandemic plus two catastrophic hurricanes in late 2020 caused incredible hardship. Many clients lost homes, businesses, and support systems. Pray for hope, determination, and courage for them and wisdom for our partners and field staff for how to best serve them. Pray for Social Workers Junior, Orlando, and Miguel. Pray for Partner Ministry.
ETHIOPIA // Ray of hope in a season of conflict
> 38 CLIENTS currently in the program
> WHAT'S NEW? Our partner Life Center Ethiopia began a fruitful collaboration with The Unique 7,000 Church in Addis Ababa, and it's yielding powerful results. Client reach has doubled in the first half of this year and we're on track to hit our target of providing 60 microloans to widows in 2021.
> COVID UPDATE. Cases spiked severely in the spring, but have decreased again. Markets are open and businesses are on the mend.
> HOW YOU CAN PRAY. Ethiopia itself has had a horrific year. War in the Tigray region has meant civil unrest, inflation, and insecurity throughout the country, and recent reports indicate the conflict is spreading to other areas. Please pray for PEACE. Pray for Hailu, our Social Worker, and for our Partner Ministry, Life Center.
UGANDA // COVID creates big hurdles for new program
> 10 CLIENTS currently in the program
> WHAT'S NEW? Everything! Uganda is our newest location, so it is still in the incubation stages.
> COVID UPDATE. Infection rates are falling after a lockdown imposed in June. Restrictions recently have been eased, but schools, churches, mosques, seasonal markets remain closed.
> HOW YOU CAN PRAY. Pray for our 10 fledging clients. The COVID spike has made for a rough start. Pray for our Social Worker Christine, as she learns and leads the TOLI program in Luwero. Pray for COVID to decrease and the lockdown to lift. Pray for our Egypt team to be able to visit to help continue establishing this TOLI location. Pray for Partner Ministry Goshen Gospel Church.