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