“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