Meeting Mike
Last summer, I was invited into the business of a TOLI entrepreneur in Kenya named Mike. With his twins, Jessie and Tessie, in his arms, he proudly showed me his business. Mike pointed me to a counter filled with food he provides to hungry customers, fresh meat hanging in a butchery, the machine he uses to wash cars, and his system to deliver food to his neighbors.
“All of this from a $200 microloan?” I asked, amazed.
Mike and his twins, Jessie and Tessie.
Mike said, “Before, I wanted to grow in so many ways, but I didn’t have the knowledge.”
TOLI’s Business Basics Course gave him the knowledge. He learned skills to expand his business through marketing, saving, management, and customer service. He learned he’s capable, he can overcome obstacles, and the Lord loves him.
“It’s been awesome,” says Mike, “to put into practice what I learned.”
Today, Mike has doubled his income, employs two people (with plans to hire more), is a leader in his community, and leads a Bible study for young men. But what truly struck me about Mike was his confidence, kindness, peace, and big dreams.
So, all this from a microloan?
Through a microloan, business training, Christian discipleship, and your partnership, entrepreneurs like Mike learn how to run a business, provide for their families, grow in confidence, and lead their communities. We’ve seen it happen again and again.
This month, as the May Match continues, we hope you partner with us to help more entrepreneurs. We don’t know of a more sustainable or effective way to tackle poverty than by helping men and women start small businesses and generate incomes for their families — all while the hope of Jesus ripples out to the whole community.
Will you join us?
With joy,
Audrey Putney, Communication and Administrative Coordinator
Mike receiving a Bible from TOLI Social Worker Mary.
Mike with TOLI Social Worker Casperin.
We’re celebrating...
…God’s faithfulness and provision, answers to prayers, and the generosity of many TOLI donors – like you – who responded to the May Match Appeal!
Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our goal, raising a total of $44,183.28 in May. Even better? $40,000 will be matched, so together, we raised $84,183.28 to bring microloans and the Gospel to entrepreneurs around the world. THANK YOU!