The Gospel in everything
“Halima is so close to believing in Jesus,” said Hailu, TOLI Program Associate in Ethiopia, before visiting her business.
Halima is a TOLI entrepreneur in Ethiopia, and for years, her husband Benjamin has prayed fervently for her to know and love the Lord. In July, a TOLI-US team visited Halima, and as they sat in her home and heard her story, they shared about the abundant life and extraordinary love found in Christ. TOLI Field Staff jumped in to explain the Gospel.
“Do you want to accept the Lord as your personal Savior?” they asked.
“Yes,” Halima said, smiling.
Halima after accepting the Lord as her Savior!
Halima is a perfect reminder of TOLI's most fundamental why: To introduce others to Jesus. And our how is through microloans. Our Partners say over and over that TOLI not only preaches the Gospel, it shows the Gospel. God heals, God loves, and God meets our needs – sometimes through a microloan.
TOLI clients experience spiritual growth through our program in different ways.
Some clients, like Halima, accept Jesus in a pronounced, dramatic way. Others slowly learn to lean on him through prayer, trust Him with their business, or return to church after wandering. Others simply learn to trust a Christian for the first time. But in every case, TOLI clients are given access to the Word of God with a copy of their own Bible, along with the ongoing support and unconditional love of Field Staff and Partners.
“Zainahom, a TOLI client, had the idea that we as Christians do not help anyone, and she thought that this was just an ordinary loan, but she was surprised by the [low] interest and surprised by our visits, and her idea of Christians changed completely.”
– Widad, TOLI Social Worker in Egypt
The love of God is powerful— it brings hope, revitalizes relationships, and changes outlooks on life. God is at work! But don’t take our word for it, hear it from TOLI clients themselves.
“After the training, I have a changed attitude about myself. I am an important person and God created me with purpose. I’ve learned how to have compassion for others.” // Lelame, shop owner, Ethiopia
“I learned how to be dependent on the Lord.” // Farhana, goat-keeper, Egypt
“My children now have a Bible, and I’m very happy.” // Amany, Egypt
“I changed for the better because of the project. I learned how to have my own project, pay installments, and buy and sell goods. But more than that, I accepted Jesus in my life.” // Aeda, seamstress, Egypt
“At TOLI’s Business Basics Course, we read a verse in the Bible that no word of God will ever fail. Now, whatever I do, I put my trust in God.” // Kelvin, dairy farmer, Kenya
So, yes, we believe business growth is the best solution to poverty, and we’ve seen businesses transform lives. But we believe real transformation comes through the Gospel, and we believe that true poverty can't be solved without a relationship with Jesus Christ. Please pray with us that every client, just like Halima, would believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
WE'RE BACK... THANK YOU FOR PRAYING
This summer, a TOLI team traveled to Kenya and Ethiopia to visit with Partners. We saw clients, encouraged staff, assisted Life Center Ethiopia as they led a widows conference in Ethiopia, and hosted a medical camp in Kenya with KCK. Thanks to our Prayer Team and supporters for covering us in prayer during this journey.
