“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire; He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing…” — Psalm 40:2–3
Dear Friends,
When Jackson first joined the TOLI program in Kenya last year, he said something that still breaks my heart: “I’m at rock bottom.”
Jackson was trying to provide for his wife and children on just $20 a month. School fees felt overwhelming. Food was uncertain. He couldn’t grow a business and didn’t have any money to save.
But when our TOLI Field Staff heard Jackson say this, they reminded him of the truth: Jackson, you have everything God already placed inside you – creativity, dignity, and capacity – to look up from rock bottom and build a different future.
So Jackson enrolled in TOLI’s Business Basics Course, where he learned how to dream again. He studied customer service, saving, planning, and how to press through obstacles with courage. Then, with a $300 microloan, Jackson replanted his farm in Kenya with cabbages and kale.
"Through TOLI, I learned to trust God. God helps us move forward. When we pray, we are encouraged in everything we do. God so embraces us." – Jackson, farmer, KENYA
Today, everything about Jackson’s life has changed. Because of the TOLI program – and because of the faithfulness of people like you – Jackson now runs a thriving farm.
He earns over $400 a month (that’s a 1,900% increase!).
He provides for his wife and children with joy.
He reinvests in his community by teaching young people lessons from TOLI’s Business Basics Course – so, as he says, “they stay out of crime and learn to do good.”
And most importantly, Jackson trusts God.
Jackson’s story is remarkable – and it mirrors the lives of the 6,000 current TOLI clients in Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. They each have stories of redemption that point to God’s great story: a story of a Father calling His children to look and see Him.
TOLI’s goal is to raise $200,000 by December 31st. Will you give a year-end gift to help more families – and their communities – step out of poverty and into hope?
With faithfulness and joy,
Don Paterson, Executive Director, & the TOLI Team
P.S. Your year-end gift helps more than one family – it multiplies. With a 98% repayment rate, each microloan is recycled to another entrepreneur, giving new life, dignity, and hope again and again. Thank you for helping lift families out of material poverty and onto solid ground.
Giving thanks — and multiplying impact
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
Granted 2,500+ new microloans – bringing our total loans in TOLI’s history to 14,000+
Equipped 3,000+ with small business training
Added 6 new Sites: Egypt (3), Ethiopia (2), Uganda (1)
Welcomed a new partner in Uganda
Grew global staff to 73
Successfully piloted a TOLI Chaplain in Egypt
2026 MINISTRY GOALS
Grant 3,000+ new microloans
Equip 4,000 people with small business training
Strengthen TOLI’s impact measurement and sustainability tools
Strengthen Gospel-centered discipleship so families continue to receive holistic support
Connect with more individuals and churches around the globe to increase TOLI’s reach
Grow global staff to 80