How one father’s faith changed a whole family – and their future
What would you do with extra income in hand?
Would you put more food on the table? Light your home with electricity? Set aside savings for emergencies? Fulfill a dream?
For many TOLI entrepreneurs, the answer is simple: the very first thing they do is pay school fees so their children can be educated.
In Kenya, Obed – a father of eight – long dreamed for children to finish school and attend university. But earning just $2 a day, it was impossible. Until he received a $300 TOLI microloan and started a small dairy farm behind his house. For the first time, he began to imagine a different future.
“My dream is to have a lot of cows. For the first time with TOLI, I was able to have one cow and then increased it to two. In two or three more years, I will have so many cows and be able to send all eight of my kids all the way through university.”
– Obed, dairy farmer, Kenya
Today, because of Obed’s hard work, his oldest son Kevin is excelling in school. Kevin earned the highest marks on his national exam – opening the door to study at any school in Kenya and pursue his own dream of becoming an architect. Obed’s vision for his family is already taking shape.
TOLI’s ultimate aim is to not just help people achieve their own dreams for themselves or their families, but to point to the truth that God has dreams for each one of us.
The Bible says, “no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9
That means God has dreams for Obed – bigger than a dairy farm, bigger than income, even bigger than the ability to educate this family. We can’t imagine the dreams God has in store for him.
Obed is deeply grateful, and in his own words, he “loves TOLI very much.” Through this program, he has broken the cycle of poverty for his family by building a business with dignity.
And it all started with a $300 microloan, a few cows producing milk behind a house, and a good God who made the impossible possible.
A BITTERSWEET ANNOUNCEMENT
After three years as TOLI’s Associate of Donor Care and Events, Amy Cullins — known to so many of you through her calls, cards, and encouraging prayers — is closing her time at TOLI. Her wisdom, creativity, love for people, dedication to joy, strength, and all-in heart for TOLI's mission has built up every aspect of this ministry. We send her into the next season with our prayers and gratitude for her role in the TOLI family… now and as a continued prayer warrior. THANK YOU, AMY!
(And if you would like to say thanks or share an encouragement or prayer with Amy, click here to send her a quick note!)
A MESSAGE FROM AMY:
Hello All,
I wanted you to know that I will be stepping down as TOLI’s donor care and event associate. It was a hard decision, and one I prayed about for a long time, but I think it is good timing for both me and TOLI – and God’s timing is always perfect. My family is at a point where I need a little more margin at home. TOLI is exploding (praise the Lord) and needs someone who has margin to give more.
Reflecting on my time at TOLI is really just recounting the blessings the Lord has bestowed on me through TOLI the last three years. I came with open hands and an excited heart to see how God was going to grow me here. Word of the Lord’s goodness to the organization had spread, and I knew this was a place to work to see God at work. He did not disappoint.
I have seen TOLI-US staff pour their hearts into the work the Lord has called them to do with kindness and humility. Audrey, you were my constant, and the Lord has given you so many gifts, and it was a gift to work with you as you poured them back out to the Lord. Thank you for always being right there with me. It has simply been a joy and a pleasure to serve with the TOLI team and board past and present.
I have watched our donors give generously out of the overflow of their hearts, so that our clients can carve a better path for their families and be introduced to our Savior in a loving and tangible way. It has been a blessing to have a front row seat to see the ways God provides.
I have seen our partners excited to use the TOLI program in their community, spearheading hope and change to those around them. They are the bridge that makes it possible for us to reach these communities in an effective way, and the key to the “for local by local” model.
I have seen TOLI Social Workers, first hand, be the hands and feet of Jesus. Sacrificing daily for the well being of others. I have never met another group of people who exude this type of joy and care for others. This group is truly special, and the heartbeat of TOLI. They have taught me so much.
And then there are our clients who I have seen flourish. Seeing the pride and hope in their eyes as they tell you about their business, and how God is working in their lives is the why to everything else. There is nothing else like it.
All of these parts and memories, people and moments are seared into my heart forever, and I can honestly say I will never be the same.
As for Eddie and Monna, thank you for being obedient to what the Lord was calling you to do almost 20 years ago! I have watched you give of yourselves over and over, and be faithful to the Lord. Your hearts are as big as Africa, and it has been an honor to serve with you. I am so thankful I was able to be a small part of the TOLI family. (You are stuck with me now:)) I am so excited to see how God works the next 20 years, because we trust and serve Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. To Him be all glory and honor and praise forevermore. Amen!
With a full heart,
Amy Cullins