A turning point

TOLI isn't just a program—it's a turning point. 

For 17 years, Nadia struggled to raise her large family as a widow and sole breadwinner.

Then last year, she heard that a nearby church offers a program called TOLI to help women like her—and not just with handouts of food or clothes. Nadia had a lifetime of experience and the ability to work hard, but she needed resources and support. She didn’t need handouts—she just needed a hand up.

That’s when Nadia’s turning point came. She took TOLI’s Business Basics Course, then applied for a microloan to buy a milk separator machine to grow a business serving local dairy farmers. The new business provided new steady income for her and her big household. But the turn her life took through TOLI was so much more than financial:

• She gained new skills and knowledge.

• She become a ‘peacemaker’ in her village, acting as mediator when farmers confide in her about conflicts with neighbors.

• She now uses her business to reflect God’s love.

Nadia lives with her four adult children, their spouses, and 10 grandchildren.

Like Nadia, TOLI is at a turning point too.

This year, God blessed TOLI with expanded teams and technology allowing us to not just grow but truly scale. Partner Ministries are bringing restoration to more and more poor communities by replicating TOLI’s powerful ministry of business training, microloans, and spiritual discipleship.

This year we launched TOLI in seven new sites, granting 45% more microloans than in 2022. And right now, our Partners are equipped and ready to replicate our program in at least NINE MORE locations across four countries in the next 12 months. They have the tools, teams, track record, and strategy in place. The last ingredient is the capital.

Will you lean in to this turning point with us? Will you pray and consider adding to your usual end-of-year gift to TOLI, so God can multiply its impact? We’re praying for an additional $120,000 by December 31, 2023, to fund this expansion and help our Partners get started replicating TOLI in new villages, bringing fresh hope and transformation where it's so desperately needed. 

Because of TOLI, Nadia's life turned from one of loss and tragedy to a life of growth, independence, and Gospel influence. Because of your support, TOLI can multiply stories like Nadia's throughout whole villages ... or even nations. And what a turning point that could be. 

With gratitude and joy,

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director, TOLI

P.S. As you consider stewarding your year-end gifts, remember: a gift to TOLI becomes a microloan that’s invested, repaid, and reinvested again and again in the same community. It’s truly hope that multiplies.

Nadia with Abigail at a recent TOLI spiritual retreat near Nadia's village in Upper Egypt. 

Imagine multiplying Nadia’s story throughout a whole village
... or nation.

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Giving thanks — and dreaming BIG

2023 HIGHLIGHTS 

• Granted 2,000+ new microloans — a 45% increase over 2022

• Equipped 3,000+ with small business training

• Added 7 new Sites: Egypt (4), Kenya (2), Ethiopia (1)

• Grew global staff to 53, including six regional-level positions in Egypt and Ethiopia

• Added a Strategic Partner to expand in Ethiopia

• Launched TOLI Atlas, a custom app to help track client transformation

2024 MINISTRY DREAMS

• Equip 3,600+ materially poor entrepreneurs with microloans 

• Empower 4,000+ people with business training

• Launch up to 9 new Sites 

• Operate in more than 30 communities worldwide

• Expand field staff training and capacity-building globally

• Strengthen spiritual impact through expanded discipleship programming

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From the TOLI family to yours ...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We are so grateful for you!

The heart of transformation

Christ at the heart

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." // Colossians 3:17

Roseh joined the TOLI program hoping to provide for her family. She didn't know God would strengthen her faith. 

After receiving a TOLI microloan to start a grocery store, Roseh received a gift she cherishes more – headphones and a headset with a recording of the Bible in Arabic. Her first Bible! Now each day as she takes inventory in her store, Roseh listens to the word of God.

Last month, Roseh worshipped God at a spiritual gathering in Egypt with 255 other TOLI entrepreneurs. In the crowded room, God became more real. She felt His love as she heard testimonies of entrepreneurs like her and prayed with her peers. 

Roseh’s story illustrates the heart of TOLI's program: Providing practical tools to break the cycle of material poverty, all while pointing to the one true source of abundance, a relationship with Jesus. That's why Christian discipleship is integrated into everything we do. 

WATCH this 90-second video below to see how: 

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“At graduation, when I give the bibles and see the excitement and hope on the clients’ faces, that's my very, very favorite part of this program.” 

– Hailu, TOLI Program Director, Ethiopia

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Thursday, Nov 9, 2023 // 5:30-7pm

Drop in at the TOLI Colorado Springs office to help TOLI count the ways the Lord has blessed us this year. There will be appetizers, fellowship, and sharing of stories. We'll send you off with a token of our gratitude to remind you how grateful we are that you are part of our story, too. Hope to see you there!

The TOLI Office
5785 North Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

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TOLI’s Global Day of Prayer and Fasting

Thank you for your prayers on TOLI’s Global Day of Prayer and Fasting. See our global pray-ers clockwise from left to right in Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, and on the global Zoom call.

Finding a spark

What’s making these Clients glow?

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
JOHN 1:5

Last week, in El Minya, Egypt, more than 150 TOLI entreprenuers gathered for a women’s conference hosted by our partners. After a full day of team building, worshiping together, and hearing the Gospel, each woman was given a small candle. Those who accepted the Lord or wanted to go deeper in their faith were encouraged to light their candles.

The whole room glowed.

All around the world, TOLI clients just like them — shop owners, fishermen, tailors, baristas, recyclers, farmers, and artisans who've been impacted by TOLI's ministry — are rays of light for their families and communities. Because of their small businesses and a sustainable income, these entrepreneurs pay school fees for their children, build homes, encourage their neighbors, and put daily food on the table. These entrepreneurs have grown in confidence, service, and faith. Many have come to know the Lord, the light of the world. 

Each woman at that conference – and every TOLI client – has a story to tell of perseverance, growth, and new hope. Stories of learning to provide for their families, and stories of learning about the provision of the Lord. Stories of finding their light.

But don’t take our word for it, hear it from TOLI entrepreneurs themselves!

"Whatever happens in my life, I just keep praying. I know that if I work hard, I can change my life. People say amazing things about me because I’m always happy. I say it’s all because of God."   
YODIT, SNACK SHOP OWNER // ETHIOPIA

“I learned to never lose hope and to be focused. I don't struggle paying school fees for my kids, and I have been able to construct a house for my family and my business. I have made great steps in life.” ROSE, SEAMSTRESS // KENYA

 “Now because of the loan and my business, my kids always have something to eat. But the biggest difference is hard to explain. I was always sad, but now I have the capacity to solve my own problems.” KAREN, SHOP OWNER // CENTRAL AMERICA

“I learned how to take what is in my mind, make it real, and achieve it. I wake up and ask God how he will bless me today, and he does. I say, ‘Give me this morning your blessings so I can experience your generosity.’” AIDA, SOAP SALES // EGYPT

 "Mine is more of personal growth. I am able to take care of my family without asking for loans from friends. I couldn't go a week without borrowing money for upkeep, but now I’m the one who helps out. I have learned how to save." NELLY, TEA SALES // KENYA

And these stories represent just one spark that ignites a whole community. Because when a TOLI entrepreneur repays their loan, the capital is invested in another entrepreneur in the same neighborhood. That neighbor can then start their own business, provide for their family, experience Jesus' love, and find their light, too.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” 
MATTHEW 5:16

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Join us for this inspiring event and hear how you can help men and women in poor communities step out of poverty and into purpose. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
11:30am-1:30pm (lunch) — OR — 6-8pm (dinner)

The Pinery at the Hill
775 W Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

HOST A TABLE. Invite your friends to be inspired by TOLI’s life-changing ministry.
> Lunch Seating: $400 per table (8 people)
> Dinner Seating: $500 per table (8 people).

BUY TICKETS. $50 per person

Seats are filling fast, so save yours today...

Why partnership is priceless

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" // MARK 12:30-31

Wherever there's a TOLI program, there’s a local church or ministry already at work in the community. And that's why TOLI works, because these local Christ-centered ministries, who love God and who love people, use our program as a tool to transform their communities. 

Ministries partner with TOLI to reach people they wouldn't reach otherwise. While we provide a proven model and initial funds, it's our partners who hold the vision for their community. They assemble the local committee to champion the program, hire field staff to implement it, and encourage clients because they want to see people's hearts and minds transformed. They want to reach the poor and share with them the gospel. 

But don't take our word for it! Hear it from our partners as they share their heart for TOLI and for the nations:

“There are millions of widows who are waiting for help in Ethiopia, many of whom don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. I believe that serving with love and humility will transform lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe the loan program helps us to spread the Gospel and bring the kingdom of heaven to the earth. One at a time, individuals will be changed, then the community, through which we will change nations.”
– Mulu Woldetinsae // Life Center Ethiopia // ETHIOPIA

“TOLI has opened my eyes to new areas in Egypt that are shouting “come over and help!” My church is positively impacted by TOLI because it opened for us a big door to help the needy community in Egypt, and also it helped us in trying to change the mentality of the Egyptian churches to give donations to the poor.”
— Bassem Raouf // Heliopolis Evangelical Church // EGYPT

“My favorite thing is to see a poor person guided through an entrepreneurship program, then grasp the concepts of dreaming big, good customer service, good marketing skills, etc., and assimilate them into their lives. I’ve seen clients internalize this, start businesses, and progress. That makes my day. Seeing them slowly transform from poverty, making daily steps towards self-sustainability, humbles and empowers me to do more.”
– Humphrey Kanga // Kenya Connection Kids // KENYA

“My heart is with children. TOLI has brought more children to Sunday School and this is a huge blessing because they’re growing spiritually. For one client, Grace,
the first client to pay off her loan in Uganda, TOLI improved her life,
her children's, and her children's children."
– Angie Atta // Volunteer // Goshen Gospel Ministries // UGANDA

“TOLI is very effective because we have a lot of poverty here. Giving spiritual guidance without any practical help doesn't work to solve poverty. The Church used to just give money but that didn’t work. This system works.”
– Pastor Emad // Towah Evangelical Church // EGYPT

And thank you for your partnership as well! Your prayers and financial support help equip these local partners reach more people and transform more lives. Thank you!

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We’re back… Thank you for praying

This month, a TOLI team travelled to our site in Central America to visit with partners. We visited clients, encouraged staff, and held a Regional Conference – which was an amazing time of fellowship and leadership training with Field Staff and committee members. Thanks to our Prayer Team and supporters for covering us in prayer during this journey.

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New addition to the TOLI US Team

We’re so excited to welcome Amy Cullins as TOLI’s new Associate for Stewardship and Engagement! Amy has a welcoming heart for people, a passion for Jesus, and a gentle and humble spirit. Her rich experience in leading women’s ministry, event planning, volunteer engagement, teaching, and hospitality will be a huge asset to the TOLI team. Amy's focus will be on serving and praying for our donors, helping them meaningfully engage with the ministry and planning TOLI events. Amy, we’re thrilled to have you on the team!

Hope multiplied.

NEAMA OWNS A BEAUTY SALON IN MOKATTAM VILLAGE — a place known more for its trash than for its beauty. Often called "Garbage Village," it's where generations of Christian Egyptians have eked out a living processing Cairo's garbage. But not Neama. Not anymore.

Neama comes from a family of garbage recyclers, but she was determined to forge a different life. So she learned to do make-up and cut hair, and opened her own salon. With the help of a $200 TOLI microloan — and despite the fact she can't read or write — her business took off. Soon Neama saw a chance to give someone else a hand up in the same way. 

When Neama met Aua, a 12-year-old Muslim girl left alone to be the sole provider for her grandparents, she knew she needed to hire her. Aua now assists Neama in the salon, getting valuable experience for herself and vital income for her family, while helping Neama make clients feel beautiful and valued every day. 

Above, beauty salon owner Neama (left) and Aua, her assistant and mentee. Below, two garbage recyclers in Mokattam.

Neama is determined that her own three kids have a better future, too. She insists they stay in school and work hard. She's even begun renting a small shop for her teenage son, so he can start a business of his own soon.

The ripple effect of TOLI's investment in Neama is clear — the cycle of poverty is being broken in two families, jobs are being created, the community is changing. And, among TOLI clients, her story is not that unusual.

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"It's all about mindset," says Neama about her success.

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Orphan care and job creation are two key indicators of lasting transformation through TOLI's program. In 2020, one-third of TOLI's clients reported that they provide care for orphans. And 20 percent reported employing others through their small business.

"It's all about mindset," Neama says about her success. We give thanks to God for Neama's renewed mind and generous heart, and how he's using it to bring hope, redemption, and beauty to so many.

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COME EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF HOPE IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED PLACES.

Around the world, brave women and men are dreaming new dreams and finding new purpose through TOLI’s Christ-centered microloan program. At Taste & See: Come to the Table 2021, we invite you to come walk in their shoes, learn their stories, and celebrate their gifts. What you discover may surprise you.  

You don't want to miss this unforgettable event. Tables and tickets are going fast, so reserve your spot today. Here's how:

HOST A TABLE. Invite your friends to be inspired by TOLI’s life-changing ministry. 
> Dinner Seating: $500 per table (8 people). *NOTE: DINNER IS NEARLY SOLD OUT. 
> Lunch Seating: $400 per table (8 people).

BUY TICKETS. $50 per person, available for lunch only. 

BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR. Your business or organization can help us transform more lives by sponsoring this event. 

Questions? Email Erin Eilmes.  

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JOIN US FOR TOLI TUESDAY.

What is life like in Ethiopia right now? How are TOLI clients faring? Join TOLI Social Worker Hailu Getachew on our next prayer Zoom, and get the latest news from our program in Addis Ababa. You'll also hear the latest prayer needs and updates from our other locations around the world, as we pray together for the entire TOLI family.

WHEN: Tuesday JULY 13, 12pm MT on Zoom

Email Liza for your Zoom link. Or join the Prayer Team here to get prayer reminders straight in your inbox.

Love is local.

How TOLI's "for local, by local" model is making an impact — for vulnerable communities and the ministries that serve them

It was no easy feat, gathering 50 women together, pulling them from work and kids on a Monday morning. For some, it was the first time to ever leave their village.

Our partners in Upper Egypt had dreamed of a spiritual retreat for their TOLI microloan clients for a long time — a day of worship, encouragement, food, and fun. And earlier this month, they made it happen. The women arrived in minibusses in small groups, a little shy and sticking close to the few people they knew. But by day’s end, the courtyard echoed with laughter as they crowded close, playing games and cracking jokes in the afternoon sun. Joy.

More than 50 women, all of whom have built a small business through TOLI's microloan program, gathered in El Minya, Egypt, for a special day of worship, teaching, and encouragement.

Keeping it local

We like to say that TOLI is designed to be ‘for local, by local.’ And this retreat illustrates that perfectly. It is our local ministry partners, like these churches in Upper Egypt, who have the true vision for serving their own people. They invest the time, energy, and prayer to usher in transformation in their neighborhoods through TOLI's microloan program. “TOLI,” as an organization, is just privileged to get a front-row seat.

Everywhere we work, we partner with local organizations — churches or Christ-centered ministries — already at work in the community. That’s because we believe truly lasting solutions are homegrown. These local ministries adopt the TOLI program to be one more tool in their toolbox to effectively reach the people God has called them to serve. A local committee of volunteer leaders oversees operations. And TOLI social workers are native to the community being served. The potential impact of a TOLI microloan program in their area is as big as they dare to dream for it.

Transforming communities

We tell a lot of stories here about individual client successes. But TOLI’s impact is community-wide — and even beyond.

The five churches that brought TOLI clients together for this retreat may be miles apart, with their own unique challenges. But they share at least one thing: a commitment to restoring the God-given dignity of every person. And together they’re finding new, creative, and God-glorifying ways to fulfill it. 

Women worshipped together and enjoyed a special meal.

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Your support helps TOLI provide our program to more local ministries who are impacting their communities for Christ.

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What did 2020 mean for TOLI? Check out our Annual Report.

You won't want to miss the amazing story of Faith, one incredible client whose journey this year illustrates how God is using TOLI to transform lives ... even in the year of COVID.

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Help us spread the word so we can bring microloans and hope to more families — LIKE and SHARE TOLI with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn:

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Let's Change the Story.

End this year with an investment in hope.

In this year of difficult stories, let me share a hopeful one.

Tereza lives in a part of Cairo marked by crumbling buildings and crushing poverty. But poverty is not how this story ends. Just before COVID, this young mom took a brave first step toward a new life: She took a TOLI microloan to buy a sewing machine and supplies, worth about $300. And then she got to work.

In just eight months, Tereza doubled her household income, paid off her loan, and invested in a second sewing machine. Tereza now employs two people and rents a commercial space instead of working out of her flat. And when her husband lost his job earlier this year, her income kept their family stable.

Tereza took many bold steps to achieve success. But, do you know what her first step was? To give it away.

She gave the profits from her first sales to the church to thank God for his provision. She attributes the blessings of the past year to his love and faithfulness. And she prays for her next steps: To hire more employees and open a factory to produce her kids clothing designs.

Tereza shows TOLI Program Associate, Katie Haar, her new workshop.

Like Tereza, we’re also grateful for God’s provision in this year of unprecedented challenges. Because of his faithfulness — and yours — TOLI provided help and hope in new ways this year:

> Supplying emergency food aid to 3,368 people and distributing 6,000 free face masks sewn by clients to TOLI communities through our COVID-19 Relief Initiative
> Adding 3 new TOLI sites in Egypt
> Providing Bibles to 600+ clients, as well as creating a digital, multilingual spiritual discipleship library for field staff
> Translating and implementing our new TOLI Business Basics Course in 3 languages (Arabic, Spanish, and Amharic)

In a year marked by loss and fear, people like Tereza have taught us about hope, generosity, and courage.

What better way to change the story of 2020 than by investing in more people like her? Please consider making TOLI part of your year-end giving plans.

The story you change just might be your own.

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director, TOLI

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TOLI's microloan program provides DIGNIFIED, SUSTAINABLE, CHRIST-CENTERED TRANSFORMATION through our simple but powerful "cycle of hope."

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Inspired? Go deeper with us in the new year.

> PRAY with us. Join our TOLI Tuesday Prayer Gatherings via Zoom, (second Tuesdays from 12-1pm MST), which regularly feature guests from TOLI sites around the world. Join the Prayer Team here to get prayer reminders straight in your inbox.

> SAVE the DATE. We can't wait to gather again to share stories and grow support for the work God is doing through TOLI. Mark Thursday, September 23, 2021, in your calendar for our next Big Event.

> Become a MONTHLY INVESTOR! Our plans for 2021 are ambitious! By giving an automatic, monthly gift, you'll help fuel TOLI's work in a powerful way. Click here to sign up online — just click "Monthly" when prompted. 

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Help us spread the word so we can bring microloans and hope to more families — LIKE and SHARE TOLI with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn:

A visual tour of TOLI in Egypt

Our partners in Egypt are working hard to provide business training, microloans, and spiritual support to vulnerable families in neighborhoods from Cairo to Assiut. Here is a glimpse of our latest developments in Egypt …

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TOLI’s BUSINESS COURSE equips new entrepreneurs of all abilities and backgrounds. Topics include: setting goals, identifying your skills, overcoming obstacles, marketing, pricing, customer service, record keeping, budgeting, saving, ethics, leadership, and more. Below are images from a recent training in for a class of 21 future TOLI clients in upper Egypt:

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THREE NEW COMMUNITIES in Egypt are now part of the TOLI program. The first round of microloans are being granted right now to vulnerable families who are dreaming for a brighter future. Please pray for them, and pray for our new social workers, who serve as mentors, trainers, loan officers and program administrators. Pictured here is Saeed (last slide), who serves the areas of Manshiet Nasser and Garbage Village in Cairo:

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FIELD STAFF RETREAT: This fall we brought together 22 Egyptian TOLI leaders — social workers, church staff, and key leader — from around the country for two days of training, leadership development, and worship. These field staffers are true heroes, pouring into the lives of clients and their families day after day. And we are so grateful to our strategic partner Heliopolis Evangelical Church in Cairo, which plays an integral role in TOLI’s implementation, growth, and effectiveness throughout Egypt — and beyond.

This retreat was a TOLI first, but definitely not the last! A few images from our two days…

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Want to support our Egypt program?

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