"This is why we're here"

Teaching business, learning love

"Before TOLI we were preaching the Gospel, but now with TOLI we are walking out the Gospel." – Emmanuel, volunteer TOLI leader in Uganda

Earlier this month, we returned from a trip to Uganda where we witnessed firsthand how our ministry partners, Goshen Gospel Ministries, are walking out the Gospel to transform lives through TOLI. We witnessed it as we talked with staff, met with TOLI volunteers, and visited TOLI clients – but especially during their recent TOLI Business Basics Course.

Successful graduates of TOLI's most recent Business Basics Course in Uganda

But how does a basic business course bring the Gospel? Yes the curriculum gives participants the tools to run a business – tools like marketing, customer service, saving, and budgeting. But it also empowers people to see their God-given worth. Through it, a participant learns that not only does their work matter to God, they matter to God. They learn that they have the power, creativity and wisdom to start their own businesses — because they’re made in the image of a creative and powerful God. 

Polly, a TOLI client, sharing her testimony at TOLI's Business Basics Course

Polly is a TOLI entrepreneur who took the Business Basics Course last year and started her own thriving produce business. At this month’s training, Polly stood in front of her peers as a confident leader and shared her testimony.  She shared what she learned and the success of where she is now. And most emphatically, she shared the importance of customer service and servant leadership. She shared that she now treats her customers as people created by God too, and how that has changed everything.

It was a powerful moment! The nearly 60 participants sat on the edges of their seats and soaked up her testimony feeling empowered to start their own businesses, save money, and provide for their families. But more importantly they learned that – like Polly – they can walk out the Gospel and help others see their God-given worth and capabilities, too. 

Linda Hood, a long time board member who came on this trip, summed it up well. 

“The trip was a huge infusion of joy and encouragement (to see) that what we are doing makes a difference," she said. "We were meeting with the committee, and a really amazing young man on the committee said, ‘Before TOLI we were preaching the Gospel, but now with TOLI, we are walking out the Gospel.’ And I thought, 'This is why we are here.'" 

Board member Linda with TOLI Social Worker Tina from Uganda

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YOU'RE INVITED TO "DARE TO DREAM"  //  APRIL 27TH 

Don't miss out!

Seats are going fast for TOLI's "Dare to Dream" event on April 27th at The Pinery in Colorado Springs. You won't want to miss this inspiring and unforgettable event, where you'll hear from TOLI leadership, ministry partners — and even clients — about how the TOLI program is bringing hope and transformation around the world. Dare to Dream with us! Click below to reserve your seats today. 

Can’t come to the event? You can still be a part of it! HELP US REACH OUR $100K GOAL.

We're calling it our Dream Fund —  $100,000 to help TOLI reach more needy entrepreneurs this year than ever before. And thanks to generous sponsors, 100% of your gift will be invested directly into our program.

PS: Bonus challenge! We're recruiting 10 NEW MONTHLY INVESTORS from this campaign. Would you consider becoming one of them? 

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!

Training that transforms

How TOLI's small business education helps entrepreneurs break the cycle of poverty

It’s graduation season here in the US — a perfect time to celebrate TOLI’s newest graduates, too!

So far this year, more than 600 students in poverty-impacted communities have been trained in entrepreneurship through TOLI's Business Basics Course.* In fact, our newest site in Uganda recently hosted our largest-ever single class of 152 students (pictured above). Of those, 104 completed the full training and graduated with certificates. Congratulations, graduates!

Click the video to catch a glimpse of TOLI business training in action around the world.

What is the Business Basics Course? The BBC is a customized, interactive, Biblically-based curriculum, where students learn the practical tools needed to start and manage a small business. They invest time thinking about their goals, dreams, talents, and creative ideas. The BBC is a pivotal piece of TOLI's dignified, sustainable, Christ-centered program.

Throughout training sessions, TOLI field staff and local volunteer leaders engage students through lively group discussions, workbook activities, and even fun skits. Designed for all levels of literacy, content is presented orally, using a question-and-answer format, dramas, hands-on exercises, and games. It's flexible, adaptable, and can be facilitated using the most simple resources. In fact, BBC classes have met in all kinds of environments: churches, community centers, homes, open fields, under tress — even in a banana grove.

“I learned how to effectively manage money by making a good budget to avoid wasting the money I get.” — CHRISTINE, KENYA

What do students learn? The course covers basic business concepts grounded on Biblical principles. The introductory session explores the question of why work matters to God, followed by a time for dreaming and self-discovery. The course then moves to core concepts of business formation and planning (mission statements, goals, marketing, product differentiation) before digging into more detailed skill-building in later sessions (pricing, recordkeeping, budgeting, saving, customer service). Ethics and leadership are also covered.

“I always wanted to start my own business, but I didn’t have the courage– TOLI training gave me the courage.” — SAMIR RAMSES, EGYPT

Who is the course for? The BBC benefits people of nearly every age or level of education. Graduates include teenage single mothers, rural farmers, widows, ex-convicts, people with disabilities, vocational school graduates, grandparents, crafts people, casual laborers, savings group members, trades people, young adult groups, and more.

Most importantly, this powerful course is changing lives — and it is only possible because of your generosity and prayers. Thank you for investing in the growth, goals, and transformation of TOLI's Business Basics graduates.

*TOLI’s BBC is based on an innovative curriculum originally designed by Alternativ Global Entrepreneurs and has been adapted for TOLI’s program with permission.

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A bittersweet announcement

After four years as Development Associate, Erin Eilmes — known to so many of you through her thoughtful calls, cards, and prayers — closes her time on staff with TOLI this week. Erin's contributions stretch far beyond her official part-time role caring for donors and assisting with events. Her wisdom, creativity, strategic mind, dedication to excellence, and all-in heart for TOLI's mission have helped shaped this ministry into what it is today. We send her into the next season with our prayers, gratitude and deep hope that she'll continue to contribute to TOLI ... as a volunteer. THANK YOU, ERIN!
(And if you would like to say thanks or share an encouragement or prayer with Erin, click here to send her a quick note!)

A MESSAGE FROM ERIN:

Nearly four years ago, when the Lord opened up the opportunity to work with TOLI, I could have never imagined what that one YES would mean. I have been so incredibly blessed to serve with TOLI — to meet amazing friends, prayer partners, and brothers and sisters in Christ and to witness, first-hand, God’s transforming and redeeming power through this ministry. I am humbled and honored that the Lord invited me into His ministry to work in and through me as part of His plan. I can see so clearly how, for years, He was weaving many of my experiences, studies, and passions together to prepare me for TOLI.

Over the past several months, my husband and I have heard the Lord ask me to “make space.” As we prayed and talked through this, it has become clear that He is asking me to focus on our three teenagers, our small business, and being still and knowing He is God. In no means am I done with TOLI. I will remain involved in prayer and support, TOLI advocacy, and other volunteer opportunities.

Our TOLI clients, field staff, and ministry partners have inspired and encouraged my faith tremendously, and my local TOLI colleagues have taught me so much about co-laboring with the Lord. Together we have sought His guidance in prayer, taken risks, and brought our loaves and fish, trusting He would do the rest. And, He has! What an honor. I am so grateful for this TOLI Family!

With tremendous love and gratitude,

Erin 

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  — EPHESIANS 3:20-21

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Mark your Calendar

TOLI TUESDAY PRAYER GATHERING

Tuesday June 14 // 12-1pm MT JOIN ON ZOOM: Email Audrey for your link or to join the prayer team for regular reminders and prayer updates.

OR DROP IN at the TOLI office: 5785 N. Union, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

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WE'RE HIRING!

The US office is expanding. If you know anyone who'd make a great addition to our ministry team here in Colorado Springs, let us know — and help us spread the word!

CURRENT OPENINGS
> Associate for Stewardship and Engagement
> Administrative Coordinator

For complete details go to www.toli.org/careers.

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Hellos and goodbyes

Hello …to new places and new people

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INTRODUCING TOLI-UGANDA. An outgrowth of TOLI-Egypt, this new partnership in Uganda will be spearheaded by Goshen Gospel Ministries, a network of six small churches scattered across a rural area just north of the capital city of Kampala.

Goshen church leaders had been praying for years "for God to send an organization to help us reach the community" with practical help and the good news of the Gospel. Through divine connections at Heliopolis Evangelical Church (our strategic partner in Egypt), Goshen and TOLI were introduced to each other.

More than 70 budding entrepreneurs completed TOLI's Business Basics Course near Luweero, Uganda in March.

This new frontier for TOLI is a result of months of talks, prayer, and visits between TOLI-Egypt leaders and leaders in Uganda. To date, 70 needy entrepreneurs have received business training here, and the first five TOLI clients have been approved for a microloan. Stay tuned for much more from our new partners in Uganda. In the meantime, we invite you to a special hour of prayer over this new program on Tuesday May 11 at 12pm MT on Zoom. Scroll down for details!

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AND INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST TOLI-US TEAM MEMBER, MORGAN SHABE. Morgan joins TOLI this month as Program Associate in the US office, where she'll help expand our program's impact and capacity. Morgan has deep nonprofit experience, a heart for the Lord, and a passion for serving vulnerable populations, especially internationally. Here's a quick Q+A to get to know Morgan better:

What attracted you to TOLI? "I have always loved the concept of microloans and the impact it has on communities. I love TOLI's approach in the sense that we never want to be front and center, but only want to equip the local partners to be the true hands and feet of Jesus." 

What do you like to do in your free time? "I'm a Colorado Mountain girl! We love to ski, hike, bike, and kayak. I also love to read and am always trying to learn something new." 

What's a random fact about yourself we should know? "I always love to lead with telling people we have 7 kids... the reactions always make me smile! Another random fact: It seems like a lifetime ago, but I was a foster parent for a total of 5 teenagers starting when I was 19 through 25 years old." 

What's your favorite bible verse? "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." — Zephaniah 3:17

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And farewell …
(but not really goodbye)

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COMMUNICATIONS FELLOW, LIZA CUNNINGHAM, FINISHES HER FELLOWSHIP THIS WEEK, concluding a 9-month internship with TOLI. We are so grateful for Liza's hard work, creativity, and whole-hearted service to TOLI. God has worked in her mightily this year, and we know it is just the beginning.

Liza wanted to share with all of you how a year in the TOLI family has impacted her life ...

“Working for TOLI has been an experience I never knew I needed.”

I spent my last semester at the University of Tennessee searching for jobs at large, for-profit agencies in big cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Through that search, God pulled hard at my heartstrings, calling me to draw closer to Him. I knew that I wanted to focus on my faith, but I always told myself, 'I’ll have time later in life,' and 'it’s more important to land a full-time job right now.' Boy, was I wrong.

I was eventually prompted to join a nine-month Christian leadership program called The Fellows Initiative. Through this program, I was connected to TOLI — and I thank the Lord for it every day. Never in my wildest dreams did I picture myself at a small non-profit in Colorado Springs, but working for TOLI has been an experience I never knew I needed. 

If you’re signed up to receive this newsletter, you know that TOLI pours into the lives of new entrepreneurs across the globe. But what you don’t know is that TOLI also pours into me. 

My job responsibilities include mining through field reports, client interviews, images, and archives to tell personal and inspiring stories for social media, newsletters, reports, and TOLI's website. By digging through databases, learning about clients, and communicating with field staff in different countries, I have been inspired in more ways than I can count. The majority of these clients work hard, love deeply, credit their success to the Lord, and trust that He will provide. Even when these clients don’t end up with business success, they gain something much more valuable: a strengthened relationship with God. Many don’t even have a bed, yet somehow their faith appears so much stronger than mine. This contagious hope in the Lord sparked my inner desire to grow in trust, discernment, and faith on a deeply personal level.

While I could go on and on about the different client stories that have brought me to tears, the social workers who have shown me love and grace, or even the generous hearts of those who give so faithfully to this ministry, I couldn’t even begin to tell you what working with Abigail, Erin, and Eddie has been like. They show me what it’s like to partake in the body of Christ... Every. Single. Day. They teach me how to live in God’s grace, take each day at a time, and, most importantly, how to intentionally pray over every worry, heartache, or situation out of my control. Their hearts are full of joy, compassion, and peace. They are mentors, coaches, and friends, but, even more than that, they have become family.

So, thank you to the entire TOLI family, near and far. You’ve pushed me to become a better version of myself. Encouraged me to be a joyful giver. Shown me the power of prayer, community, and hope. And lastly, you’ve shown me that restoring human dignity is possible and that this broken world has some good to go around after all. While the nature of the TOLI ministry is to uplift our impoverished brothers and sisters across the globe, I will forever be grateful for this experience, the community surrounding this ministry, and the way my relationship with Christ has positively transformed over the past nine months. 

TOLI Thankful, 
Liza Cunningham, Communications Fellow

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HELP US COVER OUR NEW UGANDA PROGRAM IN PRAYER.
Join us for TOLI Tuesday Prayer Gathering for a special time of prayer for our brand new Uganda program, ministry partners, field staff, clients, and local community. You'll also hear the latest prayer requests and updates from our other locations around the world.

WHEN: Tuesday MAY 11, 12pm MT on Zoom
Email Liza for your Zoom link. Or join the Prayer Team here to get prayer reminders straight in your inbox.

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