Abigail McConnell

2022 Impact Report

A year of bold dreams and stories of transformation — thanks to your support. With grateful hearts, we are pleased to share our 2022 IMPACT REPORT.

WATCH: “I will grow…”

And in case you missed it, check out this inspiring video featured during our Dare to Dream event last week. 

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  Amen."

— EPHESIANS 3:20-21

To hear more client stories and to spread the word about TOLI–
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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.

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

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

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.

Harvesting hope

How small-scale farming can spark large-scale transformation

Did you know that about 30% of TOLI clients work in farming? 

In Egyptian villages, goats are raised on rooftops and then sold for milk and meat. Piggeries in rural Uganda turn a reliable profit. In Kenya, farmers specialize in different poultry products: broilers, layers, and even organic “Kienyegi” chickens.

For most of these clients, farming is not a new skill, but a way of life that’s nearly second nature. But paired with TOLI’s business training and improved agricultural techniques, these chickens, pigs, goats, cows, ducks, rabbits, beans, bananas, or maize are no longer supplementary backyard crops, but become viable, scalable businesses. 

Farmers in our program learn the value of saving and reinvesting, the importance of segregating personal and business expenses, and the value of specialization and marketing. In one community in Kenya, a group of neighboring TOLI clients with goat-keeping projects have recently attracted large wholesale goat milk buyers who wouldn’t normally buy from a single small scale farmer. Now the local goat milk market is expanding and these TOLI farmers are the beneficiaries. 

TOLI farmers also learn improved agricultural techniques from our partners and from each other. Often, simple and inexpensive changes produce massive results. For example, using a $300 TOLI microloan to invest in a well-built cowshed or a mechanized chaff cutter for livestock feed can double, triple, or even quadruple milk production — and therefore profits.

Hellen Muthengi is a volunteer TOLI leader in Kenya who also happens to be an expert in advanced farming techniques, working for the Ministry of Agriculture. Hellen coaches our farming clients on best practices and new technologies, helping them dramatically improve yields.

But Hellen doesn't see TOLI clients as businesses to fix — but as people to love. So along with her advice, she also offers a listening ear, a supportive presence, and a prayerful heart. She praises God when she witnesses clients improving their farms, increasing their profits, providing for their families, sending their kids to school, and becoming leaders in their community who give back, teach others, and share HOPE.

Please join us and Hellen as we pray for these hard working TOLI farmers — as they breed, raise, plant, grow, reap, and sell — that they would see themselves working hand in hand with the Creator, stewarding all that He's given.

We are 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.

Meet the newest members of Team TOLI around the world

Our international team has added a lot of new faces lately. Here's a quick introduction!

(right to left/top to bottom:
> Ehab Sobhy is the new Regional Coordinator in Upper Egypt. He has a desire and vision to reach more sites and unite sites together.

> Bonface Muriuki formerly served as a Social Worker for TOLI in Kenya and has now returned to lead the Kenya team as Regional Coordinator.
> Hiwot Soloman is the newest TOLI Social Worker in Ethiopia. She has a heart for teaching and guiding others.
> Peter Kingecha is the new Financial Administrator in Kenya. He has an extensive background in business and management.
> Florence is the newest Social Worker in Uganda. She loves people so well!

We can't wait to see how God will use these people to grow TOLI and to proclaim the Gospel. Please pray for each of them — and the rest of our dedicated field staff — as they serve clients and the Lord.

Good News: 2021 Annual Report

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
— ROMANS 10:15

Who doesn't need some GOOD NEWS? With thankful hearts, we are pleased to share with you our 2021 ANNUAL REPORT.

NEW! Now find us online at www.toli.org

> Check out our fancy new web address! You can now read stories, watch videos, and find more information about TOLI at toli.org. Easy to type, easy to remember, and easy to tell your friends!

> And fancy new (shorter!) staff emails. Please add or update us in your contacts so that emails make it straight to your inbox.

Abigail McConnell, Executive Director: abigail@toli.org
Morgan Shabe, Program Associate: morgan@toli.org
Erin Eilmes, Development Associate: erin@toli.org
Audrey Putney, Communications Fellow: audrey@toli.org

Come pray with us


TOLI TUESDAY PRAYER GATHERING
Tuesday April 12th at 12-1pm MT

Join us via 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

To hear more client stories and to spread the word about TOLI–
like, follow and share TOLI with your friends on
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube:

Learning to dream

How TOLI clients teach us the risks — and rewards — of dreaming big

Ah, January. The month of new starts, do-overs, goal setting, and dreaming about the year ahead. I’ve always loved the clean slate a new year brings. But goal-setting? DREAMING? Well, those are things I’ve had to learn. 

And no one’s taught me more about dreaming than TOLI clients. 

“When I think about my dreams, I like to remember Genesis 8:14, ‘Is anything too hard for the Lord?’”
// Yodit, Ethiopia //

One of the first things participants in TOLI’s Business Basics Course do is write down or draw their dreams. Sometimes it takes a minute for them to warm up, but given a little time, a blank sheet of paper, and lots of encouragement, soon big audacious dreams are flying around the room like fireworks: 

Dreams for their handful of chicks to become a huge poultry farm. 
Dreams for their kids to be the first in their family to go to university. 
Dreams to own land and a home built of stone, not tin.
Dreams for their community to have clean, running water in every home. 
Dreams for their country to experience lasting peace. 

These are bold dreams for anyone to put down on paper. Even bolder for those living in broken systems and environments, where the odds and resources are stacked against them. 

So yes, TOLI clients absolutely school me when it comes to dreaming. 

But why? Why does ‘dreaming big’ not come naturally for me? Me, with relatively easy access to all the resources and connections I’d need to bring so many dreams within reach? 

If I’m honest, maybe the answer is I haven’t been dreaming at all. Maybe I’m too comfortable. Maybe a little too attached to my present to open up to dreams of an unknown future. 

Dreaming — if it’s dreaming at all — should be risky, feel vulnerable, maybe even seem a bit foolish. For most of us, it’s just easier to play it safe.

But for most TOLI clients, life is not safe. Vulnerability is a given. Possessions and pride are not something to cling to. 

“People discouraged me from following my dreams, but I didn't listen. I looked forward and pressed through the hard. God gave me strength.”
// Isis, Egypt  //

I am reminded of this prayer by M. K. W. Heicher. When I came across it a few months back, it both sang and stung in my heart:

Disturb me, Lord, when I am too well pleased with myself,
When my dreams have come true because I have dreamed too little,
When I arrived safely because I sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb me, Lord, when with the abundance of things I possess
I have lost my thirst for the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life, I have ceased to dream of eternity
And in my efforts to build a new earth, I have allowed my vision of the new heaven to dim.

Disturb me, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land, I shall find the stars.
I ask You to push back the horizons of my hopes;
And to push into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love. 

So in this new year, my goal is to practice what I’ve learned about dreaming from TOLI clients. 

To remember that dreaming is less about fantasy and more about faith. To ask God to “push back the horizons of my hopes.” And to find ways to help fulfill the dreams of those he puts in my path.

Want to join me? 

 

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director, TOLI

"I have always dreamt of rearing pigs. What was lacking was resources to fulfill the dream but I'm happy TOLI helped me fulfill it."
// Lucyline, Kenya //

"I learned through the program to dream big, and that gave me many ideas, so this helped me overcome many obstacles that overcame me before. This helped me to be a successful woman in my business."
// Angelica , Nicaragua //

“I dream of having more inventory and a store like one in America.”

// Samia, Egypt //

2021 GIVING STATEMENTS VIA EMAIL

This week you should be receiving your 2021 Year-End Giving Statements from us via email. If you didn't get it, be sure to check your spam or junk folder, or contact Erin Eilmes for assistance. (PS: This is a great time to make sure you've added us to your contacts!)

More than a success story

If you passed by Evenor’s shop, you might just see an ordinary barber. But Evenor is far from ordinary. 

Evenor cuts a client’s hair at his barbershop.

Raised in an orphanage run by our partner in Central America, Evenor dreamed of one day having his own business and family. As a teenager, Evenor was discipled by leaders in the church. He was coached in business skills by TOLI Social Workers. And he was loved by a community of believers who modeled a life of worship and service. 

In high school, Evenor taught himself to cut hair, practicing on other kids at the orphanage. He graduated from our partner’s discipleship program and set off into adulthood. Then he started with TOLI in 2019, chasing his dream of becoming a small business owner.

Today, Evenor runs a busy barbershop in his town. 

He’s married and has a son of his own. 

He gives back to the orphanage where he was raised, cutting kids’ hair there for free. 

And he serves as a volunteer, pouring himself into the church that poured so much into him.

Evenor’s story is clearly a success story. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a story of relationships, redemption, the body of Christ, and ultimately, the Kingdom of God. 

Evenor, with his wife and son.

TOLI exists not only to invest in individuals, but to invest in local ministries that are bringing healing, building leaders, and living out this very good news: that Jesus is who he said he was, that he can be trusted, and that in him is where true ‘success stories’ are made complete.    

For our clients and for our ministry partners, TOLI’s microloan program is just one short chapter in their stories of seeking, finding, and sharing Jesus’ love. 

For TOLI, we’re grateful for how the 2021 chapter of our own story has grown, as we:

> opened a new TOLI branch in Uganda
> added a new site in Egypt 
> expanded our field staff to 29 
> granted over 30% more microloans compared to 2020 
> added a full-time Program Associate to the US office ... and more.

And you can be part of this unfolding story, too. 

If you’re praying about where to direct your year-end giving, please consider TOLI — or perhaps even consider giving directly to one of our trusted ministry partners, which you can learn more about here. Either way, your gift will be an investment that brings purpose and dignity to the lives of men and women like Evenor — and through them, the lasting hope of Christ. 

With gratitude and joy, 

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director

 

Help fund a TOLI microloan. It's hope that multiplies.