This is what generosity leads to

We are blown away by the support given and community created last Friday at Local Flavor for Global Good in Downtown Colorado Springs. So many of you braved the cold to enjoy a slice of Gold Star Pie and to support TOLI. Together we raised more than $6000!

Many thanks to Heather and Aaron Briggs of Gold Star Pies for donating all proceeds to TOLI, and to Mary and Dick Frieg of Savory Spice Shop who hosted and rewarded donors with discounts, gifts, and hot apple cider. And thanks to each of you who gave so generously.

THIS is what your generosity leads to ...

"I am so thankful for the loan to start my business. I sold my sheep and bought a mattress," Genet* from Ethiopia (below left) told us. "This is the first time I have ever slept on a bed. Until now, I have always slept on the floor."

And then THIS ... announcing TOLI Ethiopia!
We are thrilled to officially announce our new partnership with Life Center Ethiopia, where Genet is a client in their widow program. This ministry, based in Addis Ababa, is dedicated to holistic orphan and widow care. Their sole aim is to help transform the lives of the most vulnerable, like Genet and her daughter.

Life Center has already disseminated dozens of microloans to widows in Addis Ababa and the small town of Sekota, where Genet is from, but they are hungry to reach many more men, women, and children.

Our new partnership will mean scores more vulnerable families will benefit from new small businesses, training, and spiritual care and support. We could not be more excited that God brought us together to partner in this effort.

And keep watching to see where your generosity will lead to next.

Planting 'New Flowers' in Ethiopia

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
— PROVERBS 3:5-6

One of the things I love most about TOLI is that it's an organization that deeply desires to move in step with the Lord and in sync with His Spirit. We may not always understand God's ways, but he promises if we trust in him he will make our paths straight. We will sense his lead and know which way to go, one step at a time.

And that is precisely where TOLI is today, as we sense him directing our steps to expand to Ethiopia. It would take hours to describe all the ways God has connected us with this beautiful, ancient country, but rest assured the whole story leaves us in awe.

In two weeks, I will travel to Addis Ababa — along with five other TOLI leaders — to help begin a new partnership with a powerful 'boots on the ground' ministry there. Like all of our partner ministries, this one is passionate about serving widows and their families, believing each one is made in the image of God to dream, create, and flourish as mothers and as entrepreneurs.

Each microloan given through this partnership will help change a family's story, out of poverty and into dignified work. The best part is, when loans are paid back, they will be reissued to other budding entrepreneurs in the same community, creating a beautiful cycle of opportunity and growth. Seeds that are planted, watered, and cultivated will bloom into brand 'new flowers,' dotting the landscape and fabric of Ethiopia. One loan. One business. One dream at a time.

Thank for you for praying with me for Ethiopia, for TOLI, and for all that will bloom from our partnership ahead.

Megan Nilsen
Associate for Communications, TOLI

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Give to support a specific traveler or the whole team. Funds raised in excess of travel costs will be invested in business training, microloans, and a salary grant for a local, Ethiopian social worker. And please pray for this trip, October 15-23.
THE TEAM: John Jaeger (Board member); Linda Hood (Board member); Erin Eilmes (Staff); Megan Nilsen (Staff); Monet Martin (volunteer); and Steve Hood (volunteer).

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THE LATEST FROM EGYPT:

TOLI Founder Eddie Yassa has been in Egypt this month visiting clients, overseeing business training in poor communities, and hosting our first TOLI Social Worker Retreat — a powerful time of encouragement, leadership development, and prayer for our six social workers and various partner committees from around the country, as well as key leaders from Heliopolis Evangelical Church in Cairo.  

Please Pray! TOLI is growing in Egypt. Please pray for all the social workers and clients to connect, seek the Lord, and experience His goodness in their businesses.

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Join us First Friday Downtown COS

Come visit Savory Spice Shop and Gold Star Pies and support TOLI at the same time!

Gold Star Pie Truck will serve up fresh award-winning pie in front of Savory Spice Shop, where you can find free hot cider and the tastiest spices in town. Proceeds from the evening will benefit TOLI. Many thanks to these two local small business —Dick and Mary Frieg and Heather Briggs — for their generosity and passion for supporting small businesses in poor communities around the globe.

WHEN: Friday Nov. 1, 5-8pm
WHERE: 110 N. Tejon, COS (in front of Savory Spice Shop)
MORE DETAILS HERE

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