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.

The tools for a new start

Helping men build stronger families

"Does TOLI only serve women?"

It's a question we get a lot. And yes, women do make up more than three-quarters of our clients. But when we can reach men in the communities where we work, it's incredibly impactful. Empowering husbands, fathers, and grandfathers is a powerful way to bring transformation to a community. 

Take Aziz as an example. Aziz was trained as a plumber but didn't get much work because he lacked the proper tools. He had little income and little hope. 

Then, nine months ago, Aziz took a TOLI loan of about $200 to buy the right tools and equipment. With his new tools, his plumbing skills, and the coaching of a TOLI social worker, Aziz now has burgeoning business. Jobs that used to take him three days now take only one. Today, he's able to work for himself, land bigger jobs, and increase his customer base as well as his income. 

Aziz isn't just building a business—he's building a family. Just a few months ago, because of his increased income, he told us, he was able to get married. He and his wife are now building a strong start to their household—thanks to Aziz's hard work, determination, and a TOLI microloan. 

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Save the date: Come to the Table

Thursday, May 9 at 6pm at the Pinery, Colorado Springs

If you've ever wanted to share TOLI with a friend, or learn more about our work, this night is for you. You'll witness through the eyes of our clients how TOLI is helping families break the cycle of poverty and experience the love of Christ. It'll be a memorable, inspiring, and fun night. Don't miss it.

CLICK HERE (or on the image below) for details, to buy tickets, or to sponsor a table! Reserve early, seats are limited. 

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Strength in numbers—THANK YOU.

Your strong support in 2018 helped TOLI empower more husbands like Aziz (above). In fact, we impacted more families and resourced more partner ministries last year than ever before. Better yet, your generous support helped us start 2019 in a place of strength, ready for the ambitious plans God has put before us. 

Would you consider giving monthly this year? Choosing automatic monthly giving is a budget-friendly but powerful way to sustain TOLI all year long. Even small monthly gifts of $20, $30 or $50 add up to deeply impactful support. Click DONATE and choose "Monthly." Credit card or automatic bank transactions available.

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