Courage to restart

How TOLI clients are now bravely investing, adapting — and getting back to work

Even in normal times, being an entrepreneur means taking risks. These days though, it takes an extra dose of courage. As life inches back to normal — or adapts to a new normal — TOLI is beginning to grant new microloans again to clients who are ready. In communities where restrictions are now lifting, our local partners are helping clients bravely kickstart new businesses and rebuild existing ones. In fact, 27 new microloans have been granted in the past few weeks in Egypt and in Central Kenya. 

Meet four courageous entrepreneurs in central Kenya, who are boldly investing in their dreams: 

MAGDALENE // Cosmetics Shop. Magdalene is a brand new TOLI client, launching a cosmetics shop in her community. Her loan of $300 will allow her to stock her shop with the inventory and supplies needed to build her business.

LENA // Veterinary Services. Last fall we shared how Lena launched a veterinary services business with a $300 microloan. Since then, she's continued to build her business, even through the worst of the pandemic restrictions, and paid off her loan successfully. This month she received a secondary $300 loan to increase her inventory and earnings.

HUNTINGFORD // Banana Farmer. Huntingford just took his first TOLI microloan to purchase water storage tanks to help irrigate his banana crops. With reliable irrigation, he will now be able to increase crop yields and provide steady income for his family.

JANE // Wholesale Shop. Jane just received a second microloan to grow her wholesale shop's inventory, expanding the products available in her village.

Each of these clients is equipped with small business training and the coaching of a TOLI social worker. As they earn income and pay back the loan (most are less than $300), those funds are 'recycled,' providing another loan to a family in the very same community. And our local partners walk with them every step of the way, while bearing witness to the lasting hope that only Jesus Christ provides. 

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"Those that will trust upon the Lord, despite the challenge, they are still going to achieve their dreams." — NICHOLAS, TOLI SOCIAL WORKER, KENYA

So how are these clients prepared to face the challenges ahead? Through training, determination — and faith, says Nicholas Kirunja, a TOLI Social Worker in Kenya. 

"Those that live in fear and doubt are not willing to start or even expand their businesses," Nicholas tells us. "But those that will trust upon the Lord, despite the challenge, they are still going to achieve their dreams. So long as they adhere to all the precautionary measures, God is going to give them victory."  

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In August, we expect at least 40 new microloans to be granted in locations where it's safe to do so. Now is a great time to invest in our courageous clients, as they start or rebuild a small business to provide for their families. 

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We're looking for Monthly Investors

Every new monthly donor in August gets a little thank you from us

Did you know that for as little as $25 a month, you can help provide a life-changing microloan every single year? These "Monthly Investors" fuel TOLI's ministry in a powerful, sustainable, and budget-friendly way. 

Right now, we're looking for 10 new Monthly Investors to join this core team of support. And if you sign up in August, we'll even send you an awesome TOLI WATER BOTTLE as our way of saying thanks. Will you join the team? Click the button below, or contact Erin Eilmes for assistance. 

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"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." — JOSHUA 1:9

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"You were God sent."

— COVID-19 Fund UPDATE —

"… I will be honest, I had rough times wondering where food will come from. Business is shut down, I didn't know where to go. But you were God sent and saved us..."

These are the words of Scholastica, a client in Kenya who received food aid last week through our COVID-19 Relief Fund, in the video above. The need and impact has overwhelmed us, and it continues. But because of your help, kids are not going hungry, clients are being sustained, and families are sharing with neighbors even needier than themselves. Scholastica continues: 

"You have saved many, because I cannot watch my neighbor sleep hungry while I have that flour or rice or beans..." 

Scholastica is multiplying the blessing that began with your generosity. You've given $34,197 for COVID-19 Relief, surpassing our original $30K goal. And here's how it's helping: 

> 260 packages of Food Aid (a 3-4 week supply of food per family) have been provided to clients in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt
> Food Aid will continue and expand to include Nicaragua next month
> 4,000 face masks were produced and distributed (and 2000 more ordered) through our Face Mask Project, which is employing 16 needy TOLI clients and widows. Masks are handed out in villages by TOLI social workers as they provide critical health education.  
> Food packages will now include a Bible. Thanks to a US donor and a Bible ministry in Egypt, 625 bibles will be delivered during this crisis. (What's better? Clients began asking for bibles this month, not knowing God was already preparing this gift for them!)
> Due to lockdowns, some TOLI clients have been forced to literally eat their inventory. When things reopen, the Relief Fund will help replenish lost inventory and revive businesses.
> New microloans are slowly being granted again in Egypt, as the economy reopens. But demand is huge: In one area, there's a waitlist of 37 ready to join TOLI's program. The Relief Fund ensures we'll be able to meet this demand when conditions allow.

And that's just the beginning. To hear more details and stories of how we are at work in these hard hit communities, please join us for a special COVID-19 Report and Prayer Gathering on June 9:

The direct, tangible results above are easy to list. But what may be more powerful and lasting are the indirect, intangible ripple effects:

> Families receiving help are turning to their neighbor to share and multiply the blessing. 
> Clients are hungry for God's Word, and they're receiving it.
> Social workers are powerfully ministering in crisis.
> Clients who were at risk of giving up have recommitted to the program after experiencing TOLI's unrelenting love.
> Whole communities are paying attention to how unconditionally and effectively our Gospel-driven partners serve.

And God is getting the glory (2 Corinthians 9:12).

So we agree with Scholastica, who said to each of you in her message,

"May God bless you and remember you, just like you have remembered us."

Above, Scholastica and her young family. Her soap business just started in January, shortly after the birth of her third born. The COVID lockdown has meant all sources of income and food security ceased. The support she is getting from TOLI's COVID-19 Relief Fund has been a lifeline and source of tangible hope for her, and for her whole community. Together they are determined to thrive, bless others, and come out stronger.

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We've extended the COVID-19 RELIEF FUND as needs continue. click here for complete details.

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This is what loves looks like.

— From Our Executive Director —

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Just a short few weeks ago I was sitting with a woman named Jane* in a slum near Nairobi. Our team of seven squeezed into her tiny home — a one-room shelter pieced together with scraps of wood and metal. As we piled in, she told us about her new soap business, her six kids, and the many nights they used to go to sleep hungry. 

“And now,” she said, pointing to a teenager, a baby, and a toddler sitting in the dirt alley outside the doorway, “they live here with me, too.” 

The teenager, Alice*, is a single mom of the two babies. She was suicidal when Jane first met her a few weeks back. Jane pleaded with her not to go through with it, and even though she was basically a stranger, she offered to take her and her two kids into her own home instead. Alice agreed.

Ten people. One room. No plumbing. In a dangerous and desperate slum. I'm sure my jaw dropped as I listened to her. The generosity didn't quite compute.

New friends Jane* (left) and Alice* (right) and her baby.

Fast forward four weeks. So much has happened since we met Jane. Our team got out of Kenya just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down air travel. Social-distancing is the new normal. People around the globe are ‘sheltering in place.’ Businesses worldwide — from multinational corporations to microenterprises like Jane’s — are slamming to a halt. And no one is exempt from the impact of a disease that is changing life as we know it. 

And TOLI is pivoting to meet the challenge. Our field staffers are still connecting with clients every month — now by mobile phone — to give advice on hand washing and health guidelines, to help clients think of creative ways to adapt their businesses to weather this crisis, and, most importantly, to share the love of Jesus Christ and the rescue and refuge only he can provide.

Of course we’re worried about our clients. Their lives and livelihoods were already fragile, lacking the safety nets and security we take for granted. But we also take heart that TOLI clients are in a much stronger position going into this crisis, prepared with training and support that they didn't have before. 

Jane, for example, has savings for the first time in her life. Until TOLI, “I never saved before,” she told us. Before her soap business, her only work was day labor — doing laundry or odd jobs — but it wasn't enough, and her kids would often go hungry. Now, her small business is covering her family expenses, and there is even money leftover. 

But does Jane really have ‘enough’ to share? I wouldn’t have thought so when I first met her — not enough room, or money, or food. But she shared anyway, and it saved a life — probably three. 

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“In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”

— 2 CORINTHIANS 8: 3-4

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How will this all turn out for Jane, and for Alice, and their kids? We don’t know. On the face of it, the odds may seem stacked against them. But the odds can’t compute the game-changing power of generosity or courage or creativity — or God’s intervention. 

That’s as true for Jane and Alice as it is for all of us right now. 

Before we left her home that day, Jane asked us to pray for her. Her request? “Please pray for my ability to love with Christ’s love,” she said. “and for protection from diseases.” 

That’s our prayer, too, Jane. That’s our prayer, too.

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director

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There’s never been a more important time to share your support with TOLI. We know that your resources during this time are precious and we don’t take it for granted. Please prayerfully consider sharing so that TOLI can continue to minister to those who are most vulnerable. 

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Jane opened her home to us last month to show us her new business inventory, tell us her story, and pray.

*Names have been changed for privacy. 

The difference is dignity

“I just want to thank TOLI. Most days, I sit and wonder where I would be if it were not for them...” 

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Meet my friend Mary. She wonders “where she would be” if not for TOLI. What does she mean? 

• Before TOLI, Mary made about $25 a month... Today she makes $180 a month — 7 times more. 

• Before TOLI, Mary couldn’t care for her kids on her own... Today she says, “I am solely taking care of my family.”

• Before TOLI, Mary didn’t realize her skills... Today she sees herself as a skilled seamstress and businesswoman. 

In 2018, Mary took a TOLI microloan to start a business. But the difference that has made isn’t just about money. It’s about dignity. Mary is a woman created by God with purpose, creativity, dreams, and a future. She’s now a leader in her community savings group and a more active church member. She dreams of expanding her business, and even hire employees someday. 

Has it been easy? No. Mary has endured trials at home and obstacles at work. But she’s different now. And she’s thriving.

The difference in TOLI’s overall impact this year has been remarkable too — and what’s ahead for 2020 is even more exciting: 

• Client-reported incomes increasing an average of 117%

• Now operating in 28 communities in 4 countries

• Doubled our locations in Egypt in 2019

• Currently launching in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

• Doubling our program investment in Kenya in 2020

We celebrate with Mary the difference TOLI has made in her life. But transformation like this doesn’t happen without God’s help — or without yours. 

Please consider including TOLI in your end-of-year giving. Your gift — a dignified, sustainable, Christ-centered  transformational gift — will make all the difference. Just ask Mary.

With gratitude and joy, 

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Inspired? Go deeper with TOLI in the new year. 

> Pray with us — in person, by phone, or on your own! Join us for our monthly Prayer Gathering every second Tuesday from 12-1pm — in person at the TOLI office (5785 N.Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918) or by phone (conference line: 605-313-4819, access code: 928642#). Don't miss our monthly prayer emails that list specific prayer needs for our clients, field staff and ministry partners. 

> Host a TOLI speaker at your book group, bible study, or organization.  Email us  to find out more.

> Got skills or time to give? We occasionally need administrative help, event volunteers, or an extra set of hands.  Email us   to be added to our go-to list.

> Become a MONTHLY giver! Our plans for 2020 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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Have you seen our movie?  

Earlier this year we created the short film FULFILLED, which tells the story of the village of El Kom al-Akhdar, Egypt, through the eyes and experience of a brave young mother named Raouth. It’s her story, it’s El Kom al-Akhdar’s story, and, yes, it’s TOLI’s story.

But ultimately, it’s Jesus’s story.

Only Jesus can fulfill what’s missing, bruised, or broken in our world. But sometimes it takes one person’s story to reveal it.

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Still looking for that perfect gift?

Honor your loved ones by giving a TOLI alternative gift in their name! Every gift will help provide microloans to entrepreneurs in vulnerable communities. You can even choose which country you'd like to designate the gift to, and then present it with a printable card or digital pdf that you can email to your recipient.  Give the GIFT of HOPE here. 

The average TOLI microloan is $264. Imagine the power of one simple gift to transform a life, a family, even a whole community!

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Creativity rules.

You might think rural Kenya is an unlikely place for innovation. Think again. 

We want to introduce you to a few entrepreneurs we met last month. Their creativity and willingness to think "outside the box" is transforming their lives and their communities. Each of these clients took a TOLI loan of less than $300. That, paired with their resourcefulness, their courageous thinking, and the encouragement of a TOLI social worker, has meant a brand new start.

THANK YOU for helping these amazing entrepreneurs find their purpose and use their God-given talents. 

REGINA, Tea Sales. Regina's business idea is so simple, but so clever. With just a plastic bag and a candle, Regina has created a tea packaging business that's providing steady income and security for her and her children. She buys high-grade tea in bulk (we tasted it — it's delicious!) and then repackages it into smaller portions. She seals the individual plastic bags with a candle flame so the tea stays fresh, then sells the small portions to clients in her area, including schools and churches. (Click the video above to see how Regina works!) 

LENA, Veterinary Services and Supplies. Lena has loved animals her whole life. And even though it's rare for women here, she has long dreamed of operating a veterinary supplies business. But this spring, with the help of business training and a $300 loan through TOLI, she launched a veterinary services and supplies shop. Her business provides medicine, supplements and vet services for area livestock farmers.  

LLOYD, Banana Sales. Banana farming is nothing new. But Lloyd's business model is innovative, connecting local small-scale farmers with the larger banana market in Nairobi. Lloyd (shown above on the right) scouts for banana crops from independent subsistence farmers in remote areas, collects them himself, then transports them in bulk to the city every week, where he sells at a premium. Not only has his income sharply increased, his community has benefitted from the market expansion. 

LUCY, Butcher. When Lucy's husband, a life-long butcher, died a year and a half ago, she was left without an income. Then this spring, her community group introduced her to the TOLI program. Lucy courageously decided to take a microloan and continue her husband's business. Last month, Lucy reopened the butchery, and she now provides fresh meat as well as some of her own special recipes to her community. "Being a butcher is unusual for women here," she told us. "But business is good, and is picking up." 

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“ Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.”

— 1 Kings 3:12

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When Annie met Rose (top picture), a TOLI client with a dress-making business, she decided she wanted to buy a dress of her own. Rose measured Annie, helped her choose fabrics, and custom-made the dress by the very next day. Annie proudly wore it to worship that Sunday (above)!

Q&A with a TOLI Traveler

Almost 30 years ago, Annie Moore’s father began a ministry serving abandoned boys in the slums of Nairobi. Years later, it was his passion and legacy that sparked Annie's desire to go on a TOLI trip to Kenya. As a former social worker herself, Annie was intrigued by the “transformative shift” microloans can play in breaking the cycle of poverty. We asked her to share a few thoughts about this life-changing journey to Kenya with TOLI last month.

TOLI: Describe an encounter with a TOLI client that impacted you deeply: 

ANNIE: We met a woman whose business involved traveling from Kenya to Uganda to buy fabrics and selling them for a profit to dressmakers and other people through word of mouth. She seemed to be doing quite well and had plans of expanding her business, but what really struck me about her is the daughter she "adopted" (whom she saw had no parents) who now lives with her. The daughter is also taking a microloan to make and sell soaps. This daughter sends some of her money back to a brother suffering from some ailment for medication. Seeing generosity giving way to generosity was inspiring.

TOLI: How did you see God at work through TOLI? 

ANNIE: God was at work in the TOLI social workers as they were facilitating groups, working alongside of individuals, giving their very lives away with loads of joy and passion in the work they were doing. Observers, Teachers, Encouragers, Listeners, Supporters, Advisors, Travelers, God is using so many facets of these social workers!

TOLI: What would you like others to know about TOLI? 

ANNIE: The TOLI staff does an exquisite job of carrying out the business of getting microloans to people and pursuing growth, while simultaneously reassuring individuals that TOLI exists not primarily for the repayment of money, but most importantly, for the worth and value God sees in each and every person.

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Inspired? Jump in. 

> Be like Annie. Travel with us! Check out our trips coming in 2020. 
> Come to our next #TOLITuesday Prayer Gathering on July 9 from 12-1pm at the TOLI office, 5785 N.Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.

> Help more entrepreneurs find their purpose, gifts, and ability to care for the families and communities by giving today. A simple $300 microloan can truly transform a life — and a family — forever.  

We are miraculously connected

From our Executive Director

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I went on my first mission trip in 2001. I had said a brave yes to joining a short-term trip to Kenya with our church, where my husband was a pastor. I was eager — and scared. As a brand new pastor's wife and a 20-something mom with babies left at home, the idea of being a 'missionary,' even for just two weeks, was intimidating. 

Our group helped with a small building project, ran a VBS for a few hundred kids, and took lots of Kenyan tea breaks. One morning we visited an orphanage called Karai Children's Home, near the town of Kikuyu. It was a small home, recently built by The Outreach Foundation, who helped organize our trip.

We dropped by one morning and led the 40 or so kids in some silly songs. Halfway through Father Abraham, I took off my sweatshirt and tied it around my waist, as the goofy song motions and Equator sun warmed me up. Next thing I knew a young girl copied me, taking off her blue knit school sweater and tying it around her waist, just like I did.

Kids at Karai (left) in 2001. 

This little act somehow settled all my fears. It suddenly seemed so simple: We were just two daughters of Abraham, doing something together, and discovering how big God's family is in the process.

But there was another girl there that day, a girl I would meet again — 17 years later.

When I returned to Kikuyu last fall with Touch of Love, we hired a social worker named Lucy. We loved her immediately because of her leadership skills, her smarts, and her dedication to the group of women TOLI was going to serve there. She had a heart for this community, because she grew up here. 

Teaching a small business lesson with Lucy (right) last month.

It turns out Lucy grew up just down the road — at Karai Children's Home. 

And, it turns out, Lucy was there in 2001. Lucy was one of the kids singing Father Abraham with us, one of the girls with whom I discovered I had nothing —  and everything — in common. 

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Sometimes the light shines on God's invisible webs just right, and suddenly you see everything is connected and glistening. 

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Why am I sharing this with you? Because God's plans are elaborate and exquisite. Because His plans are for every person. Me. You. A kid in an orphanage. A woman in a tea field. A man in a slum. It's why the church exists. And it's why TOLI exists. 

We are all children of Abraham, and we are miraculously connected, beyond the bounds of culture or geography. We are family.

My prayer for you — and for every one of our supporters, staffers, and clients — is that you would know yourself as part of His family, and that, as you say your brave yeses to how he wants to use your life, you may catch a glimpse of the glistening threads that connect us all. 

God's plans are elaborate and exquisite. And sometimes we even get to see them.

Yours in Christ, 

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director

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PS: Want to connect with us? 

Maybe it's by praying. Maybe it's meeting for coffee to hear more about TOLI. Maybe it's even going a trip with us. Maybe this is your brave yes... 

Or maybe there's another corner of God's kingdom I can connect you with.

Send me an email and let's find out.