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

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Teamwork. TOLI-style.

How TOLI clients are joining forces to kickstart local economies

This year has thrown us all a curveball. But TOLI clients in Nicaragua are rising to the challenge—together. 

Last month our partners in Puerto Cabezas called a 'family meeting' to rally TOLI clients and brainstorm how to get back to work, even though COVID had crippled the economy in this small coastal town. While their businesses stayed shut, they knew they had to think creatively to get business moving again. But how?

Teamwork. 

Local TOLI leaders and clients crafted a plan: Form neighborhood-based small groups to work together on simple, short-term microenterprises.

Using seed money from our COVID-19 Relief Fund, each team of 10 plans a four-week business project. Initial profit goes to repaying the seed money and expenses; subsequent profit gets split between group members. 

The first of these 'Entrepreneurship Teams' set up a weekend soup sale in town, using a $150 loan from TOLI for supplies, then selling tickets to ensure a customer base. Early results are promising, proving the concept as well as turning a modest profit. The second sale is scheduled for this weekend. 

But the payoff is so much more than profit. These teams will be a permanent feature of the TOLI program here, providing safe communities of social support, bible study, discipleship, leadership development, and business training long after the group business projects are over. 

Getting people organized and mobilized in this context is a challenge, our social worker Gordon 'Junior' Mitchell tells us. But it's worth it.

"It's actually really tiring," he says, "but it’s a blessing, because ... you’re educating people about business, you’re educating them about leadership, you're teaching them how to be part of a team." 

Six teams are now in development, and business project ideas range from selling fast food to kitchenwares. Each group has a chosen leader, and members divide duties according to their abilities and interests.

At a time when many feel isolated and powerless, we're inspired by how the TOLI family in Nicaragua is joining forces and recognizing the rich assets God has given them: each other. 

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." — MATTHEW 25: 23
 

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