The most powerful thing we give away

Giving Bibles, growing hope

"The seed is the word of God." — LUKE 8:11

Faith, a client in Kenya, shows her daughter her new Bible.

In late 2019, as we began to pray and plan for the coming year, we heard the Lord whispering, "2020 will be a year of spiritual harvest."

We couldn't have fathomed what was ahead: a global pandemic would paralyze the world, shut down every economy we work in, and force us to shift our program dramatically. 

New microloans, trainings, and most TOLI clients' small businesses were suspended. But one thing didn't stop: our mission to reach families with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Suddenly that whisper became a loud command: "Sow the seed of God's Word." 

Turns out God was already out ahead of us. In December, a generous donor approached us wanting to give a special gift — designated for Bibles and spiritual resources. In February, a chance meeting led to a significant donation of print and audio Bibles for TOLI clients in Egypt. And then in March, the coronavirus interrupted our normal programming — but opened doors for deeper client relationships, deliveries of emergency aid, and discussions about where we place our hope in crisis. 

The soil had been turned over, and the seed was ready to be planted. 

So, for the last month, planting is what we've been doing. From Egypt to Ethiopia to Kenya to Nicaragua, the seed of God's Word is being sown as Bibles are put in the hands of TOLI clients:

> Bibles in mother tongues like Arabic, Amharic, Kiswahili, Kikuyu, Meru, and Spanish.
> Solar-powered audio Bibles for those who can't read in Egypt.
> Bibles tucked into emergency food packages.
> Bibles delivered to every kind of client: new believers, house church leaders, heads of multigenerational households, single moms, business owners, farmers.

In all, more than 600 Bibles have been purchased and are being delivered right now — with more funded to provide for all future TOLI clients. Additionally, resources like study Bibles and other teaching tools are now being sourced for our local leaders so they can help disciple clients effectively. That seed, after all, must be watered.

Yes, 2020 isn't the year any of us expected. But TOLI's call remains the same —  to bring dignified, sustainable, Christ-centered transformation to those living in poverty. And there is no better tool for transformation than the transforming power of God's Word. So now we water, watch, pray, and trust God for the fruit of that spiritual harvest.   

"So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." — 1 CORINTHIANS 13: 6

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Have you seen this?

The COVID-19 RELIEF FUND continues to provide food, support, and opportunity to TOLI families and communities. Watch this moving video to see the impact of this initiative. Your support is making a profound difference. 

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A video THANK YOU

Impact of the COVID-19 Relief Fund

When the Coronavirus pandemic struck, TOLI quickly teamed up with supporters and local ministry partners to provide relief to families hit hard by economic shutdowns. Relief includes emergency food aid; work opportunities and free supplies to communities through our Face Mask Project; perishable inventory replacement; and expanded microloan funding during recovery.

More than $35,000 has been raised to sustain this project. Here’s a glimpse at the impact that this relief — and these partnerships — have had. The work continues.

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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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COVID is changing TOLI. Here's how.

— SPECIAL UPDATE —

New challenges call for new solutions. 

Everything is different right now. That's true for you, for me, and especially for TOLI clients in poor communities. 

Businesses are closed, sales have dried up, and futures are suddenly unclear. People are worried for their family's health and well-being. Thankfully, TOLI has highly effective local ministry partners who are already on the ground, serving vulnerable families in these difficult times. And together, right now, we're deploying resources in new ways to meet the unique needs of TOLI clients and their communities. Here's how: 

1. We're hiring current TOLI clients to sew FACE MASKS. This week we began hiring existing TOLI clients who are seamstresses to produce fabric face masks, providing them with much-needed income while helping communities stop the spread of coronavirus. Masks will be delivered by our local partners along with important health safety guidance.

Rose in Kenya has already begun sewing face masks to be distributed in TOLI communities. The Face Mask Project is part of TOLI's plan to help keep clients employed through this crisis while doing what we can to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

2. We're providing EMERGENCY RELIEF. We unrestricted a portion of program funds at every site to meet immediate critical needs of clients and their families who are suffering due to this crisis, including:

• providing direct food support

• deferment or forgiveness of upcoming loan payments

• replacement of perishable inventory

• assistance with medical payments for COVID-related illness

3. We're adapting CLIENT CARE. Our field staffers are checking in more frequently with clients remotely via cell phone. They're giving extra spiritual support, adaptive business coaching, and health safety education.  

4. We're CONNECTING THE TOLI FAMILY... and that includes YOU. Starting with next week's TOLI Tuesday Prayer Gathering, we will be hosting a series of virtual prayer times, info sessions, Q&As, and more. Technology gives us the opportunity to be together, while apart — what a gift!  

And finally, please know we are praying for you and your families, lifting you up to our gracious God, who loves us so much he sent his own son Jesus to die for us, to rescue us from this present darkness — and for life eternal. And that changes everything. 

With gratitude and joy, 

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director

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TOLI TUESDAY
PRAYER GATHERING on ZOOM

— SPECIAL GUEST —
TOLI Social Worker Lucy Njeri will join us live from KENYA

Tuesday April 14, 12-1pm Live Via Zoom
To join, email Megan Nilsen to receive your Zoom passcode.

Stay tuned to learn how YOU can help stand in the gap for those who need it most right now. Now more than ever, we are so grateful for your partnership.  

Follow us on social media to see how we're serving families and entrepreneurs during this crisis:

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. 

Our 2019 Annual Report

“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…”
— Ephesians 3:20

We are pleased to release TOLI’s 2019 Annual Report. Thank you for being part of what God is doing through our ministry partners and clients all over the world.

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One family, reunited.

Doing what it takes to keep families together

Maria* is a brand new TOLI client in Nicaragua who started a little grocery store this month with a $300 microloan. But her story is particularly special.

Maria is a single mom — of SEVEN kids. And until a few weeks ago, Maria's kids lived in an orphanage. Extreme poverty meant she didn't have the means to care for them in her home. That is, until now. 

When Maria's children were released from Casa Bernabe Orphanage to return back into Maria's home, she was thrilled, but needed support. 

So our ministry partners at Verbo Church, which runs Casa Bernabe, leapt into action. They fast-tracked Maria into the TOLI program, set her up with a microloan and the support to purchase inventory for her shop. Now Maria not only has her family back together, she has a real shot at providing a stable home, financial security, and a whole new future. 

It's a perfect picture of TOLI's mission: Through local partnerships, our program is a powerful tool in the toolbox of ministries who are on the front lines, fighting for fragile families, and reaching out with the help and hope of the Gospel— just in time. 

Because of Verbo Church and TOLI, Maria will not walk this road alone. She'll have a coach, spiritual support, other TOLI clients to cheer her on and learn from—and an army of faithful witnesses praying for her and her family. 

That army is YOU. 

Will you stop right now and pray for Maria and her family? Pray for courage, for persistence, for her children's welfare, and for our friends at Verbo Church as they support her. Pray especially for TOLI Social Worker, Junior, who will walk beside Maria every step of the way. 

What's ahead for Maria and her kids is still far from certain. But because of your support and prayer, it is certain that they won't have to do it alone. 

(*Names have been changed for privacy.)

Volunteers help unload Maria's new inventory for her shop.

TOLI Board Member John Jaeger with Maria.

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Help more families like Maria's ...

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2019: Stronger, together.

Because of your incredible support, last year TOLI served more clients and partner ministries than ever before. And more supporters than ever are gathering around our vision of "dignified, Christ-centered, sustainable transformation." Our Annual Report will be released in February, but here's a taste of 2019 in review:

> 405 new microloans were granted
> 607 men and women in poor communities received TOLI small business training
> TOLI launched in Ethiopia for the first time
> the number of communities we serve doubled over last year
> TOLI's total revenue doubled over last year
> 6 team members joined our field staff and 2 team members joined our US staff

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Inspired? Get involved! Here's how: 

> 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. Got a question about TOLI's prayer ministry? Email Megan Nilsen for more info.

> Host a TOLI Small Dinner.  Email Erin Eilmes  to find out more.

> 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. 

> 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.

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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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.