2022 Impact Report

A year of bold dreams and stories of transformation — thanks to your support. With grateful hearts, we are pleased to share our 2022 IMPACT REPORT.

WATCH: “I will grow…”

And in case you missed it, check out this inspiring video featured during our Dare to Dream event last week. 

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  Amen."

— EPHESIANS 3:20-21

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More than we dreamed

We can’t thank you enough

"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 the glory ... " // EPHESIANS 3:20

With overwhelmingly grateful hearts, we say THANK YOU for an amazing Dare to Dream event on April 27th in Colorado Springs! Together we celebrated the dreams of clients to help their families and communities, the dreams of our ministry partners to reach every person in their country with the Gospel, and TOLI's dreams to end poverty through dignified, sustainable, Christ-centered transformation. 

Thanks to your generosity, over $120,000 has been raised for THE DREAM FUND — and counting!  (If you couldn't make it to the event, there's still time to give HERE.)

Thank you again for investing in the dreams of others through TOLI. We hope you left dreaming big too. It's an honor to partner with all of you in ministry. 

With gratitude and joy, 

Abigail McConnell
Executive Director

God is rewriting stories, and we love sharing them! Follow us on social media for client stories, updates, and encouraging scripture. 

"This is why we're here"

Teaching business, learning love

"Before TOLI we were preaching the Gospel, but now with TOLI we are walking out the Gospel." – Emmanuel, volunteer TOLI leader in Uganda

Earlier this month, we returned from a trip to Uganda where we witnessed firsthand how our ministry partners, Goshen Gospel Ministries, are walking out the Gospel to transform lives through TOLI. We witnessed it as we talked with staff, met with TOLI volunteers, and visited TOLI clients – but especially during their recent TOLI Business Basics Course.

Successful graduates of TOLI's most recent Business Basics Course in Uganda

But how does a basic business course bring the Gospel? Yes the curriculum gives participants the tools to run a business – tools like marketing, customer service, saving, and budgeting. But it also empowers people to see their God-given worth. Through it, a participant learns that not only does their work matter to God, they matter to God. They learn that they have the power, creativity and wisdom to start their own businesses — because they’re made in the image of a creative and powerful God. 

Polly, a TOLI client, sharing her testimony at TOLI's Business Basics Course

Polly is a TOLI entrepreneur who took the Business Basics Course last year and started her own thriving produce business. At this month’s training, Polly stood in front of her peers as a confident leader and shared her testimony.  She shared what she learned and the success of where she is now. And most emphatically, she shared the importance of customer service and servant leadership. She shared that she now treats her customers as people created by God too, and how that has changed everything.

It was a powerful moment! The nearly 60 participants sat on the edges of their seats and soaked up her testimony feeling empowered to start their own businesses, save money, and provide for their families. But more importantly they learned that – like Polly – they can walk out the Gospel and help others see their God-given worth and capabilities, too. 

Linda Hood, a long time board member who came on this trip, summed it up well. 

“The trip was a huge infusion of joy and encouragement (to see) that what we are doing makes a difference," she said. "We were meeting with the committee, and a really amazing young man on the committee said, ‘Before TOLI we were preaching the Gospel, but now with TOLI, we are walking out the Gospel.’ And I thought, 'This is why we are here.'" 

Board member Linda with TOLI Social Worker Tina from Uganda

YOU'RE INVITED TO "DARE TO DREAM"  //  APRIL 27TH 

Don't miss out!

Seats are going fast for TOLI's "Dare to Dream" event on April 27th at The Pinery in Colorado Springs. You won't want to miss this inspiring and unforgettable event, where you'll hear from TOLI leadership, ministry partners — and even clients — about how the TOLI program is bringing hope and transformation around the world. Dare to Dream with us! Click below to reserve your seats today. 

Can’t come to the event? You can still be a part of it! HELP US REACH OUR $100K GOAL.

We're calling it our Dream Fund —  $100,000 to help TOLI reach more needy entrepreneurs this year than ever before. And thanks to generous sponsors, 100% of your gift will be invested directly into our program.

PS: Bonus challenge! We're recruiting 10 NEW MONTHLY INVESTORS from this campaign. Would you consider becoming one of them? 

Finding a spark

What’s making these Clients glow?

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
JOHN 1:5

Last week, in El Minya, Egypt, more than 150 TOLI entreprenuers gathered for a women’s conference hosted by our partners. After a full day of team building, worshiping together, and hearing the Gospel, each woman was given a small candle. Those who accepted the Lord or wanted to go deeper in their faith were encouraged to light their candles.

The whole room glowed.

All around the world, TOLI clients just like them — shop owners, fishermen, tailors, baristas, recyclers, farmers, and artisans who've been impacted by TOLI's ministry — are rays of light for their families and communities. Because of their small businesses and a sustainable income, these entrepreneurs pay school fees for their children, build homes, encourage their neighbors, and put daily food on the table. These entrepreneurs have grown in confidence, service, and faith. Many have come to know the Lord, the light of the world. 

Each woman at that conference – and every TOLI client – has a story to tell of perseverance, growth, and new hope. Stories of learning to provide for their families, and stories of learning about the provision of the Lord. Stories of finding their light.

But don’t take our word for it, hear it from TOLI entrepreneurs themselves!

"Whatever happens in my life, I just keep praying. I know that if I work hard, I can change my life. People say amazing things about me because I’m always happy. I say it’s all because of God."   
YODIT, SNACK SHOP OWNER // ETHIOPIA

“I learned to never lose hope and to be focused. I don't struggle paying school fees for my kids, and I have been able to construct a house for my family and my business. I have made great steps in life.” ROSE, SEAMSTRESS // KENYA

 “Now because of the loan and my business, my kids always have something to eat. But the biggest difference is hard to explain. I was always sad, but now I have the capacity to solve my own problems.” KAREN, SHOP OWNER // CENTRAL AMERICA

“I learned how to take what is in my mind, make it real, and achieve it. I wake up and ask God how he will bless me today, and he does. I say, ‘Give me this morning your blessings so I can experience your generosity.’” AIDA, SOAP SALES // EGYPT

 "Mine is more of personal growth. I am able to take care of my family without asking for loans from friends. I couldn't go a week without borrowing money for upkeep, but now I’m the one who helps out. I have learned how to save." NELLY, TEA SALES // KENYA

And these stories represent just one spark that ignites a whole community. Because when a TOLI entrepreneur repays their loan, the capital is invested in another entrepreneur in the same neighborhood. That neighbor can then start their own business, provide for their family, experience Jesus' love, and find their light, too.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” 
MATTHEW 5:16

Join us for this inspiring event and hear how you can help men and women in poor communities step out of poverty and into purpose. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023
11:30am-1:30pm (lunch) — OR — 6-8pm (dinner)

The Pinery at the Hill
775 W Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

HOST A TABLE. Invite your friends to be inspired by TOLI’s life-changing ministry.
> Lunch Seating: $400 per table (8 people)
> Dinner Seating: $500 per table (8 people).

BUY TICKETS. $50 per person

Seats are filling fast, so save yours today...

Choose your own adventure

Finding your sweet spot in this “360° ministry”

As I begin my sixth year serving this organization, the one thing that continues to impress me most is this incredible community of people that we call TOLI. Our program is powerful. God’s provision for it is humbling. But our PEOPLE are our biggest strength. 

You hear us talk a lot about partnership. You know by now that our program is carried out entirely through partnerships with grassroots ministries already at work in the communities we serve. Along with them, we partner with entrepreneurs themselves as they start small businesses, investing in them with small loans, training, and relationship — and in return learning from them how to dream, innovate, and overcome. And we partner with people like YOU, who God’s tapped to make a difference in the lives of someone else.

Around here, we call this TOLI’s “360° ministry,” the idea this ministry doesn’t just serve ‘the poor over there’ but brings transformation to everyone involved, from clients to Partner Ministries to donors to staff.

With that in mind, now feels like a good time to extend a few invitations. As we head into the new year, we invite you deeper into this work together. Join us on this Kingdom adventure! We truly need your partnership. And we pray that you are blessed – maybe even transformed – as you serve with us. Here are just a few ways:

> “DARE TO DREAM” WITH US. Our next big event is coming April 27! This event is much more than a fundraiser, it’s an experience that will change your perspective on poverty, and maybe even impact your own dreams. We need 40 Table Hosts who are excited to share TOLI with their friends. We also need corporate sponsors to underwrite the event – great exposure for any business fired up about business-based solutions to poverty. Click the invitation below to find out how.

> PRAY WITH US. We need more pray-ers at our monthly zoom TOLI Tuesday Prayer Gathering. Or, if you can’t join us, you’ll receive a Monthly Prayer Guide to print and tuck in your Bible to pray over. Sign up here or email Audrey.

> INTRODUCE TOLI TO YOUR CHURCH. Is your church looking for a tangible, Gospel-driven and sustainable way to engage globally? We love the local church, and are always looking for ways to connect churches here in the States with God’s work in the global church through TOLI. Invite us to speak to your mission committee, Bible study, or small group. Email Abigail to explore possibilities.  

> TRAVEL WITH US. Learn from our field staff, worship with our partner ministries, and get to know and pray with TOLI entrepreneurs. You’ll learn a lot about our program, and maybe even more about yourself. There are still openings to travel to Nicaragua, Kenya, and Egypt in 2023. Find out more here or email Audrey.

> ENGAGE YOUR BUSINESS. Customers love to support businesses that give back. Sponsor an event, share our work with your clients, or even become a TOLI Sustainer — sponsors who designate their gifts to underwrite our overhead costs, a strategic and powerful way to help us build our capacity. 

> START A VENTURE TEAM. Venture Teams are individuals or groups ready to invest large ‘launch’ gifts in support of one particular TOLI location, while fostering a personal connection and long term prayer commitment. Often these teams end up visiting the site in person. Email Abigail to learn about available Venture Team opportunities. 

Thank you for your faithful partnership in bringing dignified, sustainable, Christ-centered transformation to families around the world!

With gratitude and joy, 
Abigail McConnell,
Executive Director

“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”  // ROMANS 1:1

Because someone believed in her

Help TOLI bring courage and hope

Last month I met a remarkable woman named Kebebush, a young widow in Ethiopia. Less than a year ago, she was scared and struggling to provide for her young daughter. 

Then she joined TOLI, and things began to change. 

“Before (TOLI’s business training) I was living to survive,” she says. Her little coffee stand was barely covering daily needs. But the training sparked new ideas and equipped her with better business practices. She graduated from the weeklong course, and received a microloan of about $250 to expand and improve her business. Now she specializes in selling aromatic spices to flavor coffee, a popular and more lucrative product. 

In just a few months, her income doubled. Better yet, her confidence skyrocketed.

“Now I have hope and courage,” she says. She’s now saving and dreams of starting her own supermarket one day. “People in my neighborhood ask me, ‘what changed’?” She encourages them to take the training, too.

The change in Kebebush from struggling and scared to courageous and confident didn’t just come from new knowledge. She needed someone to believe in her. 

That someone was Hiwot, a field staffer serving with Life Center, our partner in Ethiopia. Hiwot, along with her colleague Hailu, are TOLI Social Workers, who serve clients as business coaches, teachers, loan officers, and counselors. But beneath all those roles is love.

“What we share is our hearts and ourselves,” says Hiwot. “So if we don’t have love, it won’t work... That’s what makes (TOLI) impactful, because we are sharing our lives.”

This relational investment by our incredible field staff is the true power in TOLI’s program. That’s why this year we invested in equipping our global team through a series of regional conferences focused on servant leadership, spiritual growth, team building, and worship — WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!  

Even though 2022 was full of challenges—global inflation, war, lingering impacts of the pandemic—our clients and ministry partners were resilient, creative, and full of faith. And, like Kebebush, TOLI grew a lot this year too. We’re humbled that God used this ministry to bring transformation to more people than ever before, as we: 

> Equipped more than 1,060 clients with microloans, and more than 1,900 with small business training.
> Expanded to new locations within Ethiopia, Uganda, and Egypt.
> Doubled our program size in Kenya.
> Grew our team to 42 field staff and 4 US staff.
> Gathered more than 100 TOLI leaders from six different countries for leadership training at Regional Conferences in Nicaragua, Egypt, and Kenya.
> Added a full-time Communications and Administrative Associate to the US office.
> Celebrated client baptisms, new professions of faith, and deepened relationships with Jesus.

And as we head into 2023, we’re investing even more in growing our program and our people. So if you’re praying about where to direct your year-end giving, please consider TOLI. Your gift will be an investment in the transformation of men and women like Kebebush — an investment that yields eternal dividends.

With gratitude and joy, 

 

Abigail McConnell,
Executive Director

Merry Christmas from our TOLI family to yours! 

TOLI leadership and volunteers gathered in Nicaragua (top, June 2022), Egypt (middle, September 2022), and in Kenya (November 2022).

Ever wanted to travel with US?

We have four Learning Trips coming up in 2023 … maybe God’s calling you to join us? TOLI Learning Trips are the best way to experience TOLI’s impact. As a TOLI traveler, you’ll meet and learn from our global staff, worship alongside our ministry partners, and meet and pray with TOLI entrepreneurs. These trips are designed to help you discern how God may be calling you to get involved in TOLI’s work more deeply. Space is very limited, and trip applications are required. Interested? Email audrey@toli.org or click on the button below.

10 things we're thankful for today

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him …” // LUKE 17:15-16

This week we take a moment to turn around, look back, and thank God for the ways he’s blessed TOLI’s ministry this year. There are too many to count, but here are the top 10!

10. BRAVE ENTREPRENEURS. Despite tough economic conditions worldwide, TOLI entrepreneurs showed courage and creativity. Like Japhet in Kenya, who despite inflation expanded his business from a small shop to include goats and chickens — and now he's dreaming and saving for a cow. 

9. A GROWING TEAM. This year, we added 12 new field staffers and a third full-time US team member, expanding our paid staff to 46. We are grateful for the rich talent God has sent our way.

8. GENEROUS SUPPORTERS. Your prayers, support, and gifts are wind in our sails! A special thanks to TOLI Sustainers, who underwrite our overhead costs; Monthly Investors, who give steadily all year long; and Venture Teams, who come alongside newly launched TOLI Sites with funding and prayers.

7. SERVANT LEADERSHIP. Our new collaboration with DAI is helping us equip and empower our growing global staff through Servant Leadership workshops. We give thanks to God for connecting our ministries exactly when we needed it most.

6. UNITY IN PRAYER. Our first “Global Day of Prayer and Fasting” in October was a powerful experience, connecting everyone in the TOLI family to each other and the Lord.

5. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. Ok, this one’s nerdy, but we’ve prayed about this idea for years and it’s finally coming to fruition. We’re so thankful to have begun working with Impact Atlas to design a digital case management system to track client transformation. Social Workers will soon be able to use a simple app to quickly collect all the details they need about every client, in real time, even in the remotest locations. Rollout is set for next year. Stay tuned!

4. GOD'S INTERVENTION. We’ve seen God’s hand at work in countless ways this year, but we’re particularly grateful for how he intervened this fall, when TOLI Founder Emad Yassa discovered a heart blockage just one day before flying to Ethiopia and Kenya. We thank God for his restored health.

"I missed everyone so much, but it was an amazing time.
I feel like God was telling me to rest with him and enjoy him. I was able to pray for the conference and everyone by name."// EMAD YASSA

3. New life in Christ. New businesses are powerful, but new life in Christ is priceless! We give glory to God for the many clients and family members who began following Jesus for the first time this year. And we give thanks to our local leaders who share their lives and share Jesus with joy, faith, and authenticity every day.

2. Joyful reunions. We are still glowing from this year’s three Regional Conferences that convened in Managua, Cairo, and Chuka, Kenya, gathering more than 100 TOLI leaders from six different countries. The laughter, worship, friendships, learning, and love shared filled our cups and renewed our spirits. Thank you, Lord, for togetherness.

1. Enduring hope. We work in tough places. Places where obstacles seem too high, where wars grind on, where safety nets don’t exist. And yet somehow, hope still lives. We give thanks to the God of hope – the ‘lifter of heads” – who speaks and sustains and saves. We give thanks that he never stops working, never stops pursuing, never stops inviting us to be with him. May you too feel the solid assurance of God’s enduring hope this Thanksgiving. Praise be to God.

“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” // LUKE 17:19

Why microloans?

Because there’s no hope in a handout.

We believe the key to breaking the cycle of material poverty is not charity, it's dignified work. And day after day, year after year, we witness how access to a small loan — along with training and ongoing support — unleashes hope and transformation in the lives of individuals living in poor communities around the world.

How can such a small amount make such a big difference? TOLI microloans average around $270 USD — enough to invest in the tools, inventory, or resources to launch their own small business. These small loans are an investment in the dreams, creative capacity, and God-given abilities of each person to build a future for themselves and their families.

“Can you see the glow on my face of how much this has changed my life?” SARAH // Kenya

What happens when a microloan is repaid? TOLI loans are revolving and stay local. When the loan is repaid by a recipient, it's then 'recycled' to another entrepreneur in the very same community. This local focus is one of the reasons behind our clients' high repayment success rate of 98% (over three years) and central to our commitment to sustainability. Over time, a revolving TOLI loan fund can replenish itself, no longer needing outside capital to continue to serve a community.

"The best thing was that they went with me to get my inventory. Since I had no money for so long, if I went alone I would have spent it all (on other things) and had no business.” HEBA // Egypt

Do you really think microloans are enough? No, we really don't. That's why our investment in entrepreneurs is not just capital. Behind every microloan is a TOLI Social Worker providing business training, support, and spiritual discipleship for the life of the loan term — and often beyond. While a microloan is an effective tool, it's just a start.

We believe a microloan program is only transformative in the context of relationship. And that curing poverty is not simply a financial problem to solve. Truly curing poverty must come through the healing of individuals’ relationships with themselves, others, creation — and ultimately their relationship with God.

How can I find out more? Watch this video to see TOLI's impact and glimpse the joy of this ministry.

Convinced? Jump in! Here are three ways to get involved:

1. Join the Prayer Team.
2. Become a Monthly Investor.
3. Follow and share on social media for stories, scripture, and updates.

Sights and sounds from the Egypt Regional Conference

A TOLI team recently returned from a week with program partners in Egypt. They visited clients, encouraged staff, and held the 2022 TOLI Egypt Regional Conference – a rich time of worship, team-building, and servant leadership training facilitated by DAI for nearly 40 TOLI leaders. One of the best parts? TOLI's leadership team from Kenya flew in for the conference, and we were all able to learn from each other and grow in community. Thank you for your prayers over this conference!

TOLI Global Day of Fasting and Prayer
October 24th, 2022

Mark your calendars and join the TOLI family for 24 hours of prayer and fasting for the ministry and one another. Click here to sign up for a slot, and stay tuned for more information.

TOLI TUESDAY PRAYER GATHERING // Tuesday Oct. 11th // 12-1pm MT

JOIN ON ZOOM: Email Audrey for your link or to join the Prayer Team for regular reminders and prayer updates.

OR DROP IN at the TOLI office: 5785 N. Union, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Time to celebrate

As we cap off a busy summer, we're taking a minute to celebrate a few things: lots of new growth, an upcoming and hope-filled Pie Event on September 9th (scroll down for more details!) –and especially the success of TOLI entrepreneurs.

TOLI entrepreneurs are worth celebrating because they work hard to provide for their families, and they serve others everyday. They serve their children, their spouses, their customers. They even serve other future TOLI clients who they may not ever know. That’s because when TOLI entrepreneurs repay their microloans, staying true to their commitment, their loan repayments recycle back into a revolving fund that provides microloans for other needy people in the same community.

So today, we’re celebrating five clients – one from each program country– who recently paid off their microloan, allowing another person to begin training and start their own business.

A $250 microloan made a tangible difference in the lives of these clients. For Ayman, it kept his store open and allowed his creativity and business to thrive. For Claudia Florence, it created a stable income for her family of nine. And because these and so many other clients have paid off their microloans, more people dream, serve, start businesses, and celebrate others.

To celebrate and support more entrepreneurs, click on the button below.

// Mark you calendar for three important days //

On September 9th, Gold Star Pies will host "Get Pie. Give Hope." Heather Briggs, TOLI board member and owner of Gold Star Pies, will make and donate pie to benefit TOLI. Attendees will “name the price for their slice,” knowing every dollar goes toward providing poor entrepreneurs with microloans. At the event, there will be yard games, fellowship, and the really fun part? The highest donor will win an ultimate Gold Star Pies package!

TOLI TUESDAY PRAYER GATHERING
Tuesday Sep 13th // 12-1pm MT

JOIN ON ZOOM: Email Audrey for your link or to join the Prayer Team for regular reminders and prayer updates.

OR DROP IN at the TOLI office:
5785 N. Union, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

TOLI's Global Day of Fasting and Prayer
October 24th, 2022

Stay tuned for more information about the 24 hours of prayer on October 24th.

The people behind the program

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.” // M A T T H E W 1 8 : 1 2 - 1 3

In a tucked-away corner of the main market past stores and small restaurants, through a maze of clothes hanging from the rafters, there’s a small group of TOLI entrepreneurs running their businesses side by side.

One of them, Miriam, has a small restaurant where she cooks chicken and turtle meat. “How do you cook turtle meat,” you ask? “However you like,” she says.

Another client, Segunda, owns a tailoring shop next door. She works for hours a day at her machine, sewing pants, skirts, and school uniforms from scratch.

When the US team visited last month, we met with these women, celebrated and prayed for them – for their businesses, families, and futures.

But TOLI clients are just a fraction of the people working in this market. Here, people sell sodas, hop on and off of buses, sort clothes, and wait for food.

During the visit, Orlando – a TOLI Social Worker with a soft voice and a wise spirit – took notice of another woman sitting on a bench nearby. She's a friend of the TOLI clients, and was familiar with Orlando. She saw how he frequently visited and prayed for her friends. She knew he was steady, safe, and trustworthy.

So this day Orlando looked into her eyes and asked her her story.

“Can you pray for me?” the woman asked. She shared how her daughter with cerebral palsy can’t get out of bed. Tears streamed down her face, and Orlando was quick to intercede for her in prayer and bring her pain to the Father. Slowly, the rest of the team circled around her and prayed for her too – for healing, community, and peace. God was present, His Spirit filled her, and she prayed to believe in Jesus.

And that’s what makes TOLI Social Workers different. More than just ‘loan officers,’ they're missionaries. As Miguel, another TOLI Social Worker here said, “I learned not just how to serve, but how to really listen to people with the heart of trying to help this person. I used to just be a (loan) collector, but this is a ministry.”

So while these servants act as business coaches and microloan officers, they soon become counselors, friends, and spiritual mentors. Trustworthy and relational, they look for ways to go deeper with clients and to point people to Jesus. And their sphere of influence stretches beyond microloan clients, and into whole communities.

Would you pray specifically for TOLI Social Workers and Field Staff today? That they would continue to be a light for people who are lost and hurting. That they'd be filled with the Holy Spirit, protected, and empowered to minister to those in their path who need the help and hope of Jesus.

– Audrey Putney, Communications Associate

Help expand the impact of TOLI Social Workers like Orlando.

Here's how:

 

Help fund a TOLI microloan. It's hope that multiplies.