TOLI 🤝 technology

Data is Kingdom Work

How do we know a $300 microloan truly transforms a life?

TOLI has the gift and responsibility to steward resources and transform the lives of entrepreneurs around the world. But how do we know it’s working?

We know because we monitor, measure, and learn through the power of data. Data helps us see the big picture, learn continuously, give more honor to TOLI entrepreneurs, and seek truth. It’s also a layer of accountability for the resources you’ve generously given.

For nearly a year, we’ve been developing an innovative new client tracking system called TOLI Atlas, a custom app designed to help nonprofits that work in remote areas collect real-time program data. And it’s a huge jump forward! Not only will it show the development of each TOLI entrepreneur as they progress through our program, it will help us track big-picture trends and make decisions as our program scales. 

“With the right data, we can be sure that transformation is actually happening,” says Program Associate Morgan Shabe, shown here training TOLI Social Workers in Ethiopia on TOLI Atlas. 

Morgan Shabe, TOLI’s Program Associate, is developing and rolling out the project. She’s most excited about how the platform will serve our TOLI Social Workers.

“Our Social Workers are tasked with an incredible load of caring for members of their own communities. They are trainers, teachers, prayer warriors, coaches, mentors, loan officers, administrators, and disciples,” says Morgan. “So by investing the time and energy on our side to build this system, we are giving time and energy back to the Social Workers and Partner Ministry teams. They will be equipped with a simple, sleek, data collection system that requires less time from them to be spent on updating spreadsheets. The system will then offer real-time insight and equip our teams with access to their own data, so they can track their own trends and make informed decisions about the TOLI program in their context.” 

Often we think kingdom-building is “mission work” in the field, and it is. But it’s also building the behind-the-scenes tools needed to equip and empower our partners to measure impact. Please pray that this new tool will help us bring more hope, restoration, and Good News to places that need it most.


We’re in the process of upgrading devices for field staff to run TOLI Atlas – want to chip in?

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” // John 10:10

TOLI Global Day of Fasting and Prayer

October 24, 2023. Mark your calendars for the second annual TOLI Global Day of Fasting and Prayer on October 24. Over 24 hours, we’ll lift up specific needs of the global TOLI family – needs like health, grief, marriages, and teams. More information to come! 

Late Feb - Early March, 2024. Next February, TOLI is traveling to three countries – Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda – in one learning trip. And we’d love for you to join for part or all of it! Starting in Ethiopia, you’ll see one of our fastest growing programs. We’ll encourage TOLI entrepreneurs at a spiritual conference for widows, and travel out of Addis to see their newest site, Meki. In Kenya, you’ll have the opportunity to serve our partners at Kenya Connection Kids Ministry, develop relationships with TOLI Social Workers, and pray with clients. Ending in Uganda, you’ll see one of TOLI 's youngest programs and encourage the team as they grow.

For more information, email Audrey. Trip applications required.

Life Center Ethiopia // Fundraising Gala 

October 14, 2023. Life Center Ethiopia, one of TOLI’s partner ministries, is hosting a fundraising dinner in Denver to celebrate what God has done through their ministry over the last 10 years. At the dinner, you'll taste authentic Ethiopian food, enjoy Ethiopian worship dancers, and hear from former Prime Minister Tamrat Layne and his amazing story of salvation and redemption. Get tickets here.

When life happens

Success beyond setbacks

Alemnesh walked through the doors of Life Center Ethiopia, TOLI’s partner ministry, in utter need. She was displaced from her home because of ethnic conflict, living in extreme poverty, and desperate to provide for her family of ten.

But Alemnesh’s story isn’t about what she lacked, it’s about the abundance of what she has to give.

And our partners at Life Center Ethiopia are SO good at seeing the abundant capabilities and God-given worth of every person who walks through their doors. Life Center provides the TOLI program to widows in their ministry so they can learn basic business skills and receive a microloan to start their own small business.

Through the TOLI Business Basics Course Alemnesh learned the practical tools to successfully manage a business. She learned how to save. With a $240 microloan she boosted her small business of selling traditional Ethiopian spices. Her income increased, and she grew in confidence as she provided for her family. 

“I never had training before TOLI. The training is very good.”
– Alemnesh, Ethiopia

But soon after taking the loan, Alemnesh’s health worsened and running her expanded business grew difficult. She fell behind on loan payments, and the rising hope of her business faltered.

Microloans don’t solve every problem. Clients get sick. Businesses struggle. Life happens. But that’s why the TOLI program is more than just entrepreneurship, it’s holistic transformation.

TOLI partners equip clients with holistic tools to thrive and flourish, truly transforming hearts and minds, not just income levels. At the TOLI Business Basics Course, clients learn about overcoming obstacles, dreaming, and leadership. They leave knowing they’re capable of success and are valuable because God loves them. When they receive a microloan, a TOLI Social Worker walks with them through every hurdle and success – folding them into a culture of love and unity. 

“I want everyone to become a family, where everyone can get a touch, a hug, and love. It’s not about making people rich. I want to change people’s minds and hearts, and to do this, they have to get a sense of a culture of love and unity.” 
– Mulu Woldetinsae, Founder and Executive Director of Life Center Ethiopia

Armed with a new sense of self, Almenesh never gave up when life got hard. She moved forward confidently. With absolute determination, Alemnesh kept saving money, growing slowly, and paying off her loan. The TOLI Social Workers prayed for her, and with her health improving, she took a second microloan to open a cafe next to her spice shop.

And now Alemnesh gives to others! She pays her children’s school fees, takes in family members displaced because of conflict, and employs another woman to help her in the shop. Alemnesh even leads a savings group – teaching widows like her that they are capable of saving and growing a business too.

In 18 months, Alemnesh’s life totally transformed from that day when she first walked into Life Center. She’s now a confident provider, a generous leader, and a woman who knows she's loved by God.

And of course, there will be more obstacles. But beautifully, what defines Alemnesh is not the obstacles or what she lacks, but all that she is and all that she has to give.

And THANK YOU for supporting Alemnesh and entrepreneurs like her.

– Come pray with us –

TOLI TUESDAY PRAYER GATHERING
Tuesday August 8th from 8-9am MT

Join us via Zoom: Email Audrey for your link OR
In person at the TOLI office: 5785 N. Union, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Engage your church

Is your church interested in partnering with TOLI to engage the nations? Help spread God's story of transformation, grow the program to reach more communities, and add much needed prayer warriors to the team by engaging your church with TOLI. If you're interested, please email Amy Cullins and include your church and missions pastor's name. We'd love your congregation to be a part of the TOLI family!

It starts with our staff

A Ministry of Presence

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” // PROVERBS 27:17

When entrepreneurs start the TOLI program, they learn basic business skills and receive a microloan to help them build their business. This gives them a start, but the key to TOLI clients’ long term success is the local TOLI Social Workers who walk with them through the duration of the loan.

So much more than loan officers, TOLI Social Workers are missionaries, mentors, and friends. As friends, they know their clients and pray for their families. As mentors, they encourage clients through obstacles and celebrate clients’ success. As missionaries, they share the Gospel in word and deed and are fully committed to the clients’ transformation. They work with, laugh with, cry with, and stick with clients, through thick and thin.

And their presence changes lives! Hear it from the TOLI Social Workers themselves about the relationships they have with clients.

TOLI Social Worker Orlando (pictured on left) praying over client Maria and her family.

“We help them not feel alone. Like a family, not lonely. Like a big TOLI family.” 
– Orlando // TOLI Social Worker 

TOLI Social Worker Mona (far right) teaching TOLI's Business Basics Course. 

"TOLI is different than other ministries because it touches the needs of people. When we go to their homes, they feel comfortable to share their stories with us, and we're able to share the gospel with them."
– Mona // TOLI Social Worker // EGYPT

TOLI-Ethiopia Program Director Hailu (in white) with a client Meseret (in yellow) at her coffee shop. 

“We get to know each other, share coffee, and become family, which makes payment easy...We work on a client's personal development to change their attitude, and then everything completely changes. We visit their homes, and they are happy, have hope, and are encouraged and inspired.”
– Hailu // Ethiopia Program Director // ETHIOPIA

TOLI Social Worker David speaking to new clients at a TOLI Business Basics graduation ceremony.

“My favorite part of working with TOLI is giving new projects to clients. You can see a smile on their face and see determination, focus, and strength. You realize the clients start having hope in life and see what they couldn’t see before. You see the real transformation of clients’ minds, thoughts, and ideas, which bring about new life and a new chapter in their life.”
– David N. // TOLI Social Worker // KENYA

TOLI Social Worker Tina (on the right) laughing with client Polly.

“My love for people has increased. I really love people. Working with all the different people through TOLI has opened my heart to love more and wish them to know God more and succeed more."
– Tina // TOLI Social Worker // UGANDA

TOLI Social Worker Hiwot (in the middle) with TOLI client Gadessey and Elsabeth. 

“What we share is our hearts and selves. So if we don’t have love, it won’t work. And you need to go in person. And that’s what makes it impactful because we are sharing our lives. People ask ‘what’s behind us’ and we tell them about Jesus.”
– Hiwot // TOLI Social Worker // ETHIOPIA

Thank you for how you've helped grow the TOLI family – enabling TOLI Social Workers to build relationships and transform lives with the Gospel.

MEET THE TEAM

And these are only six quotes from an amazing team of 50 field staff. The TOLI family keeps growing! Meet the newest members of the TOLI team around the world. 

From left to right.
>  Mahlet is the newest TOLI Social Worker in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 
>  Ketema and Gerbicho work at in the newest site in Ethiopia – Meki!
>  Morris, David N., and David M. are the new TOLI Social Workers in Chuka, Kenya.
>  Christina, Dina, Nermeen, Monira, and Sahar are the newest TOLI Social Workers in Egypt, where we currently serve clients in 15 locations. 
>  Nader has joined the leadership team as the new Regional Coordinator of Lower Egypt. 

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

To hear more client stories and to spread the word about TOLI–
like, follow and share TOLI with your friends on
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube:

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

 

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