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