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?