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.