Philip Tolstad was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay, South America, while his parents, Philip and Pauline Tolstad, labored as pioneer missionaries.  When the family returned to the States in 1963, the Tolstad children made learning English a top priority.

 

Phil and Twyla Tolstad, alumni of Conquerors Bible College, ministered in Oregon and Washington in the Pacific Northwest before accepting the pastorate in Berryville, Arkansas.  At the time of their September 2000 appointment as UPCI missionaries to South Africa, Brother Tolstad was pastoring in Berryville and owned and operated Ozark Mountain Press, Inc. in Eureka Springs, AR.  Sister Tolstad served on two local school boards, including the Carroll County Learning Center for learning-disabled students.  She received the Pinnacle Award from the Arkansas State School Board Association for outstanding leadership for continuing education.

 

Brother and Sister Tolstad arrived in Malawi, Africa, in November 2002.  They spent their first term directing and teaching at the Apostolic Bible College in Blantyre and in overseeing the nationalized work in Malawi.  Bro. Tolstad also established a Printing Plant for Africa, to print and publish materials for evangelism, training and church growth.

 

During their recent furlough, they were asked to consider the field of Uganda.  They arrived in June of 2007 to begin their second term.  Overseeing the work during the Royer's furlough, establishing a Bible College and evangelizing will be their priority.  Sis. Tolstad is overseeing the Primary and Secondary Schools with over 450 students operated by the United Apostolic Church of Uganda.

 

The Tolstads have four children; the two youngest (twins) live in the Branson, Missouri area.  They also have one daughter who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, while their son is in Madison, Mississippi.