Seeking Brotherhood
Toni was born and raised in Finland. He and his brothers experienced violence and want because of his parents’ alcohol addiction. At 12, Toni and his twin brother ran away from home and lived on the streets. But at 15, Toni attended a church camp and was confirmed in the Lutheran church. From then o
We have mentioned Brother Toni Tolsa from Finland a few times in these updates. He was recently able to spend a few weeks with us in Texas, and he shared a more complete account of his testimony with us.
Toni was born and raised in Finland. He and his brothers experienced violence and want because of his parents’ alcohol addiction. At 12, Toni and his twin brother ran away from home and lived on the streets. But at 15, Toni attended a church camp and was confirmed in the Lutheran church. From then on, he wanted to serve God and sought brotherhood within the church.
After graduation, Toni served a two-year period in missions, part of the time traveling by ship and interfacing with churches in South America. He then worked in ministry for over twenty years with well-known leaders from all over the world.
In 2016, Toni and his family went to New Zealand on vacation, where he encountered the Heritage New Zealand community. When the group sang the song “Everything to Me,” Toni felt the words, “More than a story, more than words on a page of history,” described the only Christianity he had ever known. The visit left a lasting impression on him, and he maintained regular contact with the New Zealand community.
A couple of years later, Toni found himself in a crisis. He recounts:
“I was in deep emotional pain. I had lost everything—my spouse, my family, my business—everything. On that same day, I sold my house, and even then, it only covered half of what I owed. I didn’t even have enough money to get to my new job, not even to buy gas. I wanted to celebrate my 50th birthday, but none of my friends came.
“I had nothing. I was in such deep pain that I thought I couldn’t go on any longer. In my despair, I decided it was the end for me; I couldn’t bear the pain anymore. I started sending messages to a few people, saying goodbye.
“Brother Kash was the only one who replied with compassion and hope. He told me to get my passport and come to Texas right away. He even said he would travel back to Finland with me if needed, to help sort things out.”
Toni grabbed the lifeline he felt in Kash’s invitation.
COVID delayed Toni's travel plans, but he finally arrived in Texas. To his surprise, he found himself feeling offended at every turn. Josh and Melodee Miller graciously hosted him, allowing him to stay in an RV beside their house. One day, Josh noticed Toni had left his coffee cup outside and kindly asked him to return it to the kitchen.
Toni was infuriated. He raved, “I have much bigger problems than a coffee cup! I have lost everything: I don’t even own a coffee cup!” He began to gather his meager belongings, planning to leave immediately. But then he heard God’s voice. The Lord said, “Toni, sit down. Josh and Melodee didn’t even know you, and they have generously hosted you in their home. Could you become as a little child; could you do this small thing and return a cup?” He began to cry as he confronted his pride and self-pity—and he returned the cup to the kitchen.
A few months later, Toni visited the community in South Africa. While standing in the rondo, a traditional South African round house, praying for his son, God revealed to him that his own decisions were the sole contributor to the pain and betrayal he was experiencing. Tears streamed down his face as he cried out to God in repentance, and he felt the chains of self-pity and despair break.
On Toni’s fifty-first birthday, Toni stood before the entire congregation in the Santa Fe Hall in Texas to publicly commit his life to Jesus through baptism. With deep emotion, he shared his testimony, concluding with these words:
“None of this would have been possible without the guidance of my dear brothers here in Texas, as well as those in New Zealand and South Africa. You are truly the hands, feet, and heartbeat of Jesus.
“Now, I want to be a part of you. I want to serve others as you have served me. I want to love others with the love of God. For the first time, I truly know, love and have a real relationship with Jesus. I love you. Minä rakastan teitä,” he said, ending with the Finnish phrase of love and endearment.
As Toni rose from the baptism waters, over 1,500 people erupted into applause and birthday greetings, celebrating his new life. He had truly found his brothers.
