Philip L. Tolstad was born in the country of Uruguay to pioneer missionaries Philip G. and Pauline Tolstad. He pastored in Portland, Oregon; Puyallup and Federal Way, Washington; and Berryville, Arkansas. He was appointed missionary to South Africa in September 2000 and were asked to go to Malawi in 2002. The country of Mozambique was added to their appointment in 2004. During their deputation in 2006, they were asked to transfer to the country of Uganda due to the retirement of the Arlon Royer. Twyla is very involved in the work in Uganda as she directs the elementary and high schools in Kampala. With an enrollment of over a thousand students and a staff of close to eighty, it is a monumental task. She also is the Sunday school director for the Country of Uganda. From the arrival of the Tolstads in 2007, the Church has grown from thirty-one churches to over 600.