Rev. Tuomisto Reflects on 65 Years of Ministry

100 MILE HOUSE, B.C. – Sixty-five years in ministry has been an adventure in faith with the Lord Jesus. Rev. Tuomisto’s first call, to a tri-parish in Upper Michigan, found him sharing God’s Word in both Finnish and English, serving as a Prison Chaplain, as County Recreational Director for Youth, and filling the role of District President in the former National Evangelical Lutheran Church (NELC).

His second Finnish/English parish was in Vancouver, B.C., and his ministry included helping new Finnish immigrants find suitable employment and housing. Sharing the Word of God with Finnish Lutherans across B.C. became another outreach ministry, as did hosting a half-hour weekly Finnish Gospel radio program.

After fourteen years in B.C., the Lord called Rev. Tuomisto to serve the Finnish community in Thunder Bay, Ontario. While there, he had the privilege of serving several vacancies in the area, as well as serving on the Board of the Lutheran Community Centre and on the Board of Regents for Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines, Ontario. During his time in Thunder Bay, he also served as Pastoral Advisor for the District LWML and the Lutheran Laymen’s League, and was invited to give the Thanksgiving message for the Lutheran Hour. It was normal to share God’s comfort at fifty funerals a year.

Fourteen years in Thunder Bay found Rev. Tuomisto ready for retirement back in B.C. Within six months, he received calls to serve vacancies. Worship services in English only and weekly Bible and confirmation studies were a pleasure—especially the Bible study discussions. In between serving vacancies, he enjoyed travel to Europe, China, Finland, and Russia. He especially enjoyed Russia, where he shared God’s Word in churches previously under government control.

Meanwhile, the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM) in Thunder Bay was created to confirm the Word of God as truth. A call came to serve FELM full-time, which he accepted and served until health issues necessitated a move closer to his two daughters in 100 Mile House, B.C There he continued to offer weekly Bible study and once-a-month communion services.

Now, following several falls and surgery, Rev. Tuomisto is trusting in his Lord’s grace and peace. Each day is a gift from God, and he prays that God may bless your days with His peace and joy in Christ Jesus.

Rev. Jorma Tuomisto
Pastor Emeritus

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