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my story
After over 20 years of being a radio news anchor and reporter in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bill is now a youth and music minister. Through his adult life he had experienced a sense that there was a greater purpose for his life, that God was trying to get his attention.
Then in 1997, while immersed in an exhausting week reporting on the devastating flood of the Ohio River, Bill experienced a profound sense of emptiness and sadness. It was as if he was drowning in his misery.
That Friday evening he cried out to God in desperation and surrendered himself...admitting that he was unable to fill that gaping hole in his heart. It was then...in prayerful silence...that, for the first time, he heard the gentle whisper in his soul to get his guitar and begin writing a song.
God led Bill to become a member of a Tuesday night church music ministry and to be a member of a Sunday church band named Celebrate. The group performed for a crowd of a thousand people on the night of that fateful day...September 11, 2001 when it opened for evangelist and author Matthew Kelly. In 2003, Bill opened for the band Crispin at a concert in Cincinnati.
Celebrate produced a CD featuring three of Bill's songs: Glorify You with Me, What Kind of Love, and Who Do You Say I Am? Due to the original songs, the band was invited in 2005 to travel to Alabama and perform on EWTN's Backstage program. Through this period of spiritual awakening, Bill also earned a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati. In his new solo release, "Listen to Your Heart," Bill shares his journey in hopes it will lead you to discovering God's plan for you.
mission & ministry
To ignite the passion of God's love in the hearts of others and awaken them to their greater calling and purpose; to encourage everyone to develop their gifts and talents and use them in service.
He will continue writing and sharing the gift's God gave him by singing at schools, churches, meetings, conferences, youth groups, and retreats. It's never too late to follow your heart.
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testimonials
"Bill Tonnis is a very gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist. However, what struck me about his music was its source: as he led our group at the "worship" seminar as part of the Presentation Ministries Bible Institute, it was very clear to all of us that his worship of the Lord came straight from a heart filled with love for his Savior! This comes through as he sings, as he plays, as he interacts with those around him. I'm looking forward with much joy to seeing how the Lord will use my brother in praise in the future!"
Bill Richart, Catholic Lay Evangelist
www.catholicworship.net
"Bill Tonnis was able to do what many adults only dream to accomplish with teenagers. He made an impact on their lives. His message of spirituality and how God calls us to be ambassadors of Christ's message to one another was great! The 8th graders at Summit Country Day were given the opportunity to not only see how the spirit can move in one individual, but how grace can be dispersed throughout an entire community. His message is much more than a story it's a way of life. It was truly a pleasure to see and hear the message of getting rid of the distractions, the noise, and taking time to follow your heart. Because this is where God is always located, but sometime His messages aren't always received by us!
Bill is truly a blessing to spirituality!"
Kurtis Smith
- Summit Country Day
"I am so thankful and grateful that I could come on this retreat and experience something totally indescribable. Your story inspired me!"
Sophmore
Mother of Mercy High School after attending the "2008 Visi Retreat" in West Harrison, Indiana
"Your music was uplifting and your story truly inspiring. You create an atmosphere of understanding and find a way to touch the children's souls. The children truly learned how to "listen to their hearts." The story of your faith journey taught them that God has a journey for each of us if we would only just 'listen'. Thank you for touching their hearts and minds!"
Cindy Silber
6th Grade Teacher and President of Challenge Club, Cincinnati West
"I have seen two of Mr. Tonnis' presentations. He was a speaker at my school's 8th grade confirmation retreat. He spoke of his faith journey and shared several of his own songs with the students. Keeping the attention of thirty-five 14-year-olds is no easy task! However, the students' reflections of his story showed that he had their attention the entire time. The teachers present at the retreat suggested that we ask him to be the speaker at our annual teacher spiritual day. He gladly accepted and his talk to my 25 teachers, of various ages and faiths, was just as well received as the confirmation retreat talk. Bill has a way of intertwining his faith journey with his life story that entrances audiences."
Sharon Bresler
Principal of St. Thomas School, Fort Thomas, KY
press clippings
Choose from the following press clippings listed below.
Cincinnati Enquirer - July 7, 2007
Change of heart moves WLW's Tonnis to ministry >>
Xavier Magazine - Fall 2007
Music with a Message >>
Grape Vine - Fall 2007
Review: Bill Tonnis Listen To Your Heart (CD) >>
Cincinnati Enquirer - February 17, 2007
Reporter Records Christian Album >>
Cincinnati Enquirer - February 10, 2007
WLW's Bill Tonnis marks CD release >>
Radio newsman releasing album - February 5, 2007
February / March Issue >>
The Catholic Telegraph - May 2004
Radio newsman's Faith no longer 'Covert' >>
National Jesuit News - 2004
February / March Issue >>
The Mount Magazine - Winter 2004
Students and Alumni Carry on Ministry in Today's World. >>
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