Ortonville-Gary and Julie Tussey came to town earlier this year hoping to lay the foundation for a new church.
That vision will soon become reality. On Saturday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m., the Tusseys will hold the first services of the Dominion Christian Center, an interdenominational church, at the Ortonville Town Hall, near the corner of Mill and Church streets.
For Julie Tussey, the move is a homecoming of sorts, as she grew up in Midland before moving to Kentucky. The Tusseys made the move back to Michigan in May.
Before then, the Tusseys pastored a church in Lexington, Ky., also called the Dominion Christian Center. Gary Tussey said they are very active in media ministry, and added their ‘Voice of the Redeemed? television program reached two million homes in Kentucky.
During their travels, the Tusseys have ministered with such notable Christians as Pat Robertson, the Newsboys, Phil Keaggy, and Reba Rambo and Donnie McGuire.
In making the move to Ortonville, Tussey said the couple were looking to put down more permanent roots.
‘We moved here in May with the intent of finding a location for a new church,? he said. ‘We’re pretty much leaning away from traveling and staying busy in a local area.?
Tussey, now 44, began preaching at the age of 17. He attended the Church of God Cleveland Assembly and became a licensed minister, then became the pastor of a church at the age of 19.
Despite his young age at the time, Tussey said he was not nervous about speaking before a congregation. ‘Public speaking came as a gift,? he said.
In addition to their pastoral work, the Tusseys bring their Christian faith into other forms of ministry.
Gary has written two books, Line Upon Line ? A Foundational Study in Christian Principle, and Leadership Defined ? For Those Called to Leadership in the Church, and is working on two more books.
Meanwhile, Julie has recorded two contemporary Christian CDs ? An Awesome Hour and We Are A Remnant ? and her music has received national airplay. She has nine music videos for her songs, of which the Tusseys have produced seven.
She said she is glad to be back in her home state, and specifically in Ortonville.
‘I love Ortonville because it seems family-oriented and there’s a lot of community pride,? Julie said.
Gary Tussey said he hopes the new church serves as a vehicle to bring families closer to God.
‘What I believe church is about is developing strong families and having those families come together in a congregation,? he said. ‘We feel we need to make people aware of the Bible and how it applies to the most basic aspects of living. The word of God is like corn flakes ? you need to read it again for the first time.?
In addition, Tussey said the church’s basic theme comes from something Jesus said in the Bible: ‘Take my yoke upon you. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.?
Details: (248) 922-9989 or by E-mail at: vor9111@hotmail.com.