In early 2003, Goodrich resident and Ortonville native Michael Tison left a well-paying job as a computer consultant for an uncertain future.
Today, even though things have not always been easy for Tison and his family, he said God has led him down the right road in starting His2Overcome Ministries, a Christian outdoor ministry which is currently housed at Ortonville Baptist Church and recently attained status as a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
The organization was founded Nov. 5, 2003, and is led by Tison (president), Joe Tasch (chairman), Jon Shackelford (secretary), and Ty Beltramo and Pat Stefanyk (treasurers).
‘I think part of the reason (for leaving the computer business) was God leading me to do this ministry,? Tison, 35, said. ‘A lot of people in the computer industry were losing jobs. It’s a long story about how God led me to get this going and make the jump from the computer world to starting this ministry. I went from a high corporate salary and I didn’t even take a salary for the first eight months of getting this going.?
Tison holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was a former teacher before going into the computer business.
While he said it hasn’t been easy making ends meet since starting the ministry, he also said God has looked out for him and his family, which includes wife Sarah and four children: Kayla 7, Zachary 5, Seth 2, and Micah 8 months.
‘Financially, it’s been rough, but God has provided all our needs,? he said. ‘My wife and I have talked about how we’d get through, and God has taken care of us, month by month. He’s been faithful in taking care of us.?
The outdoor aspect of the ministry appeals greatly to Tison. He said many people have started outdoor Christian camps before, but for Tison, that would have been impractical.
‘That was always a passion of mine, but it costs a lot of money to get the land and build the facilities,? he said. ‘I felt like I could do an outdoor ministry but not use a camp. We don’t have very much overhead, and we invest in people rather than land.?
Tison also said activities at Christian camps are dependent on the weather, whereas with his ministry, people can make trips to warmer climates if the weather in Michigan is too cold.
So far this year, His2Overcome Ministries have sponsored a father and son canoe and camping trip in June, a Grand Canyon-Havasu Falls Trip in July, a men’s breakfast and paintball challenge in September, and a big buck hunt in October.
While the outdoor aspect of the activities are enjoyable, that is not the primary focus of the ministry, Tison said.
‘The outdoor activity is secondary to impacting the spiritual lives of people,? he said. ‘We’ve found by being outdoors, people are more receptive to spiritual growth, being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.?
Tison said in the future, His2Overcome Ministries (a nondemoninational organization) hopes to partner with other ministries and churches to organize different activities, particularly those churches who don’t have the time, resources, or experience to organize such activities. In addition, he hopes to organize activities in the future for couples, men only, and women only.
‘As we partner with different churches, we’ll ask what they want to accomplish.?
He said Ortonville Baptist Church and Pastor Kevin Shorkey have been a big help in giving the ministry room to get started.
‘They’ve been very good about letting me use their office until we get our feet off the ground,? he said. ‘This has been a huge blessing.?
As far as what the future holds for the ministry, Tison said he is leaving it in God’s hands.
‘It’s a matter of growing it to where He wants it to be,? he said.
Details: Write Tison at 10163 Horton Road, Goodrich, Mich. 48438. He can be reached by telephone at (810) 444-8489 or by E-mail at mtison@His2Overcome.org. The ministry’s Web site is www.His2Overcome.org.