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Host pastor and TUSA (Toledoans United for Social Action)
member, Rev. James H. Willis, Sr. delivered the introduction
and opening prayer, then First Lady Linnie Willis served as
the mistress of ceremony. Sister Virginia Welsh, St. Martin
De Porres Catholic Church pastoral leader and TUSA member,
provided historical achievements and history about TUSA.
“We have come a long way, we once had 22 churches, but
numbers haven’t changed our commitment to this community. I
thank God for the churches that have served and are serving
to fulfill our commitment,” shared Rev. Willis.
Total Praise of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church offered
the first praise during the concert, followed by a praise
word from Rev. Dennis Payne of Monroe Street United
Methodist, a presentation by Glass City Junior Praise
Dancers, harmonies by Our Lady of Lourdes ensemble, a
selection by Wesley United Methodist Church and a mime
presentation by New Covenant Church. The praise concert
served as a fund-raiser for TUSA and generated over $1,000
in donations.
TUSA’s mission is to bring together people of faith to
address serious community problems. Annually, TUSA gathers
hundreds of members to obtain public commitments from key
officials for specific actions. TUSA congregations come from
throughout Lucas County.
TUSA was formed in 1989, and has focused on issues
including: carryout stores and drug dealing, reading
achievement, jobs, abandoned housing, hot spot cards,
ex-offender re-entry, criminalizing children, positive
behavior initiative system, lead abatement ordinance and
domestic violence awareness.
“This is what prayer can do. I want to thank First Lady
Willis, the congregations that are represented here tonight.
I thank you all for being here. My heart is filled right
now. God has given us direction.” said Rev. Willis during
the program closing remarks.
The service closed with a chant, led by Rev. Willis, “TUSA
stands for justice. TUSA stands for justice.”
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