The founding Minister was Pastor Merdith Ray Bussell, along with his wife, Mrs. Peggy Lee Bussell, three children, and two other families: Deacon and Mrs. Merdith Bussell, Jr. and two of their children; and Reverend and Mrs. Bill McCullum and their three children (14 people). The first building bought and converted as a church building was originally a swimming pool specialty shop. Purchased by l
and contract the cost was $20,500 with a down payment of $3,500. Building renovation began in the spring of 1981. All purchases for building improvements were paid for as we built. Upon returning from purchasing a brand new barbeque pit, Pastor Bussell, in route to the church, received an unexpected message from the Lord saying, “Close up the barbeque pit! Yes, the selling of barbeque dinners has built a lot of churches, but they are empty. If you would build this house off tithes and offerings, not only will I build it, but I will fill it.” Of course, it was a surprising word from the Lord, but we did just what He said. Membership continued to increase to approximately 50 people. Every year was a new year of growth. In April, 1986, the New Resurrection Church acquired more property. We were able to purchase the building (18626 Schoolcraft) on the West of us for $15,000 on land contract. This building was used as our Fellowship Hall. Major reconstruction work was done for the outside church structure and grounds. The building at 18626 Schoolcraft was connected to the other three lots with additional brick-face work applied to the front of each lot. From the Schoolcraft street view, it appeared that the New Resurrection Church building was a full 80’ wide structure with an approximate 60’ high peak. Once again, all labor was paid for as we built. Consequently, several improvements were needful to accommodate our congregation, which had grown to approximately 100 people, including children. God blessed us to accomplish these goals and we continued to build in Jesus’ name. Several ministries have been birthed to serve the needs of individuals and families in the surrounding community. They include New Convert and New Members Class, Married Couples, Men, Women, Youth and Children’s Ministries. Outreach Ministries include Evangelism Team, Prison, Food, Nursing Home and Community Health. The year 2000 brought on a new revelation from the Lord for a new vision – instituting a name change for the church to New Resurrection Faith Ministries, Inc. During this time, the Lord placed a call on Pastor Bussell to father other ministries and pastors. He opens his pulpit to receive women who have been called by God to serve in the clergy. An explosion began! God took us to new level, our membership increased to 225 people including children. God was doing a new thing to us, with us and for us. Under this ministry, the Higher Covenant Fellowship of Churches, Inc. was established on August 18, 2000 by Bishop-Elect Bussell. On February 17, 2001, Bishop-Elect Bussell was officially elevated and consecrated by God to the Office of Bishop during a ceremony conducted by Bishop C.L. Morton, Presiding Bishop of the Canadian Full Gospel Fellowship along with the International Council of Bishops (ICB). Under the Higher Covenant Fellowship of Churches, Inc., approximately 12 pastors and their ministries serve under this covering. In March, 2001, Bishop Bussell officially assigned the title of Co-Pastor to his wife, Prophetess Peggy Lee Bussell. Construction for our new church building began in January, 2005 and was concluded in April, 2006. The value of this new edifice is approximately $1.7 million.
