For over 35 years, Tony and Linda Weatherly have served together in church and outreach ministries. In the 1960's, Tony began his ministry by assisting his father, Elton Weatherly, in founding Bethesda Bible Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. 

Then, in the mid-70's, after 10 years in ministry at Bethesda, Tony felt led to focus more on outreach ministry.  This was a time of the great move of God called the "Jesus Movement," a powerful inspiration for a thrust into youth ministry.  Inspired by what was happening among the youth, Tony and Linda established Operation Outreach, along with Tony's sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Leon Johnson.

As Operation Outreach began to grow, an opportunity became available to establish this organization as a full-time ministry in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, working with Linda's uncle, Pastor Carl Neal, at Evangel Temple.

There, the outreach ministry continued to expand as Tony and Linda joined with another similar ministry directed by Dr. Jere Melilli.  This merger eventually led to the formation of Christian Life Fellowship and Christian Life Academy, a ministry that is still vibrant and vital in Baton Rouge today.

After many years in Louisiana, Tony and Linda moved to Paris, Tennessee, to work again with Tony's parents at Bethesda Farms.  They also purchased and operated what became a very successful Christian nightclub called the Sonlight Inn, where there was a weekly agenda of nationally-known Christian music artists performing.

After several years in Tennessee, Tony and Linda again returned to Michigan, where they continued to work with the ministry of Bethesda Bible Church, as well as founded and operated the Sonlight Club, The Fringe Club, and Sonlight Music Company.  Until only a few years ago, Tony and Linda promoted and produced many Christian events and hundreds of Christian concerts, featuring most of the major Christian artists in the industry.  

They are presently pastors of a new church fellowship, GracePlace Church, in Ypsilanti, Michigan.