WHAT TO EXPECT?
We are a Pentecostal church of people from a diverse array of backgrounds. If you have been attending church for many years or are just starting, we welcome you to Bethel with open arms.
WHEN ARE SERVICES?
Sundays @ 8:00 am and 10:00 am. If you aren’t available to join us in person, you can stream our services on Facebook and Youtube at 10 AM.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
Our service is about an hour and a half. The first 30 minutes involve uplifting worship and praise music, followed by a time of teaching and prayer.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Jeans to tuxedos, you get the idea. Come as you are.
WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS?
All kids are welcome to participate in Kidz J.A.M. in the lower auditorium: a fun time of worship and Bible learning in their own kid-friendly environment. A nursery at the back of the main sanctuary is available for parents with younger children.
OUR CORE BELIEFS
1. Salvation through Jesus Christ
2. Divine healing
3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
4. The second coming of Christ
Next Steps
Salvation
To begin a relationship with God and be forgiven, trust in Jesus' sacrifice and repent from sin. Say a simple prayer like this: "Dear Jesus, I confess my wrongdoing and seek your forgiveness. I believe in your death and resurrection. I choose to follow you as my Savior and Lord, starting today. Guide me to live according to your will. Amen."
Water Baptism
Baptism is a Christian rite of admission and adoption. It is an important symbol of a new life that is created when someone becomes a follower of Jesus. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. (Colossians 2:12) Water baptism is accomplished by immersion in water.
Membership
The universal Church the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5) is composed of all true believers in Christ, and local churches are to be a microcosm of the universal Church. As believers, we have our names written in the Lamb’s book of Life (Revelation 20:12) and that is what is most important. However, it is also important to commit to a local church. Membership allows members to be aware of and involved in important church decisions.
Missions
Bethel Church NYC is a strong supporter of the Assembly of God World Mission and Local Missionary Outreach program. We currently support over 30 missionary programs, both abroad and locally. Throughout the years, we have contributed an average of $40,000 per year to these programs. Our motivation stems from our belief in the teachings of Jesus in Mark 16:15, where he urges us to share the Gospel with everyone, and Acts 1:8, where he promises that the Holy Spirit will empower us to be witnesses in all parts of the world. As believers, we understand that we all have a responsibility to fulfill this mandate from the Lord. This can be achieved through three ways: prayer, going physically to these locations, or providing financial support. Our missionaries willingly leave the comforts of the United States to travel to places where the language, culture, and even basic necessities of life may be different. Some face the constant threat of imprisonment or even death for sharing the life-saving Gospel. We urge you to support us in helping these missionaries achieve their goal of spreading the Gospel. We believe that by praying, going, or sending financial support, we are actively participating in this important mission. Let us come together and fulfill our callings in obedience to the teachings of Jesus.
Our Leaders
Pastor Jim Persram
In August 1965, Pastor Jim Persram and Sister Baby became leaders of Better Hope Assembly of God. Pastor Jim also taught at A.O.G Bible School in Guyana. In 1983, the Persram family moved to the US, settling in Queens in 1987. In Queens, they started Bethel Assembly of God Church. Today, Bethel is a vibrant and growing church with diverse members. Every week, hundreds gather to worship.
aSSOCIATE PASTOR rOBERT DEANE
Robert Deane was saved in 1982 and served in various roles at Better Hope Assemblies in Guyana before moving to the USA in 2001. He holds credentials with Assemblies of God and graduated from their Bible Institute. He is married to Shoba Deane and has one daughter, Tiffany. Robert is now an Associate Pastor at Bethel Church NYC and is involved in Sunday School, baptism, and evangelism.
aSSOCIATE PASTOR lYNETTE hETSBERGER
Lynette Hetsberger became a Christian in 1977 and worked as a medical technologist in Guyana. She trained at the University of Guyana and the International School of the Hospital Christian Fellowship in Holland. Lynette was the National Staff Worker of Guyana and now serves as an Assistant Pastor at Bethel Church NYC. She manages the Bethel Phone Prayer Network and leads the Bethel Seniors Group. Lynette is also a mother of two children and six grandchildren.
Associate Pastor Stanley praimnath
Stanley Praimnath gave his life to the Lord on Good Friday many years ago. He has experienced the miraculous, lifesaving touch of the Lord, having survived the 1993 bombing and 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. He is married to Jennifer and has two daughters Stephanie and Caitlin. He is a motivational speaker, author, and the Men’s Group leader at Bethel Church NYC. He currently serves as an Associate Pastor where he worships with his family.
Associate pASTOR kEN tHAKURDEEN
Gowkarran Ken Thakurdeen gave his life to the Lord in 1987 in the Better Hope Assembly of God Church in Guyana. He migrated to the United States in 1992. In 1997 he began attending Sunday services at Bethel AOG on a regular basis. After becoming a member of Bethel he started serving as a teacher in the Sunday School Department. A few years later he was appointed to serve as Superintendent of the Sunday School Department. Gowkarran was later elected to serve as a Deacon in the Church Board. He is currently serving as an Associate Pastor. Familiarly known as Bro Kaye, he is married to Amanda and they have three children; Ariana, Duane and Kelley who are all active members of Bethel.
Our History
Pastor Jim Persram and his wife moved to the United States in 1983 with their three children, after having a successful ministry in Better Hope, Guyana. They spent four years in Brooklyn, where they started their first church in the United States. In September of 1987, they moved to Queens and, with the help of a few faithful people, started Bethel Assembly of God Church in Richmond Hill. In the beginning, the church met in a storefront and moved to different locations. In 1991, the church bought land in South Ozone Park and a few years later, they finished building a beautiful church. It was a miracle from God, and we praise and thank Him for it. In April of 1996, Bethel Assembly moved into their new building in South Ozone Park, at the corner of 130 Street and 115 Avenue. It is a church that welcomes people from all races and cultures and our goal is to reach everyone in the neighborhood with the message of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is the only hope for all people. Bethel has a wonderful team of dedicated leaders who lead the different ministries. You are welcome to join us.
