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.