WHO WE ARE

In 1975, the Lord laid it on the heart of Mel Sabaka to leave his home, his church, and his ministry in Ohio to plant a Bible-Believing church in Staten Island, NY.  Pastor Mel, his family, and several families from their church left all that they knew and came to the "Big City" with a love for the Saviour, a love for his Word, and a confidence that God could do what others called impossible. That church grew into a lighthouse where many of us came to know and love The Lord Jesus Christ.  

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In 2011, while faithfully serving in First Bible Church, Staten Island, the Lord once again laid it on the heart of some of our elders to explore planting a Bible-believing church in Central New Jersey. Could the same God that Mel Sabaka prayed to establish a lighthouse for God's word once again?   

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Our church began by fishing for souls, bringing the gospel to places like the Keyport Promenade and street fairs, to see if the need was real and if God was in it.  After much prayer and counsel with the leadership in Staten Island, a Bible study began in the back room of a nursing home.  When we outgrew that space, we started renting a church building on Sunday afternoons. We've even met in a hair salon!  

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As people began to get saved and to desire the sincere milk of the word more and more, a small group of faithful believers wanted something beyond a Bible study. They wanted a church.  Once again, the Lord was calling out a people for Himself and building His church, just as he promised in his Word.  On May 27, 2018, we held our first Sunday morning service in our current space at the Lloyd Road School.

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In writing to the Corinthians,  Paul reminded the brethren "that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:5).  Our church is a testimony to the power and grace of our God, the God that answers prayer and shows his people mighty things they never thought possible apart from Him!