AJAY KUMAR

Hey, my name is Ajay I have been Associate Pastor of New Hope since 2000 and a member since 1995. I love being at New Hope because I love the opportunity to display hospitality to those in our community on a weekly basis. My wife Loukia and I have 2 kids, Sophia and Lucas. I am originally from India and my wife is Greek. I grew up Hindu and came to faith in Jesus as a teen, in India. I came to the U.S. in 1991 as an International student.

BRITTANY YONZON

Hey guys! I’m Brittany, the Director of Family Ministries at New Hope. Born and raised in small-town Alabama, I graduated from Judson College with a B.A. in both Music and English, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Divinity from Southeastern Seminary. When I moved to NYC in 2015 to work with immigrants in Jackson Heights, New Hope was the first of what I thought would be several visits to different churches. I found New Hope to be such a special community that I never went anywhere else! I’m married to Param, who serves as an elder here, and we have a daughter, Amaya. I’ve enjoyed working with kids since I was about 8 years old, so it seems fitting that God would have me here. Some things I enjoy are traveling, living in a diverse setting, live music, getting to know people, good coffee, and cheesy jokes.

PARAM YONZON

Hi, I’m Param, and I’ve been serving as an elder at New Hope since June 2024. I was born and raised in Minnesota and studied at St. John’s University. My parents are originally from Nepal. I’m married to Brittany, who leads our Family Ministries here at New Hope, and we have a daughter named Amayah.

In addition to pastoring, I work at an insurance brokerage firm in Manhattan. In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, and hiking.

ANDREW BERTODATTI

Hi, I’m Andy, and I am currently honored to serve as the Interim Minister at New Hope Church. From 2013 to 2020, I was on staff here, and I’m grateful to be back, walking alongside this community during a pivotal season of transition. In addition to my role at New Hope, I also serve as Lead Pastor of People’s Church of Long Beach. I desire to help our church live out the gospel meaningfully, building a community where love, service, and growth happen naturally. My wife Karen and I are blessed with two wonderful kids, Matthew and Paulie, who bring incredible joy into our lives. I’m a long-suffering Mets and Knicks fan, and I enjoy playing fantasy sports, writing, making music, and hitting the softball field when I can.

RENE CHRISTIAN

Hi, I’m Rene. I first started attending New Hope as a college student in the fall of 2009. Originally from Trinidad & Tobago, I came to New York as an international student to study at St. John’s University, which is also where I met my wife, Priya. We now have four wonderful children: Zack, Norah, Emily, and Zoe. From my very first visit, the diversity of the New Hope congregation made me feel at home, and over time, the warm fellowship allowed me to form deep, meaningful relationships. I’ve had the privilege of learning, growing, and serving in various roles within this community, and in March 2024, I was ordained as a Pastor.