JOSMEL LAFONTAINE

Hey, I’m Pastor Josmel. I stepped into the role of Lead Pastor at New Hope in August of 2025. I was born and raised in the Bronx. At eighteen, through a season of deep loss, I encountered Jesus-–He made Himself real to me as a present Father, one who cares for the orphan and reaches into the margins to redeem His creation.

I love being part of New Hope because this is a New York church: Queens’ diversity is on display among us, and even more, God’s Kingdom is revealed through people from all over the world and all walks of life. My heart is to lead our people in making disciples among the nations, bringing those from every background into a living relationship with Jesus.

Outside of preaching, you’ll often find me admiring the Manhattan skyline, biking around the city, or gaming in Mario Kart with my kids. I’m blessed to walk this journey with my wife Julissa and our two beautiful children.

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, Amayah. 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.

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.