Our Story

Responding to the Lord’s call to "build big people", Pastor Joel and MaryAnne Sadaphal started LIVING WORD in May of 1993. A small group of about 18 met in their home to worship, study the Word and pray for what the Lord had in store next. Within a week an opportunity to use the Travel Lodge Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport became available. On the following Sunday, LIVING WORD had its first service, and would remain at the Travel Lodge for the next 5 months for its weekend worship services. That group of 18 would eventually become the church’s founding members.

In October of 1993, the church was miraculously granted the use of a facility in Ozone Park Queens and was an integral part of its surrounding community through its various outreaches and ministries for 30 years. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to leave Ozone Park Queens in July 2023 and have relocated to East Meadow, Long Island.  We are excited for what God has in store for this ministry in this new season and new location!

It started with Joel and MaryAnne and their young daughters, Danielle and Stephanie,  in 1993.  Today, however, many have joined hands with them and now there is a church that continues to impact many lives and the region as a result.  To see the marvel of individuals move from believers to fully committed disciples is a testimony of the Father's Grace on this body of believers.

God is at work at LIVING WORD and if you haven’t visited, we invite you to see for yourself how exciting church can be when the focus is simple and people are free to go after God with passion!