Elder John Betts was born in Atmore Alabama and raised in Plainfield New Jersey. He was baptized at the age of nine March 3rd 1972 and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in the noonday prayer at the age of 11 April 21st 1974. Appointed a Jr. Deacon at the age of 19 by the late Bishop Michael Grayer, and later ordained a Deacon. On September 8th 1985 he acknowledged his call to the ministry preaching his first of many sermons on November 10th 1985. On August 18th 1994 in the city of Philadelphia he was ordained as an Elder of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ passing his verbal doctrinal test with a score of 100.

From his youth, Elder Betts understood the importance of faithfulness and commitment. As a teenager, he served as the local (ABYPU) Armor Bearers Young People Union president at the Refuge Church of Christ, and later as the Ecclesiastical Diocese (ABYPU) president. He also understood at an early age that having knowledge and comprehension of Gods word is extremely important for a minister, and he attended the Church of Christ Bible Institute in Manhattan New York. This early training prepared him for leadership roles in the ministry. Elder Betts does not believe that God has called ministers to sit on the sideline, but to occupy, or work until the Lord comes or calls us from labor to reward. Armed with this conviction he has served in ministry as a supply minister to the Beulah Church in Atco New Jersey in the late 80's’ also serving as the Assistant Pastor to the Woodbury Mission Church in Woodbury New Jersey from 1997 – 1998. Upon concluding his services in Woodbury, he then served as the Assistant Pastor to the Evangelistic Church of Christ located in Trenton New Jersey from 1998 – 2001.

Upon his return to his home church he accepted the position of teacher at the Central Jersey Bible Institute in 2001, and in 2002 he was appointed by his Pastor Bishop Leon Harrell to serve as the Assistant Pastor of the Greater Refuge Church of Christ in Plainfield New Jersey. In keeping with his conviction to serve Elder Betts just recently completed a one-year commitment as assisting Elder at Refuge Temple Ministries in Camden New Jersey.

When considering the years of service there have been two constants Gods mercy & grace and a good woman standing by his side. Beside every good man is a good woman, Elder Betts married his childhood sweetheart (Lauria) at the age of 20, the Lord has blessed them with three children, Lauriah, Mauriah, and John III and four grandsons Donte, Jayden, Aiden & Jovan.

To God be the Glory!

III John Verse 2