History began for Bethesda Apostolic Church during the summer of 1956 when a young energetic gospel preacher, Eld. Henry Johnson was invited to teach Bible class in a private home. His ministry was destined to touch and change many lives, beginning in this Valley and spreading throughout many states in our nation and to countries beyond.
Now, as at its inception, the purpose of Bethesda Apostolic Church is to change the climate and image of our community by changing lives one by one through the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Through the teaching of the Word of God thousands of lives have been changed. The message of belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, repentance of sin, baptism by total immersion in water for the remission of sin in the name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, witnessed by the initial evidence of speaking in tongues has always been preached at Bethesda. Never has the Man of God, H.L. Johnson, wavered in the teaching and preaching of the Word. Through the years of leading people, he has remained steadfast, unmovable, and faithful to the Apostolic Doctrine.
Fifty one years has allowed many opportunities of service to men, women and children in the community: serving meals and providing clothing for those who were hungry and homeless, prison ministry, food distributions, assisting the unemployed to find jobs, participating in programs to provide gifts for children of prisoners at Christmas time, neighborhood prayer walks, housing rehabilitation classes sponsored by City departments and an alternative school for students not able to function within the regular classroom environment.
Bethesda has been the site of voter information meetings for the community, given visible support at City Council meetings and rallies where issues that would change the face of our community were at risk; through Bible-centered teaching continues to promote Christian values, morals and attitudes that change the thinking and behavior of individuals and cause each to be better citizens.
It is the continuing mission of Bishop H.L.Johnson and the members of Bethesda Apostolic Church to equip individual men, women and children to live lives that are pleasing to God, and to share the life-changing Gospel message with others.