Stephen & Jasmine their three boys, Zachary, Russell, and Trey and one girl Paige make up this Taala family. Originally from the Philippines, they relocated to New York in 2005 after Zachary's was diagnosed with autism. Russell, who is not autistic, was born in New York in 2010. Paige was born in New York in 2019, and Trey was born in 2021. Stephen entered the ministry full time in 2010 as a church planter, while Jasmine continues being sales person at a furniture show room in Manhattan. The Taala's  are ordinary people called by the Lord to a special place and given a special task in His vineyard. Will you please pray for them.

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Stephen was born (September 11, 1969) to Born-again Christian parents who were by then attending a Fundamental Baptist Church (Bethel Baptist Church) in the Philippines (Malaybalay, Bukidnon). Stephen attended a Christian school (Bob Hughes Christian Academy) for most of his elementary and high-school years. Stephen trusted in Christ as his personal savior in September of 1981 and was baptized at Bible Baptist Church in Cebu City (Philippines). In 1986 his family relocated to Manila and there they joined a month-old church plant (Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of church planter Pastor Ed Fleming) in Quezon City (Philippines). In 1990, Stephen graduated from the University of the Philippines with a bachelors degree in Communications-major in Journalism. In 1996, Stephen graduated and earned his Juris Doctor from the Ateneo de Manila School of Law. Stephen practiced law in the Philippines for 10 years.

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in 2010, Stephen was authorized and commission by two independent Baptist churches in the Philippines namely Bible Baptist Church in Cebu City and Baptist Bible Church in Manila, to plant an independent Baptist church in New York. Hence the establishment of Bible Baptist Church of Jackson Heights in 2010. A third church, Bible Baptist Church in Elmont, NY also took this new church plant (mission) under its wings. On July 15, 2015, Stephen was ordained by Bible Baptist Church of Jackson Heights upon the recommendation of an ordination Council headed by James Barker (then Pastor of Bible Baptist Church of Elmont, NY). Other members of the Council were Pastor Robert Kent Jesalva (World In Need Baptist Church, Cebu City), Pastor Steve Christopher (Memorial Baptist Church, Brooklyn), Pastor Dana Dice (Gospel Light Baptist Church, Queens), Asst.Pastor Carl Lubin (Bible Baptist Church of Elmont, NY).

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Jasmine was born in 1979 in the Philippines. At 2 yrs old, she and her mother immigrated to New York to live permanently.  They attended All Nations Baptist Church  (under the leadership of Pastor Paul McCardel) in Queens and at 5 years old, Jasmine came to know Christ as her personal Saviour through her Sunday School teacher. Ever since she has always had a love for serving & singing for the Lord. She later returned to the Philippines to finish her high school and college education. It was there, at a local church, that she met Stephen. At this point she had no idea she would become a pastor's wife! A few years later, and three years after marriage, they relocated to New York to seek further treatment for their eldest son, Zachary, who had then just been diagnosed with autism. Through their challenging family situation the Lord began working in their lives and in their hearts. When Stephen confirmed that the Lord was calling him to start a church, Jasmine responded to the calling of her husband by submitting and joyfully partnering in the establishment of BBCJH. By God's grace she continues serving as the Music/Choir Director, church pianist, teaches Sunday School for Junior High Girls and leads the monthly Ladies’ Fellowships. God has taught her so much about herself, about being in the ministry while coping and advocating for her older son’s special needs.

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June 25, 2017 - Russell received his certificate of baptism and is now the youngest member of the church!