Elders

We are a Christ-centered church devoted to teaching God’s Word, building strong faith, and living out the love of Jesus daily.

Pastor Teacher:

John Ismach-Eastman

Pastor John J. Ismach-Eastman, a native of Queens, New York, enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve in 1983 while simultaneously pursuing studies in film in Los Angeles. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career as a commercial producer in Hollywood, California.

After coming to faith in Jesus as Messiah, Pastor Ismach-Eastman devoted his life to full-time ministry, leaving behind his career in the visual arts. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries from The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California, followed by a Master of Divinity from The Master’s Seminary in Sun Valley, California. In 2014, he completed a Master of Theology (Th.M.) in Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Pastor Ismach-Eastman has served faithfully in both local church and chaplaincy ministry. He ministered as a Deacon and Outreach Pastor, volunteered as a Chaplain at the Castaic Correctional Facility in California, and, upon graduating from The Master’s Seminary in 2004, began a distinguished career as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. After 20 years of service, he retired from the Navy in 2024.

In August 2025, Pastor Ismach-Eastman was called to serve as Senior Pastor of Bethany Bible Church in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He has been married since 1986 to the former Barbara A. Ruiz of Hollywood, California. Together they have two adult children, Jimmy and Anastasia, and one grandchild, Jesse.

Jaime Tonas was called and chosen into the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1990. Over the years, he has served in many areas, including home groups, youth groups, singles groups, and teaching the Word of God. He also taught at a Bible school in Los Angeles, served as an usher, worked in security, and often opened services with prayer and announcements. Now retired from the ILWU, Jaime lives in Lake Havasu City with his wife Marcely and continues to serve at Bethany Bible Church in whatever way the Lord leads.

Elder Jaime Tonas

Elder Eric (Ric) Stephan

For most of my life I’ve been involved in various church ministries and activities. But it wasn’t until 1990, after a Pastor and his family moved in next door and befriended my wife and me, that I responded to the gospel, received Christ, and learned to appreciate the whole truth of God’s Word.

My family and I started attending Bethany Bible Church in 1993. Subsequently, my late wife developed cancer and went to be with the Lord in 2002. That was a difficult time and without faith in Christ I don't know how I would have gotten through it.

Since joining the church, I've been active in its music ministry, sharing the musical abilities the Lord has blessed me with, including leading the music during the services. Usually, I play the guitar and sing, but I also enjoy picking the mandolin whenever I have the opportunity.

In 2005 I married Barbara, who adds her considerable talents on the banjo to the music ministry. In addition to playing for our church’s worship and praise services, we also enjoy composing original music in the gospel bluegrass or folk style.

I’ve served as am Elder for several years, and for the last few years have been leading the Sunday evening service.

Not known for being outgoing, I’ve found it interesting and somewhat humorous that the Lord would place me in such a visible ministry role. That is a testimony to the fact that He can use anyone He chooses, in any way He chooses, for His glory. I’ve been greatly blessed to serve Him throughout the years.

Stay connected and discover the heart of Bethany Bible Church—where God’s Word is preached, Christ is exalted, and lives are changed. We are a church family committed to biblical truth, authentic worship, and growing together in the grace of Jesus Christ.

Information

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Address

1200 Park Terrace Ave.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona 86404

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Call Us

(928) 855-2661

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