Originally from Queens, NY, Pastors Matt and Jeanette Sassano have clearly heard God’s direction to see the gospel flourish in Hornell, NY and the surrounding region. They are the founders & Lead Pastors of Fresh Start Church. (FSC)

Pastor Matt graduated from Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. and ordained in 1986 with the Assemblies of God. Since 2010 he’s been ordained with Life-Net Apostolic Network (LAN) in Rochester, NY under the leadership of Apostle Ron Domina and serves on their board of directors.

Pastor Jeanette was ordained in 2017 through FSC and has ministered in Uganda & the Dominican Republic as both a guest speaker and an interpreter being bi-lingual in English & Spanish. She preaches the word of God at FSC, is the Administrator of “Radiant Women’s Ministry and heads up the Hospitality ministries of the church. She also serves as the church Office Manager, Administrative Assistant to her husband. She is sought after as a speaker for events & conferences and also serves on the Northeast Intercessor’s Team for Evangelist Tim Hines of Tim Hines Ministries based out of Florida. As of 2023, she has a mandate from God to minister, help and teach/preach on the awful subject of sexual grooming & sexual abuse. She has seen MANY set free from the hideous effects of sexual abuse, grooming and trafficking.

Pastor Sassano has ministered in Argentina, India, Africa, and the Dominican Republic. Having settled in upstate New York since 1984, the Sassano’s serve the Hornell, NY community through FSC and R.I.S.E.N. (Reaching Into Society’s Every Need) - the outreach arm of FSC. This includes a wonderful clothing, house wares, food, etc., ministry that has become a staple in the region. Everything they acquire is given away 100% free, no strings attached. The ministry has been labeled “Clothed By God’s Grace” under the able leadership of Melynda Lorow. Hundreds are served each month.

They minister and travel to other churches, meetings, venues, etc. To invite either one of them or both to minister at your event(s) email or call the church for more information.