New Jersey Ordains Two Pastors to the Gospel Ministry

Story by Alejandro Pastor

The New Jersey Conference rejoices in the ordination of Pastor Jonathan Carrillo and Pastor Anthony Ponterio.

From a young age, Carrillo felt the gentle but persistent call of God while working as a dental hygienist. The Spirit stirred his heart to serve in a different way. He pursued his studies at Montemorelos Adventist University (Mexico), earning a degree in Theology, and later at Andrews University (Mich.), where he completed his Master in Divinity. His ministry began at the Mountain View Conference and then continued in New Jersey, where he now pastors the Lake Nelson and New Brunswick churches.

Ponterio was born in Staten Island, N.Y., and raised in Howell, N.J. In 2009, he embraced the Adventist message and was baptized, marking the beginning of a passionate journey of faith. While working as an electrician, he felt God’s call to dedicate his life to ministry. He studied at Andrews University, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and began serving in the New York Conference before being called to New Jersey. Today, he pastors the Tranquility, Hackettstown and Phillipsburg district. He is married to Kensy, and together they are blessed with two children, Julie and Michael, who keep their home filled with joy and energy.