New Jersey Conference

Editorial by Carlos J. Torres

Read in Spanish

At the New Jersey Conference (NJC), we are mobilized as we hear the echo of God’s call to the prophet Isaiah: “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me’” (Isa. 6:8, NLT).

Story by Anthony Baffi

Jonathan Carrillo joins the New Jersey Conference as the new pastor of the Camden Spanish, Pine Hill Spanish, Gibbsboro Spanish company and Mt. Holly Spanish churches.

Carrillo received his bachelor’s degree in theology from the University of Montemorelos (Mexico). He served as chaplain at the University of Navojoa and associate pastor in the Alamos church and the Central church of Navojoa before moving to pastor in the Rocky Mountain Conference.

“And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him’” (Matt. 8:7 NKJV).

“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented” (Matt. 8:6, NKJV), the Roman centurion said to Jesus. “But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed” (verse 8), because he believed. The story ends by saying: “And his servant was healed that same hour” (verse 13).

There are two lessons I receive from this wonderful story: First, Jesus has the power to heal no matter the severity of the illness. And second, Jesus can use anyone to bless another person who needs help.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matt. 6:25, NIV).

“Hakuna Matata” is a Swahili saying that means, “Don’t worry.” For many people, that’s easier said than done, but not for me. My approach to life is found in Matthew 6:25–34. I learned this, not by choice, but by circumstance.