10/27/2022

Rev. Sandra Pontoh awarded 2022 Bob Ervin Spiritual Care Award

The Rev. Sandra Pontoh was awarded the 2022 Bob Ervin Spiritual Care Award at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Spiritual Care Conference on Oct. 18.

The Bob Ervin Spiritual Care Award recognizes persons from the community who have distinguished themselves as spiritual care providers generally, and particularly for patients at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

Pontoh serves as pastor of the Maranatha Indonesian United Church of Christ in Madbury and has built a strong reputation as a dedicated and highly appreciated member of the Dover area community for over 18 years.

At Wentworth-Douglass, Pontoh has been actively lecturing on cultural issues or ministering to parishioners, both virtually and in person, for several years. She serves as an interpreter for patients that need help communicating with medical staff.

Pontoh is an ordained member of the Dover Area Religious Leaders Association (DARLA), and has served the Indonesian community in numerous ways, including her work on behalf of families, parishioners, detainees, and patients. She worked tirelessly as pastor, organizer,  interpreter, advisor, and advocate.

Ordained in Indonesia, Pontoh arrived in the United States in 1998 to study at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. She was called to New Hampshire by the Indonesian community at the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Newington. In 2004, she organized the Maranatha Indonesian Church in Madbury where she now serves. In 2020 she founded New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support (NHICS).

Pontoh has been recognized by multiple organizations and local politicians for her advocacy on behalf of the Indonesian community and her unwavering commitment to keep these families safe and together.
The Bob Ervin Spiritual Care Award is named after Rev. Bob Ervin, who served as a longtime pastor at the Strafford County House of Correction and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.