Michael K. Peniston, 57, passed away on November 19, 2015 in Neptune, New Jersey.  He was born on December 25, 1957 in Neptune, New Jersey to Reginald and Carolyn Peniston.

He attended Neptune Public Schools and graduated from Neptune High School in 1976.  Michael received a full Track and Field Scholarship to the University of Maryland, College Park and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral and Social Sciences.

He was a Behaviorist for Adults with Disabilities. He worked for Easter Seals, the ARC of Union County, and most recently The Open Door of NJ.  He was licensed for the Gospel Ministry at Harmony Ministries on January 24, 1999.  He received the call to preach while on a spiritual mission at America's Keswick in Whiting New Jersey, in June of 1997. In 2012, he entered the Chaplaincy program at Jersey Shore University Hospital, Neptune, NJ.

As a child Michael came to know the Lord as an altar boy at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Asbury Park, New Jersey.  However, it was in March of 1992, while a member of Bethany Baptist Church, Farmingdale, New Jersey, that he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

Soon after he enrolled as a student at the Monmouth Bible Institute (MBI) in Farmingdale, New Jersey, and spent the next four years intently learning the Word of God.  Upon receiving a diploma in Christian Education in June 1996, and eager to build on the foundation of truths learned at MBI, Michael and his family joined the membership of Harmony Ministries, USA, Inc., in Lakehurst, New Jersey, under the pastorate of Owen L. Alston.  In 1997, Michael returned to MBI to study in the Advanced Program.  He graduated in June of 1999 and was an instructor at the institute.

Michael was a devoted husband and father. He was known by his smile and his love for people. He loved to make people laugh. He married Deborah Hill in June 1990 and moved to Farmingdale, NJ. To that union, two children were born, Chelsey and Michael II (Mikey). Together, they headed the Couples Fellowship Ministry at Harmony and their counselling ministry touched the lives of many married couples and families in the area.

Michael was also head of the Men's Fellowship and Nursing Home Ministry at Harmony for many years. He was an instructor for the Christian Training Program (CTP) and was involved in Missions Outreach and the audio/video ministry.  He was in charge of pastoral covenants for graduates of the Colony of Mercy at America's Keswick.  He was also a member of the Fellowship of Inner-City Word of Faith Ministries (FICWFM).

Michael was predeceased by his father, Reginald Peniston.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Deborah; children, Chelsey and Mikey, Farmingdale, NJ; mother, Carolyn Peniston, Neptune, NJ; one sister, Joanne Peniston, Neptune, NJ; two brothers, Greg Peniston, Neptune, NJ and Jeffrey Peniston, Easton, Pennsylvania; aunt, Paulette Wainright, Brick, NJ;  two uncles, Dwight Gray, Manchester, NJ, Mark Gray, Asbury Park, NJ;  in-laws, Charlie and Lois Hill, Farmingdale, NJ; Bill and Pam Hill, Farmingdale, NJ; Danny Hill, Farmingdale, NJ; six nieces, Shannah, Jasmyn, Amora, Victoria, Kayla, Kyra; two nephews, Bill Jr, Sean; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.