Next Pakistan Reunion in North America Sept 10-14, 2026
Our next Pakistan Reunion in North America is September 10-14, 2026, at the same location -- Maranatha in Norton Shores, Michigan -- central USA and not too far from Canada. All the information you need to plan, prepare, and attend is below. It will be better if you join us, so please do! We hope you will be part of the "dress-up" photo before the Pakistan Khana on the last evening.
Want to get involved and help! Please let me know: pietschsusie@gmail.com
In the meantime, please mark your calendar for Sept 10-14, 2026 and register soon!
FEES & CHARGES FOR 2026
REGISTER
STEP #1:
REGISTER TO ATTEND AND DO YOUR BEST TO CALCULATE YOUR FEES/CHARGES*
(Email me if you need help with calculations.)
ONSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees (over 5 yrs), staying ONSITE, pay both the Reunion Fee and applicable Room/Meal Charge. The Site Activity Fee is included in the Room/Meal Charge for the onsite boarders.
[See ONSITE AT
STEP #1:
REGISTER TO ATTEND AND DO YOUR BEST TO CALCULATE YOUR FEES/CHARGES*
(Email me if you need help with calculations.)
ONSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees (over 5 yrs), staying ONSITE, pay both the Reunion Fee and applicable Room/Meal Charge. The Site Activity Fee is included in the Room/Meal Charge for the onsite boarders.
[See ONSITE ATTENDEES]
OFFSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees (over 5 years), staying OFFSITE, pay Reunion Fee + Site Activity Fee + Charges for applicable Meal Tickets.
[See OFFSITE ATTENDEES]
STEP #2:
CONFIRM & PAY APPLICABLE FEES AND CHARGES FOR
ROOM/MEALS.
Fees and Room/Meal Charges can be PAID all at once or in two installments.
NOTES:
1) ALL Fees and Charges are paid to "Pakistan Fellowship Int'l" and we are responsible to pay Maranatha. You do NOT pay Maranatha directly.
2) If you have any questions about Fees/Charges, complete the form as best as possible and SUBMIT, and we will contact you to discuss Amount Due.
3) Make your total or first payment right after you register in order to ensure "your spot."
4) Deadline for Registrations and Payment(s) is Aug 10, 2026, or when FULL, whichever is first.
5) Contact us to discuss any other proposed payment plan.
OPTIONS TO PAY:
By Check (ask me for address)
Zelle,
Venmo (+3%),
PayPal (+3%)
STEP #3:
CONFIRM WITH ORGANIZERS
The Reunion Organizers have to confirm final payments, turn-in headcount for meals, and assign room/housing, so we will likely need to talk to you if any questions.
CONTACT
BASIC REUNION FEE
TYPES OF FEES
There are three types of fees or charges associated with the Reunion.
1) REUNION FEE: This fee pays for PFI expenses to organize and host reunion and pays for meeting rooms, AV tech support, and 2 dinners and 1 breakfast during Reunion.
2) SITE FEE: This fee is set by Maranatha and covers use of common areas, trails and grounds
TYPES OF FEES
There are three types of fees or charges associated with the Reunion.
1) REUNION FEE: This fee pays for PFI expenses to organize and host reunion and pays for meeting rooms, AV tech support, and 2 dinners and 1 breakfast during Reunion.
2) SITE FEE: This fee is set by Maranatha and covers use of common areas, trails and grounds, and onsite activities including pool, lake, and courts, etc.
3) ROOM & MEALS: The Room & Meal Charges listed below for Onsite Attendees already include the Site Fee.
THE BASIC REUNION FEE IS PAID BY ALL ONSITE AND OFFSITE PARTICIPANTS AND VISITORS.
The Reunion Fee is paid by everyone over 5 yrs, whether you are staying onsite or offsite or simply visiting for a few hours. Fee can be prorated for period of time onsite.
REUNION FEE
EARLY BIRD REUNION FEE:
US$100 pp (over 5 yrs)
Early Bird is for the first 50 Registrants who register and pay before June 15. Early Bird Registration helps us plan and project numbers.
REGULAR REUNION FEE:
$125 pp (over 5 yrs)
Regular Reunion Fee if you register and pay between June 15 and August 10.
LATE REUNION FEE:
The Reunion Fee will likely increase after August 10,
if there is still space available.
* OFFSITE PARTICIPANTS *
Those who choose to stay offsite or need to stay offsite because we are at capacity still need to pay the Reunion Fee and Site Activity Fee.
(See OFFSITE ATTENDEES)
* VISITORS ONLY *
Those joining us for any period of time to "visit" must also pay the Reunion Fee and Site Fee for that day. All persons who come onsite are required to Register and Check-in and pay the related Fees, because Maranatha will require PFI to pay fees for visitors.
Registration Name Tags and Wrist Bands will be required everywhere onsite.
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
ONSITE ATTENDEES
THE ONSITE ROOM & MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE ARE COMBINED IN ONE CHARGE FOR ONSITE ATTENDEES.
The following charges for the 4-night Reunion include
(a) Site Fee, (b) Room Accommodations, and (c) 7 Meals (FRI: B/L, SAT: B/L/D, SUN: B/L)
[*Prices are updated to 2026 rates and include taxes]
Note: In addition, each Registrant, ove
ONSITE ATTENDEES
THE ONSITE ROOM & MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE ARE COMBINED IN ONE CHARGE FOR ONSITE ATTENDEES.
The following charges for the 4-night Reunion include
(a) Site Fee, (b) Room Accommodations, and (c) 7 Meals (FRI: B/L, SAT: B/L/D, SUN: B/L)
[*Prices are updated to 2026 rates and include taxes]
Note: In addition, each Registrant, over 5 years, pays for the PFI Reunion Fee.
Single Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$586
Double Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$478
3 or More Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$439
Youth Package (5-17 yrs)
for entire Reunion
$430
Children Ages (under 5 yrs)
$0
EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS
1) A couple or two persons who register to share a room before June 15:
$100 each + $478 each = $1,156
2) Three persons, over 17 years, (family or not) who register to share a room before June 15:
$100 each + $439 each = $1,617
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Due to limited onsite rooms this year, we encourage room sharing depending on the type of room assigned. You can contact me to discuss rooming. pietschsusie@gmail.com
OFFSITE: SITE FEE & MEALS TICKETS
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
OFFSITE ATTENDEES
What are the fees and meal charges for Offsite Participants and Visitors?
Offsite Participants should pay the Reunion Fee, Site Activity Fee, and Charges for Meal Tickets for the days they are joining us onsite. Even short-time "Visitors" are required to pay both the Reunion Fee and Site Fee for the day they are onsite.
DA
OFFSITE ATTENDEES
What are the fees and meal charges for Offsite Participants and Visitors?
Offsite Participants should pay the Reunion Fee, Site Activity Fee, and Charges for Meal Tickets for the days they are joining us onsite. Even short-time "Visitors" are required to pay both the Reunion Fee and Site Fee for the day they are onsite.
DAILY FEE RATE:
Reunion Fee + Site Fee (NO Meals):
$40 per day per person (over 5 yrs)
MEAL CHARGES
(per person, over 5 yrs)
Thursday Meal:
Welcome Chai &
Evening High Tea: $16
Friday Meals:
B'fast: $15.00
Lunch: $17.75
Dinner: $17.00
Saturday Meals:
B'fast: $15.00
Lunch: $17.75
Dinner: $23.00
Sunday Meals:
B'fast: $15.00
Lunch: $17.75
Pakistani Khana Ticket $40.00
Monday Meal:
Continental Breakfast: $7.00
OFFSITE REUNION MEAL TICKET PACKAGE
Reunion and Site Fee and All Meal Charges for Offsite Participants can be calculated and provided to you.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please contact me and let me know your plans and what you want to attend and we will help you calculate the associated fees.
Questions? Contact:
GETTING THERE, LOGISTICS, AND COMMITTEES
GETTING HERE: AIRPORTS
The Muskegon County Airport (MKG) is closest.
Below are other small and major airports near MKG and the distance:
Grand Rapids, MI
(GRR / KGRR)
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Int'l Airport
(AZO / KAZO)
Manistee County-Blacker Airport
(MBL / KMBL)
(LAN / KLAN)
The Muskegon County Airport (MKG) is closest.
Below are other small and major airports near MKG and the distance:
Grand Rapids, MI
(GRR / KGRR)
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Int'l Airport
(AZO / KAZO)
Manistee County-Blacker Airport
(MBL / KMBL)
(LAN / KLAN)
Flint, MI
(FNT / KFNT)
Green Bay, WI
(GRB / KGRB)
Chicago, IL
(MDW / KMDW)
Detroit, MI
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
(DTW / KDTW)
GETTING HERE: DRIVING
DRIVING:
We realize many will be driving from within Michigan and from surrounding states and from Canada.
RIDE SHARE:
Please let us know if you are driving and have 1 to 3 empty seats that you are willing to share with other(s) -- in your area OR who live between you and the Reunion OR are arriving at an airport near you.
RENTAL CARS:
Please
DRIVING:
We realize many will be driving from within Michigan and from surrounding states and from Canada.
RIDE SHARE:
Please let us know if you are driving and have 1 to 3 empty seats that you are willing to share with other(s) -- in your area OR who live between you and the Reunion OR are arriving at an airport near you.
RENTAL CARS:
Please let us know if you are renting a car at a nearby airport and are willing to add passenger(s) arriving about the same time.
OTHER:
The organizers will try to set-up a mechanism for Registrants to communicate directly regarding Ride-Sharing.
If necessary, we may arrange a rental car to pick-up Registrants from airports.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Maranatha:
See God’s glory in a stunning Lake Michigan sunset, praying in the prayer tower looking out on the lake, and walking miles of scenic trails are only a few of the things you can see and do at Maranatha during your reunion. Maranatha boasts of 88 acres of recreation that includes an amazing adventure area, access to kayaks, paddle
Maranatha:
See God’s glory in a stunning Lake Michigan sunset, praying in the prayer tower looking out on the lake, and walking miles of scenic trails are only a few of the things you can see and do at Maranatha during your reunion. Maranatha boasts of 88 acres of recreation that includes an amazing adventure area, access to kayaks, paddleboards, tennis and pickleball, mini golf and so much more! Here are just some of the fun things that await you…there is something here for everybody!
Link to Maranatha Map
https://maranathamichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Maranatha-Grounds-Map-with-Directions.pdf
For all things Michigan and other state attractions, visit:
WORK GROUPS
To give input or volunteer for a work group in 2026, please contact pietschsusie@gmail.com
[Names are currently being updated from the list for 2024 Reunion.]
Reunion Core Comm:
Amanda Bagnato, Tom Brown, Don Lotze, Susie Pietsch, Jon Salmon, Suzi Hamm
Reunion Work Groups:
Others participate on work groups for specific activities.
Forum Advis
To give input or volunteer for a work group in 2026, please contact pietschsusie@gmail.com
[Names are currently being updated from the list for 2024 Reunion.]
Reunion Core Comm:
Amanda Bagnato, Tom Brown, Don Lotze, Susie Pietsch, Jon Salmon, Suzi Hamm
Reunion Work Groups:
Others participate on work groups for specific activities.
Forum Advisors,
Speakers & Discussants
and Hosts:
Jason P, Jonathan M, Rod B.
Speakers: Joanna Beeler, Luke & Nancy Cutherell, Ken Lotze, Paul & Pat Stock
Hosts: Tom Brown and Don Lotze
Music:
Janet Pittman Wachter, Carol Patzold Berg, and Paul Stock,
with help from
Flute (Rene Valencourt),
Guitar (Glenn Hamm)
Piano (Joyce Bavington)
Worship:
Sunday Service (TBN), Communion (Jon Philbrick),
Paul Stock (music), various ones read scripture and lead music
Creative:
TBN
Finance:
John Lotze
Promotion:
Carolyn Stent, Susie, Sarah DeHart Raiter (all of us)
Tech/AV:
Contracted
Registration:
Suzi, Amanda (onsite)
PK Treasures Sell & Swap:
Carolyn Stent,
Ruthie Nygren Keller
Memorials:
Ruthie Nygren Keller
Writing Workshop:
Marilyn Brown Gardner
Creative Bazaar:
Sarah DeHart Raiter,
Jodie Stock
Game Night - Icebreakers:
Marg Tebbe Spoelman &
Bruce Spoelman
Fun Night:
Carolyn Stent, Jason P.
Tamasha Variety Show:
Marg Tebbe Spoelman, Bruce Spoelman, Deb Rupe
PK Khana:
Amanda Hammerlee Bagnato and Gary Bagnato,
Deb Rupe
Small Groups:
Marty Christy Cosgrove,
Pat Stock,
Chai Making Contest:
Chai Makers: Neil Das, Tim DeHart, Sarah DeHart Raiter, Deb Whitmer;
Chai Judges: Stan Friesen &
Leslie Christy Valencourt
PFI Director &
Reunion Director
Susie Pietsch-Escueta
SOME ACTIVITIES DURING REUNION 2026
Chai Making Contest. Taste it!
Please sign-up in advance and prepare if you want to be a Chai Maker or a Taster-Judge. Chai Makers bring their own supplies. We also welcome encouragers and observers, and all will be welcome to Chat over Chai. The most important is to have fun!
Sign-Up: PietschSusie@gmail.com
Pakistani Treasures. Sale & Swap!
Do you have items from Pakistan (or Afghanistan) you’d like to pass on to someone who will appreciate them? Most of us do. That’s why we created the Pakistan Treasures Sale & Swap! (A little like the barter sale but without hours of sewing on labels.)
How it works: Donated items will be priced and displayed at the Reunion. A percentage of the money collected will go to the Pakistan Fellowship International. The rest will go to a project in Pakistan.
Tamasha Variety Show. Stage it!
A range of funny and serious, the Tamasha Variety Show will be divided into two parts: (Part 1) Teams will compete for "Best at ... [a secret list of activities and memories we share], with an esteemed panel of judges. (Part 2) Individuals and groups sharing stories, talents, and memories.
Master of Ceremonies:
Marg Tebbe Spoelman & Bruce Spoelman (Part 1) and Deb Rupe (Part 2)
Creative Bazaar. Display it! Enjoy it!
The Creative Bazaar will feature and offer different booths and handicrafts during the Reunion. The Creative Bazaar will also feature things that you can share and help others create onsite and/or things that you have created before and want to bring to share with others. Do you want to host and help with a craft? Do you want to bring and share a handicraft that you made or a book you wrote? The Creative Bazaar will give priority to items related to or inspired by Pakistan or Afghanistan and handicrafts and hobbies of attending members who want to give-back to Pakistan, but other handicrafts can be featured with approval.
Email the Creative Workgroup to let them know what you want to bring or do for the Creative Bazaar. More information will be provided.
Creative Bazaar Organizers:
Led by TBN
Memorial Service. Remember them!
The Memorial Service on Sunday during the Reunion is the time when we remember those who have passed since our last in-person Reunion.
If you know someone who has passed, please provide this information -- the person's full name, photo, date of birth and date of death, half-page description of their connection to Pakistan and about their life, as well as your name and contact information.
Memorial Service Organizer:
Led by: Ruthie Nygren Keller
Pakistani Khana. Savor it!
The Pakistani Khana on Sunday evening is the closing event of Reunion. -- besides Monday's breakfast and final goodbyes. The food will be provided by the 'Curry House' and the Khana will take place in a theme-decorated room at Maranatha. All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a full Pakistani or Afghani outfit or at least wear some theme related item(s), e.g., hat or jewelry or shawl. There will be items in Pakistani Treasures or Creative Bazaar to help you prepare for the Pakistan Khana, so don't stress if you don't have something at home to bring.
Khana Organizers:
Amanda Hammerlee Bagnato and Gary Bagnato (Food, Service, Set-up)
others (Theme Decor), TBN (Khana Programme)
Curry Kitchen take-out
Theme for Reunions in 2026
Our Reunions in 2026 will use archways as the illustrative theme. These successive archways at the Tomb of Emperor Jehangir in Lahore are beautiful! Arches and archways are a tribal choice: we’ve all seen myriads of archways in the architecture and art of Pakistan, as well as the wider cultures of Islam and Christianity. Archways are also a symbolic choice. An archway can signify the opening of new perspectives. Spiritually, an arch can represent the covenant and divine protection of Almighty God. Archways are connectors. Arches are storytellers. In this photo, we see a passageway of arches converging us to a place of common ground – our shared history, heritage, and love of Pakistan. In some cultures, passing through an archway symbolizes renewal – leaving the old behind to enter and embrace the new. For you, this reunion may be about leaving the past in Pakistan and embracing your current place. Maybe it’s simply being thankful for the rich heritage we share, as you stand in the archways between your past, present, and future. Or maybe it’s about remembering, appreciating, and re-engaging with Pakistan and connecting with our 'PK/MCS Tribe' in a different or new way, so you can more fully embrace and connect your past with your present. If none of these interpretations applies to you, please simply enjoy the photo.