The next Pakistan Reunion is Sept 10-14, 2026.
Our next Pakistan Reunion is September 10-14, 2026 at the same location -- Maranatha in Norton Shores, Michigan.
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 "dressed-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!
REUNION THEME:
Reunion 2026 will again 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. We see a passageway of arches, like in the above photo, 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.
FEES & CHARGES WILL BE UPDATED FOR 2026
REGISTER
STEP #1:
REGISTER TO ATTEND AND CALCULATE FEES/CHARGES.
ONSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees <5 yrs, staying ONSITE, pay both the Reunion Fee and applicable Room/Meal Charge. The Site Activity Fee is included in Room/Meal charge for the onsite boarders.
OFFSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees <5 yrs, staying OFFSITE, pay Reunion Fee + Site Activity Fe
STEP #1:
REGISTER TO ATTEND AND CALCULATE FEES/CHARGES.
ONSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees <5 yrs, staying ONSITE, pay both the Reunion Fee and applicable Room/Meal Charge. The Site Activity Fee is included in Room/Meal charge for the onsite boarders.
OFFSITE ATTENDEES:
All attendees <5 yrs, staying OFFSITE, pay Reunion Fee + Site Activity Fee + Charges for applicable Meal Tickets.
Registration Form will be here:
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 and turn-in headcount for meals and assign room/housing, so we will likely need to talk to you.
CONTACT
BASIC REUNION FEE
TYPES OF FEES
There are three types of fees 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 4 meals including Pakistani Khana, 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 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 4 meals including Pakistani Khana, during Reunion.
2) SITE FEE - This fee is set by Maranatha and covers use of common areas, trails and grounds, and site activities including pool and lake, etc.
3) ROOM & MEALS - The Room & Meal Charges listed below for Onsite Participants 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 <5 yrs, whether you are staying onsite or offsite or visiting.
REUNION FEE
EARLY BIRD REUNION FEE:
US$110 pp (<5 yrs)
Early Bird is for the first 33 Registrants who pay before Apr 1. Early Bird Registration helps us project and plan.
REGULAR REUNION FEE:
$130 pp (<5 yrs)
Regular Reunion Fee if you register and pay before August 1.
LATE REUNION FEE:
The Reunion Fee will likely increase after August 1,
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 Participants)
* 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 PARTICIPANTS
THE ONSITE ROOM & MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE ARE COMBINED IN ONE CHARGE FOR ONSITE PARTICIPANTS.
The following charges for the 4-night Reunion include
(a) Site Fee, (b) Room Accommodations, and (c) 7 Meals (Note: 4 Meals are paid by Reunion Fee.)
[*Prices are updated to 2026 rates and include taxes]
[Note: In addition, each R
ONSITE PARTICIPANTS
THE ONSITE ROOM & MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE ARE COMBINED IN ONE CHARGE FOR ONSITE PARTICIPANTS.
The following charges for the 4-night Reunion include
(a) Site Fee, (b) Room Accommodations, and (c) 7 Meals (Note: 4 Meals are paid by Reunion Fee.)
[*Prices are updated to 2026 rates and include taxes]
[Note: In addition, each Registrant >4 years pays PFI Reunion Fee.]
Single Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$546
Double Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$438
3 or More Occupancy Price (Per Adult) for entire Reunion
$399
Youth Package (5-17 yrs)
for entire Reunion
$399
Children Ages <5 yrs
$0
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Due to limited onsite rooms this year, we encourage you to share a room depending on the type of room assigned. Please contact me to discuss rooming. pietschsusie@gmail.com
OFFSITE: SITE FEE & MEALS TICKETS
ONSITE: ROOM, MEAL CHARGES & SITE FEE
OFFSITE PARTICIPANTS
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 "Visitors" are required to pay both the Reunion Fee and Site Fee for the day they are onsite.
DAILY FEE
OFFSITE PARTICIPANTS
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 "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 <5 yrs
MEAL CHARGES
(per person <5 yrs)
Thursday Meal:
High Tea: $15
Friday Meals:
B'fast: $15.00
Lunch: $17.75
Dinner: $23.00
Saturday Meals:
B'fast: $15.00
Lunch: $17.75
Dinner: $20.00
Sunday Meals:
B'fast: $15.00
Lunch: $17.75
Pakistani Khana Ticket $40.00
Monday Meal:
Bfast: $15.00
OFFSITE REUNION 5-DAY PACKAGE
Reunion and Site Fee and All Meal Charges for Offsite Participants can be calculated and provided.
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 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,
Spea
To give input or volunteer for a work group in 2026, please contact pietschsusie@gmail.com
[Names are currently being updated from the 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