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ABCNJ Hosts Retreat for 4 ABCUSA-IM Missionary Families Print E-mail
Written by Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer, ABCNJ Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor   
Sunday, 03 January 2010 21:04
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Last week, ABCNJ hosted 4 ABCUSA-IM missionary families, all of whom serve in Baja Mexico.  Their area director, Jose Norat Rodriguez, also attended and shared.  The families were: Rick, Mercy, Aida, Richie, Joshua Gonzales-Barnes; Ray, Adalia, Michelle, and Melissa Schellinger-Gutierrez; David, Joyce, Ian, and Aaron Reed; and Tim, Patti, and Daniel Long.

The retreat was filled with wonderful events.  The Santillis hosted the opening dinner on Monday, December 28.  While Suleima Rosario journeyed forth with the youth to enjoy an afternoon of winter sports, the missionaries gathered at the region office for a day's worth of discussions.  Devotions were given by Rev. Bob Santilli, and Dr. Norat and ABCNJ regional team members Rev. Dr. Elmo Familiaran, Rev. Dr. Luciano Marquez, and Rev. Vern Mattson led discussions. Tuesday's lunch was provided by NextGen Ministries (Rev. Mia Chang, pastor) and dinner was provided by Hamilton Square Baptist Church (Rev. Teresa Ely, pastor).  

On Wednesday, Dr. Lee Spitzer guided the group through Manhattan.  We attended a matinee performance on Broadway of Ragtime, and then ate dinner at Carnegie Deli.  Highlights during the evening's stroll included Central Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center, and Times Square.

The families built a snowman on the lawn of the parsonage in Hightstown on Thursday!  Special thanks to FBC Hightstown for opening the parsonage to the families.  Also, thanks to Don Smith and Hilary Gierman for setting up all those beds!

On New Year's day, Paul and Judy Hart graciously opened up their home and hosted the morning and afternoon discussions, and served a delicious lunch!  Dr Spitzer led discussions on missionary-region relationships (AM) and friendship circles (PM).  Everyone then shuttled to the Spitzers' home for a light dinner and root beer and ice cream floats.



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