wfn.org | ABNS VNH Leaders Peterson and Foye Remembered

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/18/10)?Rev. Rohn D. Peterson, the acting
executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New
Hampshire (ABC VNH), died on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Rev. Dr.
Arthur Foye, a former area minister and director of World Mission
Support for the region, also died on February 17, 2010.

Peterson served as acting executive minister of ABC VNH since July
2007, working toward organizational restructuring and future development.

?Rohn brought enthusiasm wherever he served. His commitment to finding
creative ways of advancing God's mission was evident in both the
results of his work and quality of the teamwork of those around him,"
said C. Jeff Woods, associate general secretary for Regional
Ministries with American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA).

"I am grateful for his contributions of ministry and am confident that
a stronger region will ensue as a result of his leadership.?

Peterson?s ministry spanned over 30 years, serving Trent Baptist
Church in Trent, SD and the First Baptist Churches of Anamosa, IA, Eau
Claire, WI, Kittanning, PA, and Brookville, PA.  He also served as
vice president of development for the Upstate Home for Children in
Oneonta, NY and executive vice president of development for Central
Baptist Children?s Home in Lake Villa, IL.

?Rohn served well during a stressful time in denominational life,?
said General Secretary Roy Medley. ?His quiet but effective efforts at
building connections with everyone won the hearts of those within his
region.  For these two wonderful servants of Christ who now join that
great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us in our journey with Christ,
we give thanks to God.?

The memorial service will be held Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 1pm
at the First Baptist Church of Lebanon, NH. In lieu of flowers, gifts
may be given in his name to the World Mission Fund of the ABC VNH, 1
Oak Ridge Road, B3, #4A, West Lebanon NH 03784.

Foye served in New Hampshire as an ABC staff member prior to the
merger of ABC VNH. He held the positions of area minister, director of
World Mission Support and director of Camp Sentinel.  He worked with
ABCUSA for over twenty years.

Plans are still being made for the funeral service.

?Art will always be remembered by all of us who knew him for his
wonderful sense of humor. What a delight he was, in any setting,?
Medley said. ?His humor and other wonderful gifts for ministry made a
tremendous impression upon thousands of young campers as well as
though of us who were his contemporaries.?

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian
denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3
million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged
in God?s mission around the world.