Refresh

8 - 12 July 2024

Retreat for People Living and Working in Cross-cultural Communities

If you are fatigued after living and working in a cross-cultural mission-based community, you might feel the need for refreshment, meaningful Christian fellowship, and biblical input.

Decompress at our Bible college campus

Refresh is a short recuperative retreat, run by like-minded people with similar experiences. This full-board break provides you with a supportive, peaceful environment in which to process past experiences, the prospect of change and maintain a healthy ministry-life balance.

Feel God’s presence and calm each morning

A typical morning itinerary might include:

• Time for personal devotions
• A time of worship
• A time of inspirational, enriching Bible teaching
• A prayer walk
• A short talk on a relevant topic, e.g. transition; practicing sabbath; forgiveness & reconciliation, and leaving well.

Pastoral support

We offer you at least one pastoral session. This can vary in length, depending on how much you are processing.

Afternoon activities

The afternoons are largely free for you to use as you prefer. You can explore the local area, rest, make use of the library, visit a local garden centre, etc. There are plenty of resources on-site that you can use for reflection. We can also organise a group trip if desired.

Optional evening gatherings

Each evening, there’s an opportunity to gather as a group to share thoughts, experiences and to pray for each other.

Who is it for?

This break is ideal for anyone returning from a missions context, or for pastors who have been working in busy multicultural environments. Established mission agencies signpost staff to this retreat as part of their member care responsibilities.

Why we do this

Returning to your home culture can be challenging and it can be difficult to find people who can relate to your experiences.

Refresh offers a unique blend of fellowship with like-minded people, pastoral care to help you process what you have been through and refreshment as you prepare for the next step.

Many of All Nations staff have either worked, or still work, in mission or ministry outside the college and are happy to help you in your ongoing mission and ministry journey.

How to apply

Please use our online booking form – click the ’Apply Now’ button on this page.

Are you one of our alumni? If so, a special rate applies – see below for details!

Applications close on Monday 3rd July at 4pm. So don’t delay – book today!