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If you are not intentional in planning rest and rejuvenation during furlough, chances are - it will not happen! Some workers choose to spend a week or two in an alternate foreign location, on the front-end or back-end of furlough. Others choose to spend a week at a formal debrief center, or some time at a more non-structured retreat space. Others may opt to take a vacation with family. Think about what would be most helpful for you and your family and plan accordingly.
We have compiled a list of places throughout the US that provide options for cross-cultural workers. We are always looking for great resources. If you have experienced a great place to retreat or debrief, let us know! Additionally, if you find any of this information to be out-of-date, we would love to know that as well.
Missionary Debrief and Guided Retreat
Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) | North Carolina | CIT offers a Debrief Retreat and a guided Spirital Retreat (Engage Retreat). You will be poured into by staff who have years of experience in your shoes. See their website for dates and pricing. There are programs for children alongside adult programs, that give you and your children a similar language for talking together about the difficulties of transitioning between cultures. |
Missionary Training International (MTI) | Colorado | MTI offers a weeklong debrief for workers who have been serving overseas for at least one year. It is not necessary to wait until the end of your final term to experience the blessings of a debrief. You are welcome to attend in between terms. There are programs for children alongside adult programs, that give you and your children a similar language for talking together about the difficulties of transitioning between cultures. |
Retreat Centers - US
These are mostly free or offer significant discounts for overseas workers.
It is so important for missionaries on furlough to have some time of rest and relaxation, time to focus on meeting with the Lord and connecting with your family in a special way. We hope this list of free retreat centers will be a blessing to you as you plan your furlough.
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| MultiExcerptName | retreat centers |
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The following organizations offer missionaries retreats at no charge. These are times of spiritual refreshment rather than just vacation times, but missionaries basically chose their own activities with the approval of the organization.
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A Quiet Place
www.aqpretreat.org
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| Quiet Place Ministries www.quietplaceministries.org |
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| Michigan |
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| Quiet Place Ministries |
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| rents cottages or cabins in quiet, peaceful settings for missionaries to have a retreat at no cost for lodging. Quiet Place Ministries provides places where families can spend time together with the Lord. Children are welcome (meals are not included). |
| Missionary Care Ministry www.missionarycareministry.org |
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| Georgia |
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| Missionary Care Ministry offers missionaries free lodging for up to a month in a guesthouse on 11 acres of land. This is intended to provide restoration to those who need to be encouraged and equipped to better proclaim the gospel. Singles, couples, and large families are welcome (some meals are provided). | ||
| CleftRock Retreat Center www.cleftrock.org | Kentucky | CleftRock Retreat Center is a sanctuary for those needing a time of physical rest and spiritual renewing. Located in southeastern Kentucky, cleftRock is nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland mountains. Just two hours from Louisville, Cincinnati, and Knoxville, we offer cabin retreats, hiking trails, and a resource center for missionaries and pastors. Missionaries and pastors stay free two nights. Food not included. |
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Retreat Centers - International
Juniper Tree | Thailand | Since 1977, The Juniper Tree has been offering rest and refreshment for Christian workers, who work in situations outside of their own culture. Rather than being a guest house or hotel, our aim is to provide pleasant accommodation for Christian workers on a restricted budget to come and enjoy the peaceful environment. In normal times we provide three meals per day, Wi-Fi and a personal laundry service. |
