FEBRUARY 1—6, 2023 


Gather with global women 
Reconnect with God's presence 
Create space for your soul

This has been a long and difficult season, driven by a pandemic that forced all of us to accept a new normal. In the midst of this season of loss, the world has been assaulted by the tragedy of division and war. Many of us are tired. Some of us are exhausted. We all are wondering what might be next. 

Amidst these realities, we invite you to step away. To take time to breathe and reflect, listen, and experience the sweet healing grace and goodness of God. 

That's why this gathering is named Ava. It comes from the name Eve, meaning "to live and breathe"—and it has been created with you in mind. It is our desire that Ava offers a time and space for you to reconnect with God and renew your soul.

At Ava, we are taking a whole body and spiritual approach to wellness—coming together in a place of great beauty, wonderful food, meaningful worship, and sharing with other like-minded women. You will have time to meet with a counselor, talk about your story, and gather around the table with others. All this takes place over six days on the spectacular coast of Southern Spain.

Location

THE VILLAGE OF MIJAS IN THE COSTA DEL SOL REGION OF SPAIN

Ava is held at the 4 star TRH Mijas Hotel in the urban center of Mijas, located 25 minutes from the city of Malaga. Built in the typical Andalusian architecture, it offers fabulous panoramic views to the Mediterranean. Its charming rooms are for double or single occupancy and have toilets and showers en-suite. There is a pool, wellness spa center, tennis court and solarium terrace. Meals are prepared by the excellent hotel staff (three meals a day prepared by someone else!). 

It's a restorative location — safe, peaceful and beautiful!

REGISTER AVA 2023

PROGRAM

You've probably been to lots of conferences. We hope this is different. During sunny afternoons, you might wander along the cobblestone streets in historic Mijas soaking in the stunning Mediterranean coast. Or maybe hike one of the trails of the Sierra de Mijas. Or visit a beachside chiringuito for a glass of sangria and tapas. We hope you savor unrushed moments.
Ava is brought to you by the team behind the Breathe Conference in partnership with member care leaders in Malaga, Spain. We'll gather in the morning for worship, meaningful messages, engaging discussions, and time alone to reflect. You'll have the opportunity to meet with a counselor each day to debrief and talk about issues affecting you or your family. Our counseling team has years of experience in member care, pastoral, and global ministry. A medical professional is available to discuss your health concerns. We also have trained life coaches and spiritual directors on our team who will listen and help you discern how God is seeking you.
We are praying this will be a sacred time for you to be renewed by grace. 

REGISTER AVA 2023

DETAILS | FEES

Arriving

Guests arrive Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Our first gathering is at 5 pm. Guests depart Monday, February 6 by 10 am. The main international airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. From the airport, a taxi or Uber can be taken to the hotel (about 25 minutes). Pending arrival times for guests, we can help coordinate a shared taxi. Guests will take a taxi back to the airport when departing.

FEES

A portion of the cost of the conference has been underwritten by generous donors to Catalyst Intl. Fees for the 5-night conference include lodging, buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee break, counseling/debriefing and medical consultation. Rooms sleep 1 or 2 persons. There are two payments:

1) A deposit of $150 per person paid to Catalyst Intl reserves your space.

2) The balance of the conference fee is payable to Catalyst Intl by December 1, 2022. 

3) Accommodations

Private room for 1 person — Deposit of $150, Balance due $700

Shared room for 2 persons — Deposit of $150, Balance due $500 per person

Space is limited. Sign up early.

REGISTER AVA 2023

STORIES

As a therapist serving global women who are often tired, weary, and feeling alone as they navigate all kinds of grief, loss, and trauma, I am so grateful for the gracious invitation of renewal that Ava offers. What a gift for like-minded woman to experience 5 days of unhurried, grace-filled renewal in a gorgeous setting. Time to rest. To laugh. To cry. To linger over conversations. To saunter along a quiet pathway. To eat food someone else has cooked! To “go out and play.” This is life. This is grace. This is Ava.  — Karen Merry, Counselor, Budapest

I remember thinking to myself, ‘If I knew where to go, I would go. If I could talk to somebody, I would. But I don’t know where to go and I don’t know who I can talk to.’ At the time I was being stretched, pulled, pushed past limits of knowing—of strength. How I would have loved to step out and step into something like Ava. A place to be away! But not just away—a place to be met, just where I was, just how I am. It’s a gift we don’t often receive. It’s a gift Ava gives generously. I hope you will come. You will be met, seen, accepted, and loved.You can trust that. I have—and it made all the difference for how I went forward from there. –Jeanni Shepherd, Counselor, Founder, Ministry Essentials