JANUARY 28 — FEBRUARY 3, 2025 


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

Living cross-culturally poses a myriad of unique challenges. Cultural barriers, visa complexities, political uncertainties, team conflicts, educational considerations for children, physical and mental health concerns, stress on relationships, and more. The never-ending demands of ministry in global environments can be depleting.

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

Welcome to Ava, a gathering thoughtfully crafted with your needs in mind. The name Ava, derived from Eve, means "to live and breathe"—and it is designed to provide space for you to reconnect with God and renew your soul.

Ava is meant to be a holistic wellness experience, combining elements of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Nestled along the breathtaking coast of Southern Spain, this retreat offers a peaceful environment as well meaningful teaching and worship, and community with like-minded women. Our dedicated team of skilled volunteers includes trained counselors, spiritual directors, life coaches, a physician, and worship leader. Each afternoon, you'll have time to meet with a counselor, unpack your story, and gather around the table with other women. There is a free day in the middle of the retreat for you to explore the surroundings, visit the beach, shop, or savor time alone. All this takes place over six nights in the charming village of Mijas. 

Ava is for full-time global servants.

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Location

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

Ava is held at the TRH Mijas Hotel in the urban center of Mijas, located 25 minutes from the city of Malaga and the coast. Built in the typical Andalusian architecture, it offers fabulous panoramic views to the Mediterranean. Its quaint 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. Mijas is a ten minute taxi ride to the beach. The village of Mijas is full of artisanal shops, cafes, and beautiful vistas of the coast. Meals are prepared by the excellent hotel staff (three meals a day made by someone else!). 

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

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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 hike one of the trails of the Sierra de Mijas. Or visit a beachside chiringuito for a glass of sangria and tapas.
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 who are available to listen and help you discern how God is seeking you.
There is a free day midway through the retreat or you to explore, go to the beach, shop, or enjoy some solitude. We are praying this will be a sacred time for you to be renewed by grace. 

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, January 28—Day 1. Guests arrive. Welcome reception at 5:30 pm followed by dinner, and a brief evening program.

Wednesday, January 29—Day 2. Morning gathering (worship & message). Discussion groups. Afternoon appointments.  

Thursday, January 30—Day 3. Morning gathering (worship & message). Discussion groups. Afternoon appointments.

Friday, January 31—Day 4. The day and evening are free for guests and staff. 

Saturday, February 1—Day 5. Morning gathering (worship & message). Discussion groups. Afternoon appointments.  

Sunday, February 2—Day 6. Morning gathering (worship & message). Discussion groups. Afternoon appointments. Final worship, communion and sharing.

Monday, February 3—Day 7. Guests depart.

DETAILS | FEES

Arriving

Guests arrive Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Our first gathering is at 5:30 pm. Guests depart Monday, February 3 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. If you would like to arrive a few days before the conference, it's possible to do so (per night rate applies).

FEES

A portion of the cost of the conference has been underwritten by generous donors to Catalyst Intl. Fees for the 6-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 spot.

2) The additional conference fee is payable to Catalyst Intl by December 1, 2024.

3) Accommodations available:

Private room for 1 person, 6 nights — Deposit of $150 plus conference fee of $800

Shared room for 2 persons, 6 nights — Deposit of $150 plus conference fee of $600.

Note: Shared accommodations are two single beds that are closer, rather than further apart. If you're with your friend, not a problem. If you prefer more space when sleeping with a new roommate, you may want a single room.

Space is limited. If the conference is full, we will place you on a wait list and contact you if a spot becomes available.

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STORIES

I have nothing but good things to say about the conference as it was done perfectly.  It is evident to me that Ava is something God orchestrated and something that was well thought out and prayed over.— Global worker serving in Guinea 

I came to the conference with so much weight from several years of hard heavy stuff. I was weary and hanging on by a thread. I needed a place to lay it all down. Ava not only let me do that they also invited me on the journey to healing and resting in God’s deep abiding love. — Global worker from Middle East

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

It was so special to feel loved on, prayed for and encouraged by so many people who were there for us! It was a blessing to not be in charge of anything, to be a participant at such a beautiful event and to feel valued, affirmed and invested in.  — Global worker serving in Macedonia

I go to conferences of one type or another at least once a year and I got more from this conference than any other conference I have attended. — Global worker from N. Africa