Breathe 2019

JUNE 19 — JUNE 29, 2019 SWITZERLAND

If you work cross-culturally, you understand the unique challenges global workers encounter on the field. Changes in language, social systems, identity, values, climate, geography, political unrest, and work roles contribute to stress. Added pressures come from working with multinational teams, visas, children's educational needs, health issues, isolation, relationships (single or married), funding and more. No wonder international workers become discouraged and lose heart.

Breathe is a 10-day retreat intentionally created for the renewal and encouragement of singles, couples, and families who are in need of a break from global work. Under the guidance of member care professionals, you'll have time to debrief and talk through issues impacting you. Children and teens participate in programs designed to meet the unique needs of TCKs. 

Breathe offers the space, time, content, and community to reconnect with God in a beautiful, peaceful setting.

Location

Ahhh, Switzerland. Fresh air. Spectacular vistas. And, chocolate!

Breathe is held at a Christian retreat center in Wilderswil, Switzerland. Credo Schloss Unspunnen is a castle hotel which looks out at the majestic glacier of the Jungfrau on one side and the Lake of Brienz on the other side. The city of Interlaken is 5 minutes away by car or a 20-minute walk (3 km). Situated in the heart of one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking regions, there are opportunities for hiking, cycling, rock climbing, swimming and other outdoor activities.

Credo has 130 beds; rooms have showers and/or toilets en-suite or toilets and showers down the hall and are varied (doubles, triples, quads, and larger rooms sleeping 5-8). There are several meeting rooms, sitting areas, children’s playground, soccer and volleyball grounds and terraces with panoramic views. The Credo staff manages the cooking and cleaning under the guidance of an excellent Swiss chef. That means three meals a day you don't have to prepare!

It's an unbelievable location — safe, peaceful, beautiful and incredible views of the Alps!

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Breathe is a place to rediscover your soul and be loved by your Creator. The retreat is designed for singles, couples and families who work cross-culturally. We offer programs for Adults, Teens, Elementary, and Preschoolers.

AdultS  

You've probably been to lots of conferences. Breathe is intentionally devoid of stuffed notebooks, long seminars, and packed schedules. Each day, there's space to hike, nap, or enjoy a massage. You might want to wander along the river, explore a charming Swiss village, sample local artisan foods, watch the cows in the meadow, sip cappuccino on the veranda or gaze in wonder at God's creation. Morning adult gatherings include worship, meaningful Biblical teaching, engaging discussions, and time to reflect. Each afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to meet with a counselor to debrief and talk about issues affecting you or your family. Our counseling team has years of experience in member care, pastoral, and cross-cultural ministry. A medical doctor is available to discuss any health concerns you may have. Professional massage therapists are also available for you to receive a massage. 

Children 

A loving team of volunteers come with bags packed full of exciting crafts, stories, music and games! Elementary kids participate in a dynamic Vacation Bible Camp experience mornings and afternoons. Infants and preschoolers are cared for each morning and for an hour after lunch (while parents meet with a counselor).

TeenS

Our youth leaders open up conversations with students to help them express the joys and struggles of living cross-culturally. Through worship, bible study, art, hiking, exploring, games and hanging out — new friendships are made. And yeah, they have a lot of fun!

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DETAILS | FEES

Arriving

Both Zurich and Geneva Airports are directly connected to the excellent Swiss network of public transportation.  Hourly trains run from Zurich Airport to Interlaken West Train Station in 2h30 and from Geneva Airport in 3h. Our staff will collect you at the Interlaken West Train Station. Some people use a rental car to get to the conference, others use the Swiss Rail System.  The Swiss Half Fare Card Rail Pass may save money if you are traveling before or after in Switzerland. A rental car isn’t necessary by any means; everything is close by. Some families have calculated the cost of train tickets both to and from the airport and decided a rental for the duration of the conference wasn't that much more and gave them more flexibility. Contact AVIS, Hertz, Europecar, Sixt or Budget. 

FEES

The cost of the conference has been underwritten by generous donors and discounted rates from Credo.  Fees for the 10-day conference include lodging, buffet breakfast, 2-course lunch, 3-course dinner, counseling/debriefing, medical consultation and massage. Rooms sleep between 2 to 8 persons. If you are single and would like a private room for 1 person, there is an additional supplement of 200 CHF.

There are two payments:

1) A deposit of $150 per Single or $300 per Couple or Family reserves your spot. 

2) The conference fee is payable in Swiss francs by credit card, debit card, IBAN or cash upon arrival at BREATHE to Credo Conference Center. For example, a couple would pay the $300 deposit via Paypal (or check) to reserve your spot and the balance of 1540 CHF to Credo upon arrival at Breathe.

Adult (age 16+)  770 CHF + deposit
Adult Single Private Room  970 CHF + deposit
Teen (12-15 years) 540 CHF 
Child (4-11 years) 400 CHF 
Child (Infant-3 years) Free
3rd Child of same family 250 CHF
4th Child of same family Free

CATALYST INTL accepts payment for the deposit of $150 for single or $300 for couple/family through Paypal or check.

Please make checks payable to CATALYST INTL, 6950 Ralston Street, Ventura, California 93003  USA Attn: Judy Fahlman or call +(805) 656-7766 x266.

Space is limited. Sign up early.

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STORIES

"Breathe accomplishes what it’s named for – providing much needed space and opportunity for front-line workers to get alone with God and each other for communion, fellowship and Sabbath rest. There is no other place like it to step back and allow God to breathe new life and refreshment into our lives. It invites workers to hit the reset button and move forward with lots of encouragement, fresh vision and anointing for the next season of life and ministry."

"This trip was so healing for my family. Not only so we feel better about our struggles in this past year, but we actually feel hopeful about our future. Despite all the praise we’d heard about Breathe, I didn’t think 10 days could do that for me. It’s hard to describe how peaceful it was to get away from the violence where we work and be treated with such compassion by all the staff. I can’t say enough good things about this ministry."