About Us

The Journey Deepens weekend retreats began in 2003 as successor to Heartland MissionsFests 1990-2001. In June 2008 the retreats were positioned under the broader umbrella of The Finishers Project/MissionNext.

The objective is to serve the Body of Christ by linking mission explorers with next steps and sending agencies. "It's only natural that we work more closely together," says Don Parrott, CEO of Finishers/MissionNext. Tulsa-based John McVay will continue to administrate The Journey Deepens retreats across the country as Finishers/MissionNext searches for a long-term director of this ministry that equips Christians to move into missions.

The retreat registrar is based in Tulsa:
  John McVay
  Phone (918) 493-7818
Contact online via The Journey Deepens retreat or jmcvay@inhisimage.org.

If you are mailing a check for the retreat send to:
  Finishers Project
  Attn: Paul Erdmann
  P.O. Box 12649
  Chandler, AZ 85248-0028

We invite you to make a financial gift of any amount to help fund scholarships and make the retreat possible for prospective missionaries who may not otherwise be able to attend. Designate "The Journey Deepens" and make your tax-deductible gift online to Finishers/MissionNext or mail to Finishers at the above address.

Co-sponsors include ACMC, In His Image International, Perspectives Study Program and the U.S. Center for World Mission.

We invite you to tell a friend about The Journey Deepens website.

Here are some endorsements from international missions leaders.
"I believe this website and retreat are an important part of what God is doing that we might become more obedient to the challenge of reaching unreached peoples. It is especially encouraging to see a number of churches and organizations relate and work together with other members of the Body of Christ."
—George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilization

"I am delighted to hear of this initiative to give prospective missionary candidates such an intense weekend. This will be a special time of exposure to mature missionaries and some of the realities of working cross-culturally and help many to have their future role in missions clarified. May God use this vision to impart vision!"
—Patrick Johnstone, author of Operation World.

"As I minister throughout the world I am continually meeting people who sense God's call to missions but are unsure how to proceed. This retreat is a unique opportunity to receive expert information and direction in how to respond to God's call"
—Terry Law, founder of World Compassion

Local hosts are needed to co-sponsor retreats in different regions of the USA.