To learn about the retreat read the magazine article and look at testimonies from past participants. You may also view the four-minute video. The retreat schedule includes worship, life-changing speakers, small group discussions and prayer, Q&A with missionaries, bookstore, personal reflection and prayer.

The retreat fee covers handouts, three light meals Saturday, Sunday continental breakfast, and sleeping accommodations.

For the California retreat cost is $125 per full-time student, $145 per nonstudent if paid at least ten days in advance.

Retreats in Georgia, Illinois, Texas and Pennsylvania cost $100 per full-time student, $120 per nonstudent if paid at least ten days in advance. 

Less than ten days before a retreat the cost increases an additional $25 per person and space may not still be available then, either.

Cancellation policy: when necessary the retreat will refund all fees paid minus $20 processing charge.

To register please complete our Contact Form.

Everyone who participates in the retreat will stay overnight on site even if you do live nearby. At the Georgia retreat each single will have a bunk bed. For other retreats each single will have a single bed and share a room with others. At all locations a pillow, sheets and blanket are provided. Married couples at Georgia retreat will be assigned at check-in a private bedroom with sheets, etc in a host home and then drive there after each evening session. Married couples at other retreats will have a private room on campus.

Is the cost a hindrance to you coming? Don’t let money keep you from discovering your journey into God’s plan. If you don’t have the funds, but you do have the desire to learn more about missions and how to bring the glory of God to the nations, then ask the Lord to provide.

Go to your pastor and request a meeting. Share your desire to explore becoming a missionary and ask for financial help you go to the retreat. Even if you have only been attending for a short time, they will probably still want to help you. Also consider a friend in your church. Invite them to invest in you and your potential life in missions.

Cast a large vision; don’t just ask them to pay for a retreat. You are a worthy investment. They are not giving you a handout, and you are not begging. The Great Commission is the most worthy vocation on the planet, and investing in potential missionaries is a strategic investment in God’s Kingdom. This is their offering to the Lord, and you receive it from the Lord. If you have this perspective then you will understand why the Apostle Paul asked the Lord to provide and then asked people to give. The body of Christ is God’s instrument.

Checks are tax-deductible when made payable to Finishers Project and mailed to the attention of Paul Erdmann, 3303 S. Lindsay Rd, Suite 108 Gilbert, AZ 85297.

Special thanks for the above comments from John with The BodyBuilders, a ministry that gives vision, equipping, and mobilization to the body of Christ to help fulfill the Great Commission. For more attend their training seminar "Boot Camp for Personal Support Raising." Visit www.TheBodyBuilders.net.

You can tell a friend using our example email, handout, or video.

Prospective missionaries come from a variety of ages and life stages. A key part of the retreat are the small groups which meet four times during the weekend with the same missionary coaches. We have discussion groups for high school seniors, college students, young adults, mid-lifers, baby boomers – anyone willing to explore becoming a missionary. We do not have accommodations or a program for children. The four-minute video shows the various age groups though the interviews do not include the older adults who were too shy for the camera.

Ask God to prepare your heart. Read most or all of the first nine articles in the workbook Send Me: Your Journey to the Nations. If you have the book see pages 15-32. Or read these articles online in the section titled Charting the Course. Or you can download the entire book as a 17 MB pdf file and print pdf pages 7-24. Invite friends and family to join you in prayer:
- Pray for the prospective missionaries coming to connect with the Lord, experienced missionaries, and each other.
- Pray for clear minds, open hearts, and physical health and endurance of each participant.
- Pray for safe travel for all involved.
- Pray for wisdom, grace, and patience for the speakers and staff.
- Ask the Lord of the Harvest to send forth workers into His harvest fields.

Optional: occasionally some participants like to print the nine-page guide to the small group discussions and answer some of those questions in advance. Note: most people just receive the guide at the retreat and work on it there.

This is just a weekend so be practical, but don't forget your basics. These items you will certainly need.
- Bible
- Notebook & Pen
- Soap, Shampoo, etc.
- Casual clothes only
- Any questions you want to ask the missions coaches
- Money to buy snacks or books (checks or cash, no credit cards). If you have already have the workbook Send Me bring it. (Send Me may also be available at the retreat to purchase.)
- Note: married couples may need to pack separate bags depending on the housing option they select.
- Optional: a digital camera or mini-DV camcorder if you're willing to take some shots that could be added to our website or promo video. Please also bring a cable so a copy can be downloaded to The Journey Deepens computer at the retreat.
- Coaches: for prayer bring one topic (including three prayer points) and one photo (on thumbdrive or CD)
- Print this page with directions below to the retreat location
(Hint: click on all answers you need on paper and then use your browser print button.)

Everyone who participates in the retreat will stay overnight on site even if you do live nearby. Pillow, sheets and blanket are provided. Please bring your own toiletries. At the Georgia retreat each single will have a bunk bed. For other retreats each single will have a single bed and share a room with others. At all locations a pillow, sheets and blanket are provided. Married couples at Georgia retreat will be assigned at check-in a private bedroom with sheets, etc in a host home and then drive there after each evening session. Married couples at other retreats will have a private room on campus.

The retreat begins on Friday at 7 pm with check-in 5-7 pm. (Missions coaches check-in and meet Friday at 3 pm.) Dinner is not available Friday night so eat before you come. The retreat concludes around 12.30 pm on Sunday after cleanup and Sunday lunch is not provided. (Missions coaches debrief and leave Sunday at 2 pm). We will all have three light meals together on Saturday and continental breakfast together on Sunday.

Please select a flight that arrives Friday before 5 pm and departs Sunday after 3pm.  (Missions coaches should select a flight that arrives Friday around 1p and departs Sunday after 4.30 pm.)

For the California retreat we suggest you first look for flights to the Burbank Airport (BUR). This is closer and typically has fewer flight delays than the alternative: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In either case those who fly should reserve in advance a shuttle van ride to the Aylward building of the U.S. Center for World Mission on the campus of William Carey International University (WCIU), 1539 East Howard St. Pasadena CA 91104. WCIU receives a discounted rate from Prime Time Shuttle (800) 733-8267  as well as Supershuttle (909) 984-0040 . Be sure to mention William Carey International University when calling for reservations and call to arrange for service several days prior to your arrival (to reduce wait time at the airport). Rates vary. We suggest you do not reserve your return ride since at the retreat we can get together and arrange to travel back together at a cheaper group rate.

For the Georgia retreat select a flight to the Atlanta airport (ATL). To reserve a seat in the volunteer vehicle between the airport and retreat center please indicate your interest via the Contact Us form and be ready to give some money for gas.

About a week before the retreat begins we'll send email addresses of others coming from your area so you can consider sharing a ride together.

If it looks like you will arrive Friday after 9 pm or if you need directions please call (918) 748-1713 x1 (this number will be forwarded to The Journey Deepens cell phone). Dinner is not served Friday so you may want to eat in advance.  Remember: space is limited at the retreat and pre-registration is required.

For the California retreat we are using the dorms and the China room in the Gladys Aylward conference facilities at the U.S. Center for World Mission on the campus of William Carey International University. For driving directions enter your starting address from inside this link to 1539 East Howard St, Pasadena, CA 91104. The office phone is 626-398-2415. William Carey International University is on slightly elevated ground near the San Bernardino Mountains; the Aylward House is the westernmost Building on the campus. The main entrance to the Aylward Dorm is on the eastern side of the building, opposite Wesley Ave (which borders Aylward on the West).

For the Georgia retreat we are using the conference facilities of Operation Mobilization just 20 minutes from the Atlanta, Georgia airport. For driving directions enter your starting address from inside this link to 285 Lynnwood Ave, Tyrone, Georgia. Their office phone is 770-631-0432.

If you're driving from Birmingham take I-20 east. Then exit #10A onto I-285 south. Then take I-85 south. Take exit #61 which is highway 74 and then proceed south. Exit onto Senoia Road and continue south. Turn right onto Lynnwood Avenue. Follow signs to Operation Mobilization and The Journey Deepens.

If you're driving from the north or east sides of Atlanta take I-285 south towards Atlanta International Airport. Then take I-85 south. Take exit #61 which is highway 74 and then proceed south. Exit onto Senoia Road and continue south. Turn right onto Lynnwood Avenue. Follow signs to Operation Mobilization and The Journey Deepens.

If you're driving from Montgomery take I-85 north. Then exit #56, turn right onto Collingsworth/Palmetto Road. Turn right onto Senoia Road and continue south. Turn right onto Lynnwood Avenue. Follow signs to Operation Mobilization and The Journey Deepens.