Upcoming retreats
Exchange at the Cross Debriefing Retreats
A sacred space for your story
We offer structured, five-day debriefing retreats for Christian global workers throughout the year. Each retreat uses the Le Rucher Exchange at the Cross model — a proven, biblically rooted process that creates space for you to reflect on your ministry journey, name your losses, and invite Christ into the places that most need His presence.
Everything is provided. You bring yourself. We take care of the rest.
Why Consider a Debriefing Retreat?
Many Christian global workers carry their stories alone. The grief, the losses, the transitions, the disappointments — they press on, hoping the next season will bring relief. But unprocessed experiences don't disappear. They settle quietly into our hearts until burnout, confusion, or crisis forces the pause that reflection could have prevented.
A debriefing retreat creates that pause — before the breakdown.
This retreat may be the right step if you are:
Transitioning between fields, roles, or seasons of ministry.
Returning from the field and preparing for re-entry.
Processing a difficult or painful ministry experience.
Feeling emotionally or spiritually depleted.
Preparing for furlough or retirement.
Carrying things you have never had space to fully process
You do not need to be in crisis to come. Many of the workers who benefit most are those who are still functioning — but wise enough to know that what they're carrying deserves attention.
Not sure if a retreat is right for you? Read more about what debriefing is and who it's for.
The Exchange at the Cross™ Model
At Compass Asia we use the Exchange at the Cross™ debriefing model, developed by Le Rucher Ministries — a biblically based approach rooted in Jesus' encounter with two grieving disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35).
Jesus walked alongside them, listened without judgment, and created space for them to tell their story. He did not rush to fix what they were carrying. He simply walked with them — and in that unhurried space, something shifted.
The Exchange at the Cross model follows that same movement. Over five days, you are invited to look back honestly at your story — your experiences, your losses, your grief, and the weight you may not have realized you were carrying. Many workers arrive surprised by what surfaces when they are finally given space to look.
The retreat combines group sessions with personal one-on-one time with your debriefer — creating a rare dynamic where you are both accompanied and deeply seen.
Le Rucher Ministries has been serving missionaries since 1994, debriefing thousands of workers and training facilitators around the world. All Compass Asia retreat debriefers are trained in the Exchange at the Cross model and bring their own cross-cultural experience to the work.
Want to understand more about debriefing? Visit our Debriefing page.
whaT YOUR RETREAT INCLUDES
Everything is provided. There is nothing hidden in the cost and nothing to arrange once you arrive.
Five full days of structured debriefing — personal sessions with your trained Le Rucher debriefer
Group plenary sessions — worship, teaching, and shared reflection
All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the full five days
All accommodation for the duration of the retreat
All retreat materials and support services
Personal reflection time built into each day
The only cost not included is your travel to and from the retreat location. You are responsible for your own flights and transfers. We are happy to assist with any questions about getting to either location.
Investment
Individual missionary $950 USD
Couple $1,450 USD
All meals and accommodation are included in the above pricing for both locations.
Church partners: If your sending church is a Compass Asia partner, you may qualify for a reduced rate.
Retreat Dates
We currently offer retreats at two locations — Penang Hill, Malaysia and Odessa, Florida. Spaces at each retreat are limited. We encourage you to apply as early as possible — six to eight months in advance when possible — to secure your preferred dates.
FLORIDA, uSA
Odessa, Florida — August 16–21, 2026
Set on a beautiful private farm in Odessa, Florida — just outside Tampa — this retreat takes place in a setting that is as peaceful as it is restorative. Rolling grounds, open skies, quiet spaces for reflection, and the unhurried rhythm of farm life create an environment that naturally invites slowing down. This is a place where you can walk, breathe, pray, and simply be still in a way that is hard to find anywhere else.
For workers returning from the field, on furlough in the US, or based in North America, this is an accessible and deeply restful retreat option.
Open to: Individual missionaries and couples
PENANG, MALAYSIA
Penang Hill Retreat Center — 2027
Located on beautiful Penang Hill, Malaysia, our retreat center offers a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by lush tropical greenery. This quiet hillside setting provides a secluded environment away from ministry demands — the perfect atmosphere for reflection, rest, and meaningful conversation with God and others who truly understand your journey.
For workers across Southeast Asia — Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and beyond — Penang is close enough to be practical, far enough to feel like a genuine retreat.
February 14–19, 2027
February 28 – March 5, 2027
April 25–30, 2027
August 22–27, 2027
Open to: Individual missionaries and couples
Prefer a Private Debriefing?
A group retreat is not the right fit for everyone. If you would prefer a private, one-on-one debriefing experience — or if none of the scheduled dates work for your situation — Compass Asia also offers personal debriefing in person and online.
Learn more about personal debriefing here.
READY TO TAKE THIS STEP?
Retreats fill quickly and spaces are limited. We encourage you to apply as early as possible — even six to eight months in advance when you can. Simply complete the application form below and we will be in contact within five business days with next steps to secure your place.
Not ready to apply just yet? We would love to hear from you on WhatsApp first. Send us a message, tell us a little about where you are, and we will help you figure out if this is the right next step.
Your ministry matters. Your story matters. You matter.