Abolition Retreat

Lake Thun, Switzerland

May 27-May 31, 2024

Be equipped. Get renewed. Abolish trafficking.

This retreat will be in English.

See Lake Thun

Take the next step in fighting for freedom

If you’re a person of faith who longs to strengthen your relationship with Jesus and go deeper in the fight to end trafficking, this retreat is designed for you.

An intimate spiritual gathering set in the pristine beauty of Thun Lake, Switzerland, the Abolition Retreat will provide you with teaching from Exodus Cry and other seasoned anti-trafficking leaders, paired with times of rejuvenation and reflection, to help nurture your calling to fight trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

Apply now

Teaching & Instruction

Learn from Exodus Cry leaders and others, as they share inspirational messages that will strengthen you in your calling as a modern abolitionist and teach you effective strategies we’ve learned in over a decade of anti-trafficking work.

Hear from:

Benjamin Nolot, Founder of Exodus Cry
Helen Taylor, Exodus Cry Vice President of Impact
Simon Haggstrom, author and detective inspector specialized in prostitution and sex trafficking

A woman raises her hands in worship at last year's retreat

Ministry & Worship

Experience encouraging and empowering times of ministry, including authentic, vibrant worship.

A small group sits and talks around a patio table

Mentorship & Small Groups

While meeting daily with your assigned small group, gain wisdom and clarity in your calling from an abolitionist leader with years of experience in this fight.

Relax & Adventure

Enjoy your afternoons in the ways that are most meaningful to you: explore scenic hikes, enjoy on-site mini-golf, try paddle boarding or kayaking (rentals available at Lake Thun, a five-minute drive away), or just relax on the beautiful retreat center’s property.

A group of people laughing around a table

Community & Networking

In this intimate gathering of about 65 people, engage with like-minded abolitionists who are on a journey like yours, and build meaningful friendships that could last a lifetime.

FAQs

More details coming soon

Who is the Abolition Retreat for? This retreat is ideal for any follower of Jesus with a deep desire to help end trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Whether you’re already working in the field or you’ve just begun dreaming of how you can join the fight, we want to equip, support, and empower you to find your place in this global movement. All sessions are intended for mature audiences (15 years or older). If you need to bring children in order to attend, we can place you on a waiting list. However, please note that we are unable to provide childcare at this event.

How will our time be spent? Most days will consist of a morning and evening session with worship and teaching. The afternoons will also offer the option of participating in your assigned mentor group, which will be led by an experienced abolitionist leader.

There will be several hours on most afternoons where you can relax or choose your own adventure. Activities include: kayaking*, paddle boarding*, hiking, exploring the town of Thun, and more.

*Paid rental required.

What will I learn during the teaching times? The teaching sessions will cover a range of themes:

Casting vision for ending trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation
Gaining insight into the calling of a modern abolitionist
Understanding the current global climate of the sex trade in Europe and worldwide
Learning practical strategies Exodus Cry has used to effectively confront systems of injustice and offer assistance to survivors of sexual exploitation

How will I get to Hotel Meielisalp?

Please note that flights and transportation are not included in the price of the retreat.
Public transportation is available from all the nearest airports to Leissigen.
Nearest airports include:
- Zurich (ZRH); this has the most direct public transportation option
- Geneva (GVA)
- Basel (BSL)
You may also rent a car from an airport if you’d like. There will be ample parking space for those who drive in.
Hotel Meielisalp address: Meielisalp, Stoffelberg, 3706 Leissigen.
We will be providing a shuttle service to the hotel from Leissigen bus station, free of charge.

Details

When

May 27–31, 2024

Lodging

Hotel Meielisalp, Leissigen, Switzerland

Airport

Geneva Airport (GVA), Zürich (ZHR) and Basel (BSL)

Speakers

Benjamin Nolot, Founder of Exodus Cry; Helen Taylor, Exodus Cry Vice President of Impact; Simon Haggstrom, author and detective inspector specialized in prostitution and sex trafficking

Food

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included (buffet style)

Transportation

Attendees are responsible for transportation to/from the retreat. A shuttle bus will be provided from the Leissigen bus station to the hotel, free of charge

About Exodus Cry

Exodus Cry exists to abolish trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation because, like you, we’re consumed with the conviction that every person should be free. Through eye-opening films, sharp social content, and targeted campaigns, we’ve exposed this injustice for millions worldwide and activated advocates in nearly every country. We also have the honor of personally assisting victims of the sex industry and helping them to exit a life of exploitation so they can rebuild beautiful new lives.

Our award-winning films and viral campaigns have compelled the world’s largest companies to stop profiting off sexual exploitation, and have helped shape global legislation after being seen by audiences at the United Nations, US Congress, and other high-level governing bodies.

Venue

Hotel Meielisalp
Stoffelberg, 3706 Leissigen, Switzerland

Pricing

Admission for the 2024 Abolition Retreat is now closed, but check back here for our next retreat in 2025.

					Shared Double Room
shared dorm-style bathroom
					Shared room with 1 attendee (you will be paired with an attendee of the same sex)
					
					
						$2,200
						Per Person
					
					Apply
				

				Shared Double Room
private bathroom
					Shared room with 1 attendee (you will be paired with an attendee of the same sex)
					
					
						$2,400
						Per Person
					
					Apply
				

					Married Couple Room
private bathroom
					Limited Quantity
					
					
						$1,950
						Per Person
					
					Apply
				

					Single Occupancy Room
private bathroom
					Limited Quantity
					
					
						$2,750
						Per Person
					
					Apply
				

Schedule

Subject to change.

Day 1

Monday, May 27

	Check-in/registration (rooms accessible after 3pm)
11:00am-5:00pm	Check-in/registration (rooms accessible after 3pm)
1:00PM	Lunch (for those present)
4:30–5:30PM	Welcome mixer
6:00PM	Dinner
7:00PM	Worship Worship, Teaching, Ministry
8:00PM	Session 1 Worship, Teaching, Ministry

Day 2

Tuesday, May 28


8:00AM	Breakfast
9:00AM	Worship
10:00–11:30AM	Session 2
11:30AM–12:30PM	Group Discussion
1:00PM	Lunch
2:00PM	Afternoon Activities



6:00PM	Dinner
7:00PM	Worship
8:00PM	Session 3

Day 3

Wednesday, May 29


8:00AM	Breakfast
9:00AM	Worship
10:00–11:30AM	Session 4
11:30AM–12:30PM	Group Discussion
1:00PM	Lunch
2:00PM	Afternoon group activity



6:00PM	Dinner
7:00PM	Worship
8:00PM	Session 5

Day 4

Thursday, May 30


8:00AM	Breakfast
9:00AM	Worship
10:00–11:30AM	Session 6
11:30AM–12:30PM	Group Discussion
1:00PM	Lunch
2:00PM	Afternoon free time & optional breakout sessions



6:00PM	Dinner
7:00PM	Worship
8:00PM	Session 7

Day 5

Friday, May 31

Attendees must be checked out of rooms by 10am. (You may store your luggage in a designated room until the retreat ends.)

8:00AM	Breakfast
9:00AM	Worship
9:45–11:00AM	Session 8
11:00AM–12:00PM	Group Discussion
12:00PM	Abolition Retreat Ends

Pricing