Compass
Cross-cultural training for individuals, couples, and families preparing for long-term international ministry - built around classroom learning and authentic community.
Go prepared.
Go confident.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Classroom & community - together.
In our Pre-Field Training program (Compass), learning takes place through a balance of classroom training and intentional community. Adults and children engage in interactive programming that fosters resilient relationships and healthy patterns for cross-cultural life.
Participants experience a comprehensive approach combining whole community training sessions, personalized coaching, and small group discussions.
Opportunities are provided to apply concepts from the training within an authentic Christian community. These experiences shape each person individually while offering a vision for meaningful relationships wherever God leads.
Sample Schedules
→ Children’s Program (CHIPs) Schedule
Weekdays run 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. All meals are provided. Weekends are unscheduled for rest and exploration.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Three key training components
Every aspect of Compass is designed to prepare you not just for arrival, but for the long haul.
Language Acquisition
Compass equips learners with the skills, methods, techniques, and perspectives necessary to acquire any language. You will practice proven methods that will help you gain a fresh perspective on how languages are best learned. Our training will also develop your ability to produce new sounds and guide you in creating a personalized plan for you language learning journey.
Cultural Awareness & Acquisition
Our cross-culturally experienced trainers will help you grow in understanding yourself and your values, equipping you with tools and principles to step out of your comfort zone and enter your host culture in a healthy, sustainable way.
Relational Growth
You will be challenged to grow in your relationship with God, yourself, and others. In the midst of your cross-cultural transition, an awareness of how you respond in stress, interact with others, and live out your identity in Christ will prepare you to thrive wherever God has called you.
“Compass prepares individuals, couples, and families for long-term cross-cultural service - building capacity to thrive with effectiveness, endurance, and personal vitality.”
Mission Training International • Palmer Lake, Colorado
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Built for singles, couples, and families
Cross-cultural living brings unique challenges at every stage of life. Compass is designed to meet each person - and each family - where they are. We engage with these realities through a program designed to build hope and confidence for your journey, specific to your stage of life. We provide honest preparation and practical resources to help you experience effectiveness, endurance, and personal vitality on the field.
This commitment extends to the whole family through our CHildren’s Intercultural Programs (CHIPs). From nursery to teens, the CHIPs program is thoughtfully correlated with the adult training in ways that are appropriate for each age and developmental stage. This provides common language that allows families to continue the learning process together beyond the classroom
A note for families with teens:
We encourage families with teens to attend the Compass sessions starting in June or August. These months often draw a higher number of participants between 13 and 18 years old, creating a richer setting for positive peer connection and overall experience. Our aim focuses on bringing as many teens as possible into the same program to provide the strongest support for that age group.
GETTING STARTED
The registration process
Programs tend to fill early. Registration three months in advance is strongly recommended.
01
Create your account
Complete a profile for each household member and select your preferred dates.
02
Application Review
Applications are reviewed. Approval moves you forward, and a 10% deposit secures your placement.
03
Confirmation
You’ll receive a confirmation email. Remaining balance is due one month before the program begins.
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to attend?
To participate in Compass, all individuals must meet the following criteria.
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Program materials, sessions, and group discussions are conducted in English. As such, English proficiency ensures all participants can fully engage with the content and connect meaningfully with one another.
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Compass requires whole-household participation. Families attend together as a shared experience, including children from six weeks old through high school graduation. This approach reflects the reality that overseas ministry impacts the entire family unit and prepares each member side by side. Married participants attend together as a couple. The program addresses relational dynamics, supports shared readiness for ministry, and provides space for individual growth.
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To foster diversity of perspective, we limit participation to no more than four household units from the same sending agency in each program session. You will be notified during registration if this limit has been reached.
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Compass specifically serves those preparing for international cross-cultural ministry contexts, as these transitions involve unique challenges related to cultural adaptation and global engagement. However, if you believe your domestic service situation will involve similar cross-cultural dynamics or circumstances, we encourage you to apply anyway and explain your situation.
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Participants should be planning to serve for at least two years in their ministry context. This timeframe allows for meaningful cultural adaptation and life integration that makes the preparation Compass provides most relevant and beneficial.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
Home in the Colorado Rockies
Located in Palmer Lake, Colorado, our campus is a place of warmth, community, and natural beauty - a fitting environment to prepare for a life of cross-cultural adventure.
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Each room features a bed, desk, dresser, and private bathroom. Depending on capacity, families are housed in adjacent rooms with an adjoining door. Pack-n-plays are provided for children two and under.
Our community spaces include several fireplaces (both indoor and outdoor), private seating areas, and a game room with foosball, ping-pong, and air hockey.
All of your sheets and towels will be provided for you, and we have a complimentary full-service laundry room with washers and dryers.
Our kitchen staff works to prepare food options that allow for a variety of offerings throughout your stay. You will enjoy three meals a day and snacks during break periods.
We have two minivans that are available to our participants. We do ask that you stay within the Monument/Palmer Lake area. This will get you to several gyms, grocery stores, and local restaurants.
We have a largeplayground, climbing rocks, and a covered area for smaller children. We also have outdoor toys, balls, games, scooters, and bicycles.
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Trails encircling campus and a disc golf course on site
Walking distance from the Santa Fe Trail
Driving distance from several hikes
Elevation: 7,225 feet - pack layers, drink penty of water
Weather can change dramatically - come prepared with layers
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
Planning your trip
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MTI is physically located at 421 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133.
Free shuttle service is provided by MTI (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM) from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), any Colorado Springs Hotel, and the Monument Park-n-Ride. Please note that you will need to provide your own transportation if your arrival/departure is outside of our shuttle schedule or if you are flying into or out of Denver International Airport (DEN). As you make your travel plans, please be aware of the following parameters:
Schedule your arrival flight to the Colorado Springs Airport before 1:30 PM on Monday, the first day of the program. Our MTI courtesy shuttle runs from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Monday only.
Please plan your departure flight on Saturday from the Colorado Springs Airport for 11:00 AM or later.
The MTI shuttle will pick up at the arrivals pick-up loading zone at the Colorado Springs Airport. If you experience flight delays, call MTI at (719) 487-0111 to keep us informed.
If your arrival or departure falls outside this timeframe or you choose to arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN), your transportation options include:
Rental car
You may choose to arrange for a commercial shuttle to the Monument Park ‘n Ride or the MTI campus (MTI can pick up at the Monument Park-n-Ride between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM). Consider Groome Transportation or Along Came Carol.
Uber, Lyft, or Taxi
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Dress: Casual with layers, keeping in mind that Colorado’s weather can change dramatically. We have a complimentary full-service laundry room with washers and dryers.
Shoes or Boots: Bring shoes for hiking and/or walking.
Toiletries
Bible
Reusable Water Bottle
Lotion, Chap Stick, & Sunscreen
Child Monitor: MTI has monitors available for use, but bring your own if you prefer.
Car Seat / Booster Seat: MTI has car seats and boosters available. For your reference, please see the Colorado State Child Passenger Safety laws here.
Exercise Items: MTI does not have exercise equipment. Consider bringing packable items for indoor exercise, or come prepared for outdoor exercise. MTI is close to a walking/running path. There is also a nearby YMCA, CrossFit Gym, and 24-hour fitness club.
As you are packing, please keep in mind: The elevation in Palmer Lake is 7,225 feet above sea level. Drinking plenty of water is important as you get used to the altitude. Colorado summer temperatures range from 75-90° throughout the day and cool to about 30-40° in the evening. Winter temperatures range from 0-60° with snow possible at any time. The fall and spring seasons will have both summer and winter ranges.
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While you are at MTI, you are welcome to receive mail. Let your friends and family know to have letters and packages shipped to:
MTI (attn: Your Name)
P.O. Box 1220 (421 State Hwy 105)
Palmer Lake, CO 80133
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Compass is best attended two to six months before leaving for teh field. Coming too close to departure often pulls focus toward logistics; attending too far out can reduce retention.
Going to langugae school? Attend Compass first - it directly supports language learning and cultural adaptation.
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Transfers and Cancellations:
All deposits are non-refundable.
Any refunds or transfers will result in processing charges.
Regarding Compass & DAR:
A requested transfer between programs will result in the loss of your deposit and requires an additional deposit before the new requested registration is confirmed.
Cancellation more than four weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit.
Cancellation or transfer less than two weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit and 50% of your total bill. The additional fee will be deducted from any program payment monies already collected, billed to your credit card on file or billed to your agency.
You will be charged the full amount of the program if you fail to cancel before the first day of your program.
Regarding all other MTI events:
Any cancellation of your registration for an MTI event will result in the loss of the deposit. If no deposit was made, a charge of $150 per adult will be assessed.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 30 days of the starting date of the event.
Transfers are not available for MTI events
Ready to go prepared?
Register for Compass today and take the first step toward thriving in cross-cultural ministry.