Hello Carmel August 2024
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
Greetings from Carmel
I would like to use Psalm 16 as a way for us to pray together:
Oh Lord, may You reveal to each of us, the way of life. Thank You that You are our refuge (v1) and that every good thing comes from You (v2). You, Lord, are our cup of blessing and our wonderful inheritance (v5 and 6). Thank You for providing guidance and instructing us, day and night (v7). May we always know that You are right beside us and so we need not be shaken (v8). Our hearts are glad, our souls rejoice, our bodies rest in safety (v9), for You will show us the way of life…in Your presence…forever (v11). Thank You for Your presence – we rejoice!!
In September, many retired individuals will be coming to stay at Carmel for the very special Prime Plus week with the theme of “A life of Joy”. Please join me as we pray for each person to be blessed during their stay (a few spots are still available). Later in the month, Ethnos Movement International will be hosting the Reach Conference at Carmel. This year the focus is on setting people free from bondage through the power of Christ. It seeks to unite churches in George and beyond through intercessory prayer, outreach, and evangelism. Please pray for all those who are preparing for this incredible week and if you would like to join, see below.
In August, two of our valued team members, Bethwell and Anton went into their retirement. Wouter (our GM) writes more below. From the Carmel Trustees, we give thanks for the valued role each have had in serving the ministry of Carmel over the many years. Please join us in praying for God’s blessings as they enter this new chapter of their lives.
GOD bless and keep you all,
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
Greetings from Operations
Since joining the Carmel team in 2022, I’ve been incredibly blessed to serve within the Carmel ministry, alongside our incredible team over these years. Our team are driven by the passion to serve our guests in creating a welcoming and loving place in which all are welcome to experience the restoring love of Christ.
Many of our team members have been at Carmel for over 10 years and as our lives pass by so quickly, two of our team members reached their retirement in August. Bethwell, for over a decade, was our custodian of the gardens and the many quiet places in which our guests seek rest and refuge. Anton was our Banqueting Manager for over 6 years, leading the team behind the delicious daily meals which brought us together for daily fellowship and sharing around the dining tables. As a family, regardless of role, each served our guests in a multitude of other ways as well, in being a part of our valued team.
God brings various seasons into our lives and I give heartfelt thanks to their service and the integral part each played in our team. I pray that God blesses Bethwell and Anton as they begin this new season. As in Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
In our future newsletter, I look forward to introducing our new members and welcoming them into the Carmel family.
If you would like to send a message to Bethwell or Anton, please click here to email me and I will pass your message onto them.
God bless,
Wouter Cloete
General Manager
Greetings from the Ministry Team
In mid-September the Prime Plus week will commence, followed straight after by the Ethnos Reach Conference and Ethnos ‘For Freedom’ week. We pray for God’s blessing over each guest joining over this time.
Also, our Pastor’s Appreciation Retreat continues to run until the end of November.
More details for these events can be read below and online.
Monday 16th – Friday 20th September 2024
Presented by:
Harry and Margie Munnings with Heather Davies
Designed for retired people, the programme will focus on the life of Joy. The topics covered will be introduced and then used individually as times of quiet reflection or discussed in small groups.
Each morning, we will start with a time of worship in the chapel. We will enjoy a lovely breakfast and dinner in the Carmel dining room, and the usual great times of fellowship around the tables.
There will be plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the gardens, or rest. Also fun, including a visit to Victoria Bay beach, croquet, and short walks, and in the evenings; games and a movie night.
To fully experience the Prime Plus week we encourage you to stay at Carmel for the 5 days but day visitors are also welcome to join over the time. The options and pricing to attend Prime Plus can be found by clicking the link below.
To book your place, please contact the Carmel office on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
Until 30 November 2024
Over the next 4 months, we desire to provide our appreciation for the integral role of all pastors in spreading the ministry of Christ, our Saviour to the world. Over this time we welcome all pastors and their spouse to take a time of rest (emotional, physical and spiritual) at Carmel to restore and reconnect.
There is a special rate offered for a 2 night stay, including Sea View accommodation, breakfast and dinner for 2 people sharing.
The time is not a organised retreat but a time for you to take rest at a time that suits your schedule, within the loving community of Carmel.
If you are a pastor of would like to sponsor a couple’s retreat, please contact the Carmel office on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za to find out more.
Ethnos Ministry Events
During September, Carmel will be hosting the Ethnos Reach Conference from 20-22 September. The Reach conference is followed by their “For Freedom” week from 22-28 September.
The Reach Conference is tailored for Christian leaders, pastors, influencers and missionaries. To register for the Reach Conference, visit the Ethnos website at www.ethnosmi.org.
The ‘For Freedom” week is a movement dedicated to breaking chains of addiction, oppression, and modern-day slavery through Christ’s power. Ethnos unites individuals and churches in George and beyond to free those in bondage through prayer, campaigns, and outreach. For more details on the week, visit www.ethnosmi.org/forfreedom/
Experience our Group Hospitality
Break away from the bustle of life to experience Carmel for your next group retreat, conference or day-event.
Come together for a time of restoration, networking and growth. Make your group visit an experience to remember through our range of accommodation, dining and meeting venues, while enjoying our breath-taking Victoria Bay views, beautiful gardens and quiet spaces too.
15 December 2024 – 14 January 2025
The December School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.
The school holiday bookings fill up fast so be sure to book your camping or B&B accommodation soon to ensure you don’t miss out on these special times at Carmel.
On select days, the Carmel team run daily activities for kids of all ages and adults too… and for rest and restoration, our garden walks, many quiet spaces and chapel are perfect to gain the rest you may need (spiritual, emotional and physical).
To experience School Holidays at Carmel, watch our December holiday highlights video below.
To book your camping or B&B accommodation, contact the office on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
Carmel Prayer Room
If you would like to be a part of the Wednesday Prayer Room, we pray in the chapel every Wednesday morning from 07h00 – 08h00.
We pray that God may continue to fill our guests with renewed hope, enthusiasm and restoration.
We pray that Carmel will continue to be fruitful place, bringing the much needed restoration our guests are seeking and that God’s blessings may be poured over them. May God’s presence be at Carmel as it is in heaven.
We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.
If you would like to share any words the Lord has given you during your prayer time for Carmel and the ministries, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at news@carmelmail.co.za
Carmel's ongoing legacy
The shared testimonies over the many years of Carmel’s history inspire confidence. God continues to be at work and use Carmel for His ministry. So many leave rested, encouraged, and restored, by the love of Jesus. The ripple effects of Carmel continue into eternity. All praise be to God!
In being able to continue the work of Carmel for future generations to come, we are seeking our valued guests and friends of Carmel for donations or bequests, in leaving a legacy into Carmel’s future. There are many specific projects we have on our hearts to implement the mission of Carmel, and many ways in which to become involved.
If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.