“Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
Greetings from Carmel
At this point in the year, endurance can be a challenge. As we see Christmas speeding towards us, my prayer is that we choose to lift our eyes. To fix our gaze on what is true, right and eternal. To keep our energies pushing towards the goal that is in Christ Jesus. May we lift our eyes to see Immanuel, GOD with us and GOD in us.
We are so grateful for how God has been working through the ministries that have spent time at Carmel. We pray for His continued blessing over the months ahead. Our ministry team reflects back below on Prime Plus that took place in September.
Year-end is also a time when many get a chance to break away from the busyness of life, to find a time to rest (physically, emotionally and spiritually) and restore for the year ahead. The School Holidays are a firm favourite for guests at Carmel and run from 15 December to 14 January. They are a wonderful time for all to come together for rest and a lot of fun too. The dates before and after the school holidays are also a special time if you are seeking quieter time at regular season rates until 15 December. B&B and Camping spaces are filling up quickly, with camping space still available until 27 December and then again early January . To find out more read our School Holidays section below.
GOD bless and keep you all,
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
Greetings from Operations
In our August newsletter, I gave thanks to Bethwell and Anton for their years of service at Carmel, as they entered their retirement. In October, Stuart, our Financial Manager, also reached his retirement.
I’m incredibly blessed to serve within the Carmel ministry, alongside our incredible team. Our team are driven by the passion to serve our guests in creating a welcoming and loving place in which all are welcome within the Carmel community.
Stuart joined our team in January 2021, in the heart of the Covid Pandemic, where financial leadership was key during this challenging time. Stuart brought his exceptional expertise in financial management, operations, and financial analysis. He was a key player in our financial planning and decision-making processes, providing valuable insights and guidance. Stuart also took on Duty Management roles within the hotel operation management team and always willing to give an extra hand where needed in supporting the team.
God brings various seasons into our lives and I give heartfelt thanks to the service and the integral part Stuart had in our team. I pray that God blesses Stuart and his family as he begins this new season in his life.
If you would like to send a message to Stuart please click here to email me and I will pass your message onto him.
God bless,
Wouter Cloete
General Manager
Greetings from the Ministry Team
We have been extremely blessed to host numerous ministry events at Carmel over the last number of months. The latest being our annual Prime Plus retreat. Below Margie and attendees reflect on the week.
We are in the planning for our 2025 ministry events. Please keep an eye on our ministry webpage and we will share further updates in the months ahead. Click here to visit our Ministry webpage.
Presented by: Harry and Margie Munnings with Heather Davies
Margie reflects on the week
“We were blessed to have 30 amazing folk attending Prime Plus this year. They came from every corner of SA and participated in all the activities with enthusiasm. Each morning started with devotions in the Chapel where God spoke to so many of us. The theme was “A life of Joy”.
Highlights were talks by Sally Versveld (learn more about Sally’s ministry in the George community) on her work transforming communities and Mark Miller’s story of how God had led their family in the Red Berry Farm business. The sharing in groups was also felt by many to have been so helpful and encouraging.
Carmel’s meals could not have been more delicious and the outings, walks, beach picnic and croquet were enjoyed by all. Also biblical pictionary caused lots of laughter. An evening of worship and singing many of the old hymns was very special. Suzanne facilitated an afternoon of art. Everyone produced a creative and beautiful picture, even those who had never painted before.
Those who attended are already wanting to book for next year and bring friends too. Prime Plus will take place from 15-19 September 2025.
We praise God for His presence with us and for so many lives renewed.”
Feedback from our guests
“The Lord Jesus made Prime Plus a beautiful honeymoon experience where God met with me in real quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle of the world. I was able to hear Him speak through many experiences and the people I encountered during the week. What a blessing each and every day was!”
“Being Afrikaans I was a bit insecure in the beginning of what to expect, but this was absolutely not necessary. The people were just SO accommodating, non-judgmental and hospitable that I just had to relax. This was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. By realising that there are others with problems too, some of it much worse than mine, has put my life in perspective. I left having the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.”
“I could refocus again on the Lord in peace and quietness. Enjoyed the sharing / testimonies and worship a lot. Also the openhearted sharing in our small group. I got refreshed and my joy back, (which I now need to maintain).”
Join us over the December/January School Holidays at Carmel… a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.
The Christmas to New Year week is almost fully booked across B&B and camping. If you miss this week, we still have spaces in the first 3 weeks of December and January. 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 book your camping or B&B accommodation, contact the office on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
Pathfinder-Impact Gap Year Program
We are so excited to share the news with you of the launch of the Pathfinder-Impact Gap Year Program in February 2025, hosted at Carmel.
Pathfinder-Impact is a transformative discipleship Gap Year program founded by Gavin and Nicky Lloyd, and Johann and Naomi Verster from the OutdoorEco team.
Based on Romans 8:37: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”, their vision is to awaken a generation to thrive through traditional family values and be empowered to lead well in life through a Biblical foundation, identity and clear purpose. They do this through facilitating a personal development gap year program for young adults (18- to 24-year-olds) built around transformative lifestyle discipleship, vocation and life skills, disciplines, and team adventure experiences, helping them to become the leaders of tomorrow with faith and a Biblical Kingdom worldview. The curriculum is built on the Prothesis Blueprint as used by Target Life.
With all the noise and confusion of today’s world, they believe that one year of intentional wholistic growth is the key to unlocking this generations true potential, leadership ability, identity and clarity of purpose – to thrive in life. There is alarming research, showing a major falling away from faith for this age group within their first year of university, and our goal is to disciple and empower our students to walk out their faith with resilience to the secular culture of the times, but in a fun and lifestyle approach.
If you have children, grandchildren, friends or church communities with young adults who need a transformative year in their life, please share the news with them. You can find out more at https://pathfinder-impact.com, email at info@pathfinder-impact.com or call on 071-183 2631
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.
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.
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