“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labour in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.”
Psalm 127:1
Greetings from Carmel
When studying the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness and into the promised land, we are able to learn so much about GOD’s character towards His people.
He is the GOD:
- Who frees His people from areas of captivity
- Who provides for every, daily need
- Whose presence is with them for every step
- Who provides the means for sanctification and restoration
- Who fights their battles
- Who delivers on His promises
I am so grateful that we serve a GOD, on whom we can fully rely and who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine and that as all those linked to Carmel seek Him, He will build, guide and guard us in the same way.
As we prepare for Easter, I am so grateful that because of Christ’s victory over death, we have the sure hope of salvation, restoration and resurrection. We are able to look to this hope with gratitude and anticipation.
At this time we give thanks for those of you who intercede with us in the weekly Prayer Room gatherings (learn more here), and for the overwhelming love, movement, fire, and passion growing within Carmel.
We are so grateful for God’s incredible provisions poured out over Carmel this year and for the awakening in the larger Christian community. We have been so excited to welcome the many groups to visit Carmel so far this year and look forward to welcoming more.
Carmel is a “thin” place where the presence of GOD is experienced and we pray that all who come through the gates will be blessed as they stand on ‘holy ground’.
Wishing you all a very blessed Easter – CHRIST IS RISEN!
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
Greetings from Operations
Last month, I introduced our amazing ladies at Carmel, who I’ve been blessed to work alongside the last year. This month, I introduce you to the rest of our team.
Bethwell
Bethwell has been looking after our beautiful gardens for over a decade. He loves working in nature every day, always smiling, doing his very best to keep our gardens as a place of rest and beauty for our guests.
Stuart
Stuart has been working at Carmel for the last 2 years as our finance manager. As an avid surfer, he loves to frequent the local surfing beaches, swim in the Carmel pool, and admire the sea views.
Rudi
Rudi has been working for Carmel for 7 years, heading up our maintenance. His favourite spot is Heaven’s Descent, sitting on the bench to rest while admiring the majestic Carmel views.
Anton
Anton first worked at Carmel 30 years ago, leaving to open his own restaurant. He felt a calling to return to Carmel 5 years ago to be our Head Chef. He loves preparing the many delicious meals and loves meeting our guests, so you will often find him out the kitchen serving the meals too.
Michele
Michele first worked at Carmel 11 years ago and returned a year ago to join the Front Office bookings team. She is always full of energy in serving our guests and as a MyRun ambassador, she loves the garden trails and community taking part in MyRun every Sunday at Carmel.
The team and I look forward to welcoming you to Carmel soon.
Wouter Cloete
General Manager
From the 5th – 11th April, we will be running our holiday programme. The programme is open to all our guests over the period and day visitors are welcome too. Come partake in the many activities, and take rest (spiritual, emotional and physical) in our chapel, many quiet spaces, garden walks and majestic Victoria Bay views.
The Easter weekend is a special time at Carmel for all to come together for meaningful celebration of the love of Christ for the world, our Saviour.
- On Friday, we will be holding a prayer and worship Service at 4pm
- On Sunday we will be holding the sunrise service and worship at 6am
- On Friday night at 6pm, we are hosting a Good Friday, fish dinner menu
- On Sunday at 8:30am, we are hosting a ‘Jesus is Risen’ celebration breakfast.
- The newly revitalised Kaye’s Café will be open from the 6th – 10th April, for your daily cappuccinos, delicious treats and light eats.
- A school holiday highlight is the Kaye’s Community Potjie on Saturday, 5:30pm
For day visitors wishing to partake in the holiday activities and visit Kaye’s Cafe, please contact reception prior to make a reservation. Day visitor fees are R60/adult and R40/child under 13 years.
For the Good Friday dinner, Kaye’s Community potjie and ‘Jesus is Risen” Sunday breakfast, please contact reception to make a booking.
For the Friday and Sunday service, all are welcome without needing to book.
Contact reception on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za.
Greetings from the Ministry Team
Throughout the year Carmel hosts a variety of interesting, special interest programmes and spiritually enriching seminars. Carmel staff as well as highly regarded teachers and specialists lead these programmes.
We currently have 4 Ministry Programmes planned this year, highlighted below. To find out more about each programme and to reserve your place, please visit our Ministry Programmes webpage by clicking the button below.
Love After Marriage
- Presented by Gary & Hilary Palser
- Date: 19 – 23 June 2023
Prime Plus: ‘Creative ageing’
- Presented by Harry & Margie Munnings
- Date: 24 – 28 July 2023
Ladies Retreat
- Presented by Katharine Marsden & Suria Scholtz
- Date: 18 – 20 August 2023
Ministry Leaders Refreshing Retreat
- Presented by Derek & Beryl Puffett
- Date: October 2023, dates to be confirmed
Experience Carmel Camping
Experience the beauty of Carmel’s Camping and Caravan Park, while enjoying the magnificent Victoria Bay and Outeniqua mountain views, resting in our quiet spaces and many activities too.
Take advantage of the special offer running until 30 April 2023. Book for 3+ nights and get an extra night free. Click here to find out more about camping at Carmel.
Our campsites are divided into small, medium, and large. Whether you are a single camper, couple, family, or group, we welcome you to our camping experience.
Contact our front office at 044-889-0019 or click below to book your camping experience.
Looking for the ideal place for your group retreat, conference or day event.
Break away from the bustle of life to experience a time of rest and refocus for the year ahead. It will be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel Coastal Retreat.
Experience our wide range of accommodation options and group meeting venues, while enjoying our breath-taking Victoria Bay views, beautiful gardens, quiet spaces and dining options to make your group visit an experience to remember.
Prayer Room Highlights
If you would like to be a part of the Wednesday Prayer Room, we pray in the chapel every Wednesday morning from 06h30 – 07h30. If you are not able to join, we have created a dedicated email newsletter which you can sign-up on the link below and we will keep you updated.
Over the last month, we have continued to give thanks for God’s blessings and provisions in bringing so many groups to visit Carmel, and for the many groups that are already booked for April.
We pray that God may fill them up, give them a renewed hope, enthusiasm and refreshing. We pray that their time at Carmel will be fruitful, bring restoration and that God’s blessings may be poured over them. May God’s presence be at Carmel as it is in heaven.
Psalm 34
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; The humble and downtrodden will hear it and rejoice. O, magnify the Lord with me, And let us lift up His name together. I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant; Their faces will never blush in shame or confusion. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him And saved him from all his troubles.”
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.
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.