“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honours Me; And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him], I shall show the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50: 23 (AMP)
Greetings from Carmel
This Psalm of Asaph speaks of GOD preferring His people to offer the sacrifices of gratitude and right living. He encourages us to call on Him in our times of trouble and promises rescue for His honour and glory (v15).
Over the past few weeks, this Psalm has been brought to life while George has been reeling from the tragic events of the 6th May when a building collapsed in Victoria Street. An entire city was in shock and shared in the pain of the many families affected by the tragedy. However, there is a place for gratitude. Despite (and maybe even because of) the horrific circumstances, we have been grateful for our Father’s unchanging faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13) and the ways Christ’s love has been made manifest through His people. We were able to witness a community pulling together in support and provision – the outpouring of love was a real testimony!
We have also been so grateful that through His provision for us at Carmel, we were able to host some of the rescue workers (human and canine) while they were working round the clock on the site. We were also able to provide meals for over 60 people for a week. We thank you for those who support our ministry from afar, as without this, we would not have been able to serve the community in this way. We would like to encourage you to please join us in continuing to pray for the families and the relief workers as they deal with the after effects of these last few weeks.
The June/July school holidays are a couple weeks away. Whether staying over during the time or visiting for the day, we welcome all to join us for rest and a good amount of holiday fun. Our upcoming ministry programmes are our Women’s Retreat weekend, running in early July and the Prime Plus week in September. You can find further details on these events below.
GOD bless and keep you all,
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
Greetings from the Ministry Team
Throughout the year Carmel hosts a variety of interesting, special interest programmes and spiritually enriching retreats. Carmel staff as well as highly regarded teachers and specialists lead these programmes.
In early July we are hosting our Women’s Retreat weekend and in September the Prime Plus week. The details for these ministry events can be read below with further info on our Ministry webpage.
Friday 5th – Sunday 7th July 2024
Presented by:
Suria Scholtz, Suzanne Mackay, Arnel Huisamen, Helen Burnard and Debbie Veysie
Our Women’s Retreat is the perfect opportunity to PAUSE in the PRESENCE OF GOD, enter His rest (Spirit, Soul & Body), and allow His Word to re-centre and re-story your life for His eternal purposes and everlasting glory.
Over the weekend, there are seven sessions presented around the theme of “Navigating our seasons and cultivating our hearts above all else”. To fully experience the retreat we encourage you to stay at Carmel for the weekend but day visitors are also welcome to join over the 3 days. The options and pricing to attend the retreat can be found by clicking the link below.
Sessions summary:
- Session 1: Discerning Times & Seasons
- Session 2: Navigating our Seasons
- Session 3: Cultivating Friendships & Worship
- Session 4: Flourishing Factors
- Session 5: Touch & Know
- Session 6: Restored and Repurposed
- Session 7: Worship, Communion & Sharing
To book your place, please contact the Carmel office on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
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
During 1 June – 30 November 2024
Over the next 6 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 or 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.
15 June 2024 – 8 July 2024
The School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun. Enjoy Carmel’s many indoor and outdoor activities, garden trails and quiet spaces and let us take care of your daily coffee fix, breakfast, lunch and dinner at the newly opened The Table Restaurant and Shop.
For the full Carmel experience, book your camping or B&B accommodation or if you live nearby, join as us a day visitor to enjoy all that Carmel has to offer.
On select days, the Carmel team will run activities for kids of all ages and adults too. Watch our Facebook page for updates on the activities we will be running over the holiday period.
To experience School Holidays at Carmel, watch our December holiday highlights video below.
For accommodation and day visitor bookings, contact the office on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
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.
Ethnos Ministry Events
Ethnos Ministry International will also be running their ‘Table Talks‘ and ‘PAUSE’ conferences on the below dates. You can contact Suria on 082 333 6201 to find out more and book.
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.
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.