Monthly Newsletter – Carmel Coastal Retreat

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

Greetings from Carmel

This verse has remained a foundational verse for Carmel. In this passage, Jesus was preaching in Galilee, and explains how GOD the Father is revealed through Him, the Son. He invites those that are feeling tired and heavy to COME to Him.

This invitation is such an encouragement to us all, that our Saviour calls us to Him in our times of weary burdens. He encourages us to take on His yoke, submit to His authority, allow Him to guide us and to share the load. His word promises that He walks with us, and in Him we will find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Our prayer remains that Carmel may provide this Holy Ground through which all can experience the restorative love of Christ.

We are so grateful for Carmel’s 69th Birthday, which we celebrated on the 1st May. We give praise and thanks to GOD for His provisions and for the lives that have been touched through His presence in this place. We acknowledge that this ministry only exists because of His love, and we pray He will inspire and guide us so that Carmel may continue to serve His Kingdom purposes.

May GOD bless and keep you all and hoping to see you here soon.

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 seminars. Carmel staff as well as highly regarded teachers and specialists lead these programmes.

Read more about our June and July week-events below. In August, we are hosting a Ladies Retreat, presented by Katharine Marsden and Suria Scholtz. Visit our Ministry webpage to learn more.

Prime Plus
Presented by Harry & Margie Munnings & Heather Davies
24 – 28 July 2023

Designed for retired people, the programme will focus on the many issues encountered as we age. This course was designed by Trevor Hudson, a SA Methodist Minister, especially for home groups. 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 picnic, croquet, and short walks, and in the evenings, games and a musical evening.

Pricing to attend Prime Plus

Accommodation (4 nights)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner, including juice, tea & coffee
Light lunches available at Kaye’ Cafe at own expense
R590 per person per day (total R2360)

To book your place, please email Michele at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Come together for family time, rest and fun

24 June – 17 July 2023

The upcoming School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.

To experience the fun activities planned for the School Holidays, watch our school holiday highlights video below. Kayes’s Cafe will also be open on select days over the period.

Whether you are staying over or a day visitor, we welcome you to join us for the school holiday activities. Please call the office on 044 889 0019 prior to arrival to confirm the activities for the day and Kaye’s Cafe opening times.

Experience our Winter Special at Carmel

From June to August 2023, we are running a Winter Special! When booking 2+ nights, receive 30% off your B&B accommodation! And for the winter camping enthusiasts, receive 50% off our campsite accommodation when booking 2 nights+.

Break away from the busyness of life to rest and restore, while you enjoy our beautiful gardens, B&B sea view rooms or camping options, Victoria Bay views and dining.

The discount is from regular season pricing and additional dining options are at standard pricing.

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 refocus for the year ahead. 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 Prayer Room

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.

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.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)

Greetings from Carmel

Psalm 19 (read Psalm 19 here) is such a beautiful description of how the expanse of heaven reveals the work of GOD’s hands, and how His testimony transforms our souls, minds, hearts and lives. One moment where this was evident was on Easter Sunday morning as the sun rose: many hearts were lifted by the Word and teaching of our risen Saviour. We give thanks for being able to host our guests and local visitors for worship, ministry and baptisms at Carmel.

Over the coming months, there are many opportunities to seek our Lord’s presence:

Every week in the chapel, we have prayer at 7am on Wednesdays, prayer and worship at 4pm on Thursdays and prayer for the nations at 6:30am every Friday. All are welcome.

We are also very excited to share the ministry programmes we have on the calendar: from the “Pause Silent Retreat”, to the “Love After Marriage” workshop to enrich marriages and to our “Prime Plus” week for retired people. More details are below. Later in the year we look forward to our Ladies and Ministry Leaders Retreat, and a few more in the planning phases.

Our prayer is that every word shared and spoken, and every meditation of our hearts may be pleasing to our Lord and Saviour. As the sun touches Carmel, may it, and all of us that hold it dear, declare the Glory of GOD.

God bless,

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Love After Marriage
Presented by Gary & Hilary Pulser
19 – 23 June 2023

Invest in your marriage by taking a week away at Carmel Coastal Resort to attend our Love After Marriage (LAM) Workshop, in partnership with Nothing Hidden Ministries.

At the Love after Marriage week, you will:

Learn how to develop deeper intimacy by inviting God to play an active role in your relationship.
Practice implementing simple and practical tools that will help you to build and protect your connection. With the right tool set, even the most stressful and difficult problems become an opportunity to grow even closer with your spouse.
Gain insight and wisdom on how to further connect on an emotional, sexual, and spiritual level.

Why attend ‘Love After Marriage”? Because why wait any longer to begin experiencing the marriage you’ve hoped for?

There are three price options:
Day visitor option 1:

No breakfast, including lunch, excluding dinner: R780 per couple per day (total R3120)

Day visitor option 2:

No breakfast, including lunch & dinner: R1100 per couple per day (total R4400)

Live in:

Front Sea View accommodation (4 nights)
All meals included. R1960 per couple per day (total R7840)

All the LAM workshop books are included in the pricing options.

To book your place, please email Stephanie at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Accommodation (4 nights)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner, including juice, tea & coffee
Light lunches available at Kaye’ Cafe at own expense
R590 per person per day (total R2360)

To book your place, please email Michele at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Greetings from Operations

Over the last few years, Carmel has had the privilege of working alongside our on-site partner, Ethnos Ministries International (EMI). Ethnos has based their South African operations at Carmel where their ministry students live while in-training. In leading both our and their vision and mission in ministry, we partner with Ethnos in many of the ministry events at Carmel. When visiting Carmel to attend our upcoming ministry events or school holiday programmes, you will be sure to meet the Ethnos team and we are excited to introduce the team to you this month.

Ethnos is an inter-denominational Christian mission organization. Their vision is to develop and activate grassroots and organic discipleship movements geared towards the least reached people groups, areas and vulnerable communities.

Coen Scholtz
Coen Scholtz is the founder of Ethnos, husband to Suria, father and missionary. Coen founded Ethnos with the vision to develop and activate grassroots and organic discipleship movements, geared towards the least reached people groups, areas, and vulnerable communities, both locally and internationally. Ethnos’s mission is to raise awareness, mobilize, and train individuals and church communities to lead this mission in reaching the unreached.

Suria Scholtz
Suria is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves Jesus, life, and ministry. Answering God’s call to co-work with Him has taken their family on many adventures around the world. From serving refugees, pioneering schools in Africa, adopting orphans, and climbing Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of modern-day slavery, Suria has tried to pursue a lifestyle of freedom, fun, and fruitfulness. Her ministry also includes radio slots, motivational speaking, women’s conferences, and writing! Learn more at Avid Life.

Clara was born and raised in Germany and left to go to Zambia after she completed school. She was supposed to only stay for a year, but God changed her plans. She started to study part time International Management online and after two years she moved to South Africa where she has been serving with Ethnos. Clara loves Jesus, the nations, prayer, and people. She is especially passionate about working with young ladies and women and in her free time enjoys sports and baking.

Chris and Jenny
Chris and Jenny have been married for 16 years and have three children. Chris was a youth pastor at a church in Pretoria starting in 2010. They were missionaries in Zambia for 2 years. They joined Ethnos in 2022 and are involved in various ministries. They are serving at The Well, a missions’ church in George as pastoral care and worship coordinators. In Ethnos they are involved with the member care of the missionaries as well as with training in various departments. Their hearts are to see the next generation of missionaries be raised up, discipled, and sent out equipped to the lost but also to see the local church equipped and passionate to reach their local communities.

Tobi and Alex
Tobi and Alex are originally from Austria and are missionaries. Tobi has been a part of Ethnos for six years and his wife Alex joined in 2019, after they got married. They have a passion for discipleship and to see the unreached reached with the Gospel. Tobi is mainly involved in media and different leadership roles. Alex is a trained midwife and involved with reaching out through Health Care and starting a Care Centre. They moved to Carmel to live close to the students who are attending the discipleship and missions’ trainings. They especially love to pour into young adults, inviting them to their house to fellowship, helping them discover their calling and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord.

I look forward to introducing you to the Ethnos team on your next visit.

God Bless

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

Experience Carmel Events

Sunday, 14th May 2023

Time: 12:30
Price: R180 per adult. R125 per child under 12 years old
Includes:
Starter, Main, Desert, Juices, Tea & Coffee

To book please email Michele, before the 12th May, at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

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 07h00 – 08h00. 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.

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.

Ephesians 6:18-20 TPT (as written by Paul)
“Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers. And pray also that God’s revelation would be released through me every time I preach the wonderful mystery of the hope-filled gospel. Yes, pray that I may preach the wonderful news of God’s kingdom with bold freedom at every opportunity. Even though I am chained as a prisoner, I am his ambassador.”

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

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.

“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.

I give thanks to the crucial role each team member plays internally and in serving you, our valued guests, and we look forward to welcoming you into our Carmel family on your next visit.

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

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.

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

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.

“Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”
Ephesians 3:20

Greetings from Carmel

As we come to the beginning of a new year, we reflect on the year that has been. For Carmel, it has been a season of repentance, renewal and revitalisation. This is most evident in the physical where the buildings have received some much-needed refurbishments and the gardens have been pruned, weeded and replanted. We are so grateful to all the teams that have poured their resources and efforts into making this a reality.

These shifts in the physical are maybe a fitting reflection of what has been happening on the spiritual and interpersonal levels. We have borne witness to how by God’s mighty power within us and within Carmel. He has been able to transform. We thank GOD for how He has guided each step and provided everything needed for Carmel to move into this new season. He remains faithful and in Him we place our trust for the year ahead.

We thank Wouter (our GM), Ethnos Ministry International (our on-site partner) and the teams surrounding them for the immense efforts they have put into this past holiday season, blessing every family that came to stay. There was indeed a sense of GOD’s presence in our midst. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to a year of welcoming families, church groups and conferences and special events onto our beautiful grounds.

We pray for each of you, that this year may be blessed, in the name of Jesus our Saviour. We are immensely grateful for the community that surrounds Carmel, and we hope to see you soon!

God Bless

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from Operations

The last month at Carmel has been an incredible time for our full house of guests, and the blessings we as a team were given to provide the full Carmel hospitality experience.

Being my first festive season, it was a gift to meet and welcome new guests, generation long guests, couples, individuals, families, and day visitors. Also being the school holidays, the days were filled with activities for all ages of kids to partake in and we created a short highlights video below for you to experience what went on.

This is also a time to rest and restore from the year past. Our many quiet places, Victoria Bay views and garden trails were always there to find the rest (spiritual, emotional, and physical) which our guests have come to know and seek during their visits to Carmel.

On Christmas day, our chapel was blessed by over 100 guests to hear the Word of God and to give worship to our saviour, Jesus Christ. This was led by our Christmas Day lunch with a full dining hall and outdoor deck to enjoy our dining experience.

It was also a time of great excitement to see the season opening of the revitalised Kaye’s Café. The daily cappuccinos were flowing, and the treats, milkshakes and light lunches were delicious too.

Another highlight was welcoming in the New Year with our potjie and braai night. While the kids were entertained with various activities, I got to join the fiercely contested potjie contest and to spend time hearing the stories of what brought our guests to Carmel.

All this would not have been possible, without the provisions of God to prepare Carmel for this season, and for tireless work of the permanent team and the Friends of Carmel and Ethnos Ministry teams who volunteered their time. To everyone, I give my sincere thanks and gratitude.

The season has been a reflection on the revitalised and renewed experience of all that Carmel has to offer. In previous newsletters, I have reflected on the many revitalisation projects that took place in lead up to the year end. We still have much work to do, and our prayer is for God to lead us in the work to be done in 2023.

I pray for a year of God’s blessings upon the Carmel community and team, and we look forward to welcoming you to Carmel soon.

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

Carmel is a place of choice through our large variety venues and accommodation options and the numbers of people we can host to serve a wide variety of group retreats, conferences, weddings and events.

Experience the breathtaking views of Victoria Bay and our beautiful gardens and venues to make your group visit an experience to remember.

The 2023 School Holidays are an incredible time for kids of all ages and parents to come together at Carmel for fun and daily activities run by the Carmel Team.

The 2023 School Holiday Schedule is below:

1 April – 11 April
Easter Weekend 7 -10 April

24 June – 17 July

30 September – 9 October

16 December – 15 January 2024

Prayer Room December Highlights

We asked the Lord to help us keep our eyes on what is important and lasting, to help us invest in what will last and be wise in what we are setting our sights on. We want the Lord’s eyes to be our guide.

Psalm 27:8
“You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your greatest need]. My heart says to You, Your face, O Lord, will I seek.”

2 Corinthians 4:18
“Because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.”

Psalm 32:8
“I hear the Lord saying, I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide.”

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

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.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15: 5

Greetings from Carmel

In looking back at the year that has passed we are reminded in John 15 that we are the branches and how Christ is the vine, only by remaining in Him, we will bear much fruit.

Often, we need to allow Him to cut away what is not bearing fruit and to prune the parts that are, to make space for new growth and ultimately for our Father GOD to be glorified. Our prayer as we enter this festive season is that we may remain rooted in Christ our Saviour, and as we encounter Immanuel (GOD with us), He may become ever more manifest in the fruit of our lives.

We are incredibly grateful for how Friends of Carmel, the Carmel Heights Community and our Partners have come together with gracious and open hearts, to prune the ‘vines’ of Carmel this year. God is at work, and we pray that the fruit our of ‘vines’, will bear its blessings on all who come to Carmel. With the many Groups and Guests returning to Carmel this year, they have left each time with a sense of warmth, of being touched by the presence of God at Carmel. We thank you for the prayers and grace you have given us.

We also give thanks to Wouter, our amazing staff team and volunteers, who through their gifts of hospitality have prepared tirelessly to welcome new and generation-long guests into the Carmel family this season. We pray for blessings over our guest visits this season; may it be filled with fun, family, rest and the presence of our Lord and Saviour.

We wish you and your families a blessed Christmas. May it be a time of joy, hope and love and a time of gratitude for the love of Christ, that is blessed upon the world.

God Bless

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from Operations

The season is upon us, and the team and I are looking forward to welcoming new guests, families, and generation long friends to Carmel.

Over the last 6 months since I joined Carmel, it has been a privilege and joy to get to know each of our team members, many who have been with Carmel for over a decade. As you meet our team this season, may you feel welcomed into our Carmel family.

In addition to our permanent team, over the school holiday period, we have a valued team of Friends of Carmel and Ethos Ministry International volunteers who will be facilitating a number of age specific kids’ activities each day.

We are ready to welcome and serve you to experience the rest and restoring love of Christ this festive season and into the new year.

Many helping hands in restoration, bringing blessings to our guests

Through the helping hands and generosity of our Carmel Heights Community, Friends of Carmel and Ethnos Ministry International, we have been blessed in God’s provision to implement several restoration and revitalisation projects around Carmel.

I give thanks to God for our supporting community, through which all this would not have been possible. It is through this that I pray that in turn, you may be equally blessed by the fresh look across the property, gardens, activities, quiet spaces, and Kaye’s Cafe.

The team and I look forward to welcoming you to Carmel.

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

Looking for a group retreat or conference. Carmel is the perfect location to experience our group meeting facilities, accommodation, dining, chapel, quiet spaces and also fun group activities.

Carmel is well equipped through our large variety of accommodation types and the numbers of people we can accommodate to serve a wide variety of groups.

Carmel can also host conferences of up to 150 people, cinema-style. Conference packages are on offer, ranging from half-day and full-day meetings, to overnight conference stays.

Our high-season ends on Sunday 15th January. Start your new year, over 16 – 30 January with a time of connecting, aligning and growing your team for their best year yet!

The 2023 School Holidays are an incredible time for kids of all ages and parents to come together at Carmel for fun and daily activities run by the Carmel Team.

The 2023 School Holiday Schedule is below:

1 April – 11 April
Easter Weekend 7 -10 April

24 June – 17 July

30 September – 9 October

16 December – 15 January 2024

Prayer Room October 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. Prayer times are led and facilitated by Jason & Rene Goldberg. 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.

Matthew 25:14-30

The one who has a heart of faithful stewardship will be given more.
We pray for hearts of faithful stewardship.
Help us Lord to be faithful stewards of what you have entrusted to us. Help us grow in faithful stewardship. May we care for the things you have entrusted to us with the same heart of love, care and wisdom as you would. May we see as important the same things you see as important.

Matthew 10:1-31

Lord Jesus, May you give us faith to follow you even if we don’t know everything that is ahead of us. Lord, May you help us to be busy with what you are busy with. Help us to understand what you are busy doing at Carmel. May people experience your presence at Carmel. May people find rest!

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. Ephesians 1:15-23 is such a beautiful prayer for all those serving and associated with Carmel.

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

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.

Recent Newsletters

Hello Carmel February 2025

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.”
Matthew 18: 2-5

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Hello Carmel December 2024

“The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”
Exodus 34: 6

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Hello Carmel November 2024

“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

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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)

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Hello Carmel July 2024

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Lord, You will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from You.”
Isaiah 26: 3-4, 12 (NLT)

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