About Carmel

The ministry of Carmel began on 1 May 1954 when Jack and Kaye Edkins, founders of the ministry and donors of the property, took occupation of this magnificent site in response to a clear call from God to establish a Christian guest farm and conference centre.  Initially called “Vierwinde” the purchase price of £10 000 was finally accepted – the same price received for the sale of the Edkins farm in Cradock. Just before occupation a raging veldfire swept up the hill threatening the house, however at the last moment the wind changed and the fire was brought under control. God was watching over His property.

The name Carmel was chosen from Jeremiah 46:18, “…as Tabor is among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea”,  meaning “a fruitful place; well wooded; near the sea”, an apt description, and prophetic of God’s purpose for this place.

The Trustees and the Ministry Team of The Carmel Evangelical Trust affirm their faith as follows:

GOD AND MAN

We believe…

• …that God is wholly united as one, though three in person.
• …that God created the world for his glory, making men and women in His image for fellowship with Him.
• …that humankind, tempted by Satan, rebelled against God and sinned.

GOD’S WORD

We believe…

• …that the Bible is and was inspired by God and is the final and sufficient word on all matters.
• …that the Bible is to be interpreted both individually and by the church in submission to the guidance of God the Holy Spirit.

GOD’S WORK

We believe…

• …that God the Son was born as the infant Christ Jesus of the virgin Mary, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross to make amends for the sin of humankind, reconciling us with God.
• …that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be united with the Father at the throne of heaven.
• …that by God’s grace and on the basis of repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ, men and women can be acceptable to God.
• …that God the Holy Spirit brings a person to conversion and through his ongoing blessing and engifting we are made holy, and enabled to live more Christ-like lives.

THE CHURCH

We believe…

• …that the Church worldwide was created by the Word and the Spirit of God and is the present body of Christ on earth.
• …that Christ has commissioned us to minister on his behalf.
• …that as believers we are called to proclaim the good news of salvation to all people, to minister to believers through the preaching of the word.
• …that we are bound to praise and worship God, celebrating His presence both in the practice of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy communion) until he returns.
• …that we must strive for social justice and the relief of human distress and need.

THINGS TO COME

We believe…

• …that Jesus Christ will return to earth personally and physically as Judge, Lord and King.
• …that every man and woman will be resurrected to stand before the judgement throne of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• …that judgement will mean eternal damnation for those who have rejected Him and eternal joy and union with Him for those who have acknowledged Him as Lord.
• …that His eternal kingdom will then be established and the whole of creation proclaim His glory.

A copy of our Formal Statement of Faith is available on request.

From the N2 between George and Wilderness, turn onto the Victoria Bay Road, 8 km east of George. There is no Carmel sign on the N2. One kilometer down the road, turn right into Carmel.

Intercape, Translux and Greyhound offer good bus services.
George is also served by flights from all major centres.
Arrangements can be made to collect you from the bus station or the airport

The vision of Carmel is expressed in the mission statement “SHARING THE RESTORING LOVE OF CHRIST”. Our goal is to be a safe haven that provides the opportunity for physical rest, and emotional and spiritual renewal, for all our guests, regardless of culture, denomination or beliefs.

 We also strive to be a place where everyone may find unconditional love and acceptance, and have the opportunity to meet with God and the knowledge of His saving grace through Jesus Christ.

Our desire for all who come to Carmel is that:

“The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom15:13

“ Fuel for Faith”

Every evening guests are invited to join together for spiritual encouragement, with the focus on the Bible and the wonder of the Christian faith.  No emphasis is put on any particular denominational view and guests should not feel obliged to attend.  These are special times of fellowship, where friendships can be developed, ideas discussed, and the love of Christ shared in abundance. On occasion we use a selection of DVD material from valuable and helpful sources.

During the peak (and most holiday seasons) we have teams presenting Holiday Programs, when special care is taken to include children and young people. At these times “Fuel for Faith” often becomes a family gathering, or sometimes special sessions for children and/or teens are provided with simultaneous meetings for adults.

 “Fuel for Faith” is held every evening after dinner, meeting from 7.15 to start at 7.30pm, in the Fireside Lounge. Deviations from the normal programs will always be announced at dinner.

Carmel is situated in the heart of the beautiful garden route. The hills of Carmel are awash with a wide variety of some of the most memorable fauna and flora, not to mention the view down on Victoria Bay. As a result we are perfectly situated to accommodate walkers, talkers, bird-watchers and beach goers alike.

» Learn more about the activities Carmel has to offer.

» Traveling in a group? Looking to host a conference? Carmel is the perfect destination.