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.

Initially a 6 bedroomed guest-house, wholly dependent on rain-water and without electricity, Carmel is a monument to those who trusted their Lord for all things, and found Him faithful to meet every need. Extremely long days and much hard work was involved in running both the farm and the guest house.  Genis and Marie Sparks who had moved from Cradock with Jack and Kaye and worked alongside them long into their retirement, made an invaluable contribution in the establishment of Carmel.

As years passed, and Carmel grew, the Edkins realised that the vision was too large for them to pioneer on their own, and the The Carmel Evangelical Trust was formed in 1975.  In 1983 the entire property and contents were donated to the Trust, who have since continued to be responsible for Carmel and it’s growth and development.  Under the directorship of Alan and Trudy Blackshaw the ministry expanded, new buildings were added, and the Caravan Park established.  The ministry and conference program was also strongly developed and significant numbers of new visitors began to be drawn in, particularly as they utilised teams of young volunteers to arrange holiday programs for families with young children.

Andrew and Beryl Phillips joined Carmel in 1988, and in August 1993 Andrew was appointed General Director. He and Beryl continued to grow the ministry of Carmel through some difficult times, and consolidated and extended  the trends and traditions that are so much a part of Carmel and it’s ministry today.

In 2008 the management structure at Carmel was adjusted and Gavan Helling was appointed as General Manager after serving for some time as Property Manager.  Andrew Phillips was appointed as Ministry Director with a brief to develop further the spiritual impact of Carmel.

Under Gavan’s direction numerous projects and improvements have been implemented, with many more planned for the future.  There is much that remains to be done and the Carmel Team are committed, with the wholehearted support of the Trustees, to make Carmel all that it can be.

Carmels vision and goals remain to offer a place of rest and restoration to believers, and in all we do we strive to share with all who enter our gates the restoring love of Christ.

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

 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.

» Learn more about the activities Carmel has to offer.

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