Prime Plus: May 2012

Thirty enthusiastic seniors attended our Prime Plus program event this May. Most had visited Carmel previously but we were excited to meet some new folk and to introduce them to the “Carmel family”. We were privileged to have Joe and Christine Bell with us. Joe, retired Bishop of the Church of England, shared from the Psalms on the “The wars within us”. The teaching was practical, helpful and encouraging.

One of our guest’s wrote: “Yes, many of my questions were answered in the chapel on the subject of Joe’s talks.” Andrew was assisting with this program and opened each session with some thoughts on the “Armour of God”, another practical application when we are faced with these wars of depression, anxiety, doubts, old age and suffering in sickness.

Andrew’s sister Pat had decided to visit him at Carmel this week with her new husband Colin Sylvester, and happily agreed to lead the sung worship times on the piano.

One of the highlights of the week was a visit from George artist, Tony Noble, who shared a powerful message of God’s moulding and refining work in our lives through the medium of a pottery demonstration.

Another lovely comment from a guest: “A wonderful assurance that God is with me in all that I do for him and a keen awareness that with the Holy Spirit within, there is still much, despite my age and widowhood, that I can do. Praise the Lord!”

The weather was almost perfect with only a little mist to bother us at times. Great delight was expressed by many in the varied program organized throughout the week: a steep walk for the energetic followed by a picnic tea on “Wolf Island”, the hill opposite Carmel overlooking the beautiful Wilderness coastline; a scrumptious tea at a restaurant on the Wilderness coast with an amble at the water’s edge to lose the calories gained; a superb banquet served by Lynnie and her team to the sound of the waves at Victoria Bay beach; a walk in the gardens with Barbara and finally an enjoyable workshop which culminated in the evening with the sound of battles cries and songs and colourful banners held aloft.  A time of sharing and ministry of prayer, a final summary by Andrew on the Armour of God and sharing together in an informal communion , remembering all that God has done for us, brought the event to a beautiful close.