Within these stories, you’ll find courage rekindled, faith renewed, and lives realigned with His purpose. Each one is a reminder that when we truly make space for God, He meets us in ways that change everything.
I had no expectations going into the silent retreat at in Harmonie, only the quiet excitement of setting aside time to be with God and myself in stillness. What I didn’t anticipate was having my first conscious encounter with God during this sacred space. God spoke to me, and I was left speechless, overwhelmed, comforted, and deeply moved.Life’s trials may come, but this experience reminded me that God is always near. I’m deeply grateful to in Harmonie for creating such a selfless and transformative space for people. I leave inspired, grounded, and forever changed.
Nomfundo Makhanya
Being at in Harmonie gave me the opportunity to truly rest. I was forced to be by myself and confronted with grief that I had not given myself time to process since 2021. In the space of eight months, I lost my parents and two brothers. I kept myself busy, handling funeral arrangements, making sure everyone else was okay. Once the estates were settled, I threw myself into work, ministry and my children’s schedules. I thought I was fine, the “strong one,” as everyone said.But at in Harmonie, the Lord gently challenged me to be, to feel and to cry. He brought two incredible women who held space for me, even when I wanted to hide. In that sacred stillness, God revealed my heart to me – including the anger I still carry over my brothers’ murders. I know healing is a journey, but for the first time, I have taken the steps I had been avoiding for so long.I am deeply grateful for how God met me here, for the rest He gave me and for the courage to begin this journey of healing.
– Noluvuyo Masindi
“Sitting next to the river trying to figure out what kind of owl is nesting in the box, I was so focused trying to see the owl that I missed the other birds around me.After about 10 minutes I began looking around, becoming aware of the other wildlife around me. Then I saw the other owl sitting right across from me, easy to observe and identify.I was reminded that often I try to figure out the things ahead that I missed the real connection that is near me. In that moment God reminded me that He holds the future and my part is to live the now and embrace what is within my reach.”
– Nandi Myburgh
I never knew I needed so much rest. Being at in Harmonie made me recognise the signs of being burnt out. I cherished my time alone with the Lord (chapel moments). I still can’t explain how I feel, because I’m grateful and words can never be enough to say thank you for the opportunity. I will always cherish my rest time.Another blessing for me was to meet different people. I’m an introvert of some sort, especially when I meet people for the first time. I was anxious and thought I wouldn’t cope. To my surprise I connected with people instantly. It was so easy and what a joy we had together. Thank you, in Harmonie team, you are the best.
– Zodwa Tiso
“In this hustle and bustle of ministry we often forget the importance of TIME. By this I mean taking time out. Time to seek our Father in heaven, time to replenish our souls with family, time to rest or even greater to pause. in Harmonie provides just that, they allow space for ‘cutting out the noise’. I keep chasing after a reward, and therefore I always feel the need to be busy. I was reminded afresh during a Rest & Restoration encounter that Jesus is already our reward, and He invites us to just be with Him, He invites us to ABIDE.”
– Shaun Pretorius
At the beginning of 2023 when I was asking the Lord for a word for the year, he gave me the word REST. I realised I never obeyed, and after much toiling I had a breakdown. I felt paralyzed. I was in desperate need of help. I reached out to in Harmonie and the days we spent there brought me back to the instruction he had given me. He told me “Rest. I will not fail you or let you be harmed”. The retreat helped me to see that my Abba loves me and he wants to bring healing through rest, thank you team!
– Sikelelwa Nofemela
“The Rest and Restoration for Leaders was my very first time visiting in Harmonie. I was in a very bad place in my life. Nothing seemed to be working. I felt like my work demanded more than I could give and I felt stuck. I didn’t even realise how much quietness I needed in my life at that moment until I attended the retreat. At first, I struggled to shut down all the noise in my head. However, as I kept going to the chapel and just allowing myself to be still and hear God, I started to really enjoy it.Then, Thursday, 25 April 2024 was the best day of my life. This day I used the opportunity to be alone and just reflect and read the Word of God. God kept calling me to Matthew 11:28-30. I sat there in the lounge reading this portion over and over and my Father just kept showing me how much I am loved. I had never really wrote down my prayers but my pen just kept moving with tears running down my face. One thing that was very clear for me was that God was saying to me, “You don’t have to handle it on your own, give it to me.” He then led me to Deuteronomy 31:8. That sealed the whole thing and I knew I had been healed.”
– Nokulinda Cele
“Having heard so much about in Harmonie, it was very special to actually be there. During a slow, prayerful walk through the Tabernacle, I found myself lingering at the Veil. As I was praying, God reminded me of Moses putting the veil over his face to cover the radiance of his face after talking to the Lord. I felt this deep longing stirring within me to see the Lord’s Glory as Moses did. I actually said it out loud, ‘Lord, I want to see Your Glory.’ And I looked up and there, just for a few brief moments, I saw the Glory of the Lord resting on the top of the mountains. I didn’t so much see it with my eyes as feel it in my heart (difficult to explain), but the joy just washed over me and the experience has been such a profound encouragement to me.”
– Cathy Dyson
“Attending an in Harmonie encounter was a rescue mission for me, being ať the point of burn-out. In God’s presence I found restoration and rejuvenation. I’ve learned how to stay refuelled in ministry and that it’s important to have boundaries. Thank you in Harmonie for creating the space to hear God clearly and to find rest in His presence.”
– Evelyn Korah
“My flame was dim and close to being blown out. Being accountable for large-scale projects asked a lot and demanded solutions on a daily basis. On top of that, I have this constant reminder that I’m alone since my divorce almost 5 years ago. I’m now the provider.God never failed me. Instead He is patient, gentle, kind and consistent. The weekend I attended at in Harmonie changed my life, as I learned how to truly rest. I came out of the desert where I unnecessary spent time and felt extreme loss as I made solid endings with scattered relationships.I was amazed with how often Jesus pointed us to His Father in Scripture, “My Father…”. I confessed that I often do my own will. I experienced the Holy Spirit as the one who gives me wisdom, understanding, council, might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. I am refreshed.Thank you, I have learnt from every team member and am so very grateful.”
– Chani Otto
Since re-locating from MPU in April 2022 dealing with the challenges of transition, new business start-up, etc has been exhausting. I looked forward to the Pilgrimage for Leaders weekend to just get away and reflect/listen. On two occasions, quite unexpectedly, someone from the group came alongside – one with communion, one with prayer. Just what I needed to be encouraged!On the Saturday, when reflecting in the prayer garden using the Lord’s prayer, I was encouraged by what I sensed the Lord saying to me. So my story is really about God uses His Body to speak to us and He speaks! We need to position ourselves to listen. Thanks for a great weekend.
– Derick Slabbert
During the Focus on the Family: Journey to Us weekend, the Lord revealed to me and my husband that when we live intentionally, we will see God in our everything and then we will experience Him in everything. Every encounter with God is unique. in Harmonie has been created not for me to come and look for God, but to experience God. It is the place where we came to pause, we came to pray, and we came to be present with God and with one another. Because it is Him in whom we live and breathe and have our being
– Ragmah Bourne-Abrahams
My prayer prior to the Silent Retreat I attended, was that I will not miss what God planned for me during the retreat. I went with an open and expectant heart. My cup was filled to overflowing! God came and really changed my heart and mind and even physically I felt a change. Many times before, I have read the words “in Harmonie, place of change”. I have truly been transformed and changed and I thank God for the opportunity and the amazing team at in Harmonie – a place of change!
– Mia du Preez
God changed my heart as I felt He arranged the whole Morning of Prayer with such magnificent grace. I had been asking Him to teach me to pray, and oh this King that we call Dad! He knew I learn with pictures and images, and He chose this beautiful place, in Harmonie, to share with me about prayer. Thank You Jesus!
– Elize Nel
It is always a privilege to meet at in Harmonie’s “little slice of heaven on earth “. One can’t help but feel the presence of our Father there. Being in ministry myself, we often “pour out”, and yet we don’t always create time and space to receive.When I attended a Morning of Prayer at in Harmonie, the Lord blessed me with a time and space to go into His rest, to fill up, refine and retune to His frequency. I especially loved the praise and authentic worship time in the chapel with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I left feeling alive! Thank you for having me and I look forward to future collaborations.
– Cindy Dugmore
The Silent Retreat I attended at in Harmonie was really an intimate and precious time for me, as it deepened my love and zeal for God. All the honour and praise be to Him!As a pastor’s wife you tend to get so busy with ministry, that you really miss the time to be ministered to. I was open and expectant to what the Lord wanted to say to and do with me during the retreat.The first day was truly a day of rest and sleeping. My spiritual director then encouraged me to open myself up so that Father can speak to me and once I did and started to listen, I was so blessed.Later during the retreat I took some clay and as I moulded and broke the clay, God spoke to me. Just as the clay was without resistance, He wanted me to be willing and not to resist as He moulded and formed me to be the vessel for His glory. The song “Be still” really ministered to me and had me in tears as I allowed Him to quiet everything inside of me.I want to thank the in Harmonie team for their kindness and serving hearts, blessing me with a wonderful and refreshing time in God’s presence.
– Christine Jefthas
In Harmonie is truly a place of change. I have attended many events at in Harmonie and every experience brought change and growth in my life. The purpose of in Harmonie is to bring about rest, restoration and reconciliation, and I encounter that at every event.The Better Together gathering I recently attended encouraged me once again of the high value and importance on relationship between senior church leaders of different cultures and diverse backgrounds across Paarl Valley. I believe the Kingdom of God is busy advancing and during the weekend ministry moments we realised that we need to take hands and support one another so that God’s Kingdom will come.In Harmonie allows us to be real and authentic with one another as leaders. The encounters allow us to experience healing, reconciliation and restoration, but it also encourages us all to rest in the Lord so that we can minister from a place of rest. It also opens our eyes to realise how totally dependent we are on the Lord. My life is enriched after every ministry experience at in Harmonie.
– Allister Golding
After a short break during the school holidays, I was eager to spend time in God’s presence to focus on what He wanted me to hear. For me personally, it meant a lot to be able to just have the time and opportunity to be quiet before the Lord. He answered every question and concern I had and gave me hope for my future. I enjoyed the gardens and time at the new Baptism bath the most.The Holy Spirit highlighted to me that an area in my life that was in need of restoration was: “Be still and know that I am God.”Since my first encounter at In Harmonie, I am constantly aware of the fact that we have to part and be intentional with reconciliation. I strive to be obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit when He tells me to use an opportunity for reconciliation, whether in my family, workplace or as a citizen in South Africa.During my time at in Harmonie, I felt like a princess, being spoiled in the presence of my King!
– Allister Golding
If I would describe my time at in Harmonie in one sentence, it would be: a place of rest, focus and deep encounters with the Lord.Arriving at in Harmonie, my frame of mind was to get answers and directions from the Lord. I was tired of certain situations of my life (and I’m honestly still struggling with some), and didn’t really know how to go about it. We then received a guideline to go to the Lord as our Friend. Those moments were really refreshing, and the most conducive place for me was along the water stream. I could think and pray, while walking along the stream – falling asleep beside it also, with the pleasant sound of the running water.That has been the right time for the Holy Spirit to work with me. He mainly pointed at my need for rest and trust in the Lord for provision. He also took me to a place of dreaming big again. At times when the challenges are big or many, we tend to forget our deepest aspirations and even stop dreaming. I was at that stage in certain areas of my life, and the Lord restored me there.If given the opportunity to return to in Harmonie, many reasons would make me love to participate again – especially the atmosphere of peace and rest that reigns in the place, the silence retreat, the unicity of the chapel. The staff is also friendly and professional and the food is excellent!
– Allister Golding
“My time at in Harmonie was an absolute feast in the presence of our Father. The time of silence and solitude brought deep rest to my soul. Pockets throughout my experience was deeply drenched by the truths and promises of God over my life.God delights when we intentionally set aside time to be with Him. My cup has been filled and I have been drinking deeply from the River of Life over these past few days. This establishment is immaculate in every way. The attention to detail and care makes this an experience of a lifetime. I am ever so grateful for being able to have my annual adventure with Jesus! My soul is rested and rejuvenated.”
– Stephanie Petersen
I don’t have any words to express how much I thank God for the opportunity of attending the Prayer Meeting at in Harmonie. I felt the present of God immediately when I entered the premises. I also felt His presence while we prayed and while reading His word.I heard the voice of God clearly without distraction of cars and buses. I felt transformed, relaxed and rested in Him. I never knew that there was a place like this. I felt like I am in heaven already with Jesus. It’s changed my life; the way I talk, act and my devotions with God. I even wrote a poem/psalm for God while I was at in Harmonie.
– Simphiwe Tsewu
Before attending the Quiet Day I spent time with God praised God for such a privilege that I am invited to a day that God put on my spiritual journey for growth and proclaiming Gods purpose in my life to be a servant in His Kingdom.The moment I stepped into in Harmonie I felt the presence of God and the joy to be part of the Quiet Day. I felt secure and calm with expectations of the refreshment God is going to give me as a gift.The life of St Francis of Assisi was an amazing story. The way that Nan Martin introduces spirituality and the way this man of God lived his life was such an example of pure obedience. The love for God and the love for the poor … worldly and spiritually.I realised God uses us as instruments and ambassadors for His Kingdom. I reflected on Gods creative plan. Everything is about God. He is to be praised every moment in every prayer and deed. It was amazing to realise that even the birds of the air send their praises to God.Poverty became clear to me through St Francis passion to realise that the more possessions you have the less time for God and His work.This was a part of a chapter in my life where I could go into the rest with Gods plan for my life, to find reconciliation with God through reflection and restoration by the power of healing and change.
– Bets Daiber
“It was such a blessing to attend a Rest & Restoration for Youth Workers encounter. in Harmonie creates a space to spend time with God, hear His voice through scripture, meet with others, and provide a place of rest and restoration.”
– Dave Waters
“During a Rest & Restoration encounter for youth workers, we had to give one word to summarise what God is saying to us. I was sitting in the chapel and felt God saying that I have to surrender and submit everything to Him and not focus on doing things for Him, but just to rest in His presence.I was struggling to get the one word and decided to go for a walk in the garden. I took a bottle of water and it overflowed when I opened it. So my one word, “overflowed” indicates that I must just spend enough time in God’s presence in order for Him to overflow in my life and in such a way touch other people as well.in Harmonie is a God given space where you can hear God’s voice so clearly and just rest in His love and peace. Thank you for providing this special opportunity.”
– Carien van Zyl
My husband and I serve with YWAM in Muizenberg. We recently experienced a tragic loss of precious lives and as a mission we were shaken to the core. The time away at in Harmonie allowed me to focus on the goodness of the Lord in the midst of the pain and the unanswered questions. He is good no matter what I walk through. I don’t need to understand everything this side of eternity.
– Diana Fillies
“The Quiet Day I attended was my first experience with in Harmonie and it was a marvelous experience. From the moment I went through the gates, I could sense God’s peace. It really was a special time for me to just be quiet with Abba Father, as He whispered His desires for my life into my ears. Thank you in Harmonie for a true blessing! May God continue to use your team and your beautiful setting to change lives for His kingdom purpose.”
– Vivian Poole
“When we were asked during the Illuminated Soul gathering to pause and investigate an emotion, I investigated anger I had over a particular situation. I was surprised to learn that the emotion was far older than the trigger of that day. From that I could deal with the real source of my anger (which was rooted in shame), instead of dealing with the surface of my trigger.”
– Mthomasebe Adonis
“What a luxury to be given time to think and process about all that is happening inside of me. During the Illuminated Soul weekend, I learned to listen to my soul and were given tools to help me process. This is going to be an ongoing process of practising, believing and becoming, but the fruit of this weekend will be a more holistic Cindy, one that listens to and understands with the freedom to walk with all that is going on in my soul, partnering with Holy Spirit as I journey along. Thank you for the practical tools, amazing fellowship and awesome surroundings. The attention to detail that the staff goes to, just adds to the richness of the experience at in Harmonie.”
– Cindy Duvel
“I truly felt the Lord being at work in my life. I came to in Harmonie empty and burnt out and left so refreshed and revived. I felt the Lord removing all that was toxic in my heart, and I was re-aligned to His will and purpose. I am ultimately thankful for the in Harmonie team and so grateful for all the leaders I met. My life and calling feels restored and revived.”
– Lindani Gumede
“God showed up in a big way for me during two encounters. During a Silent Retreat, God really shattered the pieces of my life and I felt broken, lost and confused. I still had hope that God would restore me, but I was expecting it to be back to my old self.Since the Quiet Day, however, God has shown me that His plan is to not restore, but to reinvent me. Reinvent, in the sense of taking me back to His original design for my life. I’ve learnt that we make so many choices that steer us away from God’s plan, God’s design, and those choices blind us to God’s desire for our lives.Ever since these encounters I have been spending intentional time with God, but this time, only focusing on what He needs. What He wants to communicate. And it is a challenging but amazing journey. I’m looking forward to sharing more of how this story unfolds at our next encounter.Thank you In Harmonie, for the amazing opportunity you created for me to really sit at the feet of our Lord and drink from His abundance once again. I am still thirsting after God, but His presence is so real at this point in my life.In Harmonie really is the place of change. The place of connection with God. The place of hearing God and a place of safety to be vulnerable with our mighty God. I am deeply grateful to your team. May God bless You all.”
– Caroline Poole
We attended the Journey to Us weekend seminar arranged by Focus on the Family as part of our 27th wedding anniversary celebration. Our daughter got married in Dec 2021 and our son got married in March 2022, so our nest emptied within three months! We definitely needed help to just navigate through our empty nest. We were not sure where to start, but knew that God is the answer.The weekend was an absolute answer to our prayer. It gave us the necessary tools to reset our focus and reconnect in a Godly manner. The program was perfect and we were very surprised that we were able to spend so much time per day in God’s presence, reflecting on His grace and goodness.The venue complimented the programme. We loved the tranquillity of in Harmonie’s gardens. The staff were all so friendly and spirit filled. This enhanced our overall experience. We thank God for all involved. Thank you for a great experience.
– Mike & Elsebe Feldtman
I had just undergone surgery on my spine the day before I attended a 4-day Silent Retreat, but was determined despite the pain to go and see what the Lord had prepared for me. And oh what He had in store! The chalet, the scenery, the ministry through tender attentiveness and hospitality blew me away and allowed to me to enter a place of rest I have never experienced before. I have discovered a new pace of life, a rest and foundational stones being set for me to truly know and experience I am beloved. Thank you, in Harmonie for so generously preparing this feast at the table of the Lord.
– Samantha Salazar-Okkers
Stepping onto the in Harmonie grounds, there is an immediate sense of the presence of God. The team that served the meals and cared for our needs during our stay for the Economic Summit Africa Conference were amazing. The views and the hiking trails are one of a kind, and every session was challenging and encouraging. At in Harmonie we were set apart to be knit together.
– David McIver
During a Silent Retreat at in Harmonie I was touched, stirred and transformed into a person who wants to give God all the glory.I had several close encounters with Jesus during my time at in Harmonie, as I heard, saw and had dialogue with Him. By grace through faith the Word of God opened up to me as I experienced Jesus talking to me personally through Scripture.I am grateful for the change He has activated in me through rest, reconciliation, reflection, silence, nature, the Word, healing and total deliverance.For such a long time God wanted to rescue and deliver me from all the baggage I was carrying. He lifted me up and set me free from bondages, so that I can travel light and experience total freedom. I was also freed from fruitless busyness and transformed to pursue fruitful rest, so that I can serve my community better.Thank you to the in Harmonie team for your servant hearts and for creating a place where I could grow into the Lord’s purpose for me.
– Maureen Balie
What was so clear about the Prayer Weekend that I attended at in Harmonie, was that God met each person individually to prepare us for the next season.Personally, it was the beautiful surroundings and loving preparation of the in Harmonie team that reflected God’s care and created a space for rest and quietness for me. Getting up early in the morning and reading the Word in the beautiful garden, while gazing at the majestic mountain, instilled new direction and vision for me. In making profound God-ordained connections over the weekend, the importance of the body of Christ was re-confirmed.One of my favourite moments of the weekend was in the chapel when Godfrey lit the candles and spoke the blessing of the 7-fold Spirit of God (Isaiah 11) over us. I rejoice over the multi-faceted wisdom of God in nourishing us and cherish His goodness and faithfulness.
– Mariëtte Jacobs
The prayer gathering I attended at In Harmonie was entirely refreshing to my spirit, mind and soul. It was a privilege to set time aside to focus wholly on the word of God, worship and the people around me.For me, the most amazing part was being equipped with tools to navigate intercession, prophecy and an artist’s work. Never before has my calling been clarified in such a beautiful manner and I believe I was sharpened and refined by every session. In the midst of everything, I walked away with a personal testimony. I believe the weight of anxiety was lifted off my chest. I’ve been trusting (crying out) for healing for a while now. During one of the prayer moments, Christine Westhoff prayed and laid hands on me and I took deep breaths in. Since then I have not had the knot of anxiety in my chest (which I usually carry around daily).I believe through that prayer and my decision to trust God again (in a totally new way) I now live Psalm 55:22, casting my burdens unto the Lord and I can physically feel the difference! What an incredible and intentional time. I look forward to fellowshipping with everyone in the future.
– Pumo Selesho
The weekend at in Harmonie was God’s answer to my prayer: “Lord, I want to experience You not only in my spirit, but in my soul and body too.”The theme of our Silent Retreat, Friendship with God, showed me that Jesus is closer to me than my own breath. The silence and the beauty and rhythm (and good food) at in Harmonie sharpened all my senses.I heard His voice like never before. He touched my soul and restored child-like faith. The worship in Coram Deo was simple but profound. The words “May the Lord be with you, the Spirit of Wisdom, the Spirit of Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel, the Spirit of Knowledge, the Spirit of Might and the Fear of the Lord” are starting to echo through my life. I pray that the change I experienced will be as lasting as the mountains surrounding in Harmonie. I experienced a little bit of Heaven.
Blessed to pen down my Story of Change. As I was reflecting on the Psalm of life and salvation, which we were encouraged to write, I was reminded of the three streams that flow through this sacred song – each bearing witness to God’s presence in our lives. The first stream is that of the original writers, those who have shaped our understanding of faith through their words. The second stream belongs to us, the readers and seekers, who find ourselves within the Psalms meaning, interpreting and applying it to our own journeys. And the third stream is Jesus Christ Himself, the ultimate author and guide, whose presence and saving grace bring all things into fullness and hope.In the context of South Africa’s ongoing journey – grappling with the intersections of freedom, salvation and democracy – I find myself writing a prayer. A prophetic vision of a transformed South Africa, one that seeks righteousness and justice in the midst of a broken world. The two disciples on the Road to Emmaus serve as a powerful metaphor for this journey. Their walk, filled with confusion, despair, and uncertainty, mirrors the struggles we face in our own pilgrimage toward hope and freedom.Just as these disciples were walking away from Jerusalem, hearts heavy with the weight of unfulfilled expectations, we too often find ourselves walking in the shadow of despair – grappling with a nation that longs for true transformation and justice. Yet, as they walked, their eyes were opened by the presence of Christ, and they realized that He had been with them all along, guiding them through their grief and confusion.Through this reflection, I see South Africa’s pilgrimage not just as a political journey toward freedom, but as a spiritual walk toward the fullness of life in Christ. Just as the disciples’ encounter with Christ on the Road to Emmaus transformed their understanding of their journey, so too can we, as a nation, rediscover the transforming presence of Christ in our midst. This is not merely about seeking political freedom, but about seeking the freedom that comes through the saving grace of Christ.In this journey, I envision a moment of profound revelation. It is the image of a thick, dark cloud that gives way to rain – a symbol of cleansing and renewal. Behind the rain, a rainbow emerges – a promise of hope, peace, and redemption. This picture is a reflection of South Africa’s own story: a nation once clouded in despair, now walking toward a future bathed in hope.We, like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, are invited to recognize Christ in our journey – a presence that guides us with wisdom, justice and love. As we walk forward, may we carry the hope of Christ, whose love and justice illuminate our path. May we, as the Church, walk forward with courage, righteousness, and compassion, embodying the saving work of Christ in the world. As Hebrews 1:2 reminds us, “In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son… May His word dwell richly in us.” In this, we find strength for the journey ahead and peace in the presence of God.The road to freedom, to transformation, is never easy – but it is a road that leads us to the presence of Christ, the ultimate hope for a just future. As we walk, may we carry His light into a hurting world, offering the love that has been so graciously given to us.
The Prayer Gathering is always a highlight for me, and this year was no exception. I had come to the gathering with questions and a need to hear from the Lord and get clarity on certain things. Usually I would expect to hear from Him in the quiet moments – later in the evenings or during times of purposeful rest. This time, I was surprised at how He spoke and brought answers to my questions in the middle of the Lectio Divina sessions, during group discussion times, in worship in Coram Deo and even in our cottage kitchen 6am in the morning making coffee with new friends. I realised that these weekends are so soaked in prayer that it doesn’t matter where or with whom you are … the Lord will speak if we just listen!Apart from being refreshed and re-envisioned, I experienced healing when the in Harmonie prayer team prayed for a nasty headache and nausea that I had arrived with on the Friday afternoon. By Saturday morning 4am I was wide awake, feeling healed and refreshed and excited for the day to begin! So grateful for the prayer cover in the run up and during the weekend – always tangible during these special stays.A final breakthrough came on Sunday – I was standing in Coram Deo during the last meeting and released a burden for vulnerable children in tough communities to the Lord, confessing that I didn’t know how to tackle what feels overwhelming at times, but that I would be willing to follow Him into communities and follow His lead. I visualised Him putting me in His pocket and carrying me into the communities where the children are with Him … and suddenly the burden lifted and I felt like I could take the next step in the vision.On our way back to Muizenberg where I stay, I was speaking to Louette and Mike Maccallum and discovered that she is working with children at risk in the Westlake area not far from where I stay. She shared her desire to start prayer walking the settlement in Westlake … and immediately I knew, this is the Lord, putting me in His pocket and saying, “Come with Me into this community, and follow My lead. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)Thank you, in Harmonie for an incredibly special weekend and for the excellence with which we were pampered and served! As we drove home that day, sharing excitedly, Mike Maccallum chuckled and said, “I wonder how many other cars are have conversations like this right now of the miraculous breakthroughs that took place over the weekend!” I think he was spot on!
“A few weeks before the retreat my wife and I went through a heavy season with work, children and the uncertainty of the future. I remember writing in my journal how overwhelmed and tired I was. My wife and I have two daughters, one 3 years old and the other just 1, and I had run out of all energy to try and be a good father or husband. All my energy went to work because bills still needed to be paid and making sure the kids have everything they needed, but after that I was done.Every night I would just zone out on Youtube until I passed out on the couch and when I went to the room my wife would be asleep already. We were both past the point of exhaustion.I remembered Matthew 11:28 and as I journaled one morning I just wrote the question: “What does it look like to come to Jesus practically?” You would think that someone who has been a Christ follower for 20 years should know this, but I realise that in the midst of the storm it’s very easy to forget. So I just left it.But not knowing that God would answer my question within a matter of days with the e-mail coming from in Harmonie stating that the theme of this year’s Rest & Restoration Retreat will be from Matthew 11:28-30 and deal with what it looks like to come to Jesus.I was blown away and felt a sense that God really wanted me there, and after the experience I can see why. It was such a good time of slowing down, getting in the Word, fellowshipping, singing, praying and just be in nature. The way I explained it to my wife was that the weekend was like a speed wobble on a road. I had been driving my life and ministry at 120 km per hour on a road where God wanted me to do 80 km per hour. So he sent a speed bump to slow me down before I potentially wreck my ministry and my family.I am so grateful to Greg and Anneke and the team who put it together and serving us so well. Praise God for the heart you and the in Harmonie leaders have for restoring people so they can be healthy and therefore more effective in serving God’s people.”
“in Harmonie is a place of change, for we came empty and came out full, physically and spiritually. We experienced the unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness of our Father. The reflections on The Prodigal Son Scripture enabled us to put ourselves in the Son’s role, repentance and reconciliation.The Lectio Divina and centering prayer practice helped us to find ‘rest for our soul’ and the Quiet Retreat enabled us to reconnect with God on a deeper level, being made aware of all our senses, through looking, listening, feeling, smelling and tasting.Focusing on this awareness of our surroundings heightened our spiritual connection with God and each other, making us aware of our need to not just ‘hear’ but to ‘listen’ to each other.Although we came together on the retreat, we needed to reconnect individually with God, putting Him in the centre of our marriage and allowing Him to change us from within, which only He can.The group discussion was very healing and helpful and we are very grateful to the in Harmonie team for their dedication and attention to details, and for the immense blessing they are to God’s ambassadors.”
It is difficult to even find the vocabulary to articulate my experience at in Harmonie. From the moments of utter Holy Spirit saturation in the chapel, to the intentionality of communion being offered frequently.As the year came to an end; I felt like I had been on a rollercoaster ride, with some beautiful high moments in the Lord and some devasting lows. At the start of 2023; I sensed the Lord calling me into a deep, deep time of rest and healing areas of trauma, grief and burn out. Never in my wildest dreams did I think a friend would call and arrange for me to join her at In Harmonie for the Reframing the Prophetic weekend.It felt like the entire weekend was a magnificent gift and invitation from the Father to encounter Jesus and be saturated in the Spirit. I was able to lay all the burdens that came to mind at the cross. As the spirit led; so I would lay down. I even stumbled upon a prayer alter with little stones and had time to hand my grief to Jesus.What impacted me most on a deeply personal level is I truly encountered Jesus. He revealed Himself to me throughout the weekend in visions. I experienced Him as bridegroom, shepherd, saviour, provider and comforter.One of the visions I had was of the Holy Spirit taking threads (burgundy, royal blue and gold) and weaving them together into a beautiful and ornate ball gown. Each thread symbolic of mankind, our gifts and talents being woven together as His church, His bride. Woven by the Holy Spirit being made manifest in and through us.As we worshipped in the chapel I saw the bride wearing this ballgown and being invited to dance with Jesus. Invited to move as He moves, in perfect rhythm and timing. To surrender and have Him lead. It was truly spectacular.There is so much I will treasure about my weekend at in Harmonie, including the sheer beauty, exquisite accommodation, delicious food and wonderful service. Thank you to all who made this an experience that I will store in the treasure chest of my heart for many, many years to come.
From the get-go it was clear that our Quiet Day encounter was prayerfully put together; the Holy Spirit was such an integral part of the day. We were ushered into a place of quietness, being led by the Holy Spirit every step of the way.I had just gone through an extremely challenging holiday season, but during the encounter God just again proved to me that the answer to all our problems lies in His Word. During one session we had to read different scriptures to find the one that speaks to us personally. When I read 1 Kings 19:2-8 I wanted to scream and shout with joy!Elijah went into the desert and wanted to die. The angel woke him as he was sleeping and said the must eat of the fresh bread and drink of the water. He then went back to sleep. In verse 7-8 the angel came again and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you”. This was my answer! We always need answers from God and when we pray, He answers … BUT then we experience seasons like I recently did, during which you have to eat and drink and regain your strength, because the journey is too great for you.What also stood out for me was the fact that Elijah was busy sleeping when the bread and water was prepared the second time. Do we not often run around when we have severe problems and try to solve it on our own?What Elijah ate and drank the second time was enough to sustain him for 40 days and 40 nights. This indicated to me a 40 day fast and what the Lord gives you the second time around will sustain you in the fast! My spirit is so lifted by this revelation and I can’t stop encouraging people to experience their own relevation during an in Harmonie encounter.
When I came to in Harmonie I was running on empty. It was a season of existential loss and uncertainty on many levels. It was a season of disorientation and disharmony. However, God, through the hands of In Harmonie, brought me to in Harmonie for a life-changing experience of rest, restoration and reconciliation. From the very start I was aware of a certain intentional approach at in Harmonie. For me, in Harmonie was like a spiritual sanctuary. All elements of the entire in Harmonie space and process led to restorative spiritual beauty for me: The prayer garden, the amazing worship moments in the chapel, the spaces created for silence and reflection, the teaching from God’s word, the sharing of testimonies, the sharing of food together and sitting around the boma fire together at night etc.I experienced like never before, the restorative healing love of God. I felt that bridges and boundaries between myself and others were broken by the restorative love of God in Christ, mediated by the space in Harmonie created in this intentional spiritual sanctuary. I have never again experienced such a space. So, I believe there is something very special going on at in Harmonie. I went home with hope, refueled by God’s love. In fact, in my quiet time, many years afterwards, I often still go back in my thoughts to the wonderful spaces I experienced at in Harmonie. That is also what the ancient Jews did, i.e., they went yearly to the temple, and in their prayers during the rest of the year, they would recall their holy experiences at the temple where God was present in profound ways for them.If given the opportunity again to undertake such a spiritual pilgrimage to in Harmonie, I will certainly go again. I believe every Christian should at least once in their lifetime experience this unique sanctuary of God. In one sentence, I would describe my time at in Harmonie as follows: At a time in which I was running on empty and built walls around my heart, in Harmonie created the space to rest in God, be restored by God’s love and experience how our reconciling God breaks down all kinds of walls and takes you by the hand to rebuild your life in all its dimensions with courage, and on a sound spiritual foundation. in Harmonie, a place of rest, restoration, reconciliation – A place of change where you will discover how to courageously rebuild your life on a sound spiritual foundation!
The timing of the invitation we received to participate in the “In Harmonie Journey” was profoundly providential and God-ordained. We were about to enter a significant season of transition preparing to hand over the reins of leadership as senior pastors of Every Nation Church N1 City. We had given ourselves tirelessly to the work of God’s kingdom for the past 15 years and although there were many highs and lows in this season, there certainly had been a personal toll on us individually and in our family.During our time at in Harmonie, God restored the simplicity of our faith in Him and His divine and sovereign hand on our lives and callings. He affirmed the transition we were going through and helped us to lay down what needed to be laid down for the season that we were saying goodbye to, and to take up what needed to be taken up for the new season and adventure that beckoned us forward. The ministry to our souls was always restoring and reconciliatory. It supported and empowered us to be reconciled to both God and others.As sojourners in the God-given journey of life, our souls will always need to experience the rhythms of rest and restoration, deeper contemplation, soul searching for wisdom, guidance and clarity, and sometimes just a quiet space to process whatever we are going through.We have found our time at in Harmonie a tremendous means of God’s grace for all of this ministry to mind, body and spirit. From driving in through the gates at the main entrance, in Harmonie’s setting is immediately welcoming and refreshing. The chapel time was deeply spiritual and restful for our souls. The accommodation and food always minister to body and soul. The experiences through conversation, ministry, prayer walks and interacting with people, liturgies and God’s creation were all woven together into a tapestry of the ministry of Jesus, our very Good Shepherd, to restore our souls.
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