Resources

OLIVE GROVE

There is an established olive grove right next to our Agnus Dei Prayer Garden where guests are welcome to spend time and walk in between the trees. Olives are often mentioned in the Bible and carry symbolism of peace and reconciliation between God and man.

When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.
– Genesis 8:11 (NIV)

RIVER AREAS

The busyness of life often robs us of quiet moments of peaceful reflection on the Lord. There are two riverside areas with seating that provide “secret places” of solitude and an opportunity to “drink” from Jesus Christ, Who is the Source Of Living Water.

The first area is found at the entrance to the Agnus Dei Prayer Garden, and is surrounded by trees. Guests are encouraged to meditate here on the Scripture below:

(The righteous) is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
– Psalm 1:3 ESV

The second area is at the entrance to in Harmonie and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. While spending time here, we invite you to meditate on the following Scripture:

Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name.
– Psalm 23:1-3 TPT

BAPTISMAL POOL

At in Harmonie we believe in faith baptism at an age where the person can make their own decision based on their conviction of faith. Part of this conviction is to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, to repent and turn away from sin, and to be baptized into Jesus’ death and raised up to new life with Him. You are welcome to reach out to us if you would like to know more.

… and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
– Luke 3:21b-22 ESV

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
– Romans 6:3-4 ESV

AGNUS DEI (Prayer Garden)

Agnus Dei: Lamb of God.

The Agnus Dei Prayer Garden is based upon the Lord’s Prayer. It has been prayerfully and thoughtfully planned and laid out. It has seven different stations where you are encouraged to spend time in prayer and in the presence of God while exploring God’s creation and nature around you.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.”
– Matthew 6:9b-13 ESV

TABERNACLE ROUTE

Tabernacle: The portable dwelling place of the divine presence of God.

The Tabernacle Route is an interactive prayer walk that is designed to encourage thoughtful prayer and meditation on the Lord. The route is made up of seven stations – each of which align with and symbolize the structure and layout of the Tabernacle – and offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the presence of God dwelling amongst us.

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
– Exodus 40:34 NASB

BOMA

The boma is a place for fellowship and conversing about our faith in and relationship with God. When you look up at the night sky, there is an opportunity to reflect on God Who created everything around us and Who holds the stars in His hands.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
– Psalm 8:3-4 (ESV)

COTTAGES

The cottages are exclusively available to guests who attend Encounters that extend overnight. Each cottage has five en-suite twin bedrooms with a communal lounge area and fully-equipped kitchen suitable for self-catering. Linen, towels, a hairdryer and a safe is provided. Inspired by the Joy Project, the cottages are colour-coded and each one focuses on a different fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
– Galathians 5:22-23 ESV

CORAM DEO (Chapel)

Coram Deo: Latin for ‘in the presence of God’.

Coram Deo, the chapel at in Harmonie, is where we gather for our communal Times Of Reflection, praise and worship, prayer and intercession, and communing with God. The chapel has six stained-glass windows, each depicting a different story in the Bible as well as the fulfillment by Jesus of each of those stories. At the back of the chapel there is a wooden carving of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper right above the station where communion is available for guests to partake in.

SINFONIA (Library Lounge)

Sinfonia: Latin for ‘to sound together’ or ‘an agreement of sound’.

Sinfonia offers a more intimate setting for small meetings, and where conversations about God is encouraged. It hosts our library, which guests are invited to make use of while spending time at in Harmonie. There is a jug and wash basin available to wash the feet of others, just as Jesus had done.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
– John 13:14 ESV

KOINONIA (Dining Room)

Koinonia: Greek for ‘communication’ or ‘community’.

In Koinonia we gather to commune with each other, and to share a meal. Featuring a picture of The Last Supper, we are reminded of how Jesus invited His disciples to eat with Him. At every meal there is an opportunity to partake and share in communion.

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 ESV

VERITAS (Conference Room)

Veritas: Latin for ‘truth’.

Veritas is where we host most of our input sessions. Central to Veritas is The Victory painting by Brindley Pritchard featuring the crucifixion scene of our Lord Jesus Christ. For more information on this painting, you are invited to watch the video by clicking here. Our prayer for you as you spend time in this room is that you will receive a revelation of Jesus, Who is the Source of true wisdom.

And to man He (God) said, ‘Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom: And to turn away from evil is understanding.’
– Job 28:28 ESV

RECONCILIATION

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

– 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NASB

And God has made all things new, and reconciled us to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God. In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 TPT

RESTORATION

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

– 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

REST

(Jesus said) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

– Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

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!

– Prof. Dr. Kobus Kok (ETF Leuven, Belgium)

Stained-Glass Windows

For centuries, this art form has been used to capture beauty. In times of predominant illiteracy, it conveyed truth by encouraging learning, recollection, and storytelling. It also serves an aesthetic and symbolic purpose as images come alive when light shines through them. These large, stained-glass windows represent heroes of the Christian faith pointing to Jesus Christ and an organ emphasising the importance of music in praise and contemplation. The chapel serves as a gathering place for prayer and worship.

We pray that God’s eternal, permeating light may shine in you and through you during this time of reflection. May it make you come alive in the presence of God.

“Each of us is a stained-glass window. No matter how gifted the artistry and beautiful the art, it takes light streaming through it to bring out its glory. Jesus is that light.” – Leonard Sweet

Berdine Neethling Swart

“I am a traveller, philanthropist, conservationist who is also invested in creative businesses. What gets me out of bed in the morning is the passion to uplift and give hope to people. I see so much potential in our country to heal and grow in unity by taking the first brave steps in coming together in a safe space and having courageous conversations with each other. in Harmonie has a big role to play in creating unity between people.”

Peter Tarantal

“It is such a joy to serve on the in Harmonie Board! I see my primary role as Board member as that of helping to ensure that God is glorified through in Harmonie and to support the executive chair and staff in fulfilling the mandate that the Lord has given in Harmonie. It is my privilege to assist the Board and staff to determine strategically how we best make in Harmonie a place of Change through Rest, Restoration and Reconciliation.”

Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg

“As a musician, I understand the importance of creating melodies, for instruments and voices to combine, and to create beautiful harmonies. At in Harmonie, I believe that the Body of Christ is creating spiritual harmonies. As we wait on the Lord, we hear His voice inviting us to Rest in His presence, to be Restored to one another, and to bring about Reconciliation between races and cultures. In 2010, standing on La Motte Farm, God gave me a vision for a unique place of prayer, in Harmonie is the fulfillment of that vision. It is the prayer of my heart that the melodies we create will resound to every corner of the earth.”

Anneke Rabe

“Serving on the in Harmonie board allows me to fulfill one of my greatest joys; waiting on the Lord for His guidance and discernment. The in Harmonie vision encourages us to pray, love, and be reconciled to God and each other. As a board member, I can watch the body of Christ grow in love and unity. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, every experience at in Harmonie is life-changing.”

Graham Power

“As Chairman and founder of a Construction and property development company, I fulfill my company’s responsibility with purpose and excellence. However, my passion lies in developing Christ-followers, networking global leaders, and promoting prayer and unity in the Body of Christ. in Harmonie provides me with an opportunity to strategically serve the board and staff. Together, our goal is to ensure that those who come to in Harmonie find a place of change where Rest, Restoration and Reconciliation are a daily experience of God’s heart for His people.”

Moss Ntlha

“I am a disciple-maker. I love to facilitate cultures where people connect with Jesus, so they get to live out their best selves. Being a South African, I lament that history has dealt so many people a bad hand, forcing them to live far below their God-given potential. I believe as Christians, it is important to sow seeds of Reconciliation. Someday it will be a forest of good hope and social harmony.”

Hein Koegelenberg

“It is so easy to get caught up in all the challenges facing South Africa. in Harmonie is focused on facilitating understanding and tolerance. I am dedicated to the vision of finding harmony. I see my role in challenging the obvious and finding fresh perspectives. If we are going to make a real difference, we need the right people, and we need to stay in touch with what is happening at grassroots level. I believe in the dream, but I also believe in being practical when it comes to implementation. Most of all, it is my pleasure and privilege to support Hanneli in her vision for in Harmonie.”

Cassie Carstens

“We are living in a very volatile world where leadership is challenged on all levels. Most leaders are drained to the core, and they need Rest, Restoration and Reconciliation. These capacity-building initiatives are received when you attend any of the in Harmonie initiatives. The testimonies of those that have been to in Harmonie are overwhelming. All return home refreshed and empowered. Ready to run the good race with invigorated passion. Being a Board member offers me the opportunity to support the executive chair and staff in the amazing work that they are doing in God’s Kingdom. in Harmonie is truly a place of Change!”

Lectio Divina

'Lectio Divina' means 'Sacred Reading.’

Our Lord’s Prayer

A simple, reflective way of stilling ourselves to pray at noon (12:00pm) every day.

Examen

A simple, reflective way of stilling ourselves to pray at the end of a day.

THE RHYTHM OF AN UNHURRIED LEADER

by Godfrey Mmagawo