New Wine In Fresh Wine Skins
Jesus said that new wine needs 'new' wineskins or 'fresh vessels'. To paraphrase, the 'new wine' needs old skins that are washed, softened, restitched, oiled, and prepared for the most precious life-giving commodity, His life. I believe Jesus was preparing His disciples to be 'fresh vessels' to receive, live, and make Kingdom life available to a world in need. As we go through different stages of life, our 'vessels', lives, families, and ministries may need to be again prepared, washed, softened, and renewed for the next season of Kingdom living. The best response is to hear His heart for the 'vessels' we are responsible for, to humble ourselves, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and prepare our vessels for His purposes for the season ahead.
And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.' Luke 5:37-38
STEPPING 'OUT' TO EERSTERUST
The entire team joined the Lord for three days of coming alongside the Teen Challenge team at an Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Eersterust.
Through focused teachings, skits, discussions, reflective opportunities, and ministry, we once again witnessed the Lord's heart for the broken, the wounded, and the forgotten. He fed them, taught them, loved them, welcomed them, and met them in the hidden places of pain and shame.
Shere House Renewal Project, the Fresh Wine Skin Preparation
Over the past season, we have sensed the Lord leading the 46-year-old buildings at Shere House through a season of renewal, preparing a 'place' where God can welcome, love, speak to, and restore His people in the days ahead. What began with our roofing project has continued as the Lord has stirred the hearts of many to come alongside this work of refreshing and refurbishing the guest rooms, living areas, and outdoor spaces. Step by step, we are seeing people catch the vision and join the Lord in preparing this precious vessel for all He desires to do in the years to come. Every contribution, whether through practical help, skills, resources, or prayer, helps to create a place where lives can encounter God's presence, love, healing, and restoration. If you would like to partner with us in this journey or assist in any way, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can prepare a place where many will encounter God's love, healing, and restoration for generations to come. For more information or to get involved, please contact Trudy. trudy.wronsley@ellel.org
Upcoming Opportunities
Ladies' Day Event, CLOTHED, Restoring Health to His Bride, 8 Aug 09:00-13:00
Ladies, time to dress up! The Bible says we wear what we are. Join us as we look at why we may be choosing our own attire instead of being adorned in the true beauty. This is a morning of fellowship and teaching followed by creativity, tea and coffee with some treats in the gardens. Bring a friend.
12-Day Course, Part B, 17-29 August
God’s heart for His people is that we live in the fullness of who He created us to be. This is a central reason why Jesus came: to restore, redeem, and bring us into wholeness. The 12‑day Part B course is aligned with Explore B and focuses on deeper equipping to help us address the areas of our lives that still need healing and restoration.
Bridge from the Head to the Heart, 9 - 15 October
Understanding God’s love in our heads and knowing His love in the depths of our hearts are two vastly different things. When God’s love meets us in our deepest places of hurt and pain, healing rushes forth, and freedom abounds. Yet, achieving that connection can seem difficult, terrifying, overwhelming, or even impossible
Previous News
Open Day Welcoming
A wonderful way to begin the year by opening the door to Jesus, connecting with guests from different places, enjoying fellowship, sharing delicious food, and responding to God's invitation to open the door to His possibilities of restored health. Many used this time to respond to His invitation to 'open the door' to the One who is all health and life. Through creative opportunities in the garden, people welcomed Him into places of need, trusting Him for His restoring work. This marked the beginning of the Health Restored series.
Health Restore Series
Throughout the 1st part of the year, our heart was to reach out with these free impactful opportunities to His body in need, bringing His health and goodness close to the places in need of Him.
These are free, short, focused events for the followers of Jesus to examine the health God has intended for them in key areas of their lives
It was such a privilege to witness God's heart for His people as He restores value and safety and brings freedom from hidden offences. Many came, received God's truth, took time to sit with Him in His presence, and allowed Him to bring restoration to places where it had been lost. These free events, held at Shere House, Durban, and the Cape Hub, provide opportunities to reach out to His people with His love, truth, and restoring grace.
12 Day Course, Part A
We are always amazed when people invest their time and hearts in putting the Lord first. Time and again, we see how God uses this 'surrender' to do a precious work in the lives of His children. This was no different with this "family" whom we had the privilege of welcoming and serving.
"I have being living the lie that held me captive all my life, God released me, now I am free, the best is now my sleep was restored."
'This was such a powerful time spent dealing with things in my life that others could see, but to which I was unable to respond. The Lord graciously met me there and helped me.'
"God restored a level of intimacy with the Lord that is so special."
Application of God's truth and ministry changed my life!
Rebuild Started Again, a Free Series of Rebuilding Lives
We are excited to see so many people journeying with us every month to grow in knowing and loving the Lord more deeply and being rebuilt according to His blueprint. We are now halfway through this series, and this is what some have said.
"I am now intentional in allowing God to work in me and through me, and I believe it is from this journey I have stepped into.
God is busy! Like a patchwork quilt, with lots of threads and bits & pieces of fabric coming together from different sources in this whole rebuilding process.
Team News
Saying Goodbye to Ronel
Words cannot adequately express our immense gratitude to Ronel, a precious gift to the Body of Christ, who has faithfully served and pioneered the work in Africa with remarkable love, dedication, and perseverance for more than 20 years within Ellel. We thank the Lord for her life, her leadership, and the impact on the lives of many and the ministry. As she steps into a new season, we pray that the Lord will go before her, guide her every step, and continue to use her in His unique and special way. We look forward to serving together in His greater vineyard.