Camping Ministry

One of the foundational aspects of Monte Christo Ministries is the intent to provide a retreat location that allows members of the communities we serve to "get away" from their surroundings and the poverty of the nieghborhoods. As such, we own and operate a working farm outside of the town of Porterville, about a 75 minute drive from Paarl. The property is a beautiful 304-hectares (about 750 acres) and is a spectacular slice of God’s creation nestled between agricultural farms and resting in the shadow of the Oliphant mountain range. Today the farm-camp provides facilities for about 30 guests in overnight housing and rustic camping for up to 150 young people. The facilities provide hiking, a low ropes course, swimming, meeting and catering facilities and lots of trees, open spaces and quiet hideaways.

The vision for Monte Christo presents four specific ministry uses:

• Providing Christian camping opportunities for young adults from all communities of the Western Cape province

• Providing a venue for contemplative "spiritual formation" retreats

• Hosting conferences in a large group context

• Hosting international missionaries on either a short or long term basis