Healing Retreats

Many people have attended an Ellel Ministries Healing Retreat and have testified to the wonderful things God has done in their lives. The aim of a Healing Retreat, which is at the heart of the Ellel Vision, is to offer individuals a period of time set apart to meet with God, to take a step forward in their Christian walk and to reach out to Him for healing.
Those without a personal faith in Christ are welcome, but please note that the basis of teaching and prayer for healing is God’s Word—the Bible. The following is a list of commonly asked questions.

What is a Healing Retreat?

Healing Retreats take place in a residential centre. Up to 30 people attend and they share times of praise, worship and teaching. Each person is offered personal ministry in a safe and loving environment. Healing Retreats usually last from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon.

What is the teaching content?

During the Retreat key Biblical principles are shared relating to receiving healing for spirit, soul and body. Topics covered include: the nature of man; forgiveness; knowing the Father Heart of God and His desire to heal, restore and fill us with His Holy Spirit; the place of spiritual warfare; and the importance of making Godly choices; and walking in healing.

What will the times of prayer involve?

Personal prayer ministry often includes time working through areas of forgiveness, repentance, and inviting Jesus to be Lord. It can also include recognizing the work of the enemy in our lives and overcoming it through the power of the cross of Jesus. The purpose of a Retreat is to bring God’s love and healing power into someone’s life. It is not usually possible to deal with a lifetime’s problems all at once, but the aim is rather to facilitate a significant step forward in the Christian journey. Individual needs and the guidance of the Holy Spirit will assist the team in knowing what to pray. There is also time for personal reflection.

Who are the ministry team members?

All those who minister with Ellel Ministries are committed mature Christians who have a heart to apply—from their experience and training—God’s love, healing and restoration according to the principles of the Kingdom of God. They are carefully trained and evaluated by Ellel Ministries over a period of time prior to being released to minister under the supervision of Ellel leadership. It should be noted that members of the Ministry Teams are not required to have secular qualifications and are not professionals. Some are pastors or church leaders or have accreditation with other Christian organizations.

How many of the Ministry Team will a person see?

The Ministry Teams work in pairs. At least one prayer counselor will be the same sex as the person seeking help.

Is it confidential?

Yes. What is confided to us, both in writing and during prayer ministry, will be kept in strictest confidence. Any notes we have permission to take will be shredded. We will not release details of notes or ministry to anyone without written permission to do so.

What are the results?

God works in different ways with different people.

Most people give immediate testimony of significant changes. Many more tell us that improvements were progressive and continued over months or even years after their Retreat. Nearly everyone testifies to increased faith, strength and hope. For some deep levels of pain may be touched for the first time, which initially can result in feeling worse! Advice and encouragement will be given as to the way forward. There are profound testimonies to the healing God has brought.

Will it solve all problems?

No guarantee can be given of what God will do in an individual’s life during the Retreat. For some there is powerful and complete healing, but for most, it is a process which means a continuing walk with God.

How much will it cost?

Based on Matthew 10:8 “freely you have received, freely give” it would be our desire to not charge for Healing Retreats. As we do not have our own facility nor an independent source of income we ask our counselees to cover the costs for food and lodging provided through rented facilities. The charge to the counselee of $235.00 is less than what the actual cost to Ellel Ministries is per counselee to hold a Healing Retreat. Therefore, we invite individuals or churches to make a gift towards covering the additional costs.

Where and how is application made?

You can access a printable version of the application for a Healing Retreat by clicking here, or you can phone or email the Ellel Canada West office to have one sent to you. After receiving an application we prayerfully consider the needs of the individual and may offer a place on a Healing Retreat. In some situations a Healing Retreat may not be considered to be the best way forward and alternative advice may be given.

How long is the waiting list?

We try to offer people a place on a Retreat as soon as possible but the waiting list for a Healing Retreat can be as much as several months or more. Occasionally we do have cancellation places on Retreats which we are able to offer people who are able to come at short notice.

How do we serve the Church?

Ellel Ministries is not a church, but rather seeks to serve, resource and work alongside the Church. Although no formal approval from a Church or Pastor is needed for attendance on a Healing Retreat, for the best and most effective results, we believe it is right and preferable if the blessing and support of the local church is sought.We do recommend that individuals tell their Pastor of plans to come on a Healing Retreat. Upon request, we will send Pastors an information pack and answer any questions they may have about our work.

What is the accommodation like?

Accommodation will be dependent on what the retreat centre can provide. At the present time we are using the Entheos Retreat Centre just west of Calgary. This very peaceful facility is a countryside setting at the foot of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Bedroom accommodation is usually intended for double occupancy unless there are special circumstances requiring single occupancy and the number of people needing to be lodged allows for such an arrangement.

What is the next step after a Healing Retreat?

We recommend committed involvement with a local church and encourage people to receive ongoing pastoral care and ministry.Those praying for the counselee will discuss the next step and may suggest suitable training courses.