{"id":2818,"date":"2014-10-20T17:24:10","date_gmt":"2014-10-21T00:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ktfnews.com\/?page_id=2818"},"modified":"2014-12-09T22:56:38","modified_gmt":"2014-12-10T05:56:38","slug":"amaroo","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ktfnews.com\/de\/amaroo\/","title":{"rendered":"Amaroo"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Amaroo Health Retreat and Water Gardens at Hope Forest, South Australia<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Introducing Amaroo Water Gardens<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time to start a health retreat like Highwood in South Australia,\u201d urged my friend Angie.<\/p>\n

I hadn\u2019t been thinking much about a new health retreat in South Australia because I have been busy with the work God has given me to do. But Angie was, and most importantly God was too.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanitariums (lifestyle health retreats\/centres) should be established near Melbourne and Adelaide.\u201d Medical Ministry<\/i>, page 326.<\/p>\n

\"\"I have shared this statement many times with an emphasis on Highwood Health Retreat in Victoria because it is near the sprawling city of Melbourne, Victoria and fulfills the first part of the statement above. However, when I would read this statement to my audiences I would think to myself that someday God would perhaps open up a door of opportunity to establish a sister ministry to Highwood near the beautiful city of Adelaide, South Australia. I even have a very good friend with a busy medical practice, Dr. Rosemary Brown, who lives in the Adelaide Hills. She and I have spoken many times about starting a lifestyle health retreat near Adelaide at some point in the future. She often told me how she would love to be personally involved in such a place. But, I thought it would be several more years down the line because of our obligations to Highwood and other ministry demands.<\/p>\n

Then something happened that began to change my thinking. During March 2014, Angie Thompson, one of our occasional Highwood volunteers from South Australia, told me she was very impressed by that statement and just couldn\u2019t get it out of her mind. \u201cIt\u2019s time to start a health retreat like Highwood in South Australia,\u201d she urged. She told me she was willing to sacrifice personally, if necessary, to make it happen and devote her own time and energy toward its success. \u201cGod clearly wants a health retreat in South Australia,\u201d pled Angie.<\/p>\n

There is no medical missionary health retreat in South Australia near Adelaide at this time. Then I read THIS<\/strong> compelling statement. \u201cThere certainly should be a sanitarium near Adelaide. I shall encourage this, for it is God’s plan,\u201d wrote God\u2019s messenger. Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, page 369<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I just couldn\u2019t get it out of my mind<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Angie and I talked together, I realized that perhaps God was opening an important opportunity sooner than I had expected, and He was using Angie to point me in the right direction. There was already a core group of people there with a strong interest. For instance, in addition to Angie and Dr. Brown there are others, including health workers, pastors, agriculturalists and others. I decided to earnestly ask God for guidance.<\/p>\n

As I prayed, I felt strongly impressed to visit Adelaide and talk to the group of interested people. Like Angie, I just couldn\u2019t get it out of my mind. I\u2019d wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it. I had to at least check it out! There\u2019s another statement that greatly impressed me, \u201cThe outlook for establishing a sanitarium at Adelaide is much more favorable than the outlook for establishing one at Melbourne\u2026\u201d Letter to Dr. H. D. Kress and Wife, May 10, 1906. I knew I had to do something<\/strong>. So, the next time I was in Australia, I booked a flight to Adelaide. And what a trip it was!<\/p>\n

I watched in awe as God worked<\/strong><\/p>\n

The group in South Australia included my friend, Dr. Brown, and a dedicated local pastor named Pastor Ray Carlsen. Also there was John, a horticulturalist and his wife Karen, and my friend Angie, who has some background in community programs like cooking schools, CHIP and even some management experience. Her husband Greg, a pilot, was also there.<\/p>\n

As we all talked together, I noted that each person came to the meeting with different, and even conflicting ideas, recommendations and plans. But I watched in awe as God began to focus the group on a single united approach, under heaven\u2019s principles. Dr. Brown approached me privately and told me that she would be willing to move her practice to the campus of a lifestyle retreat and would support it heart and soul. I was astonished! That would provide much needed cash flow. The key elements seemed to be coming together rather quickly. One person even offered $10,000 to help get the project started.<\/p>\n

Stunned by Amaroo Water Gardens!<\/strong><\/p>\n

We decided to move forward and see if God would open the way. I earnestly wanted to see that God was obviously leading. Pastor Ray went hunting for property and eventually sent me the brochure of a place called \u201cAmaroo Water Gardens,\u201d about 45 minutes south of Adelaide in a place coincidentally, or perhaps providentially, called \u201cHope Forest.\u201d The beauty of the place stunned me! It is so lovely that it is often used for weddings. Amaroo is an aboriginal name that means \u201cbeautiful place.\u201d And indeed it is! Take a look at the pictures on this page.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n
\n
    \n
  • \"Amaroo
    Amaroo Water Gardens Main Lodge. The gardens are so beautiful they are a popular wedding site.<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Lake
    Lake in front of the Main Lodge. Amaroo Water Gardens was used as a grower for water plants and botanicals, such as many types of water lilies and other aquatic plants.<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Water
    Water lilies by the thousands<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Main
    Main lodge in the sunlight<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Beautiful
    Beautiful lake brings water birds and tranquility.<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Wildlife
    Wildlife Enjoy Amaroo too!<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Amaroo
    Amaroo Water Gardens in Bloom<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Flowers
    Flowers in Bloom<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Beautiful
    Beautiful Trails throughout the 20 acres of land<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Amaroo\u2019s
    Amaroo\u2019s Upper Garden<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"More
    More Beautiful Gardens<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Main
    Main Entry Staircase in Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Dining
    Dining Room in Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Kitchen
    Kitchen and Lounge Room in Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Main
    Main Kitchen in Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Lounge
    Lounge Room in Main Lodge. Windows taken from historic buildings in South Australia<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Lounge
    Lounge Room in Main Lodge. Beveled doors and windows taken from historic building in South Australia<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Bedroom\"
    Second Floor Bedroom in Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Guest
    Guest Room in Bed and Breakfast inside Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Second
    Second Floor Bedroom in Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Second
    Second Floor Bedroom in Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Floor
    Floor plans of Main Lodge and Barn.<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Reflection
    Reflection of Main Lodge in the Lake. There are a total of three terraced lakes on the property. The upper two are small. The stream flowing through the property feeds the lakes.<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Barn\/Garage,
    Barn\/Garage, B&B and Entry to Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Barn,
    Barn, Detached B&B and Main Lodge<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Bedroom
    Bedroom in the detached B&B<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Bathroom
    Bathroom in B&B<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Kitchen
    Kitchen and Sitting Room in detached B&B<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Reception\/Meeting
    Reception\/Meeting Building with terraced water plant display areas. This area has its own separate entrance and large parking area<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Bar
    Bar area in Reception\/Meeting Building. Will be removed and space repurposed<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Dining
    Dining Hall in Reception\/Meeting Building. Seating for 80 to 100. Main Pillars from a historic warf in South Australia<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Commercial
    Commercial Kitchen in Reception\/Meeting Building. All appliances, equipment, walk-in refrigerator, table ware and table service included.<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Recreational
    Recreational Water Feature<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n
  • \"Nursery\/Growing
    Nursery\/Growing House<\/div><\/div><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    As I looked at the information before me, I sensed that this might be the place God had designed for us. It already had a functioning bed and breakfast. It has space that can be re-purposed for a doctor\u2019s office and therapy rooms, and plenty of parking. The price was 1.5 million Aussie dollars, a lot of money. I know that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, but how would God come up with funds for something like that? I decided to test Him. He works in many different ways, you know. I told the team that we had to wait on the Lord and see God obviously working through His providence.I prayed that the Lord would help us find \u201cfriends of the enterprise\u201d who would at least provide a \u201cbridge loan\u201d in time to secure Amaroo. I made a few contacts, and sure enough, God provided a friendly private loan on easy terms that signaled we could move ahead.<\/p>\n

    Testing the Lord<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We made an offer that was $200,000 less than the seller was asking and $300,000 less than what he said he had in it. We wanted to test the Lord to verify that He was supporting this important project by securing the property at a considerably lower price. Soon after making an offer, the real estate agent emailed me and told me that Amaroo had gone under contract to another purchaser that had offered more money. I was disappointed, but knew that God has everything under control. He always does. We trust that He knows best. I decided to just wait on the Lord.<\/p>\n

    Also Pastor Ray weighted in. \u201cLet\u2019s just wait and see what happens,\u201d he said. Dr. Brown also agreed that we needed to test God\u2019s providence. I could see that God had already started the wheels in motion. He certainly wouldn\u2019t stop now! We just had to be patient and see what He would do.<\/p>\n

    Three days later, the real estate agent emailed me and said that the contract had fallen through and that we should do our \u201cdue diligence.\u201d I immediately sensed that this was the Lord\u2019s doing! I even wondered if God had been preparing the sellers to accept our much lower price.<\/p>\n

    In a few days, I sent our Highwood builder over to Adelaide to have a close look at Amaroo to make sure that it was suitable for our plans. The seller reduced their price a little, but still wanted way more money than we had offered.<\/p>\n

    The agent pressed me to increase our offer. I still believed we had to test God\u2019s providence. I have learned over many years in my life and ministry that God is in the shadows planning, working and organizing to fulfill His express will through His people. And a lifestyle retreat near Adelaide is certainly His express will. We just have to pray and be patient. And there was a lot of that going on.<\/p>\n

    I explained to the agent that we could not increase our price. After all, we\u2019ll have to invest considerably in making it suitable for our needs. Amazingly, the next day the seller accepted our offer, and a few days later we were under contract.<\/p>\n

    I am in awe as I see how fast God worked! I\u2019ve watched God do this before, and trust His leading and timing even when it doesn\u2019t look like it is going to happen.<\/p>\n

    Update on Amaroo Water Gardens 01 December 2014.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    By the grace of God, Amaroo Water Gardens transferred to Keep the Faith on November 25, 2014. With the gifts that were made to purchase the property, plus a bridge load from a \u201cfriend of the enterprise\u201d we were able to secure the property and start making plans to prepare to accept guests in a few months. First we have to navigate local council (county) regulations and apply for permission to change the use of Amaroo. We have already made the initial submission which is now in process. Please pray for this process. I\u2019m told it can be difficult. It happened that the man we hired to process our application (which was required) was able to meet me at the airport on my way out of Adelaide. We had a very nice talk about it all, and he was very encouraging. He was also very intelligent about the local council and could give me strategic advice. <\/p>\n

    When I first visited at Amaroo after the transfer with other members of our team, we knelt in prayer and dedicated Amaroo to God and earnestly asked Him to bless it with His presence right from the beginning. To us, there is no point in doing this work unless we have the blessing of the Lord. We will seek for this every day. <\/p>\n

    As I walked around the gardens, I was deeply impressed by the handsome trees, abundant flowers and flocks of beautiful birds. Plentiful water lilies overspread the lake, while all manner of parrots, finches, wrens, swallows, ibis, water hens, and even rare yellow tailed black cockatoos make Amaroo their home. It is stunningly beautiful and so very peaceful! As I sat at the picnic table in the sunshine and listened to the multitudes of birds and waterfowl that make Amaroo come alive with sound and movement, it gave me confidence that this was God\u2019s choice for a health retreat near Adelaide and that His precious Spirit will impress our future guests with His love. <\/p>\n

    That same night we had a team meeting in which we chose the official name for the health retreat. It is to be called Amaroo Water Gardens Health Retreat. Of course, most of the time it will just be referred to as Amaroo or „Amaroo Water Gardens,\u201d or perhaps „Amaroo Health Retreat.\u201d That name gives the health retreat local recognition and also provides a very appealing natural ambiance to the name itself. It suggests peace, tranquility and a beautiful, stress-free environment.
    \nBut now the work begins. We are planning an open house day for SDAs January 11, 2015. In the meantime, we have to get it cleaned up and organized for lots of visitors. There is a lot of interest in Amaroo and it is growing every day. We are praying that there will be many volunteers who will be willing to help prepare Amaroo for guests. If you would like to help, please contact us. <\/p>\n

    An Important Opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We still need a lot of support for Amaroo, especially during this start-up phase. Your gifts mean much to us. If you can make a special gift by the end of the year to help us purchase necessary furniture and equipment, materials and supplies, it would be so meaningful to us. Any gifts from Americans or Australians are tax-deductible. Australians, please designate Amaroo and we will send you the appropriate receipt that you can use for taxation. Americans will get a tax-deductible receipt as usual. <\/p>\n

    Your support for Amaroo Water Gardens Health Retreat really means a lot. I want to thank each of you for your special gift to support the purchase of Amaroo Water Gardens in November. We aren’t there yet, but the response has been very good. Your continued help is sorely needed. We have a lot of work to do with significant start-up expenses. Your gifts right now make a huge difference.<\/p>\n

    Here is an important statement about this work. \u201cI need not wait for reflection before saying that I believe the best plan is that of first strengthening the work in Adelaide. The climate is more healthful, and the spiritual atmosphere much more favorable than that of Melbourne. This is the way that the matter has been presented to me\u2026 I believe that after placing the whole matter before the Lord, the brethren will come to a harmonious decision. The Lord understands all of our necessities.\u201d Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21, page 90. <\/p>\n

    Friends, you can help us change lives for eternity. You can support Amaroo in a number of ways. You can volunteer, you can support with gifts. At the very least you can help by praying everyday for its success. You can make a gift by enclosing it in your monthly envelope with your CD packet. Aussies can make a gift at ANZ Bank, Account Name: Keep the Faith Ministries, BSB 013622, Account Number: 277183372. Please designate Amaroo. <\/p>\n

    Stay tuned. More later.<\/p>\n

    God bless you,
    \nIn the Master\u2019s Service<\/p>\n

    Pastor Hal Mayer
    \nPresident
    \nKeep the Faith Ministry<\/p>\n

    P.S. Friends, Amaroo is a precious place in God\u2019s eyes. We are going to dedicate it to Him. Your gift right now, will be part of this important start.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    <\/form>\n<\/div>\n

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    Amaroo Health Retreat and Water Gardens at Hope Forest, South Australia Introducing Amaroo Water Gardens \u201cIt\u2019s time to start a health retreat like Highwood in South Australia,\u201d urged my friend Angie. I hadn\u2019t been thinking much about a new health…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n