Written by Richard & Jolene Wade
The Franschhoek Healing Centre is a retreat centre situated on the grounds of Shofar Christian Church in Fransch-hoek, South Africa. It is a place of waiting – waiting on the Lord, to be specific. We believe and trust that as we meet with the Lord, strength will be restored and renewed. Guests are invited into various encounter spaces – from the cross to the worship room, the library, the gardens, and other day spaces. The centre is open to those needing rest, sovereign guidance, refreshing, as well as those needing healing from Jesus, be it healing of the soul, emotions, or physical healing.
Since opening our doors, people have encountered Jesus in a very special way in the spaces prepared. His presence is truly changing and impacting lives – we could ask for nothing more.
A story of God’s miraculous provision
The journey began when the head office of Shofar Christian Church, which had been housed in the current Healing Centre building, moved from Franschhoek to Somerset West. With this departure, the building became vacant. The leadership of Shofar Franschhoek were invited to pray into the possible use of the building – and pray we did.
Slowly but surely, like pieces of a puzzle being found, the vision began to take shape. Words such as “retreat centre”, “healing”, “worship”, “healing in worship”, and “revival” came to the fore. We felt strongly from the beginning that the Healing Centre would be an outflow of our local church’s ministry – not something separate from it.
A massive commitment
When the vision was shared with the church, including the cost, we knew it would take God’s provision. Within 24 hours, we had a commitment for most of the expenses. God had done it again. The hard work then began. The roof was leaking badly, the building needed serious renovation, and the grounds required months of labour. At times, it felt overwhelming. Yet again and again, the Lord provided through people, practical help, donated materials, creative ideas, and generous hearts.
A large multi-purpose field was created where unused ground had once stood. Soil was donated, fertiliser was given, plants were sourced, and church members came together to build stone retaining walls and help with the landscaping. Inside, the building was transformed from an empty shell into a warm and welcoming environment.
The cross at the centre
One of the most special moments along the journey was standing around the deep hole where the cross would be planted and prophetically placing Scripture in the ground, along with written promises we felt led to declare over the property.
This cross now stands exactly where the old “rubbish dump” of the property had been situated – a picture of what the cross does with the “rubbish” we accumulate in our lives. What was once discarded ground has become a place of prayer, surrender, and encounter.
A testimony of God’s provision
The story of the Healing Centre is not simply a story of renovation. It is a testimony of God’s miraculous provision, His timing, and His heart to restore. Every repaired wall, every planted garden, every prepared room, and every quiet space exists for one purpose – that people may meet with Jesus.
A place to rest and be refreshed
Visitors are welcome to come as individuals, overnight guests, ministry groups, or day visitors. Individuals can come to rest and be refreshed by connecting with God in the spaces prepared – the worship room, library, gardens, and cross. There is fellowship around the breakfast table every morning at 09:00, and daily devotions at 10:00, which guests are welcome to join.
Ministry groups are invited to seek God together. Groups are welcome to follow their own programme, or join the centre for breakfast and devotions. The team also aims to take communion together as part of each visit. Day visitors are also most welcome. Guests can spend time at the cross, encounter the Lord in the worship room, enjoy the library, join daily devotions, or simply enjoy a hot drink in the living area of the Healing Centre.
Changing lives in this place
The testimonies from the first guests have carried one clear golden thread: God’s presence is changing lives in this place. People have spoken of rest, peace, healing, stillness, worship, and the tangible presence of the Lord. As the Healing Centre grows, the heart remains the same – to provide a Christ-centred place where people can come away from the noise, wait on the Lord, and be renewed by Him.
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Date published: 15/05/2026
Feature image: Provided by Franschhoek Healing Centre website images.
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