Experience Jesus. Live Transformed.

We help people grow in Christ through biblical teaching.

Jesus came not only to die for us, but to live in us.

December 2026 Christian Retreat | Based at Em’seni Camp, near Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal.

Taste & see that the Lord is good!

Grow in Christ through discipleship, fellowship, outdoor adventure and community.

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Abide & Adventure Retreat

13–19 December 2026 | Register for a life-changing week of faith, friendship, worship and adventure.

Taste and see that the Lord is good!

Experience the transforming presence of Jesus Christ

BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION

TORCHBEARERS

WHO WE ARE

Experience the transforming presence of Jesus Christ through biblical teaching and practical training and become equipped for service in His church worldwide.

Torchbearers International (also known as Capernwray) is an interdenominational Christian ministry with centres in more than 20 countries, committed to proclaiming the transforming presence of Jesus Christ through biblical teaching and practical training.

Em’Seni, in association with Torchbearers International, is an Associated Programme of Torchbearers International, established in 2026 after many years of prayer and vision by Charles and Shannagh de Villiers. The vision grew from Charles’ life-changing experience at Ravencrest Chalet in the United States during the 1980s and a longstanding desire to see the ministry of Torchbearers established in South Africa.

As the ministry develops, we hope to offer further short, retreat-style Bible teaching programmes and, as the Lord leads, explore opportunities for longer-term Bible school programmes in South Africa. Our desire is to create space for men and women to grow in their relationship with Christ and be equipped for Christian life and service.

MORE ABOUT US

Upcoming retreat

ABIDE & ADVENTURE RETREAT

13 – 19 December 2026 at Em’Seni, Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal

Join us for a one-week discipleship retreat set in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains on the banks of the Tugela River. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to some of South Africa’s most spectacular hiking and outdoor areas, the programme provides opportunities for outdoor adventure alongside time in God’s Word and fellowship with Christian community.

The cost of the programme includes accommodation, all meals (from dinner on 13 December to breakfast on 19 December as well as daily tea/coffee and snacks), daily teaching sessions from an international guest speaker and facilitated daily activities (including transport to any offsite activities).

Shuttles to and from OR Tambo International (Johannesburg) and King Shaka International (Durban) airports can be arranged on the programme start and end date at an additional cost, depending on demand. Please contact us for additional information and any other queries.

Torchbearers International South Africa 3

Torchbearers International South Africa 2

LOCATION

WHERE WE'RE BASED

Em’seni Camp, R600, Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Em’seni Camp is situated just off the R600 between Ladysmith and Winterton on the banks of the Tugela River and at the base of Spioenkop Mountain. The site is easily accessible by road from Johannesburg and Durban (approximately 3–4 hours from each). GPS co-ordinates: S 28°40’50.1 E 29°32’40.9.

Testimonials

Although now retired, I have longed for a Torchbearers school here in South Africa. While still active in formal ministry, we benefitted much from stalwarts such as Charles Price and Stuart Briscoe. Their preaching struck a nerve and moved us to greater things for Christ and His kingdom. Their approach to training for service is something I have always valued. There are other excellent colleges in South Africa, but Torchbearers provides a programme everyone can relate to.

~ Bishop Frank Retief(Frank served as Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of South Africa from 2000 to 2010. He planted and pastored St James Church in Kenilworth from 1968 until retiring in 1999).

I highly recommend taking the time to discover the history and purpose of this amazing Christian ministry and, if you have the opportunity, to experience it for yourself by joining a Torchbearers retreat.

The authentic Christian Life starts with the Bible which leads us into a personal relationship with Our Trinity Creator through the saving work of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. God opens our eyes to understand that every Christian needs Christ living in us as our "only and exclusive hope" of forgiveness and eternal life that not even the grave can take away from us, and of restoring us to the holiness we all lost through our sinfulness. It is a combination of accurate Bible truth and Christ working in us that not only saves us from perishing eternally, but guarantees eternal life and peace with God!

Torchbearers’ teaching and training are profoundly needed in our country's current struggles, confusion, corruption and chaos.

~ Colin Bishop, Dir. TransformationTime NPCColin Bishop is a South African ministry leader and director of Transformation Time, associated with the broader Baptist movement in South Africa. He has a long-standing history in regional pastoral and community engagement work and currently participates in local church communities like Howick Community Church, focusing on youth.