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eMthunzini is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that seek
to assist in the healing of abused and hurting animals and people.
It is their aim through God’s Grace to facilitate the healing of
emotional, physical and spiritual problems using a blend of counseling,
animal therapy, care, natural treatments and by allowing the person to
retreat to serenity and a therapeutic environment.
By providing a loving and caring atmosphere, eMthunzini strives
to assist in healing all those who have been victims of crime, are
abused, neglected, broken-hearted and those who are simply struggling to
cope with the pressures of life. eMthunzini
assists in allowing God to break the cycle of abuse in people’s lives
and aims to help the victims to work through the abuse so that it does
not negatively affect their lives.
eMthunzini
has effectively combined and inter-linked the needs of animals and
people. Animal-assisted therapy is used together with counseling
to bring about total transformation of abused children and hurting
individuals. Through therapy and interaction with domestic
animals, the rehabilitation of wildlife and through the counseling of
qualified counselors, children and adults are given a chance to live a
normal life despite the circumstances that brought them to eMthunzini.
eMthunzini
has experienced that animal-assisted therapy is one of the best
God-given therapeutic tools that can be incorporated in the facilitation
of healing. This therapy has been proven to work for both
adults and children in
South Africa
as well as internationally with physically handicapped, injured,
traumatized, psychologically disturbed and abused people as well as the
aged and those who are suffering from stress. Somehow caring for an
animal helps a person to put their own needs aside to love and care for
the animal. Occasionally individuals find that they are able to
express their own hurt to an animal in a way they might find impossible
to another human. Once their feelings have been expressed people
generally open up more easily thereby beginning the healing process.
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How
The Vision Began
The journey towards the foundation of eMthunzini began many years
ago when a broken-hearted little girl befriended a gentle-spirited
horse. As the friendship between her and the horse developed he
became her confidant. He would stand quietly nuzzling her neck as
she wrapped her arms around his powerful neck and poured out unspeakable
memories that haunted her. And so God enabled the healing of
emotional trauma and restoration to begin. This was the beginning
of God's calling on this child's life.
Through the intervention of a humble horse the potential tragedy
of a life that could have gone awry was averted and a heart of
compassion and desire to share this healing experience with a hurting
world began to flourish.
Slowly God's plan began to unfold as she began rescuing injured and
hurting creatures. Monkeys, squirrels, birds, mice, cats and dogs
all found refuge in her love as she nursed them back to emotional and
physical health. She could not bear to see any animal or human
suffering.
After graduating she began devoting her time to helping the youth of the community - pouring herself into assisting them to overcome the obstacles and hurts that they were encountering.
Slowly a vision began to develop that would call her forward to find a place to start a humanitarian and animal wildlife rescue organization. This vision was to establish a place of refuge to bind up the broken-hearted and
provide a sanctuary to assist in the healing of both animals and humans.
Now married, God has written this vision firmly on her husband's heart as well. Together they have begun striving towards making this vision a reality. To this end a non-profit trust called eMthunzini
(No. IT 112/2005)was established.
eMthunzini aims to function mainly as a self-supporting entity, relying on donations only for improving the facilities, expanding and helping those who are not financially able to afford to get the assistance they deserve.
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Our
Promised Land Awaits Us
eMthunzini's lease of their premises expired during July 2006. They have had to move to temporary premises in Balgowan in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. This unfortunately means that their work that is so needed in South Africa will not be
able to be undertaken on a large scale until they move on to more permanent premises.
Johann and Lynne Wilhelm, founder members of eMthunzini Trust have purchased land in Hidcote, Mooi River, Kwazulu-Natal. eMthunzini will be allowed to continue their invaluable help on their small-holding. However the little
infrastructure that is on the premises is in desperate need of restoration before the centre can continue on a large scale.
If you are able to assist eMthunzini in any way to enable them to erect the necessary infrastructure to continue eMthunzini on a large scale please contact eMthunzini. They are in desperate need of building materials and expertise to
build accommodation for both animals and people. Should you be able to sponsor a log cabin for accommodation for people who urgently need to "retreat to Eden" that would be the most amazing gift to eMthunzini.
Should you wish to come and
view the property
and be envolved in the early stages of development we would love to show you around the property. The more people with vision we can have on board, the sooner we
will be able to restore our nation!
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Our
Mission
To create an
atmosphere of restoration at the centre. It
is the aim of eMthunzini to facilitate the healing of emotional, physical and spiritual problems using a blend of
counselling, animal therapy, care, natural treatments and by allowing the person to retreat to serenity and a therapeutic environment. It is important that each person be holistically healed – emotionally, physically, spiritually and psychologically. This will enable them to return to society and cope with life more effectively.
Many people are suffering from stress and burnout.
eMthunzini offers them a wonderful atmosphere for them simply to get away from their circumstances
for a while. This includes couples
or a parent and child who need time away on their own to obtain healing for their relationship.
Counselling is available.
To
break the cycle of abuse and help the victims to work through the abuse so that
it does not negatively affect their lives thereby preventing the cycle of abuse.
To
assist those who are struggling to come to terms with acts of violence that have
been forced upon them - especially residents of South Africa and Zimbabwe.
To
love and heal all those who are abused, neglected, broken hearted and those who are struggling to cope with the pressures of life.
To
provide counselling for people who are hurting.
To
care for domestic and wild animals who have been abused and neglected and to rehabilitate the wild
animals where possible.
To
rescue abused and neglected horses.
This will be
accomplished in conjunction with
Royalynne Equine Care
Centre. To
work with them and heal them physically and emotionally and to try and
rehome them to loving homes where possible.
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Our
Goals
Immediate & Short-Term Goals
To
compile a comprehensive database of centres and professionals who are qualified to help people and animals that are in need of help. This database will contain contact numbers of centres, doctors, veterinary surgeons, lawyers, counsellors,
rehabilitation centres, sanctuaries, S.P.C.A.’s and retreats etc. throughout South Africa who will be able to assist with various issues e.g. drug abuse, alcohol abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, homosexuality, teenage pregnancy’s, abortion counselling and animal cruelty.
To
build
a team of Veterinary Surgeons, Doctors, Lawyers, Social Workers, Psychologists and Pastors who have chosen to support eMthunzini by
offering their valuable time and skills to the furtherance of the cause.
Long-Term Goals
To
establish a sanctuary and a temporary shelter for abused women (and men) and those involved in
domestic violence. While they are staying at the eMthunzini we will endeavour to find them employment and permanent accommodation.
To
establish a sanctuary and a temporary shelter for abused children.
To
establish a skills
development or social upliftment programme. There
are many people, who for various reasons are unable to obtain employment. We will be actively involved in teaching these people various skills and allowing them
to cultivate these skills at eMthunzini. When they are ready, they will be able to go back into society with a newly learned skill, enabling them to
make a way for themselves and be financially secure. They will also have gained sufficient knowledge to teach other members of their community thereby
creating a rippled effect benefiting the community at large.
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Fundraising
Activities
We do not believe that any organisation should be a drain on the economy. It is with this in mind that we
will undertake various fundraising activities to assist in generating income for eMthunzini at the same time as accepting donations from
people who are interested in helping us accomplish our vision. It is vitally important that we raise funds in order to counsel and help people who cannot afford to pay for counselling and/or professional help.
Immediate & Short-Term Fundraising
Approaching
companies to donate a small amount to eMthunzini e.g. 10c per item of theirs sold. This will increase their sales as people will see that they care about people and animals and will in turn help those who need it.
Selling
advertising space on eMthunzini's website for
very affordable rates.
Approaching
companies to ask for donations - both nationally and internationally.
Obtaining
volunteers who will assist eMthunzini in fund-raising drives.
Intermediate & Long-Term Fundraising
Offering holiday accommodation.
Hiring out conference facilities to companies.
Asking companies to donate a certain amount to eMthunzini. In return we will allow them use of the guest cottages and conference facilities for a certain amount of time per year free of charge, depending on the donation.
Having an adoption programme set up so that the public can adopt a wild animal until it has been successfully rehabilitated. This will enable them to choose a name for the animal and have a plaque set up saying that they have adopted the animal.
This means that the cost of the animal's stay at eMthunzini will be paid for by the "adopting parent".
Building a chapel on the premises and hiring the facilities out for weddings, including doing the catering and providing accommodation.
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The
Significance Of TheName
"eMthunzini"
eMthunzini is often referred to as "Retreat To Eden". This brings to mind the most beautiful vision of all - total peace being experienced between humans and animals in the presence of God.
The word "eMthunzini" is a Zulu word which literally translated means "the place in the shade".
When eMthunzini's trustees were contemplating an appropriate name for the Trust to suit the work of the organisation, the image of taking shelter in the shade of God's Almighty Wings became clear. Laura Wilhelm captured this image beautifully
in the logo that she designed for eMthunzini.
The following is what the staff at eMthunzini pray people (and animals) will experience when they stay at "Retreat To Eden":
Song by Elton Smith & Gilberto
Barreto:
The Shelter of Your Wings
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of his wings.
He will not fear the terror of the night
as God's angels stand guard over him.
In the shelter of your wings I will go in times of need.
There is comfort in the shelter of your wings.
In the shelter of your wings. In the wonder of your love.
I will find peace in the shelter of your wings.
God will be my refuge, my fortress, in whom I trust.
He will cover me with the feathers of his wings.
A thousand may fall beside me,
but no harm will come my way.
He'll protect me as I acknowledge him.
In the shelter of your wings I will go in times of need.
There is comfort in the shelter of your wings.
In the shelter of your wings. In the wonder of your love.
I will find peace in the shelter of your wings.
As he looked over the city
there was sadness in his eyes,
as he thought of the path that lay ahead.
Oh Jerusalem, my city,
you should come into my arms,
and take refuge in the shelter of my wings.
In the shelter of your wings I will go in times of need.
There is comfort in the shelter of your wings.
In the shelter of your wings. In the wonder of your love.
I will find peace in the shelter of your wings.
I will find peace in the shelter of your wings.
I will find peace in the shelter of your wings.
Copyright ©1997 by Elton Smithand Gilberto Barreto
Psalm 91:4-6
”He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday”.
Isaiah 40:31
”...but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint”.
Malachi 4:2
”But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall”.
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