EL SHADDAI ENTERPRISES
Creating Cultures of Honour Through Serving and Empowering
RETREAT BY THE SEA
Out on the wild and beautiful west coast of British Columbia, Canada is a destination known as Gold River. This hidden gem is at the end of Highway 28 as you head northwest out of Campbell River located on the east side of Vancouver Island. As you enter into Gold River, you turn left at the RCMP station and you come to a private neighbourhood setting where you will find El Shaddai Retreat By the Sea.
TRANQUILITY
This location serves as a Christian oasis in the Pacific not only for Diane Houston-Lloyd and her husband, Mark, but also for their family, friends and Diane’s clients who are seeking a refuge in the storm of life where they can temporarily retreat to a well-watered garden of tranquility, peace and rejuvenation.
NATURAL SURROUNDINGS
The location and surrounding beauty of Gold River only adds to the ambience of this Christian oasis near the Pacific. It is ideally located and is within walking distance to all amenities, hiking trails, lakes and beaches and of course, the infamous Nootka Sound which is home to the MV Uchuck III. From here, one can travel on the Uchuck through Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet and Kyuquot Sound.
"And he said to them,
Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.
For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." Mark 6:31
We are living in a world today, a global community, that is in constant change and crisis and what seemed true yesterday may quickly become a thing of the past tomorrow. The age of information and technology is upon us and new ideas and innovations are now becoming the norm. While this is probably one of the most exciting and strategic times in history, it is proving to be one of the most perilous and dangerous times as well.
But God never changes and often, He will draw us away to places where we can meet Him on a more intimate level…..a place where the daily distractions of life are removed so that we can hear Him more clearly. Perhaps He is calling you to come away so that He can share with you His plans and purposes for your life, your business, your relationships…..whatever is causing a crisis of belief in your life at this time.
If that is you, out on the wild and beautiful west coast of British Columbia, Canada is a jewel in the Pacific named Cortes Island. At the entrance to this Island, just up the road from where the Cortes Island-Quadra Island ferry pulls into the Island terminal, there is a private setting called El Shaddai Retreat By the Sea.
This location serves as a Christian oasis in the Pacific, not only for Diane and her husband, Mark, but also for their family, friends and Diane’s clients who are seeking a refuge in the storm of life. This is where they can temporarily retreat to a well-watered garden of tranquility, peace and rejuvenation.
Within this setting is a two bedroom self-contained suite designed as a non-smoking, alcohol-free environment for those who are seeking God’s truths in their lives and who want to experience a deeper, supernatural walk with their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Since the opening of this Retreat in 2007, Diane and her husband, Mark, have been able to minister to people in Coastal communities, North and South America and Europe......right from this location. A stay at El Shaddai Retreat By The Sea has been a refreshing and deepening walk in the Spirit for many and a life-changing experience for others. Listen to what some of these guests have said:
“We had the pleasure of staying at El Shaddai Suite on Cortes Island for two nights in the Summer of 2014. This was a God-ordained appointment as we had just met Diane Houston-Lloyd a few months prior while she was visiting Campbell River on Vancouver Island.
While having coffee with Diane at Starbucks, we felt a heartfelt connection with her and invited her to sit as one of our Board Members for a Christian organization that we founded in 2011 called Chikondi Orphanage in Malawi, Africa. It was amazing to see how the hand of God brought us together for His purposes as several important breakthroughs and connections started to occur for us, many of which happened while we stayed at Diane and Mark’s house on Cortes Island.
Diane and Mark are spirit-filled Christians and the presence of the Holy Spirit is evident throughout their home. The location and waterfront view of Whaletown Bay only adds to the ambience of this Christian oasis in the Pacific. It is ideally located and is within walking distance to the Cortes Island-Quadra Island ferry terminal, Whaletown Bay and beach, walking trails and Gorge Habour which now hosts a world-class marina. We so appreciated the peace and tranquility of the one bedroom private Suite which comes with its own entrance, deck, free Wifi, three piece bath and separate sitting room that contains a hide-a-bed, fridge, microwave, and TV. While we enjoyed the privacy, we also had the opportunity to fellowship and pray with the Lloyds during our stay.
With heartfelt gratitude and blessings:
Arelene and Max Lihala
Founders of Chikondi Orphanage
“We found the residence of Mark and Diane Houston-Lloyd to be a haven of rest and relaxation for us during the days that we spent with them. The Island paradise, the ocean, the people and the presence of God were a delight to enjoy!
Thanks,
John and Eloise Bergen
Missionaries of the Gospel and authors of Forgiveness in the Night of Terror
If you reflect upon the scripture earlier in this Section, you will remember that Jesus said to His disciples "Come away to a desolate place..." What is interesting is that we are within sailing distance of one of the most beautiful areas in this part of the world called Desolation Sound.
Is He calling you to come away and meet with Him?
Then our Retreat By the Sea may very well may be the place He is calling you to.
For further information, please call or visit (250) 706-9475 our Contact Us page.