Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Ministry

Rachel’s Vineyard is the largest ministry for healing after an abortion. It was Dr Theresa Burke, a psychologist from America, who founded Rachels Vineyard 30 years ago. We offer retreats for men and women, siblings, married couples, grandparents, and anyone who is struggling with the spiritual and emotional pain of abortion.

It is a chance to get away for a weekend from family and work commitments to concentrate on your own pain and grief, to be in a safe, confidential, loving non-judgemental group.

Rachel’s Vineyard offers a unique sensory-based treatment which integrates emotional, psychological and spiritual dimensions. The healing journey uses creative Living Scripture Exercises and rituals which engage the mind, body and soul. Coupled with Sacraments, prayer, group activities, therapeutic facilitation, cognitive restructuring and discussions and offers an effective process for grief work grounded in Jesus and the word of God. This is a step-by-step process and provides a powerful “therapy for the soul”, a safe and gentle journey to open unspeakable wounds to the grace of God.

Many who have experienced trauma from abortion suffer from eating disorders, anxiety, depression, anger, shame, grief, and are unable to experience God’s love, and very often the person has been isolated in grief and secrecy.

Rachel’s Vineyard is a place of reconciliation for participants who have often experienced deep anger towards themselves or others, and experience forgiveness. Peace is found, lives restored, and a sense of hope and meaning for the future is discovered.

If you are thinking of coming on a healing weekend, you are likely to have lots of anxieties and probably as many questions.

Here are a few beautiful testimonies from past participants:

“I was very scared and apprehensive about coming to Rachel’s Vineyard and having to share my story. It was the best experience of my life!”

“The retreat isn’t really something that can be fully described in words. Somehow God puts all the right mix of people together to begin a journey of forgiveness and healing. The only way I can describe my experience is as a miracle!”

Also, view an inspiring reflection from Fr Theo April, Archdiocese of Cape Town.

Please join us for our next weekend retreat from Friday, 30 October to Sunday, 1 November 2026, in Cape Town.

For any other information or just to talk (confidentially), please call: Angie 082-852-1284 or Colleen 082-820-6177.

You can also visit our website: www.rachelsvineyard.co.za or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RachelsVinyardSA