Mannekamp offers men opportunity for refreshing, renewal

 “Mannekamp” is a place where men can be real with themselves, with each other and with God, says Port Elizabeth businessman David Naude, who started the annual men’s camp at Van Stadens River Mouth in 2009 after attending a Mighty Men’s Conference (MMC) in KwaZulu Natal that year.

The third annual Mannekamp at Van Stadens River Mouth takes place from Friday October 14 to Sunday October 16 and is open to all men. The theme for the weekend is “family values” but it will bless both married and single men, says Naude, who conceived the idea for the camp on the long bus trip back from the KZN MMC, while pondering what he could do for men in his region. At the inspiring 2009 MMC, which was attended by more than 200 000 men from all over South Africa, Mighty Men founder Angus Buchan had a heart attack after his opening message, was miraculously healed, and preached to the men on the last day of the conference.

Testimonies
Naude, who says he led a life of debauchery for many years before he turned to Jesus and was set free of addictions, says while “Mannekamp” is a Christian gathering it is a place where men can be men — fishing, braaing, watching rugby, and even enjoying a beer if they wish. It is a place where men can meet and listen to other men who have experienced struggles similar to their own in their marriages, workplace and other areas of life.

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One of the highlights of the first two “Mannekamp” events was the significant number of men who felt free to share their life stories during group sessions. These testimonies had helped many men to release heavy burdens they had been carrying around in their daily lives.

Rugby World Cup
Men who attend the October Mannekamp need not fear that they will miss out on the Rugby World Cup. A semi final match scheduled for the weekend will be screened on a big screen at the camp. Men can start arriving at the camp from 2pm on Friday, in time to pitch their tents before supper at 6pm.

The programme includes times of worship and testimonies on Friday and Saturday night and leisure activities during the day. Wives and children are invited to join their men at a family service at 9am on Sunday. Families are welcome to spend the day at the scenic Van Stadens River Mouth campsite after the service.

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The cost for the Mannekamp weekend is R120 and R100 for guys under 15 years old. Meals and refreshments are included in the fee and a tuck shop will be avialbale. Men should bring their own tents, chairs, sleeping gear, cups, plates and crockery. Tickets can be obtained by emailing mannekamp@vodamail.co.za or by texting 083 2600 932.