Save God’s Farm

Matthew 19:26: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

URGENT APPEAL

Save God’s Farm

LATEST UPDATE –

There have already been pledges from the UK, United Arabs, New Zealand, ACT, and Victoria. Across Australia and beyond, the word is spreading!

We have extended the deadline for making an offer to secure God’s Farm! Once again, praise God! This gives us more time to reach more people. The length of time may only be a few weeks so please PLEDGE TODAY! 

Matthew 19:26: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

Nestled within the breathtaking bushland of South West Western Australia, tucked away in the enchanting Wine Country Region, lies a sacred sanctuary where weary souls seek solace and peace. For more than three decades, this serene oasis has beckoned individuals from all walks of life, providing a haven from the chaos of the world to commune with the tranquility of God’s Farm.

Don’t let the Light Fade at God’s Farm!

Help us save the Tabernacle Light, a beacon of hope for 35 years, from being put out in a matter of weeks. As we mark the 5th year of God’s Farm hosting 40 hours of Adoration every month, dedicated to praying for peace, safeguarding families, and seeking forgiveness for the world, regrettably, the threat of closure looms large. God’s Farm holds a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a sanctuary for Bishops, Priests, and the faithful alike. Your generous support is crucial in upholding the sacred mission of God’s Farm, and ensuring that the Eternal Light of the Sanctuary Lamp continues to illuminate the path for all the devoted pilgrims who seek solace at God’s Farm.

Step into the tranquility of the God’s Farm

Watch the short video below to experience the tranquil beauty of the God’s Farm, where light and hope intertwine in perfect harmony, creating a breathtaking sanctuary dedicated to the magnificence of God’s creation. Embrace the opportunity to become a guardian of this sacred place, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Stand with us today and make a solemn vow to protect this invaluable Divine Legacy.

 God’s Promise

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.

In the midst of saving God’s Farm, His hand has been unmistakably at work, leading us with unyielding wisdom and faithfulness. Just like the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6 cautions us against relying solely on our own understanding, we have been witness to His miraculous interventions time and time again.

Last month, when all human avenues seemed exhausted, a pilgrim who attended our monthly adoration experienced a spiritual encounter during Holy Mass, on the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. At the onset of Holy Mass, the Pilgrim expressed gratitude to God for His farm, despite the impending closure. She humbly acknowledged that if it was God’s Will, she would accept it.

In a moment of Divine connection during the Holy of Holies, she heard a single word – ‘pledge.’ Post-Holy Mass, the pilgrim looked up the meaning of ‘pledge’ and discovered it to be a Solemn Promise, a Vow. This encounter, unfolded as a testament to God’s grand design for His farm. At every twist and turn, His boundless hope has upheld us, reminding us of His unwavering faithfulness and infinite power.

Can. 1191 §1. A vow, that is, a deliberate and free promise made to God about a possible and better good, must be fulfilled by reason of the virtue of religion.

Luke 22:19, 20 And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake; and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me.  20 In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you.

God made a pledge to us, a Solemn Promise, a vow in Luke 22:19, 20 and now for over thirty five years, the true essence of His presence in the Eucharist has been worshipped and exalted at God’s Farm. 

Join us today as we embark on a sacred journey together, making a solemn promise to God and make a pledge to uphold the legacy of God’s Farm. Our mission is clear – by June 14th, 2024, SEVEN DAYS we must raise the necessary funds to secure the future of this Divine Sanctuary. 

Note: Deadline was extended on 21st June. It is expected that we will have until December 2024.

Will you be part of this noble cause?

The possibility of securing God’s Farm is dependent on pledges for assistance.  If our goal for pledge support is reached, it will make it possible for an offer to be made to secure the title to God’s Farm.  As that objective is contingent upon:

  1. The pledge goal being reached; and
  2. The offer being accepted,

Pledges will only be called upon for payment after these conditions being met.  Once these conditions are met, committed donors will be advised of the identity and structure of the charity or trust that will hold and run God’s Farm, BEFORE any donation is required to be paid.  The reason for this approach is that the structure of ownership will depend on the amount of funds that can be raised by way of donations.

 

God’s Farm: Why it Matters

I offer my full support to the efforts to save God’s Farm for the purpose it was started. It should set aside permanently as a sanctuary, a quiet place of reflection and prayer in the spirit of St Francis of Assisi.

It is God’s Farm. The title says it all. This is God’s work. It is a contemplative space where God works deep within the heart and soul.

For many years  I spent a few days in Summer with members of my family at a humble house on Molloy Island. We would take the car on a ferry to the quiet Island. Coming home we would cross the Blackwood River to attend and offer Mass at Augusta. On the way back to Perth we would call in at God’s Farm. Betty Peaker would offer us scones, jam and cream, play the huge organ with gusto and take us to the Chapel to pray. What peace!!!

I know Betty would be very sorry, to see it all stop, as a quiet place, contemplation in the gentle bushland is badly needed in today’s frenzied rush and traffic jams, where God seems to have been forgotten.  

I strongly support this Pledge scheme and hope many will heed this appeal message and come forward.

The Most Reverend Barry Hickey Archbishop Emeritus of Perth

God’s Farm is set amidst the natural bushland of Wilyabrup, surrounded by local wineries and overlooking the ocean, is a most cherished piece of God’s Garden.  

For the past twenty-four years I have made an almost annual retreat there every January. In a bush setting, is the most beautiful little stone Chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved and adored. I find the peace of the bushland and calls of the birdlife and song of the cicada’s in the trees to be music for my soul. It is place of rest not only for the body, but also for the soul. I can pray and read there without any interruptions, far from the hustle and bustle of Parish Life.  

I cherish and look forward each year to this most special time at this unique Retreat Place. God’s Farm must be preserved for the spiritual good of so many who visit there each year! 

Father Paul Fox - Divine Mercy Shrine WA

Those who wish to be near Jesus should go to God’s Farm, which has a chapel with the Blessed Sacrament. There is no one who loves me more than Jesus! 

When I visit God’s Farm, I can stay in the chapel all day and night if I want to. You will have a hard time finding another church that is always open. 

Furthermore, there is a view of the ocean at God’s Farm, as well as over 100 hectares of land for walking. 

For people today to be recharged spiritually and to find peace in a stressful culture, God’s Farm is so valuable that I am prepared to pledge a significant sum towards saving the farm. 

Father Doug Harris - Parish Priest at St Bernadette's, Glendalough

God’s Farm in Wilyabrup will always hold a place of special significance for me. For it was there that I commenced my transition to Religious Life. I was working there at God’s Farm for a period of 6 months with Betty Peaker, after having resigned my position with the Shop Assistants Union. It was a peaceful and beautiful place to reflect and pray, and my time there was a real bright spot in my life. I will never forget God’s Farm.
I do hope we can save God’s farm as I know Betty invested everything she had into God’s Farm and its closure would have devastated her.
Father Peter Porteous OSM - Wanneroo Parish

Over the last 20 years I have been fortunate to facilitate and preach many week-end retreats at God’s Farm. Having been invited by Betty Peaker to visit God’s Farm, I made my first trip not sure what to expect. Well, I was utterly “blown away” as we say nowadays!

The warm loving welcome I received from Betty and her many helpers was the beginning of a long and blessed relationship with everyone at God’s Farm. But it was not only the people at God’s Farm who brought the warmth of God to me, it was also the pristine breath-taking beauty and peace of the natural world that deeply touched my spirit. Just being on the Farm brought a sense of the Divine Presence that restored the inner spirit and body. But nothing could have prepared me for the few hundred metres walk into the bush and the chapel that awaited me! Sheer beauty and prayerfulness seize anyone who ventures into the chapel.

This was the beginning of many visits and retreats. Sometimes up to 40 or more people were fed and accommodated for a weekend retreat of Mass, talks, Reconciliation, solitude and sharing nestled in God’s creation. The sense of unity and joy would grow over the weekend and culminate in a shared lunch on the final day.

Over the years I have seen people come on retreat looking for healing and peace during life’s challenges. As these people listened to the Word of God and let the natural quiet of God’s Farm attune them more deeply to God, I saw time and time again the grace of God at work.

People went home with new hope and courage; others went home with deep gratitude and joy that sustained them through life’s burdens.

Others came on retreat hoping for a renewal of their faith and a closer relationship to God. So many times it was clear that God had “touched” his people’s hearts and re-invigorated their faith. At other times it was also clear that God was purifying and challenging his people, calling them to a deeper response of love in their lives. I left each retreat personally strengthened and blessed in so many ways.

The whole environment of God’s Farm reminds me of what Pope Francis says when he writes that the created world is God’s caress!

The more immersed we are in God’s beloved creation, the more we sense the closeness and caress of the Creator. This leads naturally to the chapel, the celebration of the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament … the centre of God’s Farm!

I give thanks for all the graces everyone associated with God’s Farm has received over the years, and pray there are many more into the future.

Father Tony Chiera Diocese of Bunbury

Unforgettable Prophetic Vision

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. – John 1:5

Did you know that in 1634 an unforgettable prophetic vision of Our Lady of Good Success occurred to Mother Mariana de Jesus Torres?

The Sanctuary Lamp went out as Mother Mariana prayed before the Blessed Sacrament in the upper choir loft. Mother Mariana was left in total darkness. The extinguishing of the Sanctuary Light, which symbolises the True Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, anticipated the dire circumstances in which the Church would find itself during this future era.

Our Lady of Good Success gave five reasons why the Sanctuary Lamp would be extinguished in the 20th Century. The fifth reason could be the reason why God’s Farm Sanctuary Lamp may go out!

The Indifference of the Wealthy to the Oppressed Church.

Persecuted Virtue, the Apathy of the People. 

The fifth reason relates to the good use of wealth, for Our Lady laments the attitude of those who “stand by and watch with indifference as the Church is oppressed, virtue persecuted and evil triumphs, without devoutly employing their wealth for the destruction of evil and the restoration of the Faith”. But in the same apparition, the heavenly Mother, after referring to a terrible war, warns that when it seems that “evil has triumphed” it will mean that its hour has come: the hour in which it will crush Satan under its foot and enchain him in the abysses of Hell, “thus finally freeing the Church and the Nation [Ecuador certainly, but by extension the whole world, ed.] from his cruel tyranny”.

We must now come together to ensure this invaluable Catholic Sanctuary is preserved for future generations!

PLEDGE TRACKER

PLEDGING

One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. – Proverbs 17:18

Spiritual Benefits for Pledgers:

1. Like the Sanctuary Lamp that’s perpetually lit, their names will be perpetually remembered in all the Holy Masses and 40 hours Eucharistic Adoration being celebrated by priests.

2. A plaque or memorial written around the bush land or walkway to the chapel as a thanksgiving for all pledgers and their families.

  • Goal 15.62% 15.62%

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 1993

“With love and thanks to Betty, Brother Andrew and staff. Leaving here with love and laughter in my heart again!” (Veronica)

“The place of the Great I AM.” (Ian and Kaye)

“A perfect place to share, with God’s pilgrims. (Duclie)

“A “real God’s Farm”. The Farm now is in our Hearts..” (Sr Julie)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 1994

“Totally awesome! God is Good! He is faithful”.

“I rested in God’s garden, and was blessed.” (Carol and Charles)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 1995

“The presence of the Holy Spirit enveloped us and strengthened us. The presence of Christ overwhelmed and we can’t wait to come back!!”

(Disciples Youth Mission Team)

“A time of ‘growth’ towards God and man. A Spiritual experience.” (Clare)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 1997

“The right name “God’s Farm”, for Peace and friendship.” (Josephine)

God’s Farm brings us to the reality of the work of Jesus Christ.” (Gwen and Barry)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 1999

“Married in God’s Home.” (Yvonne and John)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2001

“Enjoyed everything, especially Fr Paul’s talks; and the beautiful music”. (Kathy)

“A beautiful way to spend one of our first Masses, as husband and wife!” (Michael and Paige)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2002

`I have just visited my favourite spot in the world.” (Kath)

“I have gained tremendously from this Retreat and meeting wonderful people.” (Pat)

“My 7th visit and will be back whenever I can. God bless you all.” (Declan)

“Thank you for the beautiful simplicity of God’s Farm.” (Leah)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2003

“This farm is truly a gift and a blessing from The Lord. May God grant you with 200 acres in Heaven Betty!” (James)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2004

“God is all around me here. Thanks for this place Lord. Thank you for showing me Your beauty.” (Verity)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2005

“A beautiful sanctuary of stillness, reverence, prayer and divine bush setting. A great stay!” (Hughes’)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2010

“Wonderful Holy land.” (Barbara)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2011

“Always a great joy in Jesus and Mary to serve God’s faithful. A beautiful people at God’s Farm.” (Fr Brian)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2012

“Lovely chapel. Beautiful surroundings…” (Mary Jane)

“I pray for many more blessings on God’s Farm.” (Fr Andrew)

“It always feels like coming home.” (Jurgen)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2016

“….May God bless you always for offering us this peaceful place of bliss. A Heaven on Earth!” (Terry & Merlyn)

“Time has gone so fast. When I first came with Peter and met Brother Andrew, such a beautiful person. He was the “Spirit of Poverty”. Betty, the place “God’s Farm” always made me feel full of Peace and “God” was Always here “Present”. (Marie)

“I’m thankful to God for bringing me to God’s Farm and getting to know you (Betty Peaker). I have found so much peace and joy at God’s Farm. Gods real presence is here to be experienced and cherished….Thank you for hearing and answering God’s call and creating this special place for us to worship and glorify God.” (Jane, 2016)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2018

“What blessings have flowed from God’s Farm since the day 30 years ago, we sat……together and claimed the property for The Lord, and asked His blessings upon the property.

I clearly remember the magpies adding their songs of praise to our prayers; and the planting of the Cross.

What a blessing it was for me to be part of many retreats working in the kitchen. May the Lord continue to be glorified in this place, and His blessings flow. (Nancy, 2018)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2019

“It was such a wonderful experience, to spend the weekend in God’s Farm. God definitely brought us here for some reason. Thank you all for the love and care. Thank you for everything, and especially Betty.” (Doris and Robert)

“Fr Anthony Mary’s consecration of the Holy Eucharist, is truly Heavenly. I will always treasure this memory and this beautiful Retreat at God’s Farm. Thank you, Father Anthony Mary and thank you Betty, for the joy I have experienced this weekend. Thanks …most of all to the to the Most Holy Trinity.” (Sheila)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2023

God’s Farm is one of the most beautiful places on earth where Jesus dwells himself. I have never been anywhere else like it and it was only there that Jesus fully revealed himself to me more fully. (Genevieve)

COMMENTS FROM THE GUEST BOOKS AFTER VISITS TO GOD’S FARM 2024

“I love sitting in the chapel looking at the huge window and watching the breeze blowing the trees and seeing nature. The birds flying to the window look at their reflection, do a little dance up and down and then fly off. It gives me an absolute feeling of peace and I recognise how great is God in his nature! “ (Robyne 2024)

“I love the walk-through the winding, tree lined path to the Chapel. There is a feeling of peacefulness and tranquility. I encounter God at God’s Farm and this brings me closer to Him. This time alone allows me to reflect on my life and ask ‘where am I going in life?’ God’s Farm makes me stop and look at my life . The surroundings show me the love of God in the quietness, the singing of the birds and the crickets. I love the tranquility.” (Margaret 2024)

“The first moment I walked through the forest at God’s Farm towards the Chapel, I was instantly aware of God’s presence. I will never forget that experience and I heard God’s breath through the rustling of the trees. That feeling is the same on every visit.” (Gemma 2024)

‘God’s Farm is always a place to ‘come away to’ for peace and a certain contentment; whether it is in the Chapel, or having a quiet cuppa with Mary or other ‘friends’ of Gods Farm. There is a real, quiet and unspoken connectedness between those who visit, either for an hour or two; a day or a weekend.” (Nola 2024)