The Potters Wheel

About The Potter’s Wheel Retreat

The Potter’s Wheel Retreat is inspired by Jeremiah 18:1-4:“So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.”

Just as God the Potter reshapes the clay(us), He offers us a chance for renewal when we lose our way. Due to wrong choices, our sinful nature, or external forces. God's grace and mercy invite us to rediscover our purpose and begin again.

The Potter’s Wheel Retreat (NPC 2018/490616/08) is a registered Section 21 non-profit organization dedicated to helping those feeling broken, lost or are in need of a second chance in life. We provide a safe place for hope, where people can heal, renew, and find meaning in life once again. Through God’s amazing grace, we believe everyone has the opportunity to become whole and live life to its fullest.

The Hearts Behind our Mission

Rev. Bennett Shunmugam | Founder : Shepherd and Leader of The Potters Wheel Retreat

Rev. Bennett Shunmugam is the founder of The Potters Wheel Retreat and a devoted minister of the Gospel, called to serve, shepherd, and build up the body of Christ. With over three decades of ministry experience, he has faithfully answered God’s call with unwavering commitment.

From 1990 to 2017, Rev. Bennett served as a minister in the Reformed Church in Africa (RCA), leading the RCA Shalom congregation in Chatsworth with humility and wisdom. Beyond the local church, he played a vital role in shaping the broader RCA community by serving in various leadership capacities, always championing unity, spiritual growth, and faithful service.

His deep love for God and His people continues today as he ministers at The Vine Family Church in partnership with NGK Durban Wes, based in Malvern, KwaZulu-Natal. His heart remains anchored in the vision God has placed before him—to provide a sacred space for renewal and transformation.

"God has called us to develop a spiritual retreat ministry called the Potters’ Wheel to serve the body of Christ and the community in general in KZN."
– Rev. Bennett Shunmugam

With The Potters Wheel Retreat, Rev. Bennett carries forward a God-given dream: to create a place where people can be restored, re-centered, and shaped by the hands of the Master Potter.

& Jessica [Dawn] Shunmugam | Co-Founder Faithful Servant and Spiritual Pillar

Jessica Shunmugam, the devoted wife of Rev. Bennett Shunmugam and co-founder of The Potters Wheel Retreat, is a passionate woman of faith whose life reflects unwavering dedication to God’s call. For decades, she has journeyed alongside her husband in ministry, faithfully serving within the Reformed Church in Africa (RCA) and now in The Vine Family Church, in partnership with the NGK Durban Wes in Malvern, KwaZulu-Natal.

Jessica’s heart for people and deep commitment to the Lord have touched countless lives through her quiet strength, compassion, and sincere desire to serve. She has supported the ministry not only behind the scenes but also through her active involvement in prayer ministry, hospitality, and mentoring.

She is known for her gentle wisdom, her ability to listen with grace, and for offering prayers that carry deep conviction. In moments of sorrow or uncertainty, she has been a steady source of comfort and godly counsel, always pointing others back to the heart of Christ.

Raised in a family of faith, Jessica’s relationship with the Lord began early in life and has only deepened with time. Her journey is marked by faithfulness, humility, and a commitment to walking in obedience to God’s leading—qualities that continue to shine through in all she does.

For Jessica, her vision is for the retreat to be a place of rest, healing, and transformation. A space where people can encounter the love of God, be reminded of their worth, and experience restoration in His presence. She prays that every person who enters will leave renewed, encouraged, and deeply aware that no matter what they are going through, God knows, and His love never fails.

Jacqueline Shunmugam | Visionary Heart Behind The Retreat

Jacqueline, daughter of Rev. Bennett and Jessica, was deeply inspired to create The Potters Wheel Retreat as a place of transformation, healing, and hope. Her desire is to reach those in need and create space where lives can be changed through the power of God’s presence.

Her spiritual journey has been marked by unwavering faith and a deep trust in God's purpose. A message she stands by with conviction is:

"Whatever you're going through, God knows. And His love for His people never fails. He is watching over you right now. He always has you in the palm of His hand. No matter what happens or how your story goes, you can be sure that you are never outside of God's plan."

Jacqueline's hope for the retreat is simple but powerful: to touch and reform lives, reminding each person who comes that they are never alone—and never beyond the reach of God’s love.

Our Mission & Vision

Inspired by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, our vision is to create a retreat ministry that offers a safe, caring, and non-judgmental space for those in need of healing and restoration. In an intimate small group setting, over several days, we believe people will find the comfort and support they need to open up about their struggles.

We understand that traditional ministry, often limited by time is not enough to truly address the deep-rooted issues many face. Real transformation requires time and space to uncover the root causes of challenges. Through the power of Christ’s finished work on the cross, we help restore what has been broken and guide individuals toward a life of wholeness.

The Potter’s Wheel ministry exists to serve the body of Christ wherever the need arises. It is not an alternative or stands in opposition to the existing work of the church but exists to help when needed.

For more information, click on the link below or select the PDF file available below.

The_Potters_Wheel_Webpage PDF