Claim OwnershipWhere Do You Find God?
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Hi, I’m Lizzie Oakes, and in 'Where Do You Find God' I talk with my guests about the ways they encounter God in their everyday lives.
Acts C 17 v 27 says “God intended that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us”.
God is close to all of us, what is often missing is our awareness of his presence.
One of the joys of making this podcast is that as I ask my guests about the ways they encounter God, often right in front of me, they start to encounter him. Suddenly, their tone of voice changes, their speech slows right down, and a look of understanding comes across their face.
As the scripture promises, if we reach out for him, we will find him.
Tune in each Wednesday at 4.30pm and listen live to Where Do You Find God on yoursanctuary.nz
Hosted & Produced by Lizzie Oakes
Audio Engineer Scott Gillen
Where Do You Find God Theme Song written and performed by Chris Dawson
108 Episodes
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'Get close to hardship and God turns up'. Brook Turner is the Director of Partnership Services at Vision west Community Trust. He shares of finding God in places he has visited (thin places) but also of finding God in the pain of the people that Vision West serve. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'It's God who does the work and he's been doing it from the beginning of creation & we're part of that process'. Tom Francis is a radio broadcaster with Rhema Media. Having started his work life off as a mechanic with the AirForce, he has also worked as an ambulance driver. These days he is the day show host on Sanctuary Radio. Tom shares his heart for studying the word of God and the joy of discovering that God himself is to be found there. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'This lady in ICU, she put her hand on my shoulder and said "Timothy, God hasn't finished with you yet". Timothy Lee, was a fulltime pastor when he was out for a ride in the Redwood Forest in Rotorua, New Zealand when he crashed his mountain bike. The injury he received caused him to lose 92 percent of his body motor functions. These days Tim is an iterant speaker, provides supervision, is an author and possess an outward focus in wanting to encourage others dealing with challenging circumstances. Hopes, Fears and Wheelchairs - Timothy Lee | Castle Publishing Ltd - Quality books with a positive message Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'When I met my midwife for the first time she was surprised "wow this is a miracle". Christine Leonardi recently immigrated to New Zealand from Indonesia and shares of finding God in her first pregnancy when it seemed unlikely that she would ever be able to get pregnant. Christine talks of the joys and concerns of becoming a mother for the first time and recognizing that she needs God every step of the way. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's me setting aside "It's God & me forever' for "It's God & me and all of God's people". Rosy Keane is a Spiritual Advisor for The Salvation Army in Australia and also lives with endometriosis. Rosy shares of how she finds God through creativity (performance poetry) and the balance of leading groups of people while struggling with a chronic illness. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'The early part of my life I only acknowledged God when good things were happening'. Pastor Jeff Vines is internationally known through "Today with Jeff Vines" and Lead Pastor of ONE&ALL Church in Southern California. Jeff and his family lived in New Zealand for 10 years and while back in New Zealand in December 2025 Lizzie managed to grab a moment with Jeff to chat with him on the podcast. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu. "God loves that I'm able to love but then I'm able to know God to be a God of love". Bishop Te Kitohi "Kito" Wiremu Pikaahu is the Māori Anglican bishop for Te tai Tokerau he talked with Lizzie Oakes of learning from a young age that God is everywhere and of how he encounters God in his everyday life. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Nick Holder 'Through this suffering I've drawn a lot closer to God'. Nick Holder is an Editor/Director and has been part of the Rhema Media for 14 years. Just last year he was admitted to hospital with a life-threatening condition and almost died - 3 times. With honesty, humility and an accepting nature of his ongoing suffering he talks with Lizzie Oakes of how he has felt seen and comforted by God and the reality that all of us face challenges at some point in our lives. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Dwaynne Jefferies. 'Forcing a hole in the wall of our lives is never a bad thing. I've never waisted time pursuing God'. Dwayne Jeffries General Manager of Hope Radio, Sydney, Australia has worked in radio since 1986. Openly and honestly Dwayne shares of his first marriage ending, & of running away & being challenged by a priest in Ireland to go back and face the things he was running from. He also talks of the tension of doing things in his own strength yet wanting to connect with God more frequently in the moments of his busy life. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Tabi Huxford Radio Producer Who Has Wisdom Beyond Her Years. 'I find God in my frustration with other people. I think God speaks to me a lot in my daydreaming I do on my walks. Tabi Huxford is the Morning Wakeup Producer on Life FM. Deeply reflective and self-aware Tabi shares of finding God in difficult spaces of her life and having the maturity to work through those frustrations in real and honest ways that includes walking, journaling and lying on the grass and looking at the sky.Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Gloriana Pilgrim, Former Gloriavale Member 'Put your trust in Jesus because he will lead you. Let go of everything else and God will be there'. Gloriana Pilgrim was born and raised in the conservative Christian community Gloriavale, based in Haupiri on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Almost 5 years ago, Gloriana and her family left Gloriavale to begin a brand-new life. Gloriana shares of this life changing journey and the certainty she came to, of knowing God was with her in every step and every decision. Currently at time of recording this podcast you can see the documentary about Gloriana, and her family called “Leaving Gloriavale” on Shine TV. https://www.shinetv.co.nz/ Gloriana is also a talented artist, and you can view her artwork below. Gloriana Pilgrim (@gloriana_pilgrim) • Instagram photos and videos Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Rev Jill McDonald. 'God's longing for the world is much more than coming to church on a Sunday'. Reverend Jill McDonald currently ministers at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Hastings. She also runs a monthly event with a focus on social justice at the local pub called 'The Common Good' where the publican is an atheist and has welcomed Rev Jill and her pub church with open arms.Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Sam Garaway. 'I grew up watching my parents, from a financial sense, lose it all. Living in a one-bedroom flat, my bedroom was in a garden shed.' Sam Garaway, CEO of Christians Against Poverty NZ has a big heart for adventure, living in spaces both personally and professionally which push him out of his comfort zone. Sam shares of going through one of the hardest times of his life and finding God there. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Dr Christa McKirland. "How can we be people of abundance and generosity, people who live out of joy". Dr Christa McKirland, is the Dean of Faculty & Lecturer of Systematic Theology at Carey Baptist College. Christa shares of finding God in community and the places we live. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're taking a look back across 2025, revisiting our episode with Tianna Williams, Sacred Artist. ‘I experience God like the ground we stand on. It’s always there, it’s always supporting us. If you tune in you realise it’s been there the whole time’. Tianna Williams is a Sacred Artist from Saskatoon, Canada who paints the saints. She shares of her intimate relationship with Jesus and of how the paintings she journeys with impact her deeply. https://sacredartbytianna.com/ Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'I sing in a choir, a lot of choir music is sacred music.' Catherine Perich is Lead Pastor and Elder at Lincoln Road Bible Chapel, Auckland New Zealand. She is also a Chaplain to the staff at Rhema Media and a classical music buff. Having sung in choirs for many years Catherine talks of spine tingling experiences of understanding that classical music has been written to reflect theological truths including the well known Christmas Carol - O Come All Ye Faithful. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I'm very aware of who I am and who made me'. Katie Rickson is the Author of 30 Things I'd Like You To Know About Bipolar and works as an advocate for folk with bipolar brains in business & faith-based settings. She talks with Lizzie Oakes of Finding God through her journey with bipolar and encourages us to look at the life of Job and all that he suffered, and how important it is for good friends to hold space for each other through times of suffering. Business in the BathSupport Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I'm guided through the air by God, I'm guided by his presence in those milliseconds.' Flynn Chisholm is an extreme sport junkie & a committed Christian. Flynn is a Death Diver, as well as a world class speed climber. Flynn recently broke the NZ & Oceania Death Dive record when in August 2025 he jumped 40 meters off a cliff in Spain. Flynn takes her sport seriously always following safety precautions and loves the sense of being in a flow state. Saint Irenaeus said, "The Glory of God is man fully alive" and Flynn Chisholm very much embodies this through his pursuit of extreme sports. Flynn Chisholm (@fizzysends) • Instagram photos and videosSupport Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'God has opened up so many pathways for me through learning Te Reo Maori.' Amiria Reid, leads communications and student recruitment at Te Wananga Ihorangi, a faith based Maori language school dedicated to the reclamation & revitalization of Te Reo Maori, offering immersive language programs and diplomas. Amiria shares some of her own Whanau's story of reclaiming the language, something that was taken from her Nan and how for Amiria every single work opportunity has been connected to her Te Reo Maori journey. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'We are a Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit.' Bethany Edmonds is a Worship Leader, Nurse & Recording Artist who alongside Madison Hornblow released an EP in 2023 called The Steady Heart. Bethany is also part of the line up for Festival One 2026. Deeply reflective, down to earth, creative and practical as both a musician and a nurse Bethany talks about connecting with God in the multifaceted spaces of her life. Bethany Edmonds (@bethanyeds) • Instagram photos and videosSupport Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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