'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.
'He is peaceful, he is loving, he is kind, he is generous, and he is good'. Maria Boddington CEO of Focus on the Family New Zealand shares her intentional ways of connecting with God's presence on the daily and how it's the fuel for all that she does. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Leaning into the melody I hear in my head, all of a sudden the ideas flow and I see what I need to do'. Miriam Clancy is a Kiwi Musician (singer/songwriter - session musician) living and working in New York alongside her husband JP and their 4 kids. Miriam talks of living a hectic life with not a lot of time for herself but often through her music she finds God, just on the other side of her tears. Miriam Clancy - Black HeartSupport Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘I think he would want me to surrender to him a bit more and stop striving, which is a constant battle for me’. Susan Maiava is the Co-Founder of Fair & Good an online ethical directory with a focus on social justice. Susan has been a Christian for 40 years and with a big heart for social justice talks about the very real struggle of wanting to save the world while recognizing that God wants her to let go and give the burden to him. fair&goodSupport Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'I heard men's stories, ordinary people and it wasn't hard for me to put myself in their shoes'. When Graham Lapslie first started working as a Prison Chaplain, he thought he'd made the biggest mistake of his life. Within a couple of months, he discovered that hearing men's stories and coming alongside them as a neutral party was an honor and a privilege. Graham talks of finding God in the prison and shares on what he wishes people outside prison understood about those who are incarcerated. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'When you're in the ocean or in the forest, even people of no faith will tell me there's something there'. Kristel van Houte, a marine & freshwater ecologist is the National Director of A Rocha Aotearoa NZ a charitable trust focused on community-based conservation and education. She is also involved in the Karioi Project a Raglan based biodiversity restoration initiative. Kristel talks of how she developed her love of creation in her childhood, how she has passed this love of creation onto her children and her desire for all people to take care of the gift of creation God has given to us. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'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 a pivotal moment in his childhood where although his family were living in money chaos, Sam experienced something of God's presence that flipped the experience on its head. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trigger Warning: This episode touches on sensitive topics that may impact some listeners. If you need to talk with someone, call 0800 lifeline or if you need prayer call NZ Christian prayer line on 0800 50 80 80. "And all the hard stuff, you've just got to sit it out and stay there and stick with God because he will deliver, every single time without fail". Lee Baker is one of the cohosts on the Sanctuary Breakfast show. Born in the UK he left the UK in 1997, spent 8 years living in Australia before settling in New Zealand. An open book, Lee shares some of the challenges of his life with honesty, humility and humor. The Morning SanctuarySupport Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘I simply ask the question, God what are you up today and help me to partner with you’. Mat Badger is Senior Pastor/Corp Officer at The Salvation Army Johnsonville & Coauthor of "When The Light Goes Out". A book that details the dangers and pitfalls of unresolved grief and depression within the context of Christian leadership. Mat shares of his intentional daily practice of connecting with God, of where God was for him during his wife's mental health journey and talks of his love of history.When The Light Goes Out eBook : Badger, Jules, Badger, Mat: Amazon.com.au: Kindle StoreSupport Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I find God in my children & my grandchildren when I'm confronted with my own humanity". Thomas Tarurongo Wynne spends part of his time home in the Cook Islands and the rest of his time in Wellington, New Zealand where his current role is focused on growing and developing the people of the moana who serve and work at the Department of Internal Affairs. Thomas has had a broad career and in this short podcast he shares deeply of his commitment and love for God, for his family and his longing for equity. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘We were in Mexico, and we did some work with a local pastor. He prophesied over me and said I was a Weeping Jeremiah, and I haven't stopped crying since’. Frank Po ching is the National Director of Promise Keepers. Frank shares of finding God in worship and prayer & of how when he is in God's presence he frequently becomes "a mess" which involves a lot of tears. In this open and honest conversation Frank busts any myths that "men shouldn't cry" and instead shows us that it's normal and healthy for men to cry. Promise Keepers -Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'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.
'As a pastors' kid you almost prioritise other people's relationship with God before seeking your own'. Benson Wilson is an Award-winning New Zealand born Samoan baritone. Originally from South Auckland, he now resides in London and was recently appointed English National Opera Harewood Artist. At the time of recording Benson was in New Zealand for the New Zealand Opera's season of La Boheme. Benson talked of growing up as a pastor's kid and the quiet spaces he finds God in which is in contrast to the busy, heady world of opera he is immersed in. https://www.bensonwilson.com/Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'People talk about the rock bottom. That was my rock bottom and that were where I found God'. 5 years ago Paul Rawson went through a life changing experience when he lost the bottom half of his right leg from the knee down. He talks of Finding God through this process and his attitude of not being defined by this life changing event as he seeks to live the Undefeated Life.Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'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 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 are worlds apart, but we are all the same. We might be different tribes & nations, different tongues but we all the same'. Sherryn Tai, Day Show Host on Life FM & busy Mom of 2 gorgeous Tamariki spoke with Lizzie about her time in Uganda with World Vision and the leveling experience it was for her to see that though we might all come from different backgrounds essentially, we are all the same. Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"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.
'How sufficient is God, how much is my identity in Christ. Do I trust that he is good when things in my life are not the same way I would want them to be.' Steve De Witt is the Senior Pastor of Bethel Church, Northwest Indiana. He is also the Author of Loneliness: Don't Hate it or Waste It, Redeem It - a book where Steve shares his journey of loneliness when he was the only single pastor of a mega church in the United States of America. Loneliness: Don't Hate It or Waste It. Redeem It Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'The best things we can think of are just a shadow of what he is like.' Broadcaster Kat McCormack is a Co Host on the Rhema Breakfast and leads a busy and full life. She talks openly and honestly of her need for God, sharing out of Psalm 139 and reminds us of how God has both a Father & a Mother heart towards us. Paralysed as a young mum, Kat McCormack | Finding The Light | S1Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Where do I find God? I don't even need to say hi, he's already there'. Dave Mann Director of Shining Lights Trust, who's focus is to equip the church in forms of outreach they may not have considered, talks with Lizzie Oakes about where he finds God and of his experience of struggling with anxiety and how these days God is closer than his very breathe. https://shininglights.co.nz/Support Sanctuary Radio: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=sanctuarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.