Rachel Sangster is the Pastor of Riccarton Baptist Church in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Deeper Into the Heart of God retreats were hosted in several places across the country during July/August, and that was certainly an apt name for them! Sharon Garlough Brown (currently from Scotland) invited us into deeper places of knowing and experiencing the height, length, depth, and breadth of the love of God. She is the author of the best-selling spiritual formation novels, Sensible Shoes, that have led many people to encounter Jesus in life-giving ways and to experience healing and transformation, both individually and in the community.
What a wonderful retreat it was! God used Sharon to create a space where ladies, or should I say princesses of the Most High God, could be still, listen and hear what God is saying to them. I was encouraged by the way she introduced HOLY SPIRIT in a relational way where the gifts of the Spirit will be received and captured. Gore
Photo: Gore Baptist Church
Sharon has such a deep insight into life and all its complexities, and she is so very relatable to women of all walks of life and stages we go through. Her Godly wisdom, direction and her ability to steer us all towards God to slow down and dig deep to see what God is saying to us in our seasons of life is very profound. I love how she quietly slows her pace to take in Scripture and pull it apart to gain a deeper understanding of what God is saying to us today through happenings from the past. Christchurch
These were definitely retreats, not conferences or seminars. Women were encouraged to forget about time and structure and relax in the presence of God. The environmental spaces and the intentionally created day provided times for teaching from the Word as well as times of silence and stillness that were very sacred.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up for Sharon’s retreat, but what I got was so far beyond what I thought I would get. Listening to Sharon’s life stories and experiences deepened my understanding of what God has done and will do for me in my life. Having the opportunity to share this with other women in such a peaceful and intimate way meant so much to me. I am blessed to have been a part of the whole weekend. Riccarton Baptist Church
Photo: Riccarton Baptist Church
Women were invited to practice being attentive to the presence of God and drawing near to Jesus. God moved in the hearts of the women as they reflected on their image of Him, His love for them, and as they lamented. Being still and silent for an extended period in community was a new spiritual discipline for many, but one that was embraced and was such a precious gift to give each other.
It was soul-searching and wonderful. It has taken me a while to come to terms with ‘the good’ of being adopted, especially as it was not a good one. But now I must keep telling myself who I really am, this time ‘chosen’ by a Father who loves me unreservedly. Caversham Baptist Church
In planning this New Zealand tour with Sharon, one of her requests was to go to smaller towns that don’t often get visiting international speakers; this shows her generous, humble heart. Seeing and hearing the genuine appreciation from people for coming to their neck of the woods was a joy. Retreats were held in Christchurch, Karori, Nelson, Gleniti, Gore, Napier, Taupo, Hamilton and Whangaparaoa, with over 900 women of all ages attending. Sharon also spoke at three Sunday worship services.
Photo: Napier
Deeper into the Heart of God Retreat was transforming. The spiritual principles Sharon talks about and the practices we are encouraged to participate in are refreshing and inspiring. I have been a Christian for many years. I would have said that I believed I was close to the heart of God, but by discussing and participating in these spiritual practices, I was awakened to a deeper presence of God in my life. I intend to pursue spiritual practices more intentionally. 78 year old
Leaving that retreat, I felt so refreshed and grounded in the love God has for me. It was such a loving and safe space, and it was special to be alongside women of all stages of life. 21 year old
As a younger member at the retreat, I thoroughly enjoyed being part of a welcoming, loving environment and learning from other wise women around me. Through Sharon’s talks, I was deeply challenged to revisit basic concepts of God’s love and remind myself that our Father who is so great and powerful, loves us each deeply. Having designated quiet times throughout the sessions provided sufficient time to reflect and connect with God. It was a beautiful weekend full of God’s Spirit! 18 year old
Many of the women were introduced to the Sensible Shoes books at the retreat, but several had already read them and were part of small groups in which they had the privilege of journeying together in a very meaningful way. As they have engaged with the character in the books, God has moved in their lives in profound ways, personally and in community. A number of women showed interest in joining with others to form new “Sensible Shoes Groups” across churches and even cities (online).
I was part of a Sensible Shoes book group a while back, which helped consolidate some spiritual practices I had learned through the books, as well as getting to know some great women! Time has gone along since then, and the retreat weekend reminded me of these things and has re-inspired me to make time and create some decent rhythms in my days. I love hearing Sharon Garlough Brown speak – she is so encouraging, real, creative and easy to listen to. Christchurch
Photo: Lunch together (Christchurch)
Being part of a Sensible Shoes group has been a wonderful way of getting to know the women in the group in a very special way. As each woman reads the book, they are able to relate their own spiritual journey to the women in the story. Because it reads like a novel, it is easily read, even for those who don’t usually read too much. The Sensible Shoes series is not just a novel; it is the spiritual journey of these women, which we can easily relate to. There has been significant spiritual growth in the women in our group. The realisation of their past impacting how they relate to hearing what God is saying to them has been great to see. The unity in the group compared to when we started is very encouraging. Riccarton
Sharon’s latest book, Not Finished Yet, arrived just in time, and she could share it with us. It is her first children’s book. It is about an 8-year-old, Wren, an adult in one of Sharon’s other books, Shades of Light. Gran’s art studio is one of Wren’s favourite places in the world. Not only is it where Wren and Gran paint, but it’s also where they talk about all the good and hard stuff of life — to each other and to God. Young Wren explores her feelings through painting and discovers that God welcomes our honest prayers. It is a story that teaches children and the adults who read to them how to lament before God and that this is ok.
Photo: Sharon Garlough
In a difficult period of my life, I used art to help me express my thoughts and feelings, and this really helped me. I can relate to Wren and how she paints her prayers and conversations with God. Now I have my own children, and I can’t wait to share this book with them. Maybe they will find art as a way to connect with God, too. Oamaru
Plans are already underway for Sharon to return to New Zealand in 2026 for another tour.
Photos: Supplied by Rachel Sangster
