Testimonials
Stories of growth through the
spiritual direction experience

Loved and accepted
Woman of honor
Knowledge activated for life's circumstances
A lifeline in troubled times
An interpreter between Jesus and me

Loved and accepted

I came to Elizabeth thinking that I was unworthy of God’s love and that God would not want to love someone like me. I was stuck in my faith and even though I loved the Lord I couldn’t get over myself to accept His love. Elizabeth helped reconnect me to the truth that God accepts me, Michael, just as I am and since then I've tried to live from that position, one day at a time.

I really like the fact that Elizabeth does not come to our sessions armed with a pre-planned agenda or Christian rhetoric. She meets me where I am, we reflect on God’s truths revealed in my circumstance and then she shows me a possible path to take in moving forward.

I know of no other journey as exciting as the one I have embarked upon with the help of Elizabeth.

Michael Stolt, Hoofddorp
November 2009

Woman of honor

Once a young African girl comes of age, she chooses an older woman from within the tribe as a mentor, a so-called 'woman of honor'. One who has a character trait, a skill or a discipline the girl wants to master herself. The girl positions herself in the shadow of this ‘woman of honor’, simply observing….

Eager for spiritual growth, I approached Elizabeth somewhere in 2004 to ask if she would consider being a ‘woman of honor’ to me. Since then our path together has included women’s small groups, her Drawing Near course, After Alpha groups and a visit to the Holy Land. I have observed intently, learning about leadership, stewardship and, most importantly, how to grow in intimacy with the Almighty.

But it is our one-on-ones, our dialogues together, which have been profoundly formative for me. The Father, always on mission to reconcile our hearts fully to Him, uses Elizabeth in my life. As the Spirit reveals things unaware, time is made to tend to wounds, battles are fought to face the fear, pressure is applied to break free. Elizabeth cheers me on, assists in the necessary re-programming, challenges & enlightens. She believes in me, believes in the work of His hands. It’s not an easy path but one that is oh so very worth it!

Ank Oosting, Velsen-Zuid
January 2010

Knowledge activated for life's circumstances

To me, Elizabeth is the ‘therapist’ with a different book and a radically graceful approach. She truly listens – I mean really listens, not just head nodding with glazed eyes - and does not allow my ramblings to take us away from the issue at hand. Elizabeth asks thought-provoking questions about my relationship with God and how everyday events impact on and are impacted by that relationship. She also offers practical advice that is related to aligning my life with Jesus.

I have headed to meet with Elizabeth feeling defeated by life’s circumstances and departed with a sense of victory and knowing that ‘I can do all things in Christ that strengthens me’. It is one thing for us to know the timeless truths of the Bible in our head, but applying them to everyday situations and rooting these truths in our heart is another challenge altogether. Elizabeth helps direct this vital process in a way that is non-religious, non-judgemental and above all else gentle.

Andrew Rogers, Amsterdam
November 2009

A lifeline in troubled times

Where would I be without Elizabeth? Possibly I’d be sitting in a corner, drinking and smoking, complaining out of anger which would eat up my life and that of my daughter. It was my best girlfriend who sent me to Elizabeth, seeing my helplessness and agony after my husband had left us for another woman. Elizabeth was available for me on the day after I called. She embraced me with warmth and kindness and listened compassionately to my story. Not many people have understood so deeply and clearly what I was going through at that time.

This was only the starting point from where Elizabeth helped me back into life. With her support I found Jesus, the most significant and meaningful link that was missing in my spiritual life. And I can truly testify that this has saved my life! Moreover Elizabeth has taught me how to take all my emotions and problems to God and His Son, how to give them into their hands and have them lead my way. She has helped me to find the way to pray positively, even regarding my husband and his nasty influence on me and his child.

Now that I've returned to Germany, Elizabeth and I meet via Skype every couple of weeks. She takes time for me to help me take time for God during the exhaustingly busy time of settling back here on my own. I really feel that I would have been lost without this connection. The care package she gave me before I left, including music, sermon downloads and books to guide me, was one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. She simply made sure that I would be safe until I found my way in our new hometown. Her presence in my life is absolutely priceless! She is one of the rare Most Important People in my life.

Heike Urban, Dresden
December 2009

An interpreter between Jesus and me

Several years ago I asked Elizabeth if she could help me untangle the plate of spaghetti in my head. I had become stuck and didn’t know where to start. Elizabeth immediately said yes.

I can say without reservation that although Elizabeth knows me from the inside out, even all my dark sides, she has always made me feel very much loved; special but unashamed. Because of the hope Elizabeth always had, and I had lost, she was able to show me grace, no matter how hard I was on myself. And each and every time she referred me to Jesus. As a result I have changed so much and have rediscovered myself in every layer of my heart.

If I had to describe Elizabeth in one sentence, I would call her my interpreter for Jesus. It is almost like I was never able to understand His language of unconditional love until Elizabeth translated it for me, as slowly and as patiently as was required for me to understand the language myself. Although I have been a Christian all my life, I had never really understood that I did not have to try so hard to receive God's love and promises. But now, thanks to Elizabeth’s years of interpreting, I finally understand and can live in Christ renewed and free.

Wanda Verbeek, Aalsmeer
December 2009

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