About Barbara J. Harry
“I was on call 24 hours a day and I got burnt out; the turning point for me.
‘God, I really need you,’ I cried. ‘Take over!'”
BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Hamilton, New Zealand, my diverse tool-belt of skills and experience includes employment in the health and disability sector as a registered general nurse, midwife, caregiver, trainer and administrator. However, my journey has primarily been shaped as a follower of Yeshua Messiah from a young age.
A three-year diploma at Bible College of New Zealand (now Laidlaw College) in Auckland opened the door to pioneer as a pastoral assistant at the Miramar Christian Centre in Wellington, overseeing women’s ministry for five years. This led to several years of industrial chaplaincy with the Inter-Church Trade and Industry Mission in the Wellington CBD.
I was on call 24 hours a day, and I got burnt out; the turning point for me. “God, I really need you! Take over!” Instead of running around doing things for God, I asked Him to help me! I learned how to ‘be’ rather than ‘do’; a human being rather than a human doing. Heart cries were uttered through poems or prose. I became a lot more contemplative. Creativity flourished.
I’ve always loved words, especially puns, and The WORD, being strongly influenced by my paternal heritage. I’m painting pictures with words, and giving images a voice. Personal reflections are emerging through penned expressions, including a series of contemplative coffee table books containing scripture verses and photographic images expressing the soul’s journey in parable form.
My contemplative parable books –Waiting: Soul Transformation, profiling the butterfly life-cycle, was published in October 2023; Oasis: Soul Refreshing, was released in October 2024. The series continues.
Exploring the Creator’s world – strolling through NZ bush, sitting by a stream or savouring my rural vista in Hamilton – inspires me. My ‘tank’ is filled with living in Yahweh’s Presence, studying His Word, listening to anointed worship and classical music, designing without a deadline, and spending time with friends.
I have relocated many times in NZ, building flexibility and diversity into my life. My travels include traversing Europe and a six month stint volunteering in Israel. Pioneering has extended me to manage a small retreat house and to develop Refreshing Day workshops as reflective spaces for women.
The best is yet to come, even in the latter years! Heart transformation is life-long and creativity continues to flourish.
For more backstory, see I Have a Dream …