Artful Faith: Unlocking spiritual healing through art — Discovering Art Sozo

A column in which Marzanne Slabbert explores the enigmatic fusion of faith and art in South Africa. Join her on an artistic journey and explore the many ways in which God is using the visual arts!

Imagine your faith and creativity merging on a canvas to reveal deeper spiritual truths, help you foster a closer connection with the Godhead, and bring profound healing. That’s the essence of Art Sozo — where divine healing meets artistic expression in a vibrant dance of color and faith.

Join us in the Q&A interview below, as we delve into the world of Art Sozo, uncover its transformative impact, and hear from passionate leaders like Rene Enslin who guide others in this sacred art of inner healing.

Rene, you are celebrating 40 years of love and adventure with your husband this year! What an incredible milestone! Please give us a thumbnail sketch of your life journey up until now.

Yes! Can you believe it? Forty amazing years by Adriaan’s side, raising two wonderful boys, and cherishing every moment with our seven lovely granddaughters. With a deep-seated passion for adding beauty to the world (thanks to my background in interior design), life just continues to get more colourful and vibrant.

Oh, let me tell you, that I am an absolute food enthusiast! There is nothing I love more than exploring unique and delightful dishes and spoiling my loved ones with tasty treats. Alongside my love for painting and gardening, Adriaan and I share a deep connection with the great outdoors and the stunning wildlife of our beloved South Africa. Our adventures across the country are always filled with awe and wonder.

My heart has always been drawn to people, and one day, in a moment of clarity, I whispered a prayer: “Lord, open my heart to what moves Yours.” It was during a season when one of my children was exploring Sozo teachings at Bethel in the USA. This experience ignited a fire within me, leading me to attend the very first Sozo training here in South Africa in 2011. From there, I have assembled teams, lent a helping hand to many, and had the joy of leading teams in Gauteng.

Currently, I stand in a leadership role within Sozo South Africa, overseeing teams that minister locally. Sozo ministry is also practiced across Africa, but I am not directly in charge of these broader areas. The journey with Sozo has been nothing short of miraculous, and I am grateful for the opportunity to touch lives and make a difference!

Let’s delve into Sozo ministry and then Art Sozo. Can you demystify these two concepts for our readers who might not be familiar with them? 

Certainly! The term Sozo appears 110 times in the New Testament. It is a Greek word meaning “to save, make well, or make whole”, encompassing aspects of being saved, delivered, and healed.

Art Sozo offers a unique approach to the Sozo process by combining traditional Sozo inner healing tools with the liberating power of art. This blend helps participants connect with their emotions and bring them to God. As individuals engage in painting, they are able to lower their defences and access emotions that were previously suppressed.

The primary goal of Art Sozo is to connect with God and heal emotional wounds and lies. Unlike traditional Sozo, which involves one-on-one sessions, Art Sozo takes place in a workshop setting.  This environment allows God to move powerfully, touching people’s hearts, releasing creativity, and bringing lasting healing. 

It’s important to note that Art Therapy is distinct from Art Sozo. While Art Therapy is a treatment approach that integrates psychotherapeutic techniques with the creative process, Art Sozo focuses specifically on spiritual healing through art.

You’ve explained the concept of Sozo and its biblical foundations. Can you provide some examples that illustrate the different aspects of Sozo — salvation, healing, and deliverance?

Here are a few examples from the New Testament:

• Salvation: Romans 10:9 — “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved (Sozo).”
• Healing: Matthew 9:22 — “But Jesus turning and seeing her said, ‘Daughter, take courage, your faith has made you well (Sozo),’ and at once the woman was made well (Sozo).”
• Deliverance: Luke 8:36 — “And those who had seen it reported to them how the man who was demon-possessed had been made well (Sozo).”

When would you recommend someone attend an Art Sozo session?

Art Sozo can be particularly beneficial when a Sozo counsellor observes that a client is struggling to fully connect with God during a regular Sozo session. Art Sozo provides an alternative approach, offering participants a new way to encounter God and hear His voice through creative expression.

In this way, Sozo and Art Sozo complement each other within a Sozo Ministry. Both methods aim to help participants achieve a deeper and more complete connection with the Godhead.

Is Art Sozo suitable for all age groups?

The Art Sozo workshop is primarily designed for adults. However, children aged 13 and older are welcome to attend, provided their parents are present or remain on the premises. For children younger than 13 who wish to participate, attendance is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Do you have facilitators or workshop leaders across the country?

Yes, there are many facilitators and workshop leaders throughout the country. To find out if there is a church near you that facilitates Sozo or Art Sozo, you can contact Sozo South Africa ( https://sozosouthafrica.co.za/contact/ )

How can someone become an Art Sozo facilitator?

To become an Art Sozo Facilitator, the following requirements must be met:

1. Experience an Art Sozo session.
2. Attend Art Sozo training with Bethel, either in person or online.
3. Complete Basic Sozo training.
4. Have a personal Sozo session.
5. Be part of a local Sozo Ministry.

These guidelines ensure that the facilitator can maintain spiritual authority during sessions and effectively manage any emotional or spiritual issues that may arise. Additionally, Art Sozo Workshops need to be conducted under the sound spiritual support and oversight of a local church.

What excites you most about Art Sozo?

The opportunity for individuals to experience a deep connection with God through creativity is incredibly exciting. Art Sozo allows people to receive healing and uncover the truth in a way that feels natural and unpressured. The integration of artistic expression with spiritual growth creates a unique and liberating experience that can truly transform lives!

Please give us a few testimonials that stood out to you.

Here are some standout testimonials from the Art Sozo website:

• “Holy Spirit met me so deeply and quickly at my place of need. I couldn’t think, I had to feel! I was able to access my emotions and give them a voice in a way I hadn’t since I was a little girl. Through the freedom of creativity, I experienced Him in ways that brought deep healing and freedom.” — Katrin, San Diego
• “God spoke to me about my roadblock, my belief in the lie that He isn’t almighty and able to do all things. Using paint and canvas, I was able to bypass my ‘overthinking’ and discover God’s truth.” — Aubrey, Los Angeles
• “There was constant revelation with every painting and even during the times of sharing.” — Damara, Los Angeles
• “He (God) understands me and knows what I’m expressing, even before I do, and even when I don’t understand. It makes me want to paint and express myself through colors and art. I feel more connected to my feelings and how to express them.” — Rachelle, Los Angeles

Here are a few artworks created during Art Sozo sessions in South Africa:

February 2024
“My broken heart is healed with pieces of gold – I am so grateful.  
I will use this healing to help others and follow my calling without fear. 

Feb 2024:
I took Jesus hand and He took me to the beach while the sun was rising (a promise of a new day).  The sunrise colours and gold of the sun was reflecting on the waters and sand, as He promised me that He will never leave me, and always be with me.

There is also a book, Art Sozo: Painting with God: Connecting with God’s Heart. Can you give us more information about this book and confimr whether it is available for purchase in South Africa? 

Yes, the book is designed to help individuals use Art Sozo as a devotional practice at home. It offers a way to continue the inner-healing journey through creative expression, without requiring any fine art skills.

This resource is recommended for use by individuals who have already experienced an Art Sozo session, as it helps to further their spiritual and emotional healing process.

Currently, the book can be ordered from the Bethel store but is not available for purchase in South Africa. Those interested in obtaining a copy will need to order it internationally.

As we’ve seen and heard, Art Sozo isn’t just about creating beautiful pieces of art — it’s about forging a deep and meaningful connection with God. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone new to the world of creativity, Art Sozo offers a path to spiritual growth and healing for everyone. As more people experience the joy and transformation that Art Sozo brings, it’s evident that this innovative approach is touching lives and inspiring hearts, one brushstroke at a time.

For more information or to connect with Rene, you are welcome to email her at: sozoingauteng@gmail.com

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