Gillian Coates

In spiritual direction the director’s role is to listen, to the directee and to the inner nudgings of the Spirit. The foundation of this listening work is the belief and trust that God, who is love, living within us is the source of our desires and longing for fullness of life. Together director and directee listen for God’s still small voice of love, for the invitation into the mystery where ‘our deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet’.  (Frederick Buechner).

It was at Regent College, that I was introduced to the life-giving ministry of spiritual direction. After benefitting richly from years of receiving spiritual direction myself, I now feel called to offer it for others. I recently completed the Art of Spiritual Direction training through Soulstream. My desire is that as we listen together, each directee would be drawn further into the deep and life-giving love of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I am a retired physiotherapist. For much of my career I worked with people after significant neurological trauma. I offered hope and a sense of future for those with whom I worked. I spent 10 very rewarding years working with a mission organisation in Asia teaching physiotherapy and helping to set up a national physiotherapy programme.

I came to Canada from England in 1982 seeking adventure and good skiing. I love hiking, kayaking, cycling, skiing and creating beauty in my garden. It is in the outdoors I feel closest to God, the majesty, mystery and creativity of the triune God.

I live in Burnaby, close to Tri Cities and New Westminster.