Sarah. Sarah Shaw

This book has been supported and verified by the psychiatrist that was treating Sarah. It is an amazing story of Dissociative Identity Disorder that was healed through prayer ministry. Sarah was a psychiatric in-patient for many months, making no progress but her psychiatrist agreed to her attending a Healing Retreat at Ellel Grange under certain conditions. She was to take a carer, and also if she returned no better, she would be sectioned and treated with Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT).

The book describes Sarah’s depression, overdose, obsessions and anxiety stemming from her childhood experiences in a home that offered no love or nurture. Sarah did not realise why she was experiencing severe illness as her mind had dissociated from it but the different identities clearly made themselves known during her journey to healing. There was a serious effect on her marriage but her husband had great compassion and offered limitless support during her illness and recovery.

There are illustrations, which demonstrate some of the processes Sarah went through. But the text unfolds to reveal a step by step and intensive series of Prayer Ministry sessions over a period of years. In addition to prayer, Sarah cites how scripture brought release and also the use of creative activities. She also tells of how the prayer team ‘taught’ her to enjoy ordinary things like taking a walk and socialising with other people.

Books can never give in depth details of either the horrors or joys of people’s experiences but this is certainly a remarkable and encouraging telling of what God has done. The psychiatric treatment (ECT) was never needed. Dr Searle has seen Sarah and describes her healing as a “true recovery.” The thanks truly belong to God!

– Greta Randle – Book Review for Accord Magazine (Association of Christian Counsellors, March 2010)