FAITH, GRIEF, AND COVID-19
ABOUT SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT
Introducing Sanctuary Spotlight: a monthly feature celebrating artists, creatives, thought leaders, and friends whose art responds to and illuminates themes of mental health and faith. Sanctuary recognizes that the creative arts can contribute vitally to the conversation about mental health and faith, opening avenues of thinking and talking about these issues in new and important ways. We are excited to introduce these brilliant individuals and organizations, shining a light on their voices and impact. Our conversations are deeper and wider because of their work.
SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LEVI THE POET
WHY WE'RE FEATURING LEVI THE POET
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on Levi the Poet, who first discovered Sanctuary through Hillary McBride's Holy/Hurt podcast, and was later introduced to the team by a mutual friend. Levi says: "I've made mental health advocacy a substantial part of my artistic work throughout the past fifteen years. I'm the son of a vocational minister who died by suicide in 2011 and seem to have an eye for where religious contexts tend not to (or to not know how to) hold some folks particularly well, as goes the trope for many a pastor's kid. That said, I still care about and believe in the importance of the communities Sanctuary is serving. Its heart—which I have experienced through the people who give it one—is beautiful and full of the kind of empathetic, witness-bearing presence necessary for the miracle of seen-ness to take place in the lives of people, held there as beloved."
ABOUT LEVI THE POET
Levi Macallister has been a touring spoken word artist for the past fifteen years, playing well over 1000 shows, worldwide. He is a published author, and offers creative coaching with an emphasis on empathetic storytelling.
His writing, performances and keynote speaking reflect a passion for inclusivity and the inherent belovedness and dignity of each and every human being.
"Your existence is your belonging."
He has been an involved mental health advocate since 2011, when he lost his father to suicide, and speaks and writes regularly in partnership with organizations invested in the flourishing of all people, without condition. Levi is currently on tour celebrating the ten-year anniversary of his book, "Correspondence: (a fiction)."
JULY SPOTLIGHT: TEMITOPE
WHY WE'RE FEATURING TEMITOPE
Sanctuary had the pleasure of hosting TEMITOPE at our inaugural artists' retreat where we explored how art can speak to the intersection of faith and mental health. He wrote a blog post, "Heaven Looks Like Us," for The Sanctuary Blog and was featured on an Instagram Live with Sanctuary's Jinnie Yun this month. You can listen to his latest single, "No Enemy," below.
ABOUT TEMITOPE
TEMITOPE, a singer/songwriter and worship leader hailing from Nashville, TN, brings a blend of cultural richness and spiritual depth to his music. Born into the Yorùbá tribe in Nigeria, his name, meaning "mine is thanks," echoes a profound gratitude that is intricately woven into the fabric of his life and artistry.
Growing up in a multicultural household with a Nigerian father and British mother who immigrated to the United States, TEMITOPE developed a profound appreciation for diversity, which became a guiding force in his musical journey. Rooted in a mission to foster unity in the Church, he serves as a worship leader, using the transformative power of music to lead congregations into the presence of God.
TEMITOPE believes in the unifying force of music, creating an atmosphere where people from all walks of life can come together in worship. This philosophy isn't confined to his musical endeavors; it permeates every aspect of his life.
JUNE SPOTLIGHT: BRIAN DOERKSEN AND MARIKA SIEWERT
WHY WE'RE FEATURING BRIAN AND MARIKA
Great friends of Sanctuary, these award-winning artists have been blessing the world with their music and art through various channels. Brian Doerksen’s song, “Come, Now is the Time to Worship” recently reached its twenty-five-year anniversary. To mark the occasion, a re-recorded version was released complete with a new music video that was filmed at Barnabas Landing, where we held a songwriting retreat for Sanctuary Songs. Both Brian and Marika were present at that retreat and contributed to the creative process behind the album.
ABOUT BRIAN DOERKSEN
Brian Doerksen’s songs—“Come, Now Is The Time To Worship,” “Refiner’s Fire,” “Faithful One”—are sung in faith communities around the world. In 2008, Brian received a JUNO award for “Holy God” (Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the year) and in 2014 at the Covenant Awards he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gospel Music Association of Canada. In December 2020, Brian, family and team broadcast the Christmas special “Christmas At Our House with Brian Doerksen & Friends” which won a coveted LEO award in spring 2021 for excellence in TV and Film in British Columbia. In 2021 Brian’s released “Hymns For Life,” his take on timeless hymns which also features his father Harry Doerksen. His six adult children include two sons with special needs, and he lives with his wife of thirty-nine years Joyce and their family in Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
ABOUT MARIKA SIEWERT
Marika Siewert is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, actor, and director based in Vancouver, BC. As an actor she has appeared on television shows for Netflix, Hallmark, Bravo, The CW, and Apple TV+. As a director, she was chosen to take part in a pilot program for the Directors Guild of Canada and the Black Screen Office where she trained to direct films and bring awareness for continued support and opportunity for black female filmmakers in Canada. As an artist and songwriter, she has songs published around the world with Top 10 songs on Pop and Christian music charts, and Marika has been the special guest artist on the “Come, Now Is The Time To Worship Tour” in 2024 in the USA, UK, and Canada with her dear friend Brian Doerksen.
MAY SPOTLIGHT: DOE
WHY WE'RE FEATURING DOE
In May we featured DOE, a GRAMMY®-nominated singer and songwriter who recently released the single “So Glad We Met.” The song is a moving encouragement to keep persisting “when water’s high and hope is low,” and to remember that we are not alone.
DOE is running a fundraiser for Sanctuary on the YouTube music video for her new song, “So Glad We Met.” You can watch the music video and show your support by clicking here. In 2023, DOE collaborated with Sanctuary and The Porter's Gate on the album, Sanctuary Songs. We are so grateful to her for continuing to amplify the work of Sanctuary in equipping the Church to support mental health and wellbeing.
ABOUT DOE
Inspirational singer and songwriter DOE (a.k.a. Dominique Jones) is a multi-layered artist with a soulful sound who is ready to bless the world with her authenticity, incredible talent, and an undeniable musical gift that will allow her to have lasting impact on all who hear her sound. DOE started singing as a child with her family, who formed a group called Forever Jones, a Christian gospel septet, featuring her parents, a 16-year-old DOE and her four siblings. The group enjoyed much success, garnering multiple Stellar Award and Dove Award nominations, as well as two GRAMMY® Awards nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance.
In 2014, DOE took the leap of faith to explore a solo career. DOE is excited to share her sound with a broader audience and be able to positively impact lives through the sound God has given her.
WHY WE'RE FEATURING LEVI THE POET
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on Levi the Poet, who first discovered Sanctuary through Hillary McBride's Holy/Hurt podcast, and was later introduced to the team by a mutual friend. Levi says: "I've made mental health advocacy a substantial part of my artistic work throughout the past fifteen years. I'm the son of a vocational minister who died by suicide in 2011 and seem to have an eye for where religious contexts tend not to (or to not know how to) hold some folks particularly well, as goes the trope for many a pastor's kid. That said, I still care about and believe in the importance of the communities Sanctuary is serving. Its heart—which I have experienced through the people who give it one—is beautiful and full of the kind of empathetic, witness-bearing presence necessary for the miracle of seen-ness to take place in the lives of people, held there as beloved."
ABOUT LEVI THE POET
Levi Macallister has been a touring spoken word artist for the past fifteen years, playing well over 1000 shows, worldwide. He is a published author, and offers creative coaching with an emphasis on empathetic storytelling.
His writing, performances and keynote speaking reflect a passion for inclusivity and the inherent belovedness and dignity of each and every human being.
"Your existence is your belonging."
He has been an involved mental health advocate since 2011, when he lost his father to suicide, and speaks and writes regularly in partnership with organizations invested in the flourishing of all people, without condition. Levi is currently on tour celebrating the ten-year anniversary of his book, "Correspondence: (a fiction)."
JULY SPOTLIGHT: TEMITOPE
WHY WE'RE FEATURING TEMITOPE
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on TEMITOPE. Sanctuary had the pleasure of hosting him at our inaugural artists' retreat where we explored how art can speak to the intersection of faith and mental health. He wrote a blog post, "Heaven Looks Like Us," for The Sanctuary Blog and was featured on an Instagram Live with Sanctuary's Jinnie Yun this month. You can listen to his latest single, "No Enemy," below.
ABOUT TEMITOPE
TEMITOPE, a singer/songwriter and worship leader hailing from Nashville, TN, brings a blend of cultural richness and spiritual depth to his music. Born into the Yorùbá tribe in Nigeria, his name, meaning "mine is thanks," echoes a profound gratitude that is intricately woven into the fabric of his life and artistry.
Growing up in a multicultural household with a Nigerian father and British mother who immigrated to the United States, TEMITOPE developed a profound appreciation for diversity, which became a guiding force in his musical journey. Rooted in a mission to foster unity in the Church, he serves as a worship leader, using the transformative power of music to lead congregations into the presence of God.
TEMITOPE believes in the unifying force of music, creating an atmosphere where people from all walks of life can come together in worship. This philosophy isn't confined to his musical endeavors; it permeates every aspect of his life.
JUNE SPOTLIGHT: BRIAN DOERKSEN AND MARIKA SIEWERT
WHY WE'RE FEATURING BRIAN AND MARIKA
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on Brian Doerksen and Marika Siewert. Great friends of Sanctuary, these award-winning artists have been blessing the world with their music and art through various channels. Brian Doerksen’s song, “Come, Now is the Time to Worship” recently reached its twenty-five-year anniversary. To mark the occasion, a re-recorded version was released complete with a new music video that was filmed at Barnabas Landing, where we held a songwriting retreat for Sanctuary Songs. Both Brian and Marika were present at that retreat and contributed to the creative process behind the album.
ABOUT BRIAN DOERKSEN
Brian Doerksen’s songs—“Come, Now Is The Time To Worship,” “Refiner’s Fire,” “Faithful One”—are sung in faith communities around the world. In 2008, Brian received a JUNO award for “Holy God” (Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the year) and in 2014 at the Covenant Awards he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gospel Music Association of Canada. In December 2020, Brian, family and team broadcast the Christmas special “Christmas At Our House with Brian Doerksen & Friends” which won a coveted LEO award in spring 2021 for excellence in TV and Film in British Columbia. In 2021 Brian’s released “Hymns For Life,” his take on timeless hymns which also features his father Harry Doerksen. His six adult children include two sons with special needs, and he lives with his wife of thirty-nine years Joyce and their family in Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
ABOUT MARIKA SIEWERT
Marika Siewert is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, actor, and director based in Vancouver, BC. As an actor she has appeared on television shows for Netflix, Hallmark, Bravo, The CW, and Apple TV+. As a director, she was chosen to take part in a pilot program for the Directors Guild of Canada and the Black Screen Office where she trained to direct films and bring awareness for continued support and opportunity for black female filmmakers in Canada. As an artist and songwriter, she has songs published around the world with Top 10 songs on Pop and Christian music charts, and Marika has been the special guest artist on the “Come, Now Is The Time To Worship Tour” in 2024 in the USA, UK, and Canada with her dear friend Brian Doerksen.
MAY SPOTLIGHT: DOE
WHY WE'RE FEATURING DOE
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on DOE, a GRAMMY®-nominated singer and songwriter who recently released the single “So Glad We Met.” The song is a moving encouragement to keep persisting “when water’s high and hope is low,” and to remember that we are not alone.
DOE is running a fundraiser for Sanctuary on the YouTube music video for her new song, “So Glad We Met.” You can watch the music video and show your support by clicking here. In 2023, DOE collaborated with Sanctuary and The Porter's Gate on the album, Sanctuary Songs. We are so grateful to her for continuing to amplify the work of Sanctuary in equipping the Church to support mental health and wellbeing.
ABOUT DOE
Inspirational singer and songwriter DOE (a.k.a. Dominique Jones) is a multi-layered artist with a soulful sound who is ready to bless the world with her authenticity, incredible talent, and an undeniable musical gift that will allow her to have lasting impact on all who hear her sound. DOE started singing as a child with her family, who formed a group called Forever Jones, a Christian gospel septet, featuring her parents, a 16-year-old DOE and her four siblings. The group enjoyed much success, garnering multiple Stellar Award and Dove Award nominations, as well as two GRAMMY® Awards nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance.
In 2014, DOE took the leap of faith to explore a solo career. DOE is excited to share her sound with a broader audience and be able to positively impact lives through the sound God has given her.
WHY WE'RE FEATURING LEVI THE POET
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on Levi the Poet, who first discovered Sanctuary through Hillary McBride's Holy/Hurt podcast, and was later introduced to the team by a mutual friend. Levi says: "I've made mental health advocacy a substantial part of my artistic work throughout the past fifteen years. I'm the son of a vocational minister who died by suicide in 2011 and seem to have an eye for where religious contexts tend not to (or to not know how to) hold some folks particularly well, as goes the trope for many a pastor's kid. That said, I still care about and believe in the importance of the communities Sanctuary is serving. Its heart—which I have experienced through the people who give it one—is beautiful and full of the kind of empathetic, witness-bearing presence necessary for the miracle of seen-ness to take place in the lives of people, held there as beloved."
ABOUT LEVI THE POET
Levi Macallister has been a touring spoken word artist for the past fifteen years, playing well over 1000 shows, worldwide. He is a published author, and offers creative coaching with an emphasis on empathetic storytelling.
His writing, performances and keynote speaking reflect a passion for inclusivity and the inherent belovedness and dignity of each and every human being.
"Your existence is your belonging."
He has been an involved mental health advocate since 2011, when he lost his father to suicide, and speaks and writes regularly in partnership with organizations invested in the flourishing of all people, without condition. Levi is currently on tour celebrating the ten-year anniversary of his book, "Correspondence: (a fiction)."
JULY SPOTLIGHT: TEMITOPE
WHY WE'RE FEATURING TEMITOPE
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on TEMITOPE. Sanctuary had the pleasure of hosting him at our inaugural artists' retreat where we explored how art can speak to the intersection of faith and mental health. He wrote a blog post, "Heaven Looks Like Us," for The Sanctuary Blog and was featured on an Instagram Live with Sanctuary's Jinnie Yun this month. You can listen to his latest single, "No Enemy," below.
ABOUT TEMITOPE
TEMITOPE, a singer/songwriter and worship leader hailing from Nashville, TN, brings a blend of cultural richness and spiritual depth to his music. Born into the Yorùbá tribe in Nigeria, his name, meaning "mine is thanks," echoes a profound gratitude that is intricately woven into the fabric of his life and artistry.
Growing up in a multicultural household with a Nigerian father and British mother who immigrated to the United States, TEMITOPE developed a profound appreciation for diversity, which became a guiding force in his musical journey. Rooted in a mission to foster unity in the Church, he serves as a worship leader, using the transformative power of music to lead congregations into the presence of God.
TEMITOPE believes in the unifying force of music, creating an atmosphere where people from all walks of life can come together in worship. This philosophy isn't confined to his musical endeavors; it permeates every aspect of his life.
JUNE SPOTLIGHT: BRIAN DOERKSEN AND MARIKA SIEWERT
WHY WE'RE FEATURING BRIAN AND MARIKA
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on Brian Doerksen and Marika Siewert. Great friends of Sanctuary, these award-winning artists have been blessing the world with their music and art through various channels. Brian Doerksen’s song, “Come, Now is the Time to Worship” recently reached its twenty-five-year anniversary. To mark the occasion, a re-recorded version was released complete with a new music video that was filmed at Barnabas Landing, where we held a songwriting retreat for Sanctuary Songs. Both Brian and Marika were present at that retreat and contributed to the creative process behind the album.
ABOUT BRIAN DOERKSEN
Brian Doerksen’s songs—“Come, Now Is The Time To Worship,” “Refiner’s Fire,” “Faithful One”—are sung in faith communities around the world. In 2008, Brian received a JUNO award for “Holy God” (Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the year) and in 2014 at the Covenant Awards he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gospel Music Association of Canada. In December 2020, Brian, family and team broadcast the Christmas special “Christmas At Our House with Brian Doerksen & Friends” which won a coveted LEO award in spring 2021 for excellence in TV and Film in British Columbia. In 2021 Brian’s released “Hymns For Life,” his take on timeless hymns which also features his father Harry Doerksen. His six adult children include two sons with special needs, and he lives with his wife of thirty-nine years Joyce and their family in Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
ABOUT MARIKA SIEWERT
Marika Siewert is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, actor, and director based in Vancouver, BC. As an actor she has appeared on television shows for Netflix, Hallmark, Bravo, The CW, and Apple TV+. As a director, she was chosen to take part in a pilot program for the Directors Guild of Canada and the Black Screen Office where she trained to direct films and bring awareness for continued support and opportunity for black female filmmakers in Canada. As an artist and songwriter, she has songs published around the world with Top 10 songs on Pop and Christian music charts, and Marika has been the special guest artist on the “Come, Now Is The Time To Worship Tour” in 2024 in the USA, UK, and Canada with her dear friend Brian Doerksen.
MAY SPOTLIGHT: DOE
WHY WE'RE FEATURING DOE
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on DOE, a GRAMMY®-nominated singer and songwriter who recently released the single “So Glad We Met.” The song is a moving encouragement to keep persisting “when water’s high and hope is low,” and to remember that we are not alone.
DOE is running a fundraiser for Sanctuary on the YouTube music video for her new song, “So Glad We Met.” You can watch the music video and show your support by clicking here. In 2023, DOE collaborated with Sanctuary and The Porter's Gate on the album, Sanctuary Songs. We are so grateful to her for continuing to amplify the work of Sanctuary in equipping the Church to support mental health and wellbeing.
ABOUT DOE
Inspirational singer and songwriter DOE (a.k.a. Dominique Jones) is a multi-layered artist with a soulful sound who is ready to bless the world with her authenticity, incredible talent, and an undeniable musical gift that will allow her to have lasting impact on all who hear her sound. DOE started singing as a child with her family, who formed a group called Forever Jones, a Christian gospel septet, featuring her parents, a 16-year-old DOE and her four siblings. The group enjoyed much success, garnering multiple Stellar Award and Dove Award nominations, as well as two GRAMMY® Awards nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance.
In 2014, DOE took the leap of faith to explore a solo career. DOE is excited to share her sound with a broader audience and be able to positively impact lives through the sound God has given her.