Keynote Speakers

 

We are honoured to have these amazing speakers with us for the 2026 Heart South retreat.

Janice Wills

Janice lives with her husband, Chris, on their small farm in Wairoa, Northern Hawkes Bay. They have been married for 44 years and have raised and homeschooled their eight children. Seven of their children are now married and Janice enjoys being Nana to 23 grandchildren. As they enter a new season of life, Janice embraces the opportunity of encouraging Home-schooling Mums, speaking, reading, crafting and being together with her family and friends. 

Friday Night: “Let’s Give the Shepherd His Job Back”

In the weariness and isolation of Home-school life, God cares very deeply. He has not abandoned us. He is not neglecting us. He is most interested in His weary sheep. ‘Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11 v 28.

Saturday Morning: “Peace like a River”

Is there a place for peace in our Home-schooling life? Can we intentionally navigate a pathway through the overload of contemporary living? God not only offers peace like no other but He also allows it to permeate our homes, our families and our lives as He shapes and redefines us.


Lauretta Dunkirk

Janice lives with her husband, Chris, on their small farm in Wairoa, Northern Hawkes Bay. They have been married for 43 years and have raised and home-schooled their eight children. Six of their children are now married. Janice enjoys being Nana to 23 grandchildren. As they enter a new season of life, Janice embraces the opportunity of encouraging homeschooling Mums, speaking, reading, crafting and being together with her family and friends. 

Sunday Morning: Peace for a Warrior

Peace is one of the most important characteristics we to cultivate if we want to ensure a successful homeschool. Yet the pressure, workload and relationship tensions within our homes make peace hard even for a peaceful person to maintain, let alone a belligerent one. Lauretta is more of a warrior than a dove, but in this session she will share some foundational and practical things she has learned on her journey to having a more peaceful homeschool.