"The church I go to might just as well be my home. The people I go to church with are more like family. Where else can I get this show of love?"- A.J Chilson

Never once did I think I would step foot into a church again, but I did. When I did my life changed forever and when I say forever I mean there's no going back. The same day I stepped my foot into Northgate was the same day my walk with God began. Some people have a place that they refer to as their safe place or their happy place. A place where they find the peace and freedom that they need or desire. This place for me is my church. This place for me is being surround by my church family. This place for is being in the presence of God.

I can say that me walking into Northgate was only God's Plan. Even though I had no idea, it was the power of God that got me to come. I went in one way and came out a whole new person. I wasn't ready, but God had a plan for me that day. That day God spoke to me and completely took over my life. If you're wondering what that day is, it's January 18th, 2015. That date means a lot to me because what happened on that day is something that I hold close to me. It is one thing that cannot be taken away from me or broken. Out of all places why Northgate? I'm not entirely sure of the answer, but that is where God wanted me to be and I am glad. That is where I accepted God into my life and that is where my spiritual growth began. Northgate is where I found all my true friends. Northgate is my happy place where I feel secure and loved by everyone. Northgate Church is my home.The people there are my family and I love them all dearly.

Being at Northgate makes me so happy. Northgate is full of love and acceptance. It's a home when you feel as if you have no home. It's a second home to many. It's a place of happiness and freedom. It's a place where you can just be yourself and just lose yourself in the presence of God. At Northgate, we are all one. We are all family. No one judges, everyone loves. Northgate is that "safe place" that people search for. Well at least for me that is.

To my Pastors,

Pastor Joey and Pastor Sunshine - you have both influenced me in ways that I am not able to describe. My feelings are a lot stronger than what I am able to put into words. I love you both so much and I am very appreciative of you. Thanks for everything. Thank you for the encouragement and the support. I can go on and on, but I can only put so much into 500 words.

To everyone at Northgate, I love you!