Caz’s Story
Walking into City Lights on their fourth birthday back in 2015 was a life-changing moment. At the time, I was searching for a more personal, intimate connection with my faith beyond the Catholic traditions I grew up with. From that very first Friday, with Jake Issac singing “You’re a Good Good Father,” I knew I’d found something special. (Yes, the Coffee and Lime Tree Café carrot cake was a lovely touch!)
It took a few prayers (and a bit of persistence), but eventually I convinced my husband, Ed, to join me… and now you’ll find him most weekends serving “Dubai’s best coffee” at the 9am service. My mum and sister, along with their families, also found their way into the City Lights fold and have been attending faithfully for around eight years now. Although I’m still trying to get them to stop calling it “Caz’s church.”
The warmth of the people here made me feel instantly at home. Through City Lights, I didn’t just find a church; I found a family. Some of my closest friendships were formed within these walls. Natalie, Lauren, and Candice are my chosen sisters now, and in a city like Dubai, where expats often long for that sense of belonging, these friendships have been a priceless gift. Our families have become one big extended family, our husbands and children all intertwined in the most wonderful way.
The church has also been a pillar of support during our hardest times. When the pandemic hit and Ed and I lost our jobs, the City Lights community didn’t hesitate to step in. They surrounded us with love, with hampers of food and essentials, and they helped us keep going when things looked uncertain. Even through the challenges, we saw God’s provision and kindness in such tangible ways, and it was this community that carried us through.
The City Lights eldership team (shout out to Lauren and Ryan Van Zyl) played a pivotal role in our marriage journey. With some significant encouragement, Ed and I took that step to commit fully to each other, and Dan and Starla were there to marry us, standing by us not just as pastors but as dear friends. Now our children are growing up in this vibrant, loving church family, learning about faith in the most genuine way.
As we celebrate 15 years of City Lights, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Dan, Starla, and the entire community. You’ve given us a place to belong, lifelong friendships, and a deeper relationship with God.
We love you all!
Caz, Ed, Addison & Harriet
