Natalie’s Story
I thought it might be nice to share how we ended up at City Lights, because I know without a shadow of a doubt that God led us here.
Just over ten years ago, I was attending another church in Dubai with my four-year-old daughter, Sophia, and my three-year-old son, James. My husband wasn’t attending church with us at the time, and with two young children, simply getting to church and trying to hear a sermon felt overwhelming.
One Sunday, I tried putting Sophia and James into the kids’ church together so I could listen to a full sermon for the first time in years. Unfortunately, I was told they couldn’t stay together and would need to go into separate classes on different floors. James wouldn’t go without Sophia, and she didn’t want to be on her own, so once again I sat at the back of the church with both of them, crayons out and Peppa Pig playing silently on my phone.
It didn’t keep them quiet for long, however, and after several disapproving looks from those around me, I left in floods of tears, feeling defeated and unseen by God for yet another church service. I remember that season felt relentless!
As I drove home that morning, crying and calling out to God, I asked Him how I would ever manage to sit through a service again. At that moment, I had a very clear picture in my mind. God showed me a massive wave, and I could see Sophia, James, and myself surfing on this wave. I had the strongest sense that God was showing me this huge wave was City Lights Church, and that He was moving there in a powerful way. He told me to turn the car around on Umm Suqeim Street and head to the City Lights warehouse. So, trusting His leading and Google Maps, I did just that!
I arrived late, flustered, and on the verge of tears, but I was greeted by a lovely woman who introduced me to Suzanne Field, who was leading the kids’ ministry at the time. Very nervously, I asked if my children could stay together. She smiled and said, “Of course, whatever works for you!” I remember nearly hugging her, as I was so relieved and happy.
For the first time in three years, I sat through an entire sermon and enjoyed every worship song. Sophia and James absolutely loved it and couldn’t wait to come back. From that day on, City Lights has been our home, and I’ve had the pleasure of serving in the kids’ ministry for over ten years, helping other flustered mums feel like they can finally have a moment to worship God by themselves!
Fast forward to 2023, when my son James contracted a very serious viral infection that led to a life-threatening condition called myocarditis. He needed to be transferred urgently to Al Jalila ICU, but there were no beds available, and the hospital we were at couldn’t help him. I messaged Jaya, and within a few hours, someone I had never even met at church helped arrange for James to be moved as soon as possible.
Over that week, the love, support, and prayers we received from so many members of City Lights were incredible. We truly believe that through the prayers of this church, James was completely healed and left without any permanent damage.
God knew our future as a family. He knew what lay ahead, and He knew where He wanted us rooted and established. I love City Lights with all my heart, and I am so grateful to be celebrating with you all.
