Hi there! My name is David and I'm responsible for taking care of the Southgate Community Church web site. I enjoy the outdoors, travelling, and reading. I like watching soccer and hockey and love spending time with my family. If you'd like to hear about my wonderful, life-changing trip to the Yukon and Alaska in 1999, please read on!

My trip was nothing short of life-changing. But first I have to explain a little bit of where I was at before my trip...

I was brought up attending church, but I didn't understand what it meant to be a Christian. I thought that being good and going to church was good enough. It wasn't until I was in university that I realized the difference. If you'd like to read more about what a Christian is, please read Steps to Peace With God.

Before my trip I had been struggling for about seven years. Since graduating from University in 1990, I hadn't joined a church and had many burdens on my heart. I spent long hours at work and found just about any reason to avoid church. I was struggling with Internet porn and hadn't forgiven myself for hurting someone while I was in university.

In 1999 I had the opportunity to attend a friend's wedding in Whitehorse, Yukon. I took a little over three weeks off from work to attend the wedding and do some tourism stuff in the area (including Alaska). I love scenery, wildlife and photography. They always remind me of God's great and awesome creation. It also serves as a reminder that there is a God, and He is all powerful.

So, first off I met with the bride's family for the first time. Wow. I took one look at them and could see them living out their faith. It was really encouraging and uplifting. They went out of their way to make everyone feel extra special and at home.

The week after the wedding, I went canoeing on the Nisutlin River (a couple of hours outside of Whitehorse) with six friends. As it turns out, these six friends are all very strong Christians who I respect and look up to.
God spent six days softening my heart, showing me His wonders and giving me some relaxing time with wonderful friends.

Immediately after the canoe trip I drove by myself (although I'm sure that God was there too) to Haines, Alaska. Along the way I was in awe of the snow covered mountains, bald eagles, grizzly bears, and a rainbow!! I spent almost the entire drive in tears, thanking God for every wonder He showed me. I was completely overwhelmed by all the beauty.

From Haines I took the Glacier Bay boat tour. During the first fifteen minutes of the trip, I saw a double breach of Humpback whales. Again, I thanked God. The crew of the ship was going crazy, as they'd never seen a double one before. I felt even more blessed, as I caught it on film!

Shortly thereafter, I saw a seal jump completely out of the water. The rest of the boat trip was quite enjoyable and less eventful.

 

When I finally drove back to Whitehorse, I saw three more bears, including an absolutely huge grizzly bear.

 

I was now getting into the habit of thanking God for just about everything!!

By this time I was feeling a little low, since I had struggled for so long. I realized that I had taken my faith for granted, and hadn't really lived the way I should have been living. I wondered how God could use someone as bad or dirty as me.

By this time I had gone to church in Whitehorse twice and really enjoyed it. I could feel some changes happening. Later, when I was in Anchorage, I drove by a church but for some reason (i.e. God) I turned into the parking lot. It was the first time I'd gone to church by myself in literally seven years!

The message I heard that day was truly inspired by God. I have no doubt that He was working in and through the Pastor and the church (this was July 18, 1999). He started off by changing the hymns that we were to sing. Then he told us that he had a message on his heart that he had to tell. It went straight to my heart, and broke me big-time. It was EXACTLY what I needed to hear that day. He told the story of the $100 bill, and how each of us is always worth the same in God's eyes, regardless of where we are in our walk. That plus the starfish story (how touching or helping just one person is worth doing) did the job. That was the final clincher in turning my life around.

Since returning home, I've since asked Jesus for forgiveness. He has freed me from my addiction to Internet porn and I also accepted His forgiveness and I've forgiven myself (that was the toughest part for me).

I can feel the changes in my heart and in my life. I am far happier than I've ever been, but that doesn't mean that I don't have struggles.

After my vacation I renewed a friendship that I'd missed for six years (the person I hurt in university). She introduced me to my future wife! I'm accountable to my wife who encourages me and keeps me in the right direction. I've also joined Southgate Community Church and found support and help there.

Here is one of my favourite verses, Matthew 10:28:

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Thank you for reading my story!

Sincerely,
David.