If you were to ask someone what they thought of when they heard the word "church", you would probably get many different responses. In the Bible, we see the church as three different definitions: the church is the physical building that an assembly of people visit (1 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:1-2), it is the body of individual believers (1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13), and it is the overall group of people who have ever believed or trusted God through the many years of human existence (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:23-27). Whenever I think of the word "church", I automatically think of my rock, the place where my brothers and sisters of Christ worship beside one another, Mountain Lake Church.

Ever since we first moved to Cumming, Ga back in 2008, my family and I have attended Mountain Lake Church, have grown together in our religion, and have traveled our spiritual journeys together. I remember the first day we ever visited the church: I was a shy little sixth grader who had no clue what to do, how to act, or even who to talk to in this giant building full of people who have attended this place before. Right when I walked in I was greeted by at least two or three people who were interested in figuring out who I was and what led me to visiting that Sunday morning. I automatically felt loved and drawn in to the group of people, the incredible church that was before me, and ever since that day I have tried my hardest to make others feel just as welcomed and loved as I felt my very first day.

A typical accusation made of many Christians is that they only care about themselves when it revolves around going to church and many often think that they won't belong or be accepted into the specific church that they are visiting. At Mountain Lake Church, our moto is Belong, Become, Bless. As a congregation, together, we are to belong in a healthy relationship with God and with those around us, become one as a body of Christ, and bless all of those around us with His love and His words. I have chosen to live my life by this moto and try my hardest to bless everyone around me just as He blessed everyone when He was living on this earth.

The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Mountain Lake Church was definitely a blessing in disguise. When I first began, I will admit that I was lost: I was scared, confused, and definitely didn't know what to believe or who to trust. After attending this church for almost nine years now, I can definitely say that my life has absolutely changed for the better. Yes, I will say that my life is not perfect. My life has its ups and downs, I have many days where I have doubts just like any other Christian living on this earth, but the good thing that I always remember is that I have a family that loves me and a church that will support me no matter what journey life takes me on.

Without my church, my supportive rock, my home, I would not be in the same place I am today. My life has changed for the better and because of Mountain Lake Church, I feel like I finally belong somewhere with people who love me and accept me for who I am and what I've done in my lifetime. A church is a family; a group of people who will do life with you and walk this Christ filled journey with you. I hope you are able to find your church, your home, too and I would like you to know that you are always loved and will always find a place in this world no matter what path you chose or where you chose to attend.

Thank you Mountain Lake Church and all of it's congregation for turning my life around for the better and helping me discover who I am supposed to be throughout this life time. My heart is filled with nothing but love and appreciation towards you and I hope I am able to spread as much love to you as you have spread to me.