A few years back, I had heard about this great community of Christians. Mainly from a friend and business associate of mine, Mike, but also reading about it from time to time. I was skeptical at first because I had previously attended many other services at other organizations and always left feeling empty, pressured and basically the same way I felt walking in. They read scriptures through the Bible, performed similar routines but something was always missing. I also went to 8 years of Catholic elementary school, which to say the least, left me somewhat confused and feeling like I was not worth of God’s grace.
I was blessed with the birth of a beautiful little baby girl in January 2014. And through unfortunate circumstances, my daughter and her mother left our home only a few days after birth. This, to say the least, was devastating. Each and every day I felt an emptiness which nothing could fill, let alone make anything of a positive impact on my day to day life. In addition, I also came from somewhat of a troubled youth. I was hurt, alone and not thinking clearly. I had turned my back on God and felt nothing from him.
Well, that all changed when I started my journey with Wiley! Though I was very quiet and kept to myself at first, I felt a warmth that I never experienced before. I still felt my anguish in the beginning, however, I knew I had a decision to make. Remain the way I was and felt or pursue a life that I was always taught would be the most filling life a person could live. And Wiley did that for me!
It has been a little over four years now and I can honestly say I am so thankful of what all the Wiley Community has done for myself and my daughter. I look forward to every Sunday, seeing all the faces that open their arms with a welcoming greeting, passing absolutely no judgment on who you are, what you’ve done or what you look like. Which was and is always important to me because I had always believed God does not judge a person by their clothes but from their actions.
I feel comfortable here at Wiley. The people in the Wiley community are always willing to have an open ear about what is going on in your personal life or others you may know. This is also without prying into anything you wish not to discuss, they simply, yet most importantly, offer their prayers. There is a profound feeling when so many people, again willingly, offer their time and thoughts for you. And this continues through the week, month, even years if need be.
The programs here at Wiley are amazing! My daughter loves her Sunday school class and we both enjoy the spiritual retreats they hold throughout the year. I have never in my life experienced a community that comes so close together. And for one purpose, being a community of disciples through actions, not only words.
Now, for one of the most important leading factors in this community, and the one that helps bring us all together as one is Pastor Doug Gilmore. I have never in my life met a person so committed and understanding towards other people’s needs. When you listen to Pastor Doug give his sermon, it's as if he is personally speaking to you, but he is reaching a community of individuals with different needs. He has such an elaborate yet simplified way of explaining the Gospel and good word of the Lord. He has opened his arms to myself and my daughter. He has always made time to speak with me throughout my journey and has helped me strengthen my relationship with Christ! However, I do not believe he did this because of my particular circumstance, or to just simply gain another attendee. I believe he has gone above and beyond because of his love for people and especially his soft spot for the wellbeing and development for children. He is truly a person of God!
In final, I believe I am in a much better place with my faith, relationship with God and just a better person all around. I find myself wanting to be closer with people, finding myself quicker to forgive and understand others and, essential to me, truly feel part of a community that sheds nothing but love and understanding. I have been able to share and express all this with my daughter, who I am very proud to say, is an extremely happy little girl and has an amazing relationship with Jesus. One that I could of only hoped for in my youth, but makes me feel blessed that she does! I have the Wiley Mission Community to thank.
-Nick Chomin, church member