742 Leesville Road, Lynchburg VA

Today unfolded as a chapter drenched in the hues of faith and community – a chapter etched within the sacred walls of The Hope Company, the 15th destination in my journey of visiting every church in our city.

This Is A Church Where Love Blossoms!

As I stepped onto the premises of The Hope Company, a warm embrace of welcome wrapped around me.

The sight of reserved parking spaces for families with young children caught my attention – a tangible gesture of inclusivity and thoughtfulness.

The entrance, adorned with smiles, offered a prelude to the heart of the congregation.

It was in the fellowship area that I witnessed a symphony of kindness – a gracious lady donning a warm smile while serving donuts and coffee, an act that seemed to mirror the ethos of the church – welcoming, comforting, and nurturing.

While no one specifically spoke to me or welcomed me in the fellowship area, I appreciated seeing groups of people greeting each other warmly.

This Is A Church That Connects Hearts!

Amidst the camaraderie of the fellowship area, I felt the dance of fellowship unfold. Yet, it wasn’t until I entered the sanctuary that a deeper connection blossomed.

The early hour granted me a glimpse into the heart of the church – Pastor P.J. Preston and fellow members engaging in earnest prayer, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of devotion and anticipation.

This Is A Church Where Jesus Is Our Joy!

With worship melodies weaving through the air, the lyrics “I’ve Got Jesus, so I’ve got Joy” seemed to reverberate within me, mirroring the joy that enveloped my own heart that morning.

My dear friend Shannon’s presence and hugs added another layer of warmth, as her invitation extended to others to come sit with us instead of sitting alone.

Members of the worship team welcomed me and extended heartfelt greetings, their smiles carrying an authenticity that spoke of a community driven by love.

The congregation’s diversity captivated my gaze – young and old, a vibrant mosaic of ages, each a brushstroke adding depth to the artistry of The Hope Company.

The packed sanctuary felt like a bustling hub of life. It was clear that this community was vibrant and thriving.

Their presence spoke volumes about the church’s mission, and it struck a chord with me personally.

I’ve been there – feeling the bite of hunger. The fact that this church feeds the hungry every 3rd Sunday wasn’t just another event on the calendar; it was a real embodiment of compassion in action.

The very essence of The Hope Company’s mission whispered to me – to be vessels of hope, channels through which the boundless love of Jesus Christ flows.

Their desire is that every interaction, whether within the church walls or in the community, leaves hearts feeling REFRESHED, RESTORED, and RELEASED.

It’s a mission that breathes, that walks, that cares.

The start of this service had something special – the “fist bump greeting.” It was like a little way of saying, “Hey, we’re all in this together, walking the same path of faith.”

And then, the music kicked in with an AMAZING worship team. Voices came together, hearts connecting as we all worshiped our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As Pastor P.J. stepped up to preach, his words cut through the layers of my heart.

His sermon painted vivid scenes of Jesus’ journey, from rejection to the miracles on water.

With eloquence and insight, he illuminated the core of faith – how Jesus stepping into the boat transformed fear into unyielding trust. It was as if God was using Pastor P.J. to deliver a message crafted solely for me.

I appreciated his unique blend of comedy intertwined with a powerful takeaway message for us to apply to our lives.

As the service concluded and I left the embrace of The Hope Company, my heart overflowed with gratitude.

This wasn’t just a visit; it was an encounter with a family bound by faith and love.

Every word, every embrace, every act of kindness felt like a reflection of Christ’s love.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at The Hope Company, thank you for making me feel loved and welcomed today.

To find out more information about The Hope Company, you can visit thir website at: https://www.hopeco.org/

This church’s commitment to fostering love is evident in every aspect of their work. Their dedication to community service, spiritual enrichment, and unwavering devotion is truly inspiring.

It serves as a poignant reminder that we are all cherished children of God, embarking on this faith journey collectively. I am eagerly anticipating the next part of my journey, eagerly looking ahead to what the next church visit will unveil.