2409 Judith Street, Lynchburg Virginia

Today marked a significant milestone in my spiritual journey as I stepped into the Lynchburg Korean Church, which became the 16th church on my journey to explore the diverse Christian congregations in our city.

From the very moment I arrived, I sensed a unique and inviting atmosphere that would come to define my experience here.

My attention was immediately drawn to a sign that adorned the entrance, conveying a warm bilingual message of “Welcome” and “Jesus loves you” in both Korean and English.

This small yet impactful gesture set the tone for what would become a profoundly moving and inclusive experience.

But what truly struck me as extraordinary was the sign on the door that bore the pastor’s cell phone number.

It was a symbol of unparalleled accessibility and openness, a testament to this church’s commitment to connect with and serve its community.

This initial impression left me inspired and assured that this place of worship was indeed something special.

My dear friend, Becky, and my daughter joined me for service this morning…as we made our way inside, we were warmly greeted by a group of young church members, including Sue Lee and Maria Lee.

We were so appreciative of the authentic warmth, friendly gestures, and the genuine enthusiasm they expressed in embracing us.

They immediately made us feel like we were part of their extended family.

We were kindly asked to fill out a newcomer card, a thoughtful gesture that would later be used to extend a warm welcome and introduction during the service.

Stepping into the sanctuary, the atmosphere was palpably charged with love.

This Is A Church That Loves God and Loves People!

The congregation, comprised of both young and old, continued to greet us with heartfelt “good mornings,” enveloping us in a sense of belonging and acceptance.

The sense of community was undeniable, and it was clear that the Lynchburg Korean Church was a place where people came together as one big, loving family.

My attention was then drawn to the choir, beautifully adorned in blue and white robes, preparing to lead us in worship.

I couldn’t help but sense that we were about to experience something extraordinary, something that transcended language and culture.

To accommodate those of us who primarily spoke English, my friend Becki, my daughter, and I were thoughtfully provided with headsets for translation.

Maria, the pastor’s daughter, would serve as our translator during the sermon. Her exceptional skill and grace ensured that we were able to understand the pastor’s message too.

As the worship team began to sing and play their instruments, I was moved by the inclusion of English lyrics, allowing all of us to fully participate in this beautiful spiritual symphony.

What unfolded next was a testament to the transcendent power of God’s love.

Language barriers melted away, and cultural differences ceased to matter as we united in praise of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The choir’s melodious hymns, paired with our collective voices, created an ethereal moment that defied description – it was simply beautiful.

Following this musical interlude, we engaged in a unique and heartfelt greeting. We shook hands in a manner reminiscent of tree leaves rustling in the wind, humbly extending kind words to our neighbors.

This special moment of connection left a mark on my heart, reinforcing the sense of community and love that permeated this church.

Pastor Taek Rae Lee, in his eloquent sermon, drew inspiration from passages in Isaiah 40 and Malachi 2:6.

His message was further enhanced by leading us and his beautiful singing of hymns such as “Standing On The Promises” and “I Surrender All.”

Despite the language differences, we were all united in worship, our voices merging in harmonious praise.

Pastor Lee’s heartfelt prayers and insightful analogies illuminated the message.

He reminded us of the privilege we share – the freedom to gather and worship Jesus without hindrance.

His sermon also included a poignant reminder to pray for those around the world who are denied this freedom, those who are persecuted for their faith.

It served as a stark contrast to the liberty we enjoy and emphasized the value of our Christian community, united by our unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

After the service, the pastor and church members took time to get to know us better. They answered our questions, shared their stories, and even captured memories with photographs.

Although we couldn’t stay for the home-cooked Korean meal offered at the church today, I am eagerly looking forward to returning and sharing a meal with this warm congregation.

Please go and visit the Lynchburg Korean Church.

Their church is all about Jesus, and their mission statement beautifully encapsulates their purpose: “Learn from yesterday, Live for today, and Hope for tomorrow.”

This church is not just about words; they are committed to serving our community, embodying their mission with love and action.

My heartfelt gratitude extends to all the members of this congregation for your warm and friendly welcome.

Your love and hospitality have touched my soul in a profound way, and I will carry this experience with me always. The Lynchburg Korean Church is a shining example of a loving, inclusive Christian community where the presence of God is truly felt.

You can find out more about the church by visiting https://www.lynchburgkoreanchurch.com/ or just do a search for their Instagram page, and you’ll see why this church is so special.

This journey to explore every church in my city has been an incredible adventure so far, and I’m eagerly looking forward to continuing this inspiring expedition.

With each visit, I’m not only learning more about the diverse ways in which people worship, but I’m also forging connections, building bridges, and deepening my own faith.