3630 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, VA
Continuing my journey to explore every church in our city, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Iglesia de las Americas, marking it as the 27th church on this spiritual pilgrimage. I was so excited to learn that many people in the church speak multiple languages and each Sunday they offer English translation for folks like me who only speak one language.
Stepping into this church, I was immediately embraced by a sense of deep faith and community, as highlighted by their life verse, John 14:6 (Juan 14:6), which speaks of Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. Jesús le dijo: Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida; nadie viene al Padre, sino por mí.
Upon our arrival, my daughter and I were warmly welcomed by two friendly gentlemen in the hall. Their guidance towards the Sanctuary was accompanied by the vibrant sight of flags leading the way, each flag a symbol of faith and cultural heritage.
It was here that we joined in a “Faith Driven Entrepreneur” class before service, brilliantly taught by Charity. The class was a revelation, intertwining Christian faith with business ethics, underscoring the concept that God is the owner of all and the provider of abundance.
This lesson, emphasizing service and generosity, struck a chord with my daughter and I, reminding us of the profound ways God works in our lives.
The start of the service was marked by a heartfelt greeting from the Pastor’s wife. Her welcome, coupled with the affectionate gestures from the congregation – hugs, smiles, and handshakes – made us feel instantly part of their church family.
The presence of the Holy Spirit could be felt, as we were immersed in the harmonious blend of English, Spanish, and French used in the church.
A lady named Gladys was an incredible blessing to us, seamlessly translating the first part of the Bible study and class. Her skill in bridging language barriers not only enhanced our understanding but also deepened our connection to the service.
Each visit on this journey brings its unique blessings and learning, and today at Iglesia de las Americas was no exception.
Charity continued to be a guiding light, helping me navigate the church space and arranging a group photo after the service.
The vibrant and welcoming nature of this congregation shone brightly as we, the newcomers, were greeted with enthusiastic hand waves after cheerful counts of “uno, dos, tres.”
The music team’s performance was an extraordinary display of talent and devotion.
Singing hymns in English, Spanish, and French, including the beautiful song “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,” was a powerful experience.
The inclusion of Spanish lyrics on the screen allowed us to join in the worship in a different language, creating a beautiful atmosphere of unity and praise.
Pastor Ozzy, standing in for Pastor Carlos Payan, delivered a sermon on “letting go and letting God” that resonated deeply with me.
His illustration using a red suitcase to symbolize our burdens encouraged us to surrender our troubles to Jesus. This message, dynamically translated by Stacey, was a powerful reminder of the freedom that comes with trust in God.
The scriptural references from Matthew 11:28, 1 John 5:10, and Galatians 6:2 enriched the sermon, providing a solid biblical foundation for his teachings.
Pastor Ozzy’s revelation about not changing his sermon for today for the first time in over a decade struck me as a sign that his message was divinely intended for all of us, especially me, that day.
I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Iglesia de las Americas. The experience is sure to be a profound blessing.
You can find out more information about this church by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/idlamericas
This church is a vibrant community where faith, love, and a spirit of welcome transcend cultural and linguistic differences.
This church makes you feel like family! We want to say “Gracias” to the entire congregation for making us feel so special.
As I continue my journey, the enriching and spiritually uplifting experiences at Iglesia de las Americas will undoubtedly stand out as a significant and memorable part of my quest to connect with the diverse Christian communities in our city. I’m so excited for the next stop on this beautiful path.
