915 9th Street, Altavista VA

Today, my heart was filled with a profound sense of joy and gratitude as I continued my journey to heed the Holy Spirit’s calling to visit every church in my city.

My destination was Crossroads Ministries COGOP, a place that holds a special significance in my heart as my family’s home church and the 31st church I have visited on this divinely guided journey.

As I stepped through the doors, a wave of familiarity and warmth enveloped me, reminding me that I was not just in a church but in a home where I am deeply loved and cherished. This is a place where people have prayed for my family and God answered those prayers.

Though in all transparency, I have attended services at Crossroads Ministries several times with my family, today was particularly special due to the Christmas program.

My daughter and I felt incredibly blessed to be part of this celebration. The church was buzzing with activity as we entered, and I was greeted by many familiar faces, including the beautiful Carolyn and my friend Lisa Kidd Bell, who graciously assisted me in capturing some beautiful moments in photos.

Many church members and children were joyfully dressing in costumes, transforming into angels, shepherds, to prepare to tell the story of Christmas.

We arrived early enough to partake in a spiritually enriching bible study led by Molly Lambert. Her teaching focused on the importance of preparing for the last days, a message that reminded and reinforced the significance of staying spiritually vigilant.

After the bible study, I witnessed the heartfelt dedication of Pastor Jeff Rhea, who was personally greeting and conversing with every member of the congregation, offering prayers and support.

It was incredibly touching to see a pastor who ensures that he connects personally with each individual in the church.

His wife, Hope, was equally engaged, bustling around to make sure everything was set for the Christmas program while still taking a moment to help me get the photos I needed. Their love and commitment to their church family is inspiring.

The spirit of the church was lively and vibrant, filled with an energy that makes you wish the service would never end.

Deacon Mike Weeks did an excellent job with the church announcements, inviting everyone to a church gathering for a meal later in the evening.

Pastor Jeff Rhea opened the service with a prayer, speaking on the magnification of Jesus in our hearts.

His sermon, drawing from Matthew 1:16 and Luke 2:7, was a masterful blend of humor and an unmistakable southern accent, bringing the story of the birth of Jesus Christ to life in a unique and relatable way.

The way he tied in a personal anecdote about his first crib being a dresser drawer in comparison to Jesus’ humble beginnings was both poignant and thought-provoking.

His sermon concluded with a powerful question that challenged us all: Are we making room in our lives for Jesus, just as we make room for Christmas trees and presents?

A special moment that captivated everyone’s heart occurred when a member joyfully shouted and proclaimed, “God is good,” to which the entire congregation responded in unison, “all the time.” This simple exchange was a beautiful testament to the church’s connectedness.

Hope Rhea delivered a touching tribute to those who have passed away, acknowledging the empty spaces in the pews. Her rendition of “I Wonder What Christmas Is Like in Heaven” was heartbreakingly beautiful, moving many to tears, including myself. Hope has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard.

The musical talent within the church was further showcased through beautiful renditions of “Silent Night” and “Mary Did You Know.” A particularly moving performance of “O Holy Night” by Lisa and her mother was a highlight of the service.

The Christmas program itself was a magnificent display of the church’s unity and talent. The sight of children and adults dressed in costumes in front of a beautifully crafted nativity scene was heartwarming. One of the most memorable moments was when an ‘angel’ sang “Noel, Come and see what God has done” from high above the stage. Her voice, pure and angelic, created a moment of divine beauty that captured the essence of the Christmas spirit.

As the program concluded, we shared in a symbolic act of lighting each other’s candles, spreading the light of Jesus throughout the congregation. The closing song, “Carry Your Candle,” sung by Hope, was a touching and beautiful way to end the service, leaving us all with a sense of unity and shared purpose.

My visit to Crossroads Ministries COGOP was more than just attending a service; it was an experience of coming home to a place where the Holy Spirit’s presence is immediately felt, and the love of Christ is lived out in every interaction.

I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to visit this church. You will undoubtedly be blessed by the warmth, love, and spirit-filled atmosphere that Crossroads Ministries COGOP offers.

You can learn more about this church by visiting their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077641475825

This visit not only enriched my spiritual journey but also reminded me of the beauty and depth of the Christian community’s love and fellowship. I eagerly await what the Holy Spirit has in store for my next visit.