777 Leesville Road, Lynchburg VA

On September 29th, 2024, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit The Church Of God in Lynchburg as part of my ongoing journey to explore every Christian church in our city. This visit marked the 74th stop on this Spirit-led path, and I have to say, it was a day that deeply touched my heart and soul.

As I pulled up to The Church Of God, I was immediately captivated by the stunning mountain scenery that served as a backdrop to this house of worship. It felt like a perfect representation of God’s majesty and the beauty of His creation.

The breathtaking view reminded me of the greatness and magnificence of God, and it set the tone for what would be a truly remarkable morning.

I arrived a bit earlier than the start of the service, and this turned out to be a wonderful blessing.

Almost immediately, I was warmly welcomed by members of the congregation who invited me to join them for their Bible study session.

There’s something so comforting about being embraced by a community that genuinely wants you to be a part of their fellowship, and The Church Of God did just that. I felt like I was not just a visitor but a valued guest, welcomed with open arms into their church family.

The Bible study was a lively and interactive session that encouraged everyone to share their thoughts and insights.

One topic of the day was the different versions of the Bible, with an emphasis on how important it is that nothing is added or taken away from God’s Word.

As various members read aloud different passages, it was clear that this congregation takes this seriously and is committed to understanding the Scriptures deeply and accurately.

It was refreshing to see how engaged and passionate everyone was about the Bible, and it reminded me of the power of coming together to study and learn from God’s Word.

One of the most meaningful moments during the Bible study was the discussion about how God’s Word is unchanging, even when the world around us constantly shifts.

It was a beautiful reminder that no matter what trials we face, God’s truth remains. This message spoke to me, especially as someone who has walked a through the fire and is now finding healing through this journey to visit every church in our city.

After the Bible study, we transitioned into the main service, which began with a time of worship. We were led in singing, “I Am Determined To Hold On,” a song that perfectly described the perseverance and strength needed to walk with Christ.

It was clear that this wasn’t just a congregation going through the motions; they were a group of believers passionately expressing their love and devotion to God.

The highlight of the worship time was when a beautiful woman sang, “It Matters To The Master.” The lyrics of this song touched many hearts, including mine.

It was a powerful reminder that no matter what we face, no matter how insignificant we might feel, we matter to God. He cares about every detail of our lives, and His love is always there to comfort us in our pain.

I felt God’s presence in a profound way during that moment, and it brought tears to my eyes.

Pastor Joe Hill then took the stage to deliver a sermon titled “Hands Off,” and it was truly one of the most impactful messages I’ve heard in a long time.

Drawing from 2 Samuel Chapter 6, Pastor Joe spoke about the Ark of the Covenant and the significance of God’s presence and glory.

He emphasized how often we try to take control of God’s plans, putting our hands where they don’t belong instead of trusting Him fully. His words were animated, heartfelt, and full of passion, and he reminded us that even when we feel defeated, we are never without hope because with God, we will always find victory.

I loved his analogy involving a reference to Burger King, how we often want things our way, but God’s way is always the best way.

This humorous yet profound message reminded me of how often I’ve tried to force my plans, only to realize that God’s plans are infinitely greater than anything I could ever imagine.

Pastor Joe’s message reminded me to trust God’s timing, even when I don’t understand it, and to let go of the need to control every aspect of my life. It was exactly what I needed to hear, and I am grateful for the way his words touched my heart.

One of the most beautiful parts of my visit was the way the entire church rallied around me with love and support. After the service, I had the opportunity to share a bit about my own journey…about how I recently came forward with the truth about the years of unimaginable abuse I endured as a child. I shared that this journey to visit every church in our city is part of my healing process, which will take about eight years—the same length of time as the abuse—to visit each house of worship.

The response from The Church Of God was overwhelming. They didn’t just listen; they truly heard me. They hugged me, and spoke words of encouragement that truly meant so much.

I felt their compassion and empathy in a way that I desperately needed. It was another reminder that we are never alone in our struggles and that there are people who genuinely care about us.

The congregation gathered together for a group photo, which I will always treasure as a reminder of the love and support I received today.

I left The Church Of God feeling uplifted, inspired, and deeply grateful. This visit was a powerful reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we don’t fully understand His plans.

With each church I visit, I feel more and more of God’s healing touch, and I am reminded of His infinite love and grace.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Church Of God to anyone searching for a place to worship. This church is a shining example of what it means to love others as Christ loves us.

I am so eager to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next on this journey, and I know that with each step, God is mending the broken pieces of my heart.

Thank you, The Church Of God, for your genuine love, your kindness, and for being a part of this journey with me.