165 Melody Lane, Monroe, VA

Today’s visit on my journey to worship with every church in my city looked a little different…

Freshly home from the hospital, I wasn’t able to attend an in-person service as I typically do. However, God is always faithful in meeting us where we are, and I was so grateful to join Oasis Church in Amherst County through their live-streamed worship service.

This marked the 83rd church on my Holy Spirit-led journey, and though I couldn’t physically be present, the experience still touched my heart in profound ways.

Since my mission is to visit every church in my city, I made the decision to attend a live-stream service from a church outside the city limits to ensure I didn’t miss an in-person visit to one of Lynchburg’s churches.

And what a blessing it was to worship with Oasis Church virtually, even as I continue on this path of hope and healing that God has lovingly placed before me.

As I logged on for the live stream, I appreciated how Oasis Church made it easy to join their service.

The church had thoughtfully created an online event I could “attend,” complete with a reminder notification for when the service was about to begin. This small but intentional gesture made me feel welcomed and included, even though I wasn’t physically there.

From the moment the service began, it was clear that Oasis Church is a place that loves the Lord and values sharing His Word with others.

While I didn’t catch the pastor’s name during the live broadcast, his warmth and passion for teaching were evident right away.

He opened by sharing about Advent Sunday, the season of anticipation as we celebrate the Lord’s first coming and prepare our hearts for Him.

One aspect of the service that stood out to me was how the pastor took time to provide a brief historical and biblical context for Advent, grounding the message in Scripture.

The congregation stood together as they read from Isaiah 8:11-13, and the pastor launched into a sermon centered on the power of God’s Word and the theme of hope, which is the focus of Advent Sunday. He reminded us that the loss of hope is a terrible thing, but in God, our hope is unshakable.

The message emphasized that God’s Word is mighty and that He always fulfills His promises, regardless of our circumstances or failings. The pastor explained that, just as Isaiah’s text showed the people of Israel that their only hope was in God, the same holds true for us today.

This resonated deeply with me. Life can be overwhelming at times, and I’ve had my share of challenges lately, but hearing this truth affirmed my faith that God is always faithful and will bring His promises to pass.

Although I couldn’t physically be in the sanctuary, the message felt like it was meant just for me. The pastor spoke of how God’s Word can never be revoked and how He calls us to press through tough seasons with the assurance that He is with us. Even in moments of struggle, we can find peace in knowing that everything is working according to His good plans for our lives.

The sermon reminded me that God sees us in our weakest moments and meets us with His strength and grace. As the pastor so beautifully shared, “What God has spoken, He will fulfill.” The Word of God is a lifeline, and today I felt that lifeline pulling me closer to Him, reminding me that hope is never lost when it is anchored in Christ.

The beauty of being able to join this service online wasn’t lost on me.

Life happens… illnesses, unexpected things, or even the need for rest. but technology allows us to still be part of a worshiping community.

I was reminded today that church isn’t about where we are physically; it’s about the posture of our hearts. Even from my bedroom, I could feel the presence of God and join in the worship of His people.

The pastor’s words encouraged me to keep following Jesus, no matter how difficult the road may seem. “God will never leave us or forsake us,” and that is a truth that washes over me like a wave of peace.

The joy of Advent is that God is with us, Emmanuel, and He is always working in our lives, even in seasons of waiting or hardship.

Today’s service with Oasis Church reminded me of the beauty of hope. Hope connects us to the promises of God, the anchor that holds us steady in the storms of life.

While this journey of visiting every church in my city is about discovering the richness of our Christian community, it’s also deeply personal, a path of healing and restoration that only God could have designed.

As I continue on this journey, I am filled with anticipation for where the Holy Spirit will lead me next.

Each step brings new lessons, new connections, and a deeper understanding of God’s love and faithfulness.

Even when life doesn’t go as planned, God’s grace is sufficient, and His Word remains a source of beautiful hope.

To those reading this, I encourage you to hold fast to hope.

Whether you’re attending church in person, joining a live stream from home, or simply finding a quiet moment to connect with God, know that He is with you and His promises are true.

I am so grateful for this journey and can’t wait to see what God has in store as I take the next step, trusting in His perfect plan. Thank you, Oasis Church, for welcoming me today, even from afar.