219 Jackson Street, Lynchburg VA

Today, I had the profound joy and privilege of visiting the 88th church on my journey to experience every church in my city.

I never imagined that I would witness one of the most powerful worship services of my life at The First Church of Jesus on Jackson Street.

This incredible church has left a permanent mark on my heart, and today’s service will forever be remembered as one of the most touching experiences I’ve ever encountered.

From the moment I arrived, I felt the overwhelming presence of love and kindness that fills this church.

The congregation welcomed me as though I were family, greeting me with warm hugs, genuine smiles, and an outpouring of care that I hadn’t realized my soul desperately needed.

Their embrace was more than a simple gesture… it was a tangible reflection of God’s love, and it instantly brought a sense of peace and belonging.

This is a church that radiates such an extraordinary spirit of prayer, praise, and community that it’s hard to fully put into words.

Pastor Garry Davis and his beautiful wife, Ruth, embody the heart of their ministry with grace and humility.

Their warmth and genuine care immediately made me feel at home, as if I had always belonged there. They, along with the entire congregation, treated me not as a visitor, but as part of their family.

This heartfelt hospitality was a gift I will always treasure.

The worship service was nothing short of phenomenal. The choir was absolutely stunning, lifting their voices in praise with such joy and passion that the entire sanctuary came alive with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The music was not simply heard… it was felt.

I couldn’t help but clap, sing, and lift my hands in worship along with everyone.

The entire church was engaged, and it was beautiful to witness such unity in praising God.

During the scripture reading from Psalm 26, we were reminded of the importance of walking with integrity and keeping our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus. This was a timely and powerful reminder as we prepare to close out 2024 and step into the new year.

Pastor Garry then led the congregation in a heartfelt prayer that lifted our spirits and centered our hearts on God’s faithfulness.

Even when technical difficulties briefly interrupted the live stream, Pastor Garry used it as an opportunity to deliver a meaningful message. He reminded us that encountering a pothole on the road doesn’t mean we should turn around and go home… it means we press forward. That analogy spoke directly to my heart, a reminder that life’s challenges don’t have to derail us but instead can deepen our trust in God.

The most moving part of the service came during Pastor Garry’s sermon.

His message about the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was delivered with such passion and sincerity that it brought most of the congregation, myself included, to tears.

He urged us to never take the sacrifice of Jesus “lightly,” literally illustrating the depth of what Jesus endured for us with such raw emotion that I could feel the weight of it in my soul.

His words left an imprint on my heart, reminding me of the unfathomable love God has for each of us.

Pastor Garry also spoke of God’s omniscience, reminding us that while we may not understand everything in this world, we serve a God who knows every sparrow and every hair on our heads.

His message reminded me that even when the world doesn’t see our value, God does.

His love for us is everything, and His plans for us are perfect, even when we can’t see them.

This truth reminded me that my worth is not determined by others but by the One who created me.

As if the service hadn’t already touched my heart in the most profound way, it ended with one of the most humbling and unforgettable moments of my life. This congregation came forward and humbly washed my feet.

This act of service and love brought me to tears… it was a gesture that symbolized Christ’s love and humility so vividly that it felt like I was standing on holy ground.

In that moment, I felt God’s presence more intimately than I have in a long time.

The act of washing my feet was not just a physical act, but a spiritual one that reminded me of the beauty of servanthood and the power of love in action.

This experience at The First Church of Jesus has changed me.

The sermon, the music, the prayer, and the incredible love of the congregation is something I will carry with me.

Today, I learned something deeply personal about myself and the value of my life. Even in moments when I have felt unseen, unworthy, or undervalued, God has always seen me. His love continues to heal me and remind me of my worth through this journey.

I will forever carry a special fondness in my heart for The First Church of Jesus on Jackson Street.

This church, with its love, faith, and humility, showed me what it truly means to be the body of Christ.

If you are searching for a place where you can feel God’s love in the most powerful way, I urge you to visit this incredible church.

It is a place where love lives, where faith thrives, and where God’s presence is unmistakable.

Today, my heart was forever changed, and I will always be grateful for the healing and hope I experienced here.