21206 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg VA

Today, it was an absolute joy and privilege to visit Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church as the 99th church on this incredible journey of faith.

As I pulled into the church parking lot on this rainy and windy morning, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I arrived early to take in the beauty of the church grounds, and what a beautiful, sacred space this church has created.

As I wandered, I came across a walking path that leads to an outdoor chapel, a special place where services are held during the summer.

It was calm, serene, and full of God’s presence.

But what truly caught my heart was the walking prayer labyrinth outside the front of the church.

As I stood at the entrance of the winding path, I could feel the weight of everything I’ve been carrying… so much has been on my mind and heart lately.

I stepped forward, slowly following the path, praying as I walked. I asked God to heal me, to restore the brokenness in my life, and to help me trust in His plan.

There was something so deeply moving and symbolic about walking this sacred space, feeling every step bring me closer to the center, closer to surrendering it all to Him.

As I made my way back to the church, I met a wonderful couple, the Profitts, in the parking lot. They welcomed me with open arms, and I will always cherish their kindness. Their warmth was just the beginning of what I would experience inside.

I was introduced to Co-Pastors Mark and Dave, who both lead this incredibly loving church with such compassion, kindness, and humility.

They both took the time to encourage me in this journey and speak words of hope and faith over my life.

It meant the world to me.

The worship team was absolutely incredible, their voices and instruments lifting praises to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in such a powerful and heartfelt way.

I found myself completely immersed in the music, overwhelmed by God’s presence in the room.

One thing I truly appreciated was how well-structured and thoughtful the service was. The bulletin provided prayers, readings, and the Call to Worship, making it easy to follow along and fully participate.

A moment that really touched my heart was when the children of the church collected change to help those facing food insecurity.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out two cents and three dimes, it may not have been much, but I loved how this church cares deeply for those who have the least.

It reminded me of the widow’s offering in the Bible, where Jesus saw the heart behind the gift, not the amount.

Pastor Mark delivered an insightful and moving message, speaking directly to the hearts of everyone in the congregation.

He started by teaching the children, using imagery and storytelling to explain how God’s greatness is beyond our comprehension.

As the sermon continued, we turned to Luke, where we saw a tone of disappointment from Jesus.

Pastor Mark used modern-day applications to show how we have all experienced disappointment or caused it in others. Relationships become fractured because love and caring are involved, but Jesus teaches us to move forward in truth, justice, and righteousness.

Despite the attempts of the Pharisees to trick Jesus, He faced them head-on, standing firm in who God sent Him to be.

He was not motivated by fear, but by obedience to the Father.

And just as Jesus spoke truth to the Pharisees, He calls each of us to follow Him, to walk in His ways, and to act with integrity and faith.

This church is a place of peace, love, and community.

When I asked members what makes Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church special, they all gave the same heartfelt answer: the people, family, and faith.

Another touching moment of the day was meeting a beautiful woman who has attended this church her entire life, in fact, she was the first baby baptized here. To see her faithful journey within this congregation speaks to the love and strength of this church family!

I highly recommend visiting Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church.

Every place I visit feels like a hug from God, a reminder that I am on the right path, that He is restoring me, He is replacing the years the enemy stole, and He will get the glory from my story.

This journey has been humbling, healing, and deeply transformative.

Each day, I learn more about God, more about His love, and more about how He is using this experience to strengthen my relationship with Him.

I will always cherish this visit and hold it close to my heart.

I cannot wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next on this incredible, faith-filled journey. To God be the glory.