3417 Campbell Avenue Lynchburg, VA

Today I had the privilege of stepping into Truth Baptist Church, a small but mighty congregation, full of the Spirit, full of love, and full of the presence of Jesus.

This was the 121st stop on my journey to visit every church in my city, and while they may not have a website, social media page, or a large online presence, what they do have is what truly matters, a faithful body of believers who gather week after week to lift high the name of the Lord.

From the moment I entered, I was met with warm smiles, handshakes, and hugs. A newcomer’s gift was placed in my hands, but the real gift was the genuine love and kindness flowing from each member.

I had the joy of meeting Pastor Charles Hughes and his wife, both of whom radiate the joy of the Lord.

There is something profoundly beautiful about walking into a place where you feel loved immediately especially when, like me, you know what it is to grow up in an environment where love was withheld.

Each visit on this journey has been God’s way of mending the broken places in my heart, and today, I felt His healing once again.

One of the most unique and touching parts of the service was the worship.

We sang acapella, just voices raised in harmony. No instruments, no background music, only hearts lifted toward heaven.

As we sang “He Lifted Me” and “Blessed Assurance”, tears welled in my eyes.

A beautiful woman stood to sing a solo, her voice ringing through the sanctuary with raw and reverent praise, and I could not help but think, this is what heaven must sound like, unpolished, unpretentious, but wholly holy.

This church family is already preparing for a special “Pack A Pew” service on September 7th, and I encourage anyone who reads this to make time to attend.

If you want to experience authentic worship and a Spirit-filled atmosphere, you will find it here.

Pastor Charles delivered a remarkable sermon from the book of Revelation, not a book often preached in churches today.

His message covered thirty-eight key themes from this profound book, and it was like drinking deeply from a well that has been too long neglected.

He reminded us that Revelation is not a book meant to intimidate or frighten us, but one meant to reveal more of Jesus Christ in His glory. The very word “apokalypsis” means uncovering, and what we uncover in Revelation is not just symbols and prophecy, it is the majesty, sovereignty, and eternal reign of Jesus Christ.

As I listened, I was struck with the thought, why do we so often avoid this book?

Perhaps because it is mysterious, symbolic, and unlike any other.

But an angel delivered this message to John, and God preserved it for us, not so we would dismiss it, but so we would be blessed by it.

Revelation begins and ends with a promise of blessing for anyone who reads, hears, and keeps its words.

Pastor Charles reminded us that this is a book of hope for the future, a prophecy of promises yet to come, and also a book of present guidance showing us how to live today in light of the eternity to come.

As I reflected, I realized how much I need this message.

For someone like me, who has walked through deep brokenness and pain, Revelation is not a book of fear, it is a book of comfort.

It reminds me that no matter what trials I face, no matter what darkness I’ve walked through, Jesus is victorious in the end. The kingdoms of this world will pass away, but His kingdom will reign forever. Revelation is not about despair… it is about hope.

I left Truth Baptist Church with my heart full.

Small but mighty, quiet but powerful, this church reminded me that the glory of God doesn’t need a stage, a sound system, or a crowd, it only needs willing hearts surrendered to Him.

To Pastor Charles, his wife, and every precious member of this church family, thank you.

Thank you for your love, your welcome, your songs, and your faithfulness. You have blessed me more than I can ever put into words.

And to the Lord I serve, thank You for this journey.

Thank You for showing me that even the smallest churches are overflowing with Your presence.

Thank You for healing me piece by piece as I walk into these sanctuaries.

This was Church #121, and I cannot wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next!