2027 Twelfth Street, Lynchburg VA

What a blessing, what a joy, what a holy privilege it was to worship this Sunday with Tree of Life – Midtown. This church family is truly alive with the Spirit of God, and if you haven’t yet stepped foot inside, you are missing out on a sanctuary overflowing with joy, love, and awesome worship to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

From the moment I entered, the atmosphere was electric, voices lifted, hands raised, hearts surrendered.

The worship team led us with such energy and authenticity, singing so many of the upbeat songs that stir my heart. One of the highlights was their rendition of “Goin’ Up Yonder.”

Now, I’ve always loved Walter Hawkins’ version, one of my all-time favorites, but hearing this version in person was amazing. It was as though heaven itself leaned in and joined us, and my soul cried out, “Yes, Lord, one day I will be going up yonder to be with You!”

I had the joy of meeting Pastor Bobby and his lovely wife, both of whom were greeting folks at the door. That simple act of presence, standing there to personally welcome everyone, spoke volumes to me about the kind of leaders they are, shepherds with compassion, humility, and hearts that reflect the love of Jesus.

And it was evident throughout the congregation: this is a church marked by love and mercy, a safe place where anyone can come as they are.

Pastor Bobby delivered a powerful sermon centered around “Goin’ Up Yonder” and anchored in John 3, the life-changing conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus about being “born again.”

His message walked us carefully through what it means to experience new birth.

This wasn’t just preaching, it was teaching, guiding, and inviting us to think deeply about the Word of God and how it applies to our lives.

He led us through Scripture after Scripture:

Ephesians 2:1 – “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins…”

Colossians 1:13 – “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.”

Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

As I listened, tears welled in my eyes, because these verses aren’t just words on a page for me, they are my life. I know what it means to be dead in sin. I know what it means to live with a hardened, broken heart. And I know the miracle it is when God steps in, reaches into the wreckage of your life, and replaces that cold stone heart with one beating with His love.

Only God can do that.

Only God can take what was dead and make it live again.

Only God can take someone who thought they were beyond repair and say, “Child, I am making all things new.”

Pastor Bobby reminded us that when we are truly born again, everything changes.

We don’t walk the same. We don’t talk the same. We don’t think the same. Because now, the very Spirit of the Living God dwells within us. And that Spirit testifies that we are His, and that He is ours.

As I sat there, surrounded by this joyful church family, I thought about my own journey.

A journey marked by deep scars, heavy burdens, and unimaginable valleys.

Yet here I am, 122 churches later, living proof that God takes the broken pieces and makes them whole. Proof that He still breathes life into dry bones. Proof that He still turns mourning into dancing.

Tree of Life Midtown is more than a church. It is a witness to the fact that God is still in the business of transforming lives.

To Pastor Bobby, his wife, and every member of this congregation: thank you for showing me the love of Christ in such a beautiful way. Thank you for reminding me that the Christian journey is about being born again, living in the Spirit, and walking in the newness of life.

I encourage everyone reading this: go visit Tree of Life Midtown.

Step into that sanctuary.

Sing those songs.

Hear that Word.

And let God do what only He can do, take your heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh.

As for me, I cannot wait to see where the Holy Spirit leads me next. But today, I leave with this testimony… I am living proof that He makes dead things live again.

All glory, honor, and praise belong to Jesus!