Penuel Church Shares Love at Rehabilitation Center

On Valentine’s Day, our church, led by Pastor James Thomas, had the honor of visiting the Culpeper Rehabilitation Center with one simple goal: to make sure every resident felt seen, valued, and remembered. We brought roses and personally placed one into the hands of each of the 174 patients. What could have felt like a small gesture turned into something much bigger the moment we walked through the doors. 

From the start, the atmosphere was filled with warmth. Smiles broke out in hallways. Eyes lit up as patients realized the roses were for them, not just for a few, but for everyone. Some residents held their flowers close like a treasure. Others immediately began sharing stories, laughing, and reminiscing about past Valentine’s Days. 

Staff members paused in the middle of busy routines to take in the moment, thankful to see their patients encouraged. Valentine’s Day can be a joyful day for many, but it can also be a difficult reminder of loneliness for those in rehabilitation or long-term care. In some cases, these patients don’t receive visitors at all. That reality stayed with us. It reminded us why presence matters. A rose can’t solve everything, but it can communicate something powerful in an instant: you matter, you are loved, and you are not forgotten. For us, this outreach wasn’t about a photo opportunity or checking off a box. It was about compassion in action. It was about showing up and offering kindness with no strings attached. 

We felt deeply honored to be welcomed into that space and trusted with those moments. We left the Culpeper Rehabilitation Center encouraged and grateful, carrying the joy of what we witnessed. Moments like this remind us of our mission to be God’s hands and feet in our communities. We’re committed to continuing to serve, visit, encourage, and love in practical ways, not just on holidays, but all year long.