Rededicate 250

On May 17, 1776 (a few weeks before the signing of the Declaration of Independence), the Second Continental Congress observed a nationwide Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer. This year, President Donald Trump declared a similar day in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. I had the privilege of attending a gathering on the National Mall.

My friend Jim (who hosted me) had talked of going there as well, but changed his plans. Instead, he drove me to the nearest Metro station before attending his church that Sunday morning. On the train, I met a large group of believers visiting from Vietnam and showed them my tracts. They were encouraged to see a fellow Christian sharing the gospel. One of them was a pastor who invited me to come to Vietnam.


After disembarking from the train in Washington, D.C., I engaged in street witnessing and observed six individuals praying for salvation. Subsequently, I made my way toward the National Mall, assuming the event was taking place in front of the Lincoln Memorial. However, it was situated near the Smithsonian Institution. As I retraced my steps towards the Smithsonian, I noticed a few individuals holding up signs and distributing literature. I extended a friendly greeting to most of them. Sadly, there were a few protesters, including individuals who appeared to be affiliated with the Westboro Baptist Church.


I missed the first couple of hours of Rededicate 250 due to a long security line. Personnel used metal detectors and prohibited certain items, including folding chairs, metal water bottles, and umbrellas. I had an umbrella with me because it had rained a bit that morning. Fortunately, it wasn’t confiscated. Then I noticed long lines of people waiting to buy expensive food, like a personal cheese pizza that cost $16. 


There were rows of seats in the front. I found an empty one next to three women visiting from Nashville. One of them had a battery charger. She graciously let me use it to charge up my iPhone a bit. Although I recently got a new one with a larger battery, the power seemed to drain quickly because of the hot weather (the temperature climbed into the upper 80s).


The event was like a lengthy church service. There were times of prayer, musicians performing, and various speakers. One of the latter I saw was Jonathan Roumie, who played Jesus in “The Chosen” and Lonnie Frisbee in “Jesus Revolution.” Paula White-Cain and Franklin Graham made appearances via video. I had hoped to see President Trump there. I later learned a video was shown of him reading from the Bible. 


After sitting down for a while, I decided to move around a bit. Soon I encountered a man holding a sign saying “pain management” and offered prayer. I had felt some discomfort in my shoulder. It felt better afterward. Although I didn’t have press credentials, I was allowed to sit in their area to charge my phone more.


Although I could’ve stayed longer, I opted to leave the event early. On my way out, I ran into my friend John. A few days before, I had stayed at his house in Canton, Ohio. We had originally planned to ride together to DC, but for personal reasons he changed his travel plans. Earlier, I encountered Charles Karuku. He is a pastor originally from Kenya, but now has a church in Minnesota. John and I had just attended meetings of his at Calvary Campground two weeks before. Another person I recognized was Kasondra Watkins, a social media influencer who is a Facebook friend, but hadn’t met her in person until that day,


While I appreciate the messages exhorting the United States to get back to its godly heritage, I didn’t agree with some speakers claiming “we are all children of God.” One must be born again to have a relationship with Him (John 3:3,7) Nevertheless, I’m glad I attended Rededicate 250. It was encouraging to gather with thousands of Americans who value the Judeo-Christian values this nation was founded upon.


“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14

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