It was one of the hottest days of the summer – for more than the obvious reasons.
On 7.16.16, Christians from all backgrounds, cultures, and ages gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to fervently pray for the nation, and petition Jesus Christ for a “reset”.
A free event presented in partnership with more than 250 Bible-believing organizations, Together 2016 featured an amazing line-up of more than 40 speakers, pastors, artists, and leaders. Notable participants included Hillsong United, Francis Chan, Sammy Rodriguez, Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, KB, Kirk Franklin, Ravi Zacharias, Lauren Daigle, Christine Caine, IF Gathering, and many more.
Seeing people from so many walks of life+age brackets at #Together2016 is a site I’ll never forget. @JesusIsTheReset pic.twitter.com/WUmZ1o6fel
— Ravi Zacharias (@RaviZacharias) July 17, 2016
116 went in!!! The event has literally shut down. Haha I’m not kidding. #Together2016 pic.twitter.com/tb3DbHDzkf
— Grant Skeldon (@GrantSkeldon) July 16, 2016
Nick Hall of PULSE, a prayer and evangelism movement, led the charge for Together 2016 to “lay down what divides us — politics, race, social issues, theological differences – to come together and lift up Jesus who unites us. He is the only one who can reset our nation.” Reset is a term that has been resonating with young people because it represents the clearing of past errors, as with various electronic devices; a reset gets the system working toward its created purpose.
Jesus is the Reset
After short praise and worship sets, each speaker or artist shared encouragement, the promises of God, and perhaps most importantly, the call to prayer and repentance. With hands lifted to the sky and voices crying out, participants answered the call of “If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray; seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” You could hear the cries of people around the National Mall, small groups of 5-10 people who arrived in Washington, D.C. as strangers, but would leave as new brothers and sisters in Christ.
Hours into the event, the goal to make #JesusChangesEverything trend on social media was achieved, and the Internet took a slight reprieve from hashtags that represented the fallen. With our nation battling unjust killings of African-Americans and police officers alike, it was an amazing opportunity to speak with D.C. officers who had a heart to serve and protect the people.
Organizers spared no expense on the event, from the mammoth stage and jumbotrons, to air-conditioned VIP and Partners’ tents stocked with water and snacks. As partners of Together 2016, we appreciated the cool breaks and the chance to meet and network with other Christian organizations. Event volunteers and staff were both knowledgeable and easy-spirited, especially given the massive attendance and extremely muggy heat.
The heat made us leave the mall, but we’re really just being sent out to do God’s work. #JesusChangesEverything pic.twitter.com/Pih3Xr95lr
— RISE Ministries (@RISE_Ministries) July 16, 2016
We’re hopeful organizers took note of the July temperatures, and will consider a spring or early fall date for the next event. Due to the heat index and hundreds of heat-related illnesses, Together 2016 was shut down hours earlier than expected. However, the commission of our Lord and Savior was heard, and participants were eager to go forth and fill their communities with the love of Christ.
This is our commissioning. We’ve filled the mall. Now let’s fill THEM all. #JesusChangesEverything #Together2016 pic.twitter.com/BMdnn4QOX9
— Together 2016 (@JesusIsTheReset) July 16, 2016
