Selina Iglesias
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Thousands gathered at Together 2016 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, July 16, celebrating that “Jesus Changes Everything.”
The event, a dream that took five years to make into a reality, was attended by more than 400,000 Christians. Inspired by Pastor Nick Hall, founder of PULSE, Together 2016 was established to empower the church, unite individuals in prayer and propel a massive cultural shift from division to unity; from apathy to action; from unbelief to faith; from shame to grace; from pride to humility; from fear to hope and from hate to love.
Attending this historic event, with the support of the Madison County Ministerial Association, was a total of 55 individuals from select churches in Madison County.
The group left Madison at 7 a.m. on Friday, July 15, traveling by charter bus, thanks to Annett Bus Lines and arrived in Chantilly, Va. to stay at the Hyatt Place Hotel. In the morning, the group enjoyed breakfast and headed off to the National Mall around 9 a.m.
Before heading to the National Mall, the group walked to the JFK Stadium and experienced what it was like to ride on the metro.
When arriving on the grounds of the National Mall, the group split up to enjoy all that the event had to offer. Surrounded by a multitude of booths and historic landmarks, there was much to see and do. Over 40 well-known speakers, recording artists, authors and leaders from various walks of life were featured at the National Mall, including Hillsong United, Kari Jobe, Francis Chan, Ravi Zacharias, Jeremy Camp, Tony Evans, Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Luis Palau, Tasha Cobbs, Lacey Sturm, Matt Maher and many others.
Even from the entrance of the National Mall, the positivity, unity and deep spirituality was palpable and seemed to be infectious, as everyone at the event welcomed those who attended like family, taking a moment to pray over individuals upon request and give out information about the event itself.
In light of all of the recent events that have occurred in the nation, such as the mass shooting in Orlando, the deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the murder of the five police officers in Dallas, it seemed there was no better time for Together 2016 to be held.
Although the event was ended early at 4 p.m. due to the extreme heat, everyone was in high spirits as they traveled back to the hotel. Event organizers were disappointed at the event's premature demise, but knew God's purpose had been fulfilled, as the work of evangelism was passed on to the next generation of Christian leaders.
The departure to Madison began at 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 17, but the drive didn't keep everyone from enjoying morning worship.
Former pastor of First United Methodist Church Bob Laidlaw led the worship, and Pastor of Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, Octavious Tookes, said a prayer as well. The drive home was a long one, but the ride was made easier knowing that individuals left Washington, D.C. with a sense of hope, peace and faith, the kind that only Christ himself can bring.
Over 400,000 people attended Together 2016 on Saturday, July 16 and enjoyed the landmarks the National Mall had to offer, as well as the featured guest speakers that preached the word of God.