Thousands of people from all 50 states gathered to celebrate Christian revival and pray for unity in America during a four-day-long festival in Washington, D.C.
Awaken the Dawn, a grassroots movement focused on worship, prayer, and missions, hosted Communion America, “a festival around the presence of God.” From Oct. 9-12, thousands gathered on the National Mall for nonstop worship events.
During what was called the Jesus March, marchers began with a worship service on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, then walked 2 miles to the National Mall with their faith on full display.
The Daily Signal spoke with some of the marchers.
“Unity would transform this nation,” said Ashley, one attendee. “Jesus wasn’t a Republican. Jesus wasn’t a Democrat. Jesus was the Son of God. … If we can become united as one nation, as one body for Christ Jesus, then there is nothing that this country cannot do.”
“A kingdom divided cannot stand,” said Diana, who traveled from California for the event. “When we’re united on one accord, God moves and he honors that. … With unity, hearts are softened and God can transform the United States, if we’re just on one accord.”
Later in the afternoon, believers united at a mile-long communion table along the National Mall to break bread together.
This celebration of revival comes as Christianity is experiencing its first rise in adherents in the United States in nearly two decades. According to the Pew Research Center, Christianity had been in decline for 17 years, but since 2023, the decline began to level out and the trend appears to be reversing somewhat.
Ashley said she feels like God is not done with the younger generation: “People are searching for a higher power, they’re searching for a higher purpose, and that is going to lead them directly to the cross and to Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
Sarah, visiting from Mississippi and marching with her family, said the country needs to pray for Christian revival in America and around the world. She prays “that the blood of the lamb would be the focus point and that we would return to who Jesus is, he came to wash away our sins and to redeem us.”
Gavin, from Tennessee, shared his excitement about the revival he was witnessing: “As Christians, I believe it’s our responsibility to take the gospel into the world and to people who haven’t yet received that or haven’t heard that. I believe that when we share the truth, they’ll accept the truth.”
