We arrived in D.C. the afternoon of Sept. 6 and got to our hotel which was about four blocks south of the Washington Mall – the great green area that runs from the Capitol on the east, ends in the west with the Lincoln Memorial and features the Washington monument about halfway (the Washington Monument opens 9/16 for trips to the top – we were a week early – Boo!). Friday, we entered the Mall a couple of blocks west of the Capitol and turned toward the west (to the west, planes in landing pattern to Reagan were streaming in!).
About two blocks west we came to a tent with a lone man singing and accompanying himself with a guitar. There were a couple sitting in about 200 chairs. The song was about Jesus and laden with Scriptures. We listened and the song went on for many minutes flowing from verse to verse and truth to truth (I wondered if he was making it up as he went – maybe).
Soon three or four men walked up from a vehicle on the street so I asked about the tent and the ministry. A man, maybe thirtyish, said their group was next up and they were from Minneapolis. I asked what the ministry was and he said it was started in 2015 and featured music and preaching 24 hours a day every day by different groups. He mentioned YWAM (Youth With A Mission) as possibly being the driver.
It is amazing that Jesus, truth, and worship have a place on the Washington Mall that otherwise only features monuments and park benches. A WOW in my book!
It was a joy to travel with friends from Lincoln who love to talk about Jesus (we have known Jill and her childhood family for some 55 years). Kindred spirits give life depth and hope. Thanks!
Tuesday morning we toured the White House, arriving about 30 minutes early, so Jettie hustled across the street to the White House Visitor’s Center. Janet and I drifted along the fence to the southwest corner of the grounds where three Asian men were singing hymns. The oldest one, appearing to be in his 70’s, had a little amplification system that he used to quote verses. The other two, looking to be in their 40’s, held a cross and sang along. They sang “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Blessed Assurance”, “How Great Thou Art”, and others. Janet and I joined them. How great it was to sing hymns outside of the White House! I was blessed by those guys!
Within our time in DC and Virginia, we attended a pastor’s conference so we spent time with others who openly love Jesus, His church, the Bible, and God. The pastors were from many states but most seemed to be from Texas. The conference organizers were Christians so there were many verses quoted and much talk of God. In the Hart Senate Building where we had meetings, Jesus was recognized – Yeah!
On Wednesday afternoon for five hours we had Washington insiders (Senators, Representatives, and activists) talk about issues and actions in the federal government. Nearly all readily and accurately quoted Scripture and referred to Bible stories. They almost all talked about trusting God Who is able even in the impossible. They were a blessing!
Jim Fager took me to meet his pastor, Adam, at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. We chatted about schools, books, leaders, and other and found many common thoughts. He was delightful! I was encouraged!
Leaving the Fagers (they were great!) late Friday morning, we traveled up the Shenandoah Valley to I-66 and back to D.C. to catch our flight home. Rounding most curves or cresting most hills revealed a white steeple with a cross affixed to the top. There were many! It was beautiful and heart-warming!
a PK Musing 
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