Visitors to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations have been able to take part in baptism ceremonies on the National Mall.
David’s Tent is providing a stall of continuous prayer, sung worship and evangelism training as part of the Great American State Fair, a Trump-backed exposition.
A pop-up baptismal pool has been set up in the tent, with ministers from across the country available to administer immersions.
On Instagram, David’s Tent shared a testimony of a football fan who heard the gospel from an outreach team in a nearby World Cup fan zone. “On his own accord [he] said ‘I need to get baptised’. And sure enough, a baptismal pool with a team was set to receive him only two blocks down the road.”
“Receive prayer, receive baptism, receive Jesus!” the post exclaimed.
Philip Northington, staff member at David’s Tent, told ABC affiliate WJLA: “Our nation was founded on Christian principles and we are holding our ground in reminding America of who we are.”
In the build-up to 4th July celebrations, President Donald Trump praised America’s Christian foundations as having “built this country into the most exceptional nation in the history of the world”, hitting out at what he called the “godless communists” opposing him. There has also been debate about a White House commission's suggestion of weakening the separation church and state.
The 16-day fair, featuring attractions from states and other organisations, has been met with mixed reactions as pictures show sparse attendances and events have been postponed because of extreme heat.
One attendee told Fox News that visitors were cooling off in the baptism pool during the hot weather.
The event runs until Friday.