Click on the Gathering Link at the top of the page to see pictures and find out more about these historic gatherings on the East Cost of America.

Arise America is making a difference. The pictures you are viewing were taken at our first gathering on the campus of William & Mary on June 9th, 2007. Those assembled at our first gathering (Native Americans, African Americans, Jewish, English, Dutch and other nationalities) were believing for a New Beginning for our nation. It was a great sight to behold...

With all the challenging history between the English colonists who established the first successful colony in America on the shores of Virginia in May, 1607 and the original care takers of this continent, the Native Americans, the organizers of Arise America felt it important to bring these original people groups back to the birthplace of America and get things right in the sight of God. We believe this act of love through our Christian faith has launched a movement of healing in our nation.

The opening of Arise America began with the blowing of seven shofars led by Rabbi Eric Carlson of Congregation Zion's Sake, Newport News, Virginia followed by a protocol (permission, respect and a blessing from a local tribal authority to open our gathering) with a local Native American Chief or representative of Virginia. This greeting and prayer was given by Chief Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock Tribe, a direct descendant of Chief Powhatan who was the leader of many Virginia tribes during the early 1600's. It was through the humanitarian acts of his daughter Matoaka (Pocahontas) that helped keep peace with the English settlers and a much needed food supply coming through trading with the Powhatan Indians.

Immediately following protocol with Chief Anne was the Parade of Nations. This parade included representation from over 30 nations whose flag bearers were Christians that currently live in America. Each nation represented was asked to enter the arena and either dance before the Table of the Lord or have their flag bearer bow their nation's flag before the table. This was an act of respect to the Lord and our desire to honor Him first. The flags from each nation were then folded and given to Chief Anne Richardson as a protocol gift in baskets next to the Table of the Lord.

The majority of nations assembled were students from the Richmond, Virginia based, Youth With a Mission. The Parade of Nations was organized by Joseph Zintsime, a current leader of Youth With a Mission. The Table of the Lord was set up directly in front of the main stage where the leaders of the people groups and local pastors would join together in the taking of the Lord's Supper.

A bit of American History: The first communion ever administered in Virginia by an English priest was given by Reverend Robert Hunt in June of 1607 at Jamestown Island. He was the first clergyman assigned by the Arch Bishop of the Church of England to come to Jamestown from England in 1606 and help establish the first church in this new English colony.

Communion was administered by Chief Anne Richardson and Bishop John Gray, pastor of Bethel Restoration Center of Williamsburg, Virginia followed by a blessing and prayer by Reverend David Sladden, an ordained priest from England.

Immediately following communion, chosen leaders were asked to proclaim liberty and healing over America.

Our Godly heritage as a Christian nation, allied with Israel continues... Come to the next gathering and believe that you along with many others can make a difference in setting a new course of liberty for America's next 400 year history.

Last Gathering: June 5th &7th, 2009 @ Congregation Zion's Sake & Jamestown Christian Fellowship

Participants: The Pokanoket Nation & Rappahannock Tribe

Chief Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia is a direct descendant of the Great Chief Powhatan and his daughter Matoka (Pochantas). Powhatan traded with the colonists at Jamestown,Virginia and provided them with much needed food supplies during the first few challenging years.

Chief Winds of Thunder of the Pokanoket Nation is a direct descendant of the Great Chief Ousa Mequin who also helped the Pilgrims survive their early years in Massachusetts. He is the first male since Metacomet (King Philip) in 1676 to be leader over the Pokanoket Nation. When the pilgrims arrived in 1620, there was over 60 tribes united under the Pokanoket Nation.

It was God's favor brought and divine timing brought these two Native American leaders together on June 5th & 7th, 2009. Native American tribes traditionally meet at Pow Wows where honored guests such as chiefs, elders and drum teams from other tribes are invited. The leaders of both tribes are Christians and we are so blessed that God has truly shown His favor for this historical gathering to have taken place.

Chief Anne Richardson welcomed the Pokanoket Nation into her Virginia territory with a traditional protocol on Sunday morning, June 7th at Jamestown Christian Fellowship in Williamsburg, Virginia. This included a formal welcome into her territory followed by a gift exchange. This is done as an act of respect, honor and friendship.

On Sunday morning at Jamestown Christian Fellowship, the two tribal leaders from Plymouth, Massachusetts and Jamestown led in administering the Lord's Supper. This was truly a first on American soil. This act of remembering our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ coupled with the faith to believe for a new trust and friendship between the two tribes and the English descendants were accomplished and many tears were shed as a result of this very touching moment in American history.

           William Guy (Winds of Thunder) and Deanna Guy                    Clifford Guy (Lion Heart) Spiritual Leader

           These great leaders of the Wampanoag Nation are both Christians who proudly express their faith in Jesus.