Jamestown Rich in U.S., Christian History
By Mark Martin
CBN News
July 4, 2008
CBNNews.com - JAMESTOWN, Va. - In the summer of 2007, CBN News took a tour of Jamestown in the year the nation help celebrate the city's 400th birthday. It's a huge part of American history and a great reminder of our heritage as we celebrate our freedom this Indepence Day weekend.
Read the story below or watch it in the player.
Christian historian Marshall Foster conducted a tour of the church at historic Jamestown as the historic city celebrates 400 years.
"You'll see the original brickwork for the foundations for the original 1617 church," Foster explained to onlookers.
And just like archaeologists discovered the original foundations here, he hopes Americans rediscover the Christian foundations of our country.
"They planted here the first colony to the glory of God for Jesus Christ," Marshall said. "Many of the modern historians today don't deal with the Christian history, or they put it aside, and that's what we're doing is rediscovering that heritage."
Foster's tour is one of many at Jamestown this week as part of San Antonio-based Vision Forum Ministries' celebration of America's Christian roots.
"When we think of Jamestown, we should think about the fact that the people came here with a Great Commission mandate that was part of the Virginia charter of 1606. We should think about that it was through Jamestown that the Bible came to America - that's changed the world, "Doug Phillips, president of Vision Forum Ministries said.
There are 4,000 people in Jamestown to learn about that heritage on tours and through dramatic presentations.
Illinois Pastor James McDonald portrayed Samuel Davies, an 18th century Presbyterian minister who was also a mentor to Patrick Henry.
"This is a man who had passion, passion for the Kingdom of God," McDonald said.
And that's not all.
You can also ride in a hot air balloon. Organizers of the Jamestown Quadricentennial Event want to create a festive atmosphere, and one of the ways to do that is to soar in the skies and get a bird's eye view of Jamestown.
"We're here to remember the providential founding of America and to celebrate. We've got thousands of families here to say thank you to the Lord for what He's done in America," Phillips said.
Foster said, "God is getting the hearts of the American people. He's saying, 'Don't you remember? Don't you remember where you came from?' Go back; go back to Him, and that's where your success will be found."
This story originally aired and was first published on June 14, 2007.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
