Danny Gokey to Headline Worship Service to Kick Off ‘The Return’

Battered by the winds of a pandemic, social unrest and an especially contentious election season, America is now poised to answer a call to repentance and restoration signaled from the lighthouse of a grassroots church movement known as “The Return: National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance,”—now set to kick off one day earlier, with a newly added worship and prayer service called “The Return: Next Generation.”

Scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Friday, Sept. 25, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., “The Return: Next Generation” is open to the general public and is a precursor to the main event, “The Return,” on Sept. 26, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of people—in person and online.

“The Return: Next Generation” will honor the military and law enforcement. Mike Lindell will launch his new online recovery platform Lindell Recovery Network. Danny Gokey and many other artists will lead worship, and Nicky Cruz will offer a moving keynote message.

Attendees should enter the special Sept. 25 gathering at 12th Street and Madison Drive and are encouraged to observe appropriate social distancing, aided by fencing provided by the crew of “The Return: Next Generation.” Food trucks and portable restroom facilities will be available.

In ancient times, the Greeks referred to kairos to mean “opportunity,” a sailing term that literally means “toward the port.” At the precise moment, sailors used it to describe when the tide and winds were favorable to make it safely to port. They would set their sails to take full advantage of it. Pastor Kevin Jessip, along with New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Cahn—co-chairs of “The Return”—believe Sept. 25 and 26 represent America’s kairos moment.

“When God is at work, as He is now, we must wake up to that opportunity, set our sails to His favor and ride in His boat, using the wind and tide,” Jessip said. “The time has come for each of us. We have been called to seize the moment! We are at the threshold of the greatest move of God in our time.”

Jessip said the opportunity is time sensitive. He demands courage of the American church and believes the moment could be lost by those who hesitate.

“‘Opportunity’ implies ‘the right moment which may only last for a moment,'” Jessip said. “Kairos means a God-given opportunity is being offered to mankind at a specific moment in time. However, the word also implies there is a risk of faith. In other words, as time moves on, the opportunity can be missed.”

That’s why Jessip and Cahn, along with many Christian leaders throughout America, are urging people to attend the Sept. 25 and 26 gatherings in person or online to be part of calling the American church to prayer and repentance.

“We are living in a kairos moment today,” Jessip continued. “We believe that working together in unison under the leadership of Jesus Christ, we will be honoring the appeal of the apostle Paul when he said in Romans 15:5-6, ‘May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity amongst yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.'”

Cahn recorded a special video about the event, which already has nearly 2 million views. In addition, online resources are available, including videos and downloads for individuals, pastors and churches. Daily devotionals also encourage personal repentance and consecration.

“The Return” is for all believers who love the Lord from all denominations and backgrounds. Leaders supporting “The Return” include Jonathan Cahn and Kevin Jessip (co-chairs), Mike Lindell, Michele Bachmann, Pat Boone, Dr. James Dobson, Mark Gonzales, Robert Morris, Marcus Lamb, John Kilpatrick, Pierre Bynum, Gen. William Boykin, Carter Conlon, Bishop Harry Jackson, Alveda King, Anne Graham Lotz, Pat and Gordon Robertson, Kevin and Sam Sorbo, Stephen E. Strang, E.W. Jackson and many more, all of whom are listed at thereturn.org/faith-leaders/.

“The Return” is set for 40 days before the presidential election, and on the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower, representing America’s founding and dedication to God. Surrounding the “The Day of Return” on Sept. 26 will be 10 days, Sept. 18-28, known from ancient times as the Days of Awe, a dedicated time of prayer and repentance.

Coordinated events within “The Return” movement will also take place throughout America’s cities, towns, houses of worship and homes, as well as in multiple countries around the world.

Visit “The Return“ at TheReturn.org to register and learn more. Follow “The Return” on social media at Facebook: @ReturnEvent2020; Twitter: @2020_Return; and Instagram: @The_Return2020. {eoa}