Baptize America Event: Pentecost Baptisms Spark Nationwide Unity
More than 26,000 people across the nation were baptized on Pentecost Sunday as at least 650 churches in all 50 states participated in the initiative organized by Baptize America.
The event grew out of Baptize California, which began two years ago with 4,000 baptisms and expanded to more than 6,000 last year.
The baptisms took place in a wide variety of areas, from small rural churches to outdoor locations such as Pirates Cove in Corona del Mar, Calif. In Colorado Springs, Zeal Church held baptisms indoors at Citadel Mall, with hundreds of onlookers.
“The prayer of Jesus in John was that we would become one,” said Pastor Mark Francey, one of the organizers. “And I think that’s what we’re seeing right now — a unity around what we all agree on, which is water baptism. This wasn’t just about a moment in the water; it was about launching people into a life with Jesus, surrounded by a community that can help them grow. We witnessed countless personal transformations and families baptized together; it was a movement of hope.”
Participants said being baptized changed their lives. “It felt like God was there — just amazing,” said Kaili Newby, who was baptized Sunday.
Gabriel, another participant, surprised his mother by taking part. “If it wasn’t for her prayers and if it wasn’t for God’s grace, I would either be dead or in jail. because that’s the activities I was involved with in the Middle East,” he said.
Jorge Gonzalez, who was baptized alongside his brother, described the moment as transformative. “God was pulling all my heartstrings,” he said. “So, you know, [I had to] come out here and finally accept Jesus as my Savior. And today was the perfect opportunity.”
Volunteers also felt the emotional power of the day. “I really think that the coolest part about being out there is just experiencing people experiencing Jesus,” said Alissa Circle, a Baptize America volunteer.
Francey believes this is just the beginning. “It’s just getting started,” he said. “Our belief is that what happens at this beach will go to the ends of the earth.”
More information is available at www.baptize.org.
–Alan Goforth
