California Baptizes Thousands in Largest Synchronized Faith Event
In a scene that reminded many people of the Jesus Movement of the 1970s, more than 7,700 people were baptized in the Pacific Ocean and other California locations last weekend. Following last year’s record-breaking launch, Baptize California kicked off its outreach to bring more churches together across the state for the largest synchronized baptism event in U.S. history, organizers said.
“Jesus Christ is working again from the beaches of California, awakening a generation, uniting the church to reach the ends of the earth,” Pastor Mark Francey of Ocean Church told CBN News. “A spiritual awakening has begun in California, one that will sweep from the beaches to the neighborhoods of America and to the nations of the world.”
Nearly 500 local churches and 30 pastors joined in the movement. “Churches are working together in unprecedented ways around Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples and baptize the nation,” he said.
Thousands of people lined the shores of Huntington Beach and shouted, “We’re getting baptized!” Many people testified that their lives were changed and they have a new sense of belonging to God’s family.
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“My body has been healed,” one person said. “And more than anything, my heart has been restored. I felt the presence of God.”
One powerful redemption story that took center stage was of Sammy “The Bull” Gravano. Gravano was once the notorious underboss of the Gambino crime family but recently gave his life to Christ. Gravano’s transformation echoes the message of hope and change that permeated the event.
“I ran with the streets, led one of the most powerful crime families in America, but none of that gave me true peace,” he said in a recent video. “I always believed in God, but this time, it was different. This time, I surrendered.”
Francey plans to expand the experience on June 8 with a nationwide Baptize America event. “God is not done with America and California,” he said. “If this can happen in California, it can spread across America.” For further details on how to get involved, visit Baptize.org.
