It was a stunning Saturday in California’s Huntington Beach, where record history was created as more than 7,750 people were baptized at what organizers are referring to as America’s largest single-day water baptism.
The baptismal event, called Baptize California, was over 30,000 strong as people saw a flood of God’s great work. Dawn and then into the sunset, men and women of all ages waded into the Pacific Ocean—or local moveable baptistries beside—their hearts boldly proclaiming devotion to Jesus Christ.
Bethel Music, in conjunction with vibrant performer Cody Carnes and worship musician Kari Jobe, sparked a celebration full of praise, joy, and spiritual awakening.
It was the second year of the Baptize California campaign. The event had witnessed 6,000 baptized the previous year. But this time stunned everyone with a record of 7,750 individuals dedicating their lives to Christ in the waters.
One of the most affecting moments came at the beginning of the day, as a 71-year-old woman named Joanne, who had been waiting for 40 years, consented to be baptized. Pastor Mark Francey of Oceans Church, co-coordinator of the event, walked her into the ocean, proclaiming:
“We now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Come up out of these waters with a new nature and a new life.”
Pastor Francey spoke to the crowd as he reminded everyone about the great vision:
“You were part of the largest water baptism in American history. Who thinks that God could do it in the other states of America?”
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And that’s what we are going to do next.
This historical time is only the beginning. This Pentecost Sunday, June 8th, churches around the entire nation are coming together for Baptize America—an enthusiastic and biblical mission to commemorate the largest coordinated baptism the world has ever known.
Churches in each state will take part, brought together by a unified message: public declaration of faith through the act of baptism.
As its organizers define it, Baptize America is less about promoting any single church, and more about coming together as a body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission. The movement’s website, Baptize.org, states:
“If God can do it in California, He can do it in any state. And if He can do it in America, He can do it in any other nation in the world.”
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While the country waits for June 8, there is one thing for sure—something powerful is simmering across the country. The phrase rings out loud and clear: God isn’t finished with America.
