Record 7,750 Baptized in California in Largest Water Baptism in U.S. History

A religious revival is taking place at the shore as more than 7,000 individuals were baptized off the coast of Huntington Beach, California. This event marked the largest single-day baptism in American history and served as a lead-up to a larger gathering planned for June. The “Baptize California” event saw a record-breaking 7,750 people baptized this year, surpassing last year’s count of 6,000 participants.

Attendees of all ages lined up along the beach and in portable baptistries to publicly declare their faith in the Pacific Ocean waters. The event featured performances by Bethel Music and singers Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe. Approximately 30,000 people were present at the all-day event, with Pastor Mark Francey of Oceans Church leading the ceremony and encouraging attendees to consider the impact of such a mass baptism on the rest of the country.

One of the highlights of the day was the baptism of a 71-year-old woman named Joanne, who had contemplated being baptized for four decades before finally taking the plunge. Francey presided over her baptism and emphasized the significance of starting a new life with faith.

Francey is also involved in organizing the upcoming Baptize America event on June 8, where churches across the United States will participate in what is being touted as the largest synchronized baptism in history. This initiative aims to unite churches nationwide under the common practice of water baptism as a public profession of faith. The event’s website, Baptize.org, invites individuals to join the movement and celebrate the power of faith across the nation and the world.