Over 7,700 people were baptized in the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach on May 3rd during a major Christian outreach called Baptize California.
Thousands Baptized Along the California Coast
Huntington Beach, California, became a place of transformation as thousands gathered for Baptize California. The event brought churches and believers together for a full day of worship, testimonies, and baptisms.
A total of 7,752 people baptized in the ocean and in large portable tubs set up along the beach. Over 25,000 people attended throughout the 10 hour event to watch and support those stepping into new life.
Lines of people waited along the beach, many shouting, “We’re getting baptized!” they prepared for the life-changing moment. They had come from different places and backgrounds, but shared one purpose—to follow Jesus.
This was the second year of Baptize California. In 2024, more than 6,100 people were baptized at the same beach and over 12,000 people were baptized across California. It was the combined effort of almost 300 churches.
This year, nearly 500 churches and over 30 pastors came together from across the state and country to support the outreach. Oceans Church hosted the gathering, leading the effort and planning the large-scale coordination.
The goal was not only to baptize but also to help new believers take their next step by connecting with local churches.
Worship and Testimonies Mark the Day
The beach became a place of worship as music played throughout the afternoon and evening.
Sean Feucht opened the main stage at 1 p.m., followed by Oceans Music, Circuit Rider Music, and Bethel Music.
What good can come from California?
Well, today the world will witness the largest recorded baptism in history!
Revival is taking over Huntington Beach and it begins at noon! #BaptizeCalifornia pic.twitter.com/MzgaI2b3PO
— Sean Feucht (@seanfeucht) May 3, 2025
The day ended with worship led by Kari Jobe Carnes and Cody Carnes. Their music brought many to tears and helped set the tone for reflection and thanksgiving.
People who were baptized shared what the day meant to them. One woman said, “My body has been healed. And more than anything, my heart has been restored. I felt the presence of God.”
A man who had just come out of the water said with tears in his eyes, “This was the greatest feeling… coming up out of the water. The new beginning starts today.”
Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano: From Crime Boss to Christ-Follower
One of the most talked about moments was when Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, once a mafia underboss, spoke to the crowd and shared how he gave his life to Jesus.
“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. “I always believed in God but this time, it was different. This time, I surrendered.”
Gravano was baptized during the event by Pastor Mark Francey. A close friend of his also gave his life to Christ and was baptized after hearing the testimony.
The crowd watched quietly, many wiping away tears, as both men made their public declarations of faith.
Baptize America: Nationwide Outreach Movement
This event was not just a one-time gathering. It was the official kickoff to Baptize America, a nationwide outreach scheduled for June 8, 2025.
While Baptize California focused on one location, Baptize America will involve churches in all 50 states hosting baptisms in their own cities and communities.
Pastor Mark Francey, who leads Oceans Church, said this next step came from a strong belief that what God started in Southern California could grow across the country. “God is not done with America and California,” he said. “If this can happen in California, it can spread across America.”
Francey shared that the vision came after last year’s success. “It was almost like God speaking as a father,” he said, “and He said, ‘Son, if I could do this in Southern California, do you think I could do it in all of California?’ To which I responded, ‘Yes.’ And then He said, ‘Do you think if I can do it in California, I could do it in Texas, or Tennessee, or another state in America?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’”
Many churches have already joined the effort to bring baptism to more people in their areas. The focus remains on unity and fulfilling the Great Commission—making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
A New Season for the Church
One of the most meaningful parts of this effort has been the unity it has created. Pastor Francey said, “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.”
He added, “Churches are working together in unprecedented ways around Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples and baptize the nation.”
That unity has brought together churches and denominations that had never worked together before. Some had never even talked before. But they stood side by side, helping people follow Jesus.
As Francey put it, “We are seeing the hand of God—His fingerprints—uniting churches, denominations [that have] never worked together, never really talked together.”
We are thankful for what God is doing through events like this. Let’s pray for those who were baptized and for every church getting ready for Baptize America.
May many more lives be changed and may God receive all the glory.
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