Churches from across California, the United States, have gathered on the beach to witness a mass baptism of over 4,000 people on Pentecost Sunday 2023.

Advertised as the ‘biggest water baptism event in history’, Baptize SoCal drew thousands to Pirates Cove, Corona Del Mar to mark the 50th anniversary of the Jesus Movement – an evangelical Christian awakening which began in California and saw hundreds of thousands of people come to Christ.

Over 280 churches and 8,000 attendees met to celebrate Pentecost and witness the baptisms of 4,166 believers in the Pacific Ocean.

Speaking of the experience on social media, many attendees described it as a modern-day “revival”, a display that the “Church is alive” and a reflection of the Church found in the book of Acts.

Organisers Oceans Church called the event the "greatest Holy Awakening to hit our shores." 

Speaking on Instagram, musician and pastor at West Coast Life Church, Ray Gene Wilson said: "What an amazing and historic day! Thousands baptized at Pirates Cove, God is moving in California!"

Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa used the same location in the 1960’sand 1970’s to share the Holy Gospel and baptize people during the movement’s height.

Father God,

We thank you for the many who declared their faith in you at baptisms on Pentecost Sunday.

We pray you would draw near to them and their relationship with you would continue to grow deeper.

We ask for many more to be encouraged to give their life to you.

In Jesus' name,

Amen