More than 4,000 people have been baptised in southern California to mark the 50th anniversary of the Jesus Movement.
The mass baptism took place on Pentecost Sunday at Pirate’s Cove — the same place where thousands were baptised at the height of the movement during the 1960s and 1970s.
Premier Christian News reports it was billed as Baptize SoCal — the ‘biggest water baptism event in history’.
Around 280 churches and at least 8,000 people attended to witness 4,166 people declare their new life in Jesus Christ.
Some described it as evidence of a modern-day revival while organisers Oceans Church called it the “greatest Holy Awakening to hit our shores.”
“It was such a blessing to witness so many people getting baptised for one, but to be able to see it happen at the same place that the hippies did it 50 years ago for The Jesus People Movement was just surreal,” wrote videographer Eddy Ferguson.
“What an amazing and historic day. God is moving in California,” said musician and pastor at West Coast Life Church, Ray Gene Wilson.
Social media comments include “A moment I’ll never forget” and “This is absolutely amazing. Praying for all in their new walk with Jesus. Welcome to the Kingdom family.”
Worship leader Lindy Cofer said, “The Church is alive! What a beautiful sight in Southern California!!!”
Pirate’s Cove near Newport Beach featured in the hit Christian movie Jesus Revolution.
It tells the story of Pastor Greg Laurie’s salvation in the Jesus Movement.
“People are hungry for this. I’ve never heard of a movie in the theatre that had people breaking into spontaneous prayer and worship or like I heard one story it was shown in the theatre and afterward some kids wanted to be baptised and they baptised them in the fountain in front of the theatre. I’ve never heard of such things, so I think these are all like little indications that God is at work.” Pastor Laurie told CBN News.
