On a single day in California, a miracle unfolded. Over 7,000 people were baptized in the state that is not at all in the Bible belt, but one that recently saw a powerful outpouring of faith. Mark Francey, founder of Baptize California, shared how the event, held in Huntington Beach, was a testament to God’s movement across the state.
‘’It’s gotta be God’’
Reflecting on the baptism event, Francey says: ‘’If what you’re doing is bigger, better, smarter, and cooler than you, you know it can’t be you or any of the people doing it. It’s gotta be God.’’
Francey described May 3rd as ‘’a sovereign day,’’ filled with divine intervention. “It felt like we were living inside the Book of Acts,” he said. Despite the chilly, rainy weather, thousands gathered for what would be a record-breaking day. “California was not doing us any favors,” Francey admitted, recalling the 61-degree temperatures and intermittent rain, “but we were able to baptize people for 9 hours.”
It felt like we were living inside the Book of Acts.
On that day, 1,100 people got saved on the day of the event, and about 600-700 of them were baptized immediately. ‘’It was a crazy day that I will never forget,’’ said Francey, reflecting on the event with gratitude and awe.
It was a crazy day that I will never forget.
Challenging the Norms: California’s Fire for The Gospel
In response to those who have “given up” on places considered hostile to Christianity, such as California, Portland, and New York City, Francey shared a hopeful perspective. ‘’Jesus doesn’t turn his back on any cities,’’ he said. ‘’He’s historically always done his best work from unlikely places.” Referencing the biblical story of Nathaniel, who doubted anything good could come from Nazareth, he pointed out that God thrives in unexpected locations. “Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more,” he added, emphasizing that California has seen some of the greatest outpourings of the Holy Spirit in the last century.
Francey urged Christians to embrace the challenge of reaching these places instead of avoiding them. ‘’God likes using places that everyone’s given up on to be the epicenter of something great.’’
God likes using places that everyone’s given up on to be the epicenter of something great.
Baptize America: A Nationwide Movement
What began as Baptize California has now evolved into a nationwide mission: Baptize America. Francey explained the inspiration behind the movement, citing a vision he received from God three years ago. ‘’I want the day of Pentecost to be the day that My kids celebrate water baptism,’’ Francey recalled hearing. There was a tradition back in the European church called Whit Sunday. This entailed that on Pentecost Sunday, everyone would wear white, go to church and get water baptized.
I want the day of Pentecost to be the day that my kids celebrate water baptism.
Francey emphasized that the ultimate goal is to unite the Church, not just in California, but across the United States. “When the local church wins, the Kingdom wins,” he said. This year, local churches across America will host their own baptism events on June 8, following the Pentecost weekend celebration.
Revival and Awakening Among Gen Z
Francey sees a profound shift happening in the hearts of younger generations. ‘’I think we’ve seen how hollow the world is when there is no God,’’ he said.
He believes that the struggles and disillusionment of the past few years have led to a zeal within people, especially among Gen Z. ‘’I think there’s this almost a holy fight rising up inside of people going, you know what, if God is real, let’s go after him as aggressively as we did living our dark lives.’’
If God is real, let’s go after him as aggressively as we did living our dark lives.
A Powerful Redemption: Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano’s Story
One powerful story that emerged from the event was that of Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, former underboss of the notorious Gambino crime family, who recently gave his life to Christ. In a heartfelt video, Gravano shared, “I ran with the streets, led one of the most powerful crime families in America…but none of that gave me true peace.”
Gravano’s testimony of surrendering to Jesus exemplifies the transformative power of faith and the message of redemption that Baptize California seeks to spread. Click the video down below to hear more of his story.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Baptize America
The story of Baptize California and the upcoming Baptize America movement is not just about numbers—it’s about revival and transformation. Francey sees a future where this movement continues to spread, reaching even the most unlikely places. ‘’If God can do it here, He can do it anywhere,’’ he said, and with the support of local churches and the power of social media, this vision is becoming a reality.
’If God can do it here, He can do it anywhere.
With more baptisms scheduled for June 8, 2024, across America, this movement is far from over. It’s a testament to the power of God working through ordinary people, in unexpected places, and it offers hope to a generation seeking answers in a world full of distractions.
Francey ends on a faith-filled note: ‘’Josephus said that everywhere Christianity went in the first century, the morality of the cities would shift and change. They call Christianity the moral antiseptic of the ancient world. And I think that’s what’s happening right now. In America, things are shifting and turning.’’
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