In the latest of a series of mass baptisms on Florida beaches, more than 1,600 people have been submerged in the sea at Hanna Park Beach to confirm their newfound faith in Jesus. The event was organised by Jacksonville’s The Church of Eleven22 named after the verse in Mark 11:22 which reads: Have faith in God, Answered Jesus.
Church spokesperson Jay Owen told CBN News it is evident that “a mighty move of God’ is taking place in America, despite all the divisions over the Gaza War and social policies. He added: “It’s a great reminder that the church is not dead, and neither is God. He is moving amongst His people all over the world and we’re all just swept up in His work. It’s a gift to be a part of it all.”
People came from across American to participate in this year’s annual church beach baptism. “It’s grown every year. Last year, we had 1,126 baptised and this year that number increased to 1,614,” Mr. Owen confirmed. Pastor Joby Martin, founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 said: “It doesn’t get much better than that. The church is alive and well, the Spirit of God is on the move, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is still changing lives as it has for thousands of years.”
One notable figure cheering on his fellow congregants was former NFL star Tim Tebow who’s a member of the church. He was seen in the water helping to baptise new believers. CBN News reports comments on social media from some of the newborn Christians and supporters after the mass baptism included: “Best day of my life” and “This is incredible! Praise the Lord! My family was baptised today.”
Over Easter more than 200 people were baptised by Core Group leader Pastor Jenny Weaver at Clearwater Beach near Tampa. A few weeks later, nearly 1,000 were baptised through Grace Family Church at Fort De Soto Beach in the same city.
Just last weekend, thousands joined Pastor Weaver on the shores of Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota to praise and worship Jesus during a Summer of Baptisms event that was held simultaneously with baptisms in Louisiana, Tennessee, California, Texas, and Missouri. More than 2,000 people signed up for the nationwide event which saw hundreds baptised. Pastor Weaver said what took place was, “Absolutely a move of God!”
Photo: Facebook – The Church of Eleven22
Article from Vision Editorial Team, Vision Christian Media