A California church is making headlines after nearly 1,000 people showed up to be baptized on Saturday at Corona Del Mar State Beach in Newport Beach, California.
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Gina Gleason, church director at Calvary Chapel Church in Chino Hills, told CBN News that the event, which was a record showing of baptisms for the church, was absolutely "remarkable."
"California may be experiencing a spiritual revival," Gleason said. "It's remarkable and a significant number."
Normally, the church — which is led by Pastor Jack Hibbs — sees 300 people show up for baptisms, but Saturday was unique in that nearly 1,000 people sought to express their public profession of faith, CBN noted.
READ ALSO: WHAT IS CHRISTIAN BAPTISM — AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Images and video from the baptisms are absolutely incredible, with Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills taking to social media afterward to ask for people's stories.
"I was baptized together with my wife, and the heartfelt blessing that Pastor Jack gave us is one that I will carry with my throughout my life," one man wrote on Instagram. "Such a wonderful day. Praise our Lord and Savior Jesus."
Another woman added, "A day full of memories I will always cherish. My two older boys getting baptized!"
READ ALSO: 3 LESSONS FROM JESUS’ BAPTISM
Countless additional comments express people's joy over the mass baptism. Interested in learning why baptism matters? We have an explainer for you — plus, take a moment to learn some lessons from Jesus' own baptism.
And finally: take a second today to pray for those who were baptized — and for their families.
Featured Photo Credit: Calvary Chapel Church in Chino Hills/Instagram
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