Jacksonville, Fla. | Florida’s beaches, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools came alive May 7 with the gospel testimonies of 1,285 new Christian believers as 112 Florida Baptist churches partnered for “Acts 2:41 Sunday—Baptizing Coast-to-Coast.”
The Scripture verse refers to the Day of Pentecost detailed in Acts, when Peter and the apostles preached the gospel and thousands responded and were baptized. In Florida, several churches reported that following the public baptisms, those who watched from the beach and other public places listened to gospel presentations and were led to the Lord and baptized right on the spot.
Tommy Green, executive director of the Florida Baptist Convention, said the goal of the Acts 2:41 Sunday “was to celebrate the gospel of Jesus Christ in a unified manner across our state.” With nearly 1,300 baptisms reported, he said, “The results of the day demonstrate the power of the gospel and the evangelistic passion of our churches. It is thrilling to witness the incredible reports of our Florida Baptist churches celebrating baptisms throughout our state.”
While a handful of Florida Baptist churches baptized large numbers of new believers, the majority of churches baptized less than 20 and some in single digits. The day was filled with amazing stories of new believers coming to know Christ and following in believer’s baptism.
First Baptist Church in Dowling Park began Sunday morning singing “Shall We Gather at the River” as pastor Shawn Johnson shared with the congregation the significance of the ordinance of baptism. Six salvations resulted that day.
Then seven new believers—from age 9 to 64—gathered on the banks of the Suwannee Riverand were baptized while church members and onlookers watched. “It was powerful,” Johnson said.
Acts 2:41 Sunday was “an incredible charge for our church and our state,” the pastor said. “The waters of baptism were stirred all across this state. The kingdom is seriously impacted on this day.”
– From Baptist Press