River Baptism Reflects Spiritual Momentum at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Georgia

McINTYRE, GA. (Dec. 13, 2025)—An “old-fashioned river baptism” drew believers and seekers alike to the Oconee River this autumn, reflecting what church leaders describe as unprecedented spiritual momentum at New Hope Christian Fellowship in McIntyre, Georgia.

Historic Outdoor Baptism Celebrates Gospel Response

On October 25, 2025, members and guests of New Hope Christian Fellowship gathered at Balls Ferry State Park for a riverside baptism service that saw 14 individuals baptized by immersion before an assembled crowd. According to The Christian Index, the service brought an estimated 70 people together, with many witnessing Christ’s call to repentance and faith for the first time.

The church streamed the event live on Facebook, where the video has reached more than 2,300 viewers, extending the gospel’s reach well beyond the riverbank.

"The Lord is just really working right now, and I’m just proud to be a part of it,” said Pastor Bill Harpe, reflecting on the baptism and growing spiritual life at his congregation.

Highlights of the River Baptism Event

• Date & Location: October 25, 2025 | Balls Ferry State Park on the Oconee River.
• Baptized by Immersion: 14 individuals publicly declared faith in Jesus Christ.
• Attendees: Approximately 70 people were present on site.
• Online Reach: Over 2,300 views of the live-streamed baptism.
• Fellowship Meal: Community fish fry followed the service.

Spiritual Momentum and Gospel Witness

New Hope’s pastor, Bill Harpe, a leader at the 29-year-old fellowship, said in an interview that he has never seen spiritual engagement on this level in his quarter-century of ministry.

Church leaders view the river baptism not merely as tradition but as a public testimony of regeneration — believers going down into the waters in obedience to Christ’s command and rising to walk in newness of life (cf. Romans 6:4). This outdoor setting echoes the New Testament’s emphasis on baptism as both a symbolic death to sin and a new life in Christ.

Christian Perspective:

“Like the early church on the banks of the Jordan River, believers today are called not only to confess Christ in private, but to publicly identify with His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6; Matthew 28:19-20).”

What Leaders Are Saying

Pastor Harpe emphasized the gospel opportunity created by gathering in a public, open-air setting:

“That is 2,300 people who have heard the gospel,” he said of the online viewers.

Church members described the event as a powerful reminder that the gospel continues to transform lives and mobilize communities — even outside traditional sanctuary walls.

Christian Revival News: Baptism as Gospel Witness

River baptisms like this one resonate with believers who see immersion not merely as tradition but as obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission — an unmistakable, visual declaration that Christ changes lives and calls disciples to follow Him publicly.

By hosting baptism in a natural setting with invited friends, neighbors, and online viewers, New Hope Christian Fellowship exemplifies a burgeoning discipleship movement in the local church that attracts attention beyond denominational lines.

From Scripture

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead… we also should walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:4 (NKJV)

This passage illuminates the theological meaning of baptism practiced at New Hope: believers are joined to Christ’s death and resurrection, publicly testifying to salvation through faith in Jesus alone.

Join the Movement of Prayer & Revival

Readers are invited to:

• Pray for spiritual fruit from events like this in churches across America.
• Share a prayer request or praise report in America’s Prayer Room.
• Explore upcoming Christian revival gatherings on the AWAKE America Events Page.

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