SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - Pastors from various denominations across the Rio Grande Valley met on South Padre Island on Saturday for their 3rd Annual baptism event, titled "Praise on Padre."
The host was Beach Water Park.
Clark Ortiz, lead pastor of Pharr-based Center Church, said the event allows believers and even non-believers to be “born again.”
He explained: “It is not just about going into the water and dipping in. Anybody can do that. It’s about a complete conversion, a conversion of the old man to the new man, receiving Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and then your public proclamation of salvation to the world. When you go into the water, you're that old man, but when you come out of the water, it's like a rebirth.”
Ron Whitlock, veteran broadcaster for Ron Whitlock Reports, attended Praise on Padre. He said thousands of people were in attendance with hundreds receiving salvation and baptism.
“Praise On Padre was a vibrant praise and worship event was held at the Beach Waterpark on South Padre Island, Texas,” Whitlock said. “Attendees immersed themselves in live worship from churches and worship groups from around the Valley while enjoying the park's thrilling water attractions, including a lazy river, water slides, Cabanas and more. The day of spiritual and recreational blessings were refreshing.”
Here is a video recording of the event:
