Citywide Baptism in Yakima: Leave It in the River and Begin Again
Something powerful is happening in Yakima.
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, people from across the community are invited to gather at Myron Lake for “I Left It in the River,” a free citywide baptism event hosted by Simply Jesus Church and Simply Jesus Prayer Kitchen.
The event will take place from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM near the Greenway entrance off Fruitvale Boulevard and 40th Avenue in Yakima, Washington.
This is more than an outdoor gathering. It is an opportunity to learn about Jesus, make a personal decision of faith, receive prayer, be baptized, and begin a new chapter.
What Does It Mean to Leave It in the River?
Many people carry things they were never meant to carry forever.
Regret.
Shame.
Addiction.
Grief.
Anger.
Fear.
The weight of past decisions.
Baptism does not mean that every problem instantly disappears. It represents a personal decision to surrender your old life to Jesus Christ and step forward in faith.
The water itself is ordinary. The miracle is found in the surrender.
When someone enters the water for baptism, they are publicly declaring:
“I believe in Jesus.”
“My past will no longer define me.”
“I am choosing a new direction.”
“I am ready to follow Christ.”
You may enter the water carrying the weight of yesterday, but you do not have to leave the river carrying it.
Why Is Christian Baptism Important?
Baptism is one of the clearest public expressions of Christian faith.
Jesus Himself was baptized before beginning His public ministry. Although Jesus had never sinned and did not need forgiveness, He still chose to enter the water in obedience to God.
For believers today, baptism represents several important things.
A Public Declaration of Faith
Baptism allows a person to openly declare that they believe in Jesus Christ and desire to follow Him.
A Picture of New Life
Going beneath the water represents leaving behind the old life. Rising from the water represents beginning a new life through Jesus.
A Step of Obedience
No one else can be baptized for you.
Other people can pray for you, encourage you, teach you, and walk beside you, but there comes a moment when your faith must become your own decision.
A New Beginning
Your history does not disqualify you from the love of God.
You are not too broken, too far away, too old, too young, or too complicated for Jesus to reach.
Who Can Attend the Yakima Citywide Baptism?
Everyone is welcome to attend.
This free community baptism event is for:
- People who want to learn more about Jesus
- New believers who are ready to be baptized
- Christians who want to publicly renew their commitment
- Families supporting someone being baptized
- Community members who need prayer or encouragement
- People who are unsure about faith but are willing to listen
You do not need to have everything figured out before coming.
You do not need perfect clothes, a perfect history, or perfect Bible knowledge.
Come as you are.
Men will baptize men, and women will baptize women. Parents or responsible guardians should accompany and supervise minors.
To learn more about the church hosting the baptism, visit SimplyJesusChurch.org.
To learn more about the community outreach, meals, prayer, and support offered through the Prayer Kitchen, visit SimplyJesusPrayerKitchen.org.
Free Baptism Gifts and Keepsakes
The first 50 people baptized will receive either a free baptism T-shirt or backpack while supplies last.
Each person baptized will also receive a special custom baptism photo button featuring a photograph from their baptism.
The photo buttons will not be handed out at the lake. They will be prepared after the baptism so each person can receive a meaningful keepsake featuring their own baptism moment.
These keepsakes are more than promotional items. They are reminders of a personal decision, a spiritual milestone, and a moment worth remembering.
Celebration Dinner and Baptism Photo Button Pickup
Everyone baptized will be invited to a free After-Baptism Celebration Dinner on:
Thursday, August 20, 2026
6:00 PM
Simply Jesus Church
During the dinner, participants will have the opportunity to reconnect, enjoy a free meal, receive encouragement, and learn practical next steps for continuing their walk with Jesus.
Each participant will also receive their completed custom baptism photo button during the celebration dinner.
Transportation assistance will be available for baptized participants who need help getting to the dinner.
The celebration dinner is designed to remind each person that baptism is not the end of their journey. It is the beginning of a life of faith, fellowship, growth, and connection.
What Happens After Baptism?
Baptism is not the finish line. It is a beginning.
After baptism, believers are encouraged to take five simple steps.
1. Pray
Talk with Jesus honestly and regularly. Prayer does not have to sound impressive. Speak to Him from your heart.
2. Read the Bible
Spend time learning God’s Word. Begin with one of the Gospels, such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, to learn more about the life and teachings of Jesus.
3. Grow With a Church Family
Faith is difficult to live alone. Find a Bible-believing church where you can worship, learn, serve, and build healthy relationships.
Simply Jesus Church welcomes people who want to learn more about Jesus and grow alongside a church family.
4. Share What Jesus Has Done
Your story may help someone else believe that change is possible.
You do not need to know every answer. Simply tell the truth about what Jesus has done in your life.
5. Live and Love Like Jesus
Following Jesus means learning to forgive, serve, show compassion, speak truth, and love people in everyday life.
What Should You Bring to the Baptism?
Participants should consider bringing:
- Comfortable clothing that can get wet
- A change of dry clothes
- A towel
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Any needed personal medications
- A responsible adult to supervise children
The baptism will take place outdoors, so participants should prepare for summer weather and uneven walking areas near the lake.
Yakima Needs Hope
Many people in our community are quietly carrying pain.
Some are struggling with addiction.
Some are grieving.
Some are rebuilding after incarceration, homelessness, abuse, broken relationships, or years of feeling forgotten.
Others may look successful from the outside but feel empty on the inside.
Jesus does not only call people who appear to have everything together. He calls ordinary people with real stories, real wounds, and real questions.
The message of the Gospel is not that you must repair yourself before coming to God.
The message is that Jesus meets you where you are and invites you to follow Him.
Through Simply Jesus Prayer Kitchen, people in the Yakima community are offered meals, prayer, encouragement, and connection to helpful resources.
The Prayer Kitchen is not simply about serving food. It is about meeting people where they are, showing the love of Jesus, and reminding people that they have not been forgotten.
Nobody Can Take This Step for You
Someone can invite you.
Someone can pray for you.
Someone can explain the meaning of baptism.
Someone can stand beside you at the river.
But no one can make your decision for you.
There comes a moment when faith becomes personal.
This may be your moment.
Citywide Baptism Event Details
Event: I Left It in the River — Citywide Baptism
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Myron Lake in Yakima, near the Greenway entrance off Fruitvale Boulevard and 40th Avenue
Hosted by: Simply Jesus Church and Simply Jesus Prayer Kitchen
Cost: Free
Who Is Welcome: Everyone
Come learn about Jesus, receive prayer, witness baptisms, or take your own step into the water.
You may arrive carrying your past.
You may arrive carrying questions.
You may arrive feeling uncertain.
But you do not have to leave the same way you came.
Come to the river.
Leave it there.
Rise and begin again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baptism
Do I need to register before being baptized?
Participants are encouraged to arrive during the event hours and speak with a baptism team member. Any available registration or preparation instructions will be provided at the event.
Do I have to belong to Simply Jesus Church?
No. This is a citywide community baptism, and people from throughout Yakima and the surrounding area are welcome.
What should I wear?
Wear modest, comfortable clothing that can get wet. Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes.
Can children be baptized?
Parents or guardians should speak with the baptism leaders about a child’s understanding and readiness. Minors must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult.
Can I attend without being baptized?
Yes. You are welcome to attend, ask questions, receive prayer, support others, or learn more about Jesus without being baptized.
Is there a charge to participate?
No. The citywide baptism event and after-baptism celebration dinner are free.
Will men and women be baptized separately?
Men will baptize men, and women will baptize women to help participants feel safe and comfortable.
When will I receive my baptism photo button?
Baptized participants will receive their custom baptism photo button during the After-Baptism Celebration Dinner on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Simply Jesus Church.
Take Your Next Step
Do not allow fear, embarrassment, or your past to keep you from a new beginning.
Jesus is still changing lives.
The invitation is open.
The water is waiting.
Will you leave it in the river?
Custom Baptism Photo Buttons by TSO Custom Keepsakes
The custom baptism photo buttons for this event are being created by TSO Custom Keepsakes — Testify Swag Official.
Each button will preserve a participant’s baptism photograph as a meaningful reminder of the day they publicly chose to follow Jesus.
The buttons will be presented to baptized participants during the After-Baptism Celebration Dinner on August 20, 2026, at Simply Jesus Church.
Learn more about custom photo buttons, baptism keepsakes, event keepsakes, and personalized photo gifts at TestifySwagOfficial.com.
TSO Custom Keepsakes — Testify Swag Official
“Moments that whisper are worth remembering.”
“Because moments fade. Love doesn’t.”
