Baptism FAQs
Everything people ask before the Yakima citywide baptism at Myron Lake on Saturday, July 25, 2026 — what to bring, what to wear, what to expect, and whether you can just show up.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the citywide baptism?
Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Myron Lake, at the Greenway entrance off W Fruitvale Blvd near 40th Ave in Yakima, WA. Free parking is at the trailhead.
Is it really free?
Yes. There is no cost, no membership, no class, and no appointment. Baptism is treated as a gift, not a transaction.
Can I just show up to get baptized?
Yes. Walk-ups are welcome and expected. Find the Simply Jesus Prayer Kitchen group near the water and tell someone you're ready. You can email simplyjesusprayerkitchen@gmail.com ahead of time if it helps you feel calmer, but you don't have to.
Who can be baptized?
Anyone who has personally trusted Jesus — believed He died and rose again, and chosen to follow Him. Age doesn't matter, church background doesn't matter, and whether you were baptized as a baby doesn't matter. If this is your own decision, you're welcome.
What should I bring?
A full change of dry clothes (top, bottom, undergarments, dry shoes or sandals), a beach towel, water, sunscreen, and a plastic bag for wet clothes on the way home.
What should I wear to be baptized?
Something modest, comfortable, and easy to change out of when wet. Most people wear a dark-colored t-shirt and shorts over a swimsuit. Athletic clothes work well — they dry fast and don't cling. Avoid white or light shirts (they turn see-through when wet) and heavy denim (very hard to change out of).
What should I expect step by step?
Come to Myron Lake, find the Simply Jesus Prayer Kitchen group, tell someone you want to be baptized, have a short friendly conversation, change into what you'll be baptized in, walk into the water with whoever is baptizing you, share one or two sentences of faith in your own words, get lowered under and lifted back up, then dry off and celebrate. The moment in the water takes less than a minute.
Do I have to speak in front of a crowd?
No. You don't have to give a testimony to the whole group. One or two sentences in your own words to whoever is baptizing you is enough. If you get nervous and forget, they'll help you through it.
What if I change my mind at the water?
That's okay. Nobody will push you. You can watch, take a breath, and decide another day. Most people who feel nervous at the edge feel completely different once they come up out of the water.
Do I need to join a church first?
No. Baptism in the Bible follows faith in Jesus, not church membership. If you believe He died and rose again and you want to follow Him, you're ready.
Is the site accessible?
The Greenway pathway is paved and mostly flat, but the water's edge is natural shoreline. If you or someone with you needs mobility help getting to the water, email simplyjesusprayerkitchen@gmail.com ahead of time so someone can be ready to help.
What about kids?
Kids are welcome to be baptized if it's their own decision. Swim trunks or a swimsuit with a t-shirt over the top works well. Bring extra towels — kids get colder faster than adults, even in July.
Still have a question?
Email simplyjesusprayerkitchen@gmail.com — or just come Saturday.