Christian Outreach Brings Baptisms, Live Music to Oceanside

The Firm Believers in Christ ministry brought live music, entertainment, spiritual healing tents and even on-site baptisms to the Oceanside Amphitheater Saturday during the organization’s fourth-annual Oceanside Outreach event.

The ministry, which abbreviates its name as “FBI,” focuses on uniting like-minded individuals who share the same Christian beliefs and want to spread their message to others.

“If you are a firm believer in Christ, you are in the FBI,” said Art Montgomery, who considers himself the ministry’s co-founder. “Jesus is the founder,” he added.

Saturday’s event was highlighted by performances from multiple Christian-themed musical groups representing genres ranging from rap to hard rock.  

According to Montgomery, preaching through music and other nontraditional means is crucial to getting Christianity out in the streets rather than keeping it solely in a church building. 

“In the church, it is just saved people coming there. We want to get [Christianity] outside to people who don’t go to church normally,” said Montgomery. “We want the prostitutes, we want the derelicts, we want everybody to hear the good news,” he said.

Behind the main stage, nestled among the surfers, sunbathers and other beachgoers, stood a tent with bright yellow signs that read “Jesus is coming … Get baptized today!”

Outside the tent was Ron Hartnett, who led willing participants into the Pacific Ocean and then, one by one, dunked them into the surf to officially baptize them. 

“I am just out here trying to do the right thing,” Hartnett said as he finished baptizing 9-year-old Tykese Joseph.

Also baptized by Hartnett was Dillion Meier of Redding, CA. Although his entire family has been baptized, Meier said this was his first time.

“I feel a lot better about myself now because I feel more on their level now,” he said. “I felt like I got lifted off my feet. I feel a little lighter now,” said Meier.

Although baptisms at the Oceanside beach are not a normal day-to-day activity, organizers say it is just one more way to share Christianity with those outside the church. 

“It is Christianity in a different light,” said Montgomery.