With flags and music, Christians march up Santa Monica beach

Waving flags that said "Jesus is King," 650 Christians marched up the beach bike path to the pier Saturday in an event that was meant to spark revival.

"This is not a protest," said Vadim Semenchuk, a coordinator with United Revival of Sacramento which staged the event. "We're here to proclaim the name of Jesus."

Drawing smiles, smirks and wondering stares on a walk more famous for fun and flashing flesh, the gathering first worshipped, prayed and preached on the grass next to the beach at Barnard Way, before walking up to the pier shouting Jesus chants.

"The church of California has gotten its roar back," said Ross Johnston, who leads the Orange County based group California Will be Saved. "The only hope for America, the only hope for California is Jesus. We're not just here to get excited and feel good, we're here to start a move. We pray for the Golden State to become golden again."

Police initially estimated the event to have 325 people, but a more careful count by this reporter as they marched up the bike path revealed there were in fact 650. Latecomers may account for the discrepancy.

United Revival started doing outdoor revival events and marches during Covid when riots convulsed America over racial police brutality.

"When the world was protesting and riots were happening, we were like, why doesn't the church go out and march and proclaim the goodness of Christ," said co-founder Ivan Katrenyak. "The whole goal is to rally the church. As Joshua took cities (in the Old Testament), we're here doing that today and exalting the name of Jesus."

Coming Jesus marches this year will be held in Phoenix, Dallas, Tampa, Seattle, Portland, Denver, San Francisco and Sacramento, where United Revival is based and is raising up a local church in the North Islands neighborhood.

"It's amazing," remarked bystander Lionel. "This gentleman and this lady prayed for me. It's a big group. It's inspiring to see people with God and Jesus in the midst of all the craziness. It's good to see everybody doing this."

Tourist Candy from Las Vegas also had a positive take on the event. "It's a good thing for believers in Christ to spread the word."

What stood out to the observer was that the leaders were almost all young.

"It's good to see a young generation sharing the good news about Jesus," said Samira, who came to join the march. "They're sharing the love of God and giving hope for people."

Michael Ashcraft teaches journalism at the Lighthouse Christian Academy in Santa Monica.