Habersham Central High School student Ronald Butseecha is baptized in the Chattahoochee River. Associated Press/Mike Stewart

A worshiper prays at the altar during a service at River Point Community Church before baptisms in the Chattahoochee River. Associated Press/Mike Stewart

Resaca Church Of God Pastor Mitchell Gaston holds a bible as he prays before congregants are baptized in the Coosawattee River. Associated Press/Mike Stewart

Ellie Langford, 12, prays as she is baptized in the Coosawattee River. Ciara Langford, whose two daughters were baptized, said, "I felt immense joy and peace. … The peace comes from knowing my children are surrendering themselves to something larger than they are." Associated Press/Mike Stewart

Resaca Church Of God Pastor Mitchell Gaston, left, prays with others as they baptize Ellie Langford, 12, in the Coosawattee River, near Calhoun, Ga. Associated Press/Mike Stewart

Resaca Church Of God Pastor Mitchell Gaston, left, with Clint Cooper and David Vowell baptize Ellie Langford, 12, in the Coosawattee River on Sept. 25. Associated Press/Mike Stewart

Nicholas Lewis comes out of the Chattahoochee River on Sept. 18. Associated Press/Mike Stewart

Brothers Will, 10, left, and Bowe Roberts, 9, react after being baptized in the Chattahoochee River on Sept. 18. Associated Press/Mike Stewart

Garrett Dorsey, 8, is baptized in the Chattahoochee River. Associated Press/Mike Stewart