In a world where information spreads at the speed of light and digital connectivity is at an all-time high, one might assume that the Gospel has reached every corner of the earth. Yet, the reality is striking: over 5.5 billion people remain unreached. But why? If Jesus walked the earth today, would He be on social media?
The reasons are complex and deeply interwoven with history, culture, and modern society. In regions dominated by other religions, governments impose strict regulations that suppress Christianity. In secularized nations, a growing trend of atheism and agnosticism distances people from faith. Many live in societies where Jesus is simply unknown — not opposed, just never introduced. And for some, Christianity has been misrepresented, associated with colonialism, corruption, or empty rituals instead of the life-changing grace it truly offers.
Adding to this, the modern world presents unique barriers to faith. The digital age has flooded minds with distractions, making deep spiritual reflection rare. The rise of “self-made” success stories convinces many they don’t need God. Social media influences, cultural relativism, and skepticism toward organized religion further contribute to the spiritual blindness that keeps billions from knowing Christ.
The world in 2025 continues to face crises that demand the Church’s active presence. Economic instability, mental health struggles, digital overload, and political turmoil have left people searching for meaning, but often in places that offer no lasting hope. AI and automation are reshaping the job market, creating new economic anxieties. Climate change continues to displace entire communities. Wars and conflicts persist, leading to humanitarian crises.
In the midst of these challenges, the Church must step up — not just inside its walls but in the public sphere. Now more than ever, believers must meet people where they are: in workplaces, online spaces, and through humanitarian efforts. The Gospel must not be confined to Sunday sermons but lived out daily in tangible, impactful ways.
A Wake-Up Call for the Church: The Gather25 Experience
Despite centuries of evangelism, billions remain unreached. The reasons are complex and layered, but one thing is clear — every believer has a role to play in changing this reality.
When five Ripple Ministry leaders joined over seven million believers for Gather25 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, they stepped into a moment far bigger than themselves. Gather25 was a movement. A 25-hour global broadcast united the Church across continents, denominations, and generations with one central message: the Great Commission is not a suggestion but a mandate.
The event shattered the illusion that the Gospel had already reached everyone. With powerful testimonies, worship, and calls to action, believers were reminded that time is short, and the harvest is plenty. The Church cannot afford complacency.
For Ripple Ministry, Gather25 was a divine appointment. Head Pastor Atty. Jezrel Perez, Ministry Partner Stella Geraldez, Dipolog Head Outreach Mentor and Preacher Patricia Louise Garcia, and Ministry Workers-Leaders Gabriel Retuya and Kevin Mangubat represented Ripple at the event. But the impact stretched beyond them. Ripple’s Dipolog and Batangas ministries hosted virtual Gather Groups, ensuring that the message extended far beyond Malaysia. Other satellite leaders tuned in from their homes, making it a truly global experience.
Gather25 reinforced a deep truth that Ripple Ministry has long embraced: faith is not separate from daily life. It’s not something confined to Sunday services or ministry programs. Rather, it should be embedded in everything — our work, our leadership, our interactions, and our approach to life.
Highlighting a few essential themes, Ripple Ministry is now actively integrating the lessons from Gather25 into its mission:
The role of every believer. Who is responsible for sharing the Gospel? Many assume it is the job of pastors, missionaries, or ministry leaders, but Jesus never limited the Great Commission to a select few. Why, then, do so many believers remain silent? Is it fear? A lack of confidence? Or perhaps a misunderstanding that evangelism is only for those with formal ministry training? In reality, the Great Commission is a universal call — one that applies to students, professionals, business leaders, and even virtual assistants. Every believer is called to be a witness in their sphere of influence. Whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or digital workspaces, there are opportunities every day to share Christ’s love. The question is: Are we taking them?Technology as a tool for evangelism. To reiterate, if Jesus walked the earth today, would He be on social media? Would He use technology to spread the message of salvation? The answer is undoubtedly yes. Technology has become the primary way people communicate, yet many Christians are hesitant to use it for evangelism. Why? Perhaps they believe that online interactions are impersonal or ineffective. But Gather25 showed the opposite — millions were impacted through digital platforms. From webinars to podcasts to social media outreach, technology is not just a tool; it’s a mission field. If believers do not occupy these spaces, who will? What would happen if every Christian treated their online presence as an opportunity to share the Gospel?
Unity in the Church. Why is division so prevalent among Christians? If the Gospel is about love, why do we see so much disunity? Across denominations, languages, and cultures, believers often focus more on what separates them rather than what unites them. Yet Gather25 proved that when the Church comes together with one purpose, incredible things happen. Ripple Ministry is now strengthening partnerships with other faith-driven organizations to advance the Kingdom together. The question remains: Will we let our differences divide us, or will we unite for the greater mission?
Revival starts with personal commitment. What does true revival look like? Is it a grand event, a powerful sermon, or a moment of deep worship? Or is it something more? Revival is not merely attending large events — it starts in the hearts of individual believers. It’s about personal commitment to prayer, Scripture, and sharing the faith in everyday life. Without personal transformation, corporate revival is impossible. If every believer took their personal relationship with Jesus seriously, how much would the world change?
Next Steps: Turning Vision into Action
A movement as significant as Gather25 does not end when the broadcast stops. It is only the beginning. Ripple Ministry understands that attending an event — even one as powerful as this — is meaningless unless it leads to action. And that is exactly what they intend to do.
The leadership team has already begun hosting vision-casting sessions to ensure that the fire ignited at Gather25 translates into tangible steps forward. These sessions realign the ministry’s focus, reinforce its commitment to the Great Commission, and equip its leaders to take the Gospel further than ever before.
Beyond vision-casting, Ripple’s ministry leaders are actively exploring new ways to leverage digital platforms for evangelism. Inspired by Gather25’s powerful use of technology, they are strategizing how to maximize social media, online gatherings, and digital content to spread the message of Christ effectively.
Additionally, Ripple is deepening its local outreach efforts. The ministries in Dipolog and Batangas, which hosted virtual Gather Groups during the event, are now looking at how to sustain and expand these gatherings. The goal is to create consistent touchpoints where believers can come together for discipleship, accountability, and mobilization — because transformation doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in community.
Gather25 was a catalyst, but it was never meant to be the climax. The event was a spark — now, it is up to the Church to keep the fire burning. The mission continues. The urgency remains. The call to action is undeniable. The Church must rise, mobilize, and go into all the world, reaching the lost and equipping the saints.
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