A global Christian movement has made history, uniting an estimated seven million believers from 225 countries and territories in a 25-hour worldwide event.
Through cutting-edge AI technology, livestreaming, and a shared commitment to prayer and worship, Christians across every continent participated in Gather25.
The event was streamed live from seven locations, including the United States, New Zealand, Malaysia, Romania, Rwanda, the United Kingdom, and Peru.
Premier Christian News reports it was translated into 87 languages in real time.
Gather25 reported that more than 21,000 churches and homes hosted watch parties, with believers gathering in living rooms, remote villages, and large public spaces.
In Cebu City, Philippines, over 5,000 people joined an outdoor event.
More than 117,000 prison inmates in the United States participated through God Behind Bars.
Even in Antarctica, scientists at the Chapel of the Snows came together in worship.
The impact extended even further with TBN broadcasting segments throughout the weekend, reaching a potential audience of two billion viewers worldwide.
Speakers and worship artists including Matt Redman, Jennie Allen, Christine Caine, Matt Maher and Australia’s Darlene Zschech took part.
“Gather25 was a resounding roar for His Church. Heaven touched Earth during these 25 hours together,” the organisation posted on social media.
“All over the world lives are now forever changed, faith is strengthened, and we’re ignited to take the name of Jesus to everybody everywhere”.
“THANK YOU LORD! Words cannot describe every moment, every prayer, every miracle, and every God-sized dream that was born in these 25 hours.”
“The only worthy response to something like this is to give thanks, and ask ourselves what God would have us do, and who He would have us reach.”
“While our 25 hours together are done, this is only the beginning,” it concluded.
Christian visionary and author and Bible teacher Jennie Allen who founded Gather25 declared: “What we witnessed was a glimpse of heaven.”
“People from every nation, tribe, and language, united in one mission: to make Jesus known. This is only possible through prayer.”
Pastor Mmbongya from Malawi described the life-changing impact, saying: “We thank Jesus for the global Church gathering in Malawi at the Dzaleka refugee camp.
“We have seen the Holy Spirit move through prayer and worship, with great encounters.”
Jennie Allen told CBN News how the concept for Gather25 germinated:
“I had a vivid dream that Jesus was coming back the night that my friend had prayed for me to hear from God.”
“When I dreamed that, I woke up and I thought, you know if He did come back in our lifetime, or if He came back in the next 10 years, what would He do?”
“And it wasn’t good news in the dream.”
“I woke up at 5 am and the Lord brought it to my mind to host the global church.”
“I had no idea what it would cost in the last two years.”
“The technology when I dreamed that, wasn’t even available to do it. But it exists today.”
“I began to share the idea with people, and everyone was saying yes with me.”
Bible teachers Priscilla Shirer and John Mark Comer joined Jennie Allen to help run the event.
“This whole Gather25 is really a love letter to the church, to remind the entire global church that our Saviour is still standing at the door,” Ms. Shirer told CBN News.
“He wants not only more from you, in terms of surrender, but He wants more for you in terms of abundant life.” she added.
“The world is a very big place. And the followers of Jesus around the world are experiencing very different things,” Mr. Comer told CBN News.
“The world is reeling in all that chaos, and deeply in need of peace, and the stability that ultimately only comes from when you are re-rooted in God.”
“And the church cannot offer an alternative to the chaos of the world when we are divided and chaotic ourselves,” Mr. Comer continued.
Watching the event unfold, Jennie Allen said it was “nothing short of a miracle.””It really has been only God. There is no other story here.”
“I feel like I am in the centre of a hurricane of God’s glory.”
Gather25 was made possible through key partnerships with YouVersion, Finishing the Task, World Evangelical Alliance, RightNow Media, Bible Gateway, Revive Europe, Arise Asia, and many others.
Organisers are already making plans to repeat the event in two years.
