Two weeks ago, Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk was murdered in Utah while speaking at an outdoor rally. The news shook us to the core. We wept in sorrow. Many responded in anger, others in fear. Some were left asking hard questions: If someone can be struck down in broad daylight for their convictions, what does that mean for the rest of us?

And yet, even in our grief and uncertainty, we remember the words of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God is near to the brokenhearted and faithful to His people. Tragedy does not silence the truth of Christ, nor does it diminish the hope we have in Him.

Charlie was not without controversy, but his faith in Jesus Christ remained central to his life and work. His comments and writings often drew criticism from media outlets, political leaders, and others. At times, his words sparked firestorms of debate both in person and online. Yet through it all, he sought to engage people from all walks of life—especially the young people of America—in meaningful conversations about issues that provoke thought and discussion. 

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, tens of thousands gathered for Charlie’s memorial service. The overflowing crowds—more than 90,000 in attendance and millions more watching worldwide—came together to worship Jesus and to celebrate the life of one taken too soon. They came with broken hearts, but with a faith in Christ that cannot be shaken. As Matthew 5:4 reminds us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Since Charlie’s death, we have witnessed something remarkable. Thousands have gathered across the country to remember, to pray, and to sing. Imagine crowds lifting their voices—not in anger, not in hate, but in praise and worship. It has been incredible and humbling to watch. We have seen lives changed as people returned to church, opened their Bibles for the first time in a long time (or ever), and opened their hearts to Jesus. The world has been changed and continues to be changed.

We have seen lives changed as people returned to church, opened their Bibles for the first time in years (or ever), and opened their hearts to Jesus. At Charlie’s memorial alone, hundreds responded to an altar call to accept Christ as Savior, and thousands prayed for and with one another.

Charlie Kirk had a relationship with the risen Savior that continues to inspire countless others to ask questions, to seek answers, and to discover what a life walking with Christ is truly like. As John 11:25-26 tells us, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

And yet, even in our grief and uncertainty, we remember that God is near to the brokenhearted and faithful to His people. Tragedy cannot silence the truth of Christ, nor diminish the hope we have in Him. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us: “Neither death nor life...will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Our God is an awesome God! Even in mourning the life of a young Christian man martyred for his faith, people around the globe are lifting high the name of Jesus. Hearts are being turned to Him, realizing that Charlie had something special—something eternal—that can never be taken away. As Revelation 21:4 promises: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”