"None of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk. And neither, now, will history." -President Donald Trump
[Breaking Christian News] How do you sum up such a powerful day?
How do you convey the feeling of God's Holy Spirit moving on peoples' hearts, evidenced by the raw emotion displayed, and later by their testimonies shared online from all over the world? (Image: Breaking Christian News)
They came from states, and countries, amassing in Arizona, filling the State Farm Stadium to capacity with about 73,000, and approximately another 127,000 watching in overflow venues, according to sources, all to honor the life of Charlie Kirk.
Later, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared TV images of the memorial service. Noting the coverage he said, "Every single network across America and many around the world are taking this revival live."
And, that word "revival" doesn't seem like hyperbole this time.
The assassination of that Christ-centered patriot on September 10th undoubtedly was a kind of catalyst, a wake-up call for the soul.
Charlie's extraordinary memorial service—pulled together seemingly miraculously in only about a week by the incredible, and still-grieving staff of Turning Point USA—began with Scripture-filled worship that permeated the entire arena. Among those leading were Kari Jobe, Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake and others, as the voices of those in the stands joined with theirs, together, at times in a cappella. (Image: Breaking Christian News)
Next, a man whom Charlie considered his pastor, Rob McCoy, recounted some of what Charlie had done, pointing out how the members of TP USA had "pulled off the largest event in Turning Point history" in just six days. Then Pastor McCoy shared the Gospel and gave an invitation to stand if you'd never before believed in Jesus Christ or accepted His gift of salvation. All around the stadium people stood, as Believers applauded, recognizing those who had just become Christians.
Each speaker that followed shared a small slice of how they'd known Charlie Kirk, what he'd meant to them, and how they saw the work he'd begun, grow exponentially. One of his mentors, Christian author Frank Turek, recounted the moments immediately after Charlie was shot, and how he and the Turning Point team jumped into action, rushing him to the hospital while trying to administer CPR in the vehicle.
He said, "I want you to know that we did everything we could to save Charlie, but Charlie was already gone," adding that "He was looking past me right into eternity and, if it's any comfort at all, I learned later that Charlie felt no pain."
Members of the current administration came up to the mic amid sparkler pyrotechnics and talked about Charlie and the impact of his work throughout college campuses in America and around the world.
Vice President JD Vance, very close to the Kirk family, called him a "hero to the United States of America," noting that he was a "martyr for the Christian faith." Secretary Hegseth pointed out what is evident to so many of us that "this is not a political war. It's not even a cultural war. It's a spiritual war: faith and family first."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio aptly and powerfully shared the Gospel once again, as he told of his friend's great faith, and Donald Trump Jr. spoke about Charlie's bravery in the midst of opposition and threats. (Screengrab image: via Newsmax)
But it was Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, who provided perhaps the most powerful moments of the entire afternoon. Sharing personal and poignant times in her relationship with her husband, she reiterated the importance of family, calling on men first to "Be strong and courageous for your families. Love your wives and lead them. Love your children and protect them. Be the spiritual head of your home, but please be a leader worth following. She is your helper. You are not rivals. You are one flesh, working together for the glory of God."
Addressing wives, she said, "Be virtuous. We are the guardians, we are the encouragers, we are the preservers," and she asked women to lead their families with dignity and grace.
But then, sharing about how Charlie tried to live his Savior's call to love his enemies, and pray for those who persecute him, Erika paused, collecting herself. Then she told of how Jesus, while on the cross, asked His Father to "forgive them for they know not what they do." (Screengrab image: via Fox News)
Breathing a quick prayer, and holding back tears, Erika said, "My husband, Charlie, wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life ... That man, that young man ... I forgive him." Throughout the arena people stood and clapped, as Erika broke down for a moment, then said, "I forgive him because it's what Christ did and what Charlie would do."
Following Erika was President Donald Trump, who entered, showered by more pyrotechnics and Lee Greenwood singing "God Bless the USA." (Screengrab image: via Turning Point USA)
"None of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk," Trump said, "and neither, now, will history." He spoke of Charlie's impact throughout the world, adding that the "lesson of Charlie's life is that you should never underestimate what one person can do with a good heart, a righteous cause, a cheerful spirit and the will to 'Fight, Fight, Fight!'" The president praised Erika's strength in the days after her husband's death, and then at the end of his speech, he called Erika back on stage, giving her a heartfelt hug as "America the Beautiful" rang out in the stadium.
This surely was not like any other memorial service, and its impact—Charlie's impact—will no doubt be felt in the weeks and even years to come. (Screengrab image: via Turning Point USA)
From time to time, I know I will be revisiting the "Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk" memorial service on video, to watch some of the moments that impacted me the most. I hope you will do the same. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here
Source:Â Breaking Christian News
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