“[It’s] a historic day, not only for the United States of America, not only the world, but really for, I believe, the kingdom of God”, – Lucas Miles, Executive Director of TPUSA Faith.
On September 21st, over 100,000 Americans flocked to the State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona to commemorate the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk as millions more tuned in. Hours before the stadium opened, thousands gathered in the streets as shouts of “USA” and “We are Charlie!” rang out among the crowd. The crowds were greeted by heavy security measures, including an enormous law enforcement presence, metal detectors, and counter-sniper teams after the event was classified as a SEAR 1 event, triggering maximum federal security.
Resounding anthems of Christian worship music welcomed attendees to the memorial service. Performances from leading Christian artists, such as Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, and Kari Jobe, added to the warm, revivalistic atmosphere that filled the venue. High-profile members of the Trump administration, nationally recognized talk show hosts, and leading voices within the conservative movement gathered to honor Charlie’s enduring impact – a legacy that has already redefined the political landscape and inspired millions.
In the aftermath of Charlie’s assassination, the embers of sorrow have ignited a wildfire of faith. From the heads of executive departments to conservative commentators, each speaker bore witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and His centrality – a sign that a Christian revival is sweeping the nation. Vice President Vance captured this return to God with striking honesty: “I always felt uncomfortable talking about my faith in public, as much as I love the Lord, and as much as it was an important part of my life. I have talked more about Jesus Christ in the past two weeks than I have my entire time in public life.”
Many have dubbed this surge in faith the “Charlie Kirk Effect.” Thousands across the US are returning to church, with some catholic schools reporting a 15% spike in Mass attendance. Matt Zerrusen, cofounder of Newman Ministry, a large catholic non-profit serving 250 college campuses, told Catholic News Agency, “I have not talked to anyone who has not seen an increase in Mass attendance.” Along with boosted church attendance, 10 million copies of the Bible were sold in the month of August alone, an increase of more than a million compared to the previous year.
In the words of President Donald Trump, though the “great, even legendary Charlie Kirk has passed away”, the spirit of America he embodied has only been emboldened. Charlie was a “martyr for American freedom” and “our greatest evangelist for American liberty.”
This is a turning point in the history of our republic where we, as fellow patriots, must decide whether we will remain committed to the values that made that country great, or abandon them.
As Charlie often encouraged, “Never give up, never surrender, and always go for the win.”
The BYU TPUSA chapter’s next event is on October 14 at 6 pm at the Utah State Capitol Rotunda in Salt Lake City, where TPUSA chapters all around Utah will join in celebration of Charlie Kirk’s birthday and honor his mission.
Cover Photo Source: Nathan Andersen
