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Dear Shiloh Family,

Ordinarily, when I give commentary on current events, it entails some humorous kid-wisdom or bit of wit from one of my grandchildren.  Or, it reveals the totally human vulnerability of your Pastor. I rarely delve into the realm of national news and seldom, if ever, breach the wall of political issues.  However, the recent assassination of speaker and activist, Charlie Kirk, deserves, rather demands at the very least, a plea for consideration and prayer.

I can’t comment on his personal or social life other than what has already been said on national and local news stations.  I have never broken bread with him nor even shook his hand.  I’m not even one who has followed him on Facebook, twitter, or internet; nor was I a faithful blogger.

What I do know is that he was one of the most outspoken leaders for the conservative movement in the U.S. today.  I know that he was a huge factor in the election of President Trump.  In fact, his speech at the RNC was arguably one of the most powerful and revealing speeches in our decade. Poll numbers appear to reveal that since Turning Point USA began, more and more high school, college, and young married Americans have transitioned toward the conservative movement and American Patriotism.

However, what I’m most impressed with, is the boldness, passion, and unrestrained truth in which he spoke of Biblical issues and his personal faith.  He was not afraid to stand on the written word of God, nor was he ashamed to proclaim its principles.  Mr. Kirk clearly opened the doors and bridged the gaps of religion and politics. His presentation of concrete facts and evidence made it clear that America, and the western world was divinely destined to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, whether it be from the church pulpit or the governmental podium.

I understand that he was not perfect in any way.  And some are trying to twist his words and take them out of context in order to make him appear even more tarnished.  However, I use one of his last quotes in defense, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith.  That would be the most important.  The most important thing is my faith.”

I also quote Franklin Graham when he said, “All Charlie Kirk did was love his Lord Jesus Christ and love young people enough to give them the truth, even about hard subjects like gender, marriage, abortion, and much more.”  I couldn’t agree more!

The book of Acts tells of how Christians in the early church were being persecuted.  Even though they were ridiculed, punished, and shamed, they continued to preach Jesus; crucified, risen, and coming again.  

Acts 5:40-42
40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.  NKJV

Christians can allow this tragic event to turn to hate, or we can allow the love of Jesus to shine through us and allow the rivers of living waters to gush from our very being to a dark and thirsty world.  Oh, that his death would spark life and that his former life would ignite desire…desire to stand bold and firm on the tried-and-true principles of God’s Holy Word.

We pray for the family and close friends of Charlie Kirk.  Our sincerest prayers are for comfort in their loss, and the comfort of knowing that his passing, though tragic, has inspired a new hunger for not only church, but the Savior of the church, Jesus Christ.

I also pray for the family of the killer. I can’t imagine what that dad must be going through right now.  And yes, I pray that the assassin comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus.  I also pray for swift justice to be carried out.

The remedy to a world of hate, is in receiving the Lord’s work of love.        

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell