The death of conservative political activist, Charlie Kirk
rocked our nation. Founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie was passionate about
bringing truth to college students. “As Christians we are called to go into the
public arena to correct error with truth. So, I go to college campuses; there’s
a lot of error there. Before I go, my prayer is very simple. ‘God, use me for
your will.” A few months before he was assassinated, he said if he were to die,
he wanted to be remembered for his faith.
Heartbreaking, yet, I believe God can use the greatest tragedy to further His kingdom. Even death can bring life. We see this most profoundly in Jesus’ death on the cross. His sacrifice brings new life to all who believe. Without it, there would be no salvation from our sin, no forgiveness for our wrongdoing.
Many have paid the ultimate price for sharing God’s plan of salvation and encouraging righteous living. There are books filled with stories of the courage shown by Christians who faced opposition.
In 1956 five missionaries were killed in Ecuador. Their deaths became a catalyst for a powerful Christian movement. Their widows later returned and lived among the same people, leading to the conversion of many in the tribe. The son of one of the fallen missionaries founded ITEC, a ministry that develops tools to train indigenous Christ-followers to participate in the Great Commission.
Chu Won Park brutally murdered missionary Robert Jermaine Thomas as Thomas tried to come ashore with Bibles in Korea. Then, in arrogant defiance, Chu papered the walls of his house with the pages of Rev. Thomas’ Bibles. However, God’s Word spoke to Chu from those walls! One evening at a small prayer meeting, he confessed to killing Robert Thomas. His confession led to one of the largest revivals in the history of Korea.
We may never know the effects or consequences of our efforts to share the gospel, but we can trust that God’s Word is alive and active, and His Spirit is at work. We pray for Charlie’s family and that God would call others to courageously bring God’s truth to those under the influence of erroneous teaching.
Be encouraged!
©2025 Pamela D. Williams
