On September 10, 2025, the world watched in horror as Charlie Kirk, the bold founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University. The images of that day, captured from multiple angles, were a gut-punch to millions, a stark reminder of the evil that can strike when division festers. Yet, from this unspeakable evil, a profound good is emerging, a vibrant Christian revival, sweeping across hearts and churches, as people return to faith in numbers not seen in generations. Kirk, who declared on The Iced Coffee Hour just months before his death that he wanted to be remembered for "courage for my faith," is seeing his prayer answered posthumously. Social media is ablaze with stories of prodigals returning to church, sceptics encountering God, and families rediscovering the Bible, all inspired by Kirk's unapologetic witness. As a Christian writer, I see this as a testament to God's power to redeem even the darkest moments, turning ashes into a beacon of hope.
Charlie Kirk's life was a clarion call for faith and freedom, but his death has become a catalyst for spiritual awakening. In June 2025, when host Jack Selby asked Kirk how he wanted to be remembered, his response was unwavering: "I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing." Those words, spoken with conviction, now echo in the lives of countless individuals moved by his legacy. Turning Point USA, Kirk's grassroots organisation, reports an unprecedented 32,000 inquiries in a single weekend from young people seeking to start new campus and high school chapters. To put this in perspective, TPUSA's current 900 college and 1,200 high school chapters pale in comparison to Kirk's vision of a chapter in every one of America's 23,000 high schools, a dream now accelerating faster than he could have imagined, as spokesman Andrew Kolvet noted.
This surge isn't just organisational; it's deeply spiritual. Kirk's assassination has stirred a hunger for God, drawing people to church pews and Scripture with a fervour that mirrors the early church's response to persecution. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Kirk's murder, an act of evil, is being transformed by God's grace into a movement of renewal, proving that even the darkest acts cannot thwart divine redemption.
Across social media platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram, stories of spiritual renewal are flooding in, each a testament to the Holy Spirit moving through Kirk's legacy. David Perez, in a comment on a TPUSA post, shared, "I went to church today for the first time in 15 years. Thank you, Charlie, for bringing me to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Until the day we meet, brother." Samantha Lynn, a mother who hadn't attended church in a decade, declared she'd take her entire family to services the Sunday after Kirk's death, writing, "I've never felt more called to incorporate God more in our lives. I owe that all to Charlie and the legacy he leaves behind." These aren't isolated anecdotes; tens of millions have viewed similar accounts on TikTok alone.
One particularly moving story comes from Kevin Leonard, who had only attended church twice in his life. In a video to over 1 million viewers, he said, "Since Charlie Kirk is unable to go this Sunday, I'm going to go take his seat for him." In a follow-up, he shared, "It was really good. I will continue to go back," and pledged to donate his video earnings to a worthy cause. Similarly, Brittany, a mother of three, explained that she and her husband attended church for the first time in 20 years, their children's first-ever service. She vowed to raise her sons to be "as strong in their convictions as Charlie Kirk." These stories reflect a broader wave, church parking lots are overflowing, and pastors report packed pews as people respond to a divine tug.
Perhaps most striking is the testimony of a young man who described himself as a lifelong sceptic. Having only seen Kirk's debate videos, he was stunned by his emotional response to Kirk's faith-based content after the assassination. "Brother, ever since he passed away three days ago, every time I see a video of him talking about his faith, bro, straight water works, like, I can't," he said. "For some reason, whenever he's been talking about God, I am just trying to not lose control." Despite never believing in God, he found himself questioning why he was "uncontrollably emotional" about something he thought wasn't real. "Maybe it's God trying to reach out to you," friends told him, a possibility he's now wrestling with. This echoes John 16:8, where Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would "convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." Kirk's words, even in death, are a vessel for that conviction.
Why is Kirk's death sparking such a revival? First, his life modelled unashamed faith. As a "happy warrior," Kirk didn't just debate political opponents; he boldly proclaimed Christ, weaving his faith into his activism. His final months saw him increasingly emphasise God's role in America's future, resonating with a generation craving purpose amid cultural chaos. Second, his martyrdom, captured vividly on video, has shaken people awake, much like the early martyrs inspired the church. As Tertullian wrote, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." Kirk's death has become a seed, planted in fertile soil.
Social media has amplified this, exposing millions to Kirk's faith-filled clips. Where casual viewers once saw him sparring on campuses, they now encounter his sermons on God's truth, shared virally on TikTok and X. This aligns with TPUSA's mission to reach young people, who are flocking to faith-based content at unprecedented rates. Finally, the timing, amid national division and fear, has created a spiritual vacuum. Kirk's assassination, coupled with rising political tensions, has driven people to seek the eternal anchor of Christ, fulfilling Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
The Bible is clear: evil may strike, but God's redemptive power prevails. Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Kirk's assassin meant to silence him, but God has amplified his voice, drawing souls to salvation. This revival isn't just about church attendance; it's about transformed lives, families recommitting to God, and sceptics questioning their disbelief. TPUSA's growth, the packed churches, and the viral testimonies all point to a movement that could reshape this generation.
As a Christian, I'm reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:55: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" Charlie Kirk's death was a tragedy, but through it, God is weaving a triumph, a revival that honours Kirk's wish to be remembered for his faith.