RM “God Is at Work”: Hundreds Respond to the Gospel at Outreach Event Following Charlie Kirk’s Murder
In a powerful display of faith and hope, hundreds gathered at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Sunday night to hear a message of transformation and to make decisions for Christ. The outreach, held just two months after the tragic assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, saw thousands of attendees come together for worship, prayer, and to hear about God’s unconditional love.
Pastor Greg Laurie, the founder of Harvest Crusades and senior pastor of Harvest Church in Southern California, delivered the Gospel message at the one-night event, “Hope for America.” The event was not only attended by thousands in person but also streamed online, reaching a broader audience. Laurie expressed his amazement at the event’s success, stating, “The people were so open, worshipful, and responsive to the Gospel. Many came to Christ.”
According to CBN News, Laurie, who regularly organizes large-scale evangelistic gatherings, had initially planned a Harvest Crusade for 2027. However, following Kirk’s shocking murder at UVU, Laurie felt the urgent need to bring the message of hope and healing to the campus sooner. After receiving requests from local Christians, Laurie and his team accelerated their outreach plans. What usually takes months of preparation was organized in just six weeks.
“This community has endured an unimaginable tragedy, and we believe that the hope found in Jesus Christ is exactly what they need right now,” Laurie shared. “Out of tragedy, God can bring healing, unity, and revival. Our prayer is that this event will remind people that evil does not have the final say—Christ does.”
The event began with a tribute video honoring Charlie Kirk’s life, his faith, and his legacy. Laurie spoke movingly about Kirk, noting his influence on younger generations and his bold integration of faith with political discourse. The tribute underscored that Kirk’s lasting hope came from his relationship with Jesus Christ.
“We honor Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed,” Laurie said. “But when he took his last breath here on Earth, he took his first breath in Heaven. Not because of what he did, but because of what Christ did for him.”
The evening also featured worship led by well-known Christian artists Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham, setting a reverent tone for the service.
Laurie’s message to the crowd was simple yet powerful: “God loves you.” He explained that the answers people are searching for in life won’t be found in material things or even religion itself but only in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Drawing from the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, Laurie illustrated how God is like a loving father, always longing for His children’s return, no matter how far they’ve strayed.
He went on to address those struggling with loneliness, emptiness, and even suicidal thoughts. “God has a plan for you,” Laurie reassured the crowd. “I’m speaking to someone right now who feels hopeless, who has thought about ending their life. Please know that God loves you and He has a purpose for you. Don’t entertain those thoughts any longer.”
Laurie then called on attendees to reflect on their eternal future, emphasizing Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. He acknowledged the pain surrounding Kirk’s tragic death but also highlighted the positive changes that had followed, including a 36% rise in Bible sales and an increase in church attendance in the weeks after the murder.
“This is your moment,” Laurie said, urging those present to seize the opportunity. “This is your wake-up call.”
The call to respond to the Gospel resonated deeply, as hundreds came forward to the altar for prayer. Pastor Laurie’s final words were filled with hope and assurance: “God is at work, and everything is about to change for you.”
In the aftermath of this moving event, many left feeling renewed in their faith, and the community found a glimmer of hope in the midst of profound grief.
