The Inspiring Charlie Kirk

 

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The thoughts below were first written less than 24 hours after Charlie Kirk was shot ...  continue reading ... Downloadd PDF ... ---   I am still in shock and did not sleep last night.   Social media is filled with tributes from across the world of people sharing how Charlie impacted their lives.    Charlie literally knew thousands of great people personally. What could I possibly add to their moving remarks. Nothing. I feel at a total loss.   But for the sake of posterity, with hopes the younger generation will be inspired to rise up and follow Charlie's example, I would like to humbly add my inadequate words to the chorus of those honoring of Charlie Kirk.   Nearly a dozen years ago, February 22, 2014, Washington's Birthday, I was the advertised main speaker at an event in Robinson, Illinois, about a 2½ hours drive east of where we were living in St. Louis, Missouri.   I remember entering the civic center auditorium, which held several hundred people. A nice turnout.   A young “warm up” speaker was addressing the crowd before me. As usual, I opened my laptop to review my notes before my talk, but I could not concentrate.   That young speaker was so captivating I had to pay attention. He talked about free market, capitalism, conservative values, and faith.   He explained that a businessman, Bill Montgomery, asked him to take a year off before going to college to speak around the country.   That young speaker was Charlie Kirk.   A few years later, we were together on a pheasant hunt hosted by our mutual friend, Foster Friess, a conservative billionaire. My wife, Susie, and I had met him during my run for Congress in 2000.   For some 15 years, Foster included me, and later my son Michael, as part of an annual pheasant hunt at Paul Nelson Farms in South Dakota. Foster loved encouraging young people.   In the rustic lodge around the fireplace, two dozen or so influential leaders would discuss the serious issues facing the world and their efforts to preserve America’s freedoms.   Foster would always ask me give a history talk. It was at one of these trips that Foster included Charlie Kirk.   Charlie retold how he ran into Foster at a political event and walked with him up a few flights of stairs, giving his two-minute pitch about engaging young people.   In classic Foster style, he turned and said to Charlie, I like your idea, contact my office and my assistant will send you a check. That was some of the initial seed money which helped propel Turning Point USA’s exponential growth.   Charlie later had Turning Point do a short documentary on Foster & Lynn Friess and their amazing story, beginning with their marriage shortly his military service, to becoming an investment genius.   Foster shared how Colin Hanna explained the Gospel to him in a way he could understand, asking Jesus be his “Chairman of the Board.” I often crossed paths with Charlie on the speaking circuit.  Charlie interviewed me numerous times, and invited me to speak at several of his events.   Charlie’s pastor was Rob McCoy of Godspeak Calvary Chapel, who had also served as mayor of Thousand Oaks, California. Rob said that when he met Charlie, he said, I never met anyone like you - a conservative young person! To which Charlie replied to Rob, I never met anyone like you - a pastor who was also a mayor!   Rob and I crisscrossed the country for years speaking at American Renewal Events sponsored by David & Cindy Lane. These were powerful meetings with an impressive lineup of some of the nation's most motivating patriotic Christian speakers.   In January of 2020, Pastor Rob McCoy asked me to join him and Charlie, speaking at his church on a Sunday morning.  On this particular trip, my flight landed in Las Vegas, but my connecting flight was canceled.   With no other flights available, and feeling compelled to be at the church service, I tried renting a car but had to wait for someone to return one. Finally at midnight Saturday night, I got a car and drove all night across the Mojave Desert.   I still remember being the only car on highway that dark night and seeing a million stars overhead. I pulled over, slept an hour and arrived at the church just in time for service. I met Erika who was there, as they had just gotten engaged – a strikingly beautiful former Miss Arizona.   The church service seemed to have a providential feel to it, with Charlie, Rob and me speaking to the congregation. Foster Friess died, May 27, 2021. At the memorial service, Tucker Carlson and others gave a moving tribute. Afterwards, my son and I spent time with Charlie, encouraging each other to champion faith and freedom. We talked history for two hours while in the car together driving through the Wyoming mountains, avoiding the moose crossing the highway around Jackson Hole. I remembered Charlie was particularly thrilled that he stumped me on a history question.   The discussion turned toward certain types of adventurous sports. Charlie responded that he did not do any of those – that too many people had invested too much in him for him to do something risky and get injured.   Rob performed Charlie and Erika’s wedding May of 2021. I never saw Charlie light up more than when he talked about Erika. He proudly showed us their wedding pictures, with her in a beautiful wedding dress with the Arizona landscape behind them.  He bragged about how so totally blessed he was to have her as his wife! She truly was the highlight of his life!   Rob’s son, Mikey, was Charlie’s exceptionally capable right-hand man, and was a very key part in Charlie’s national effectiveness.   Pastor Rob McCoy invited my wife and I to move to Phoenix to help Charlie start Turning Point Faith, but we had just moved to Florida to be near family members and so passed on the opportunity. Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like had we moved.   In 2022, Rob invited me to fly out to Phoenix and have dinner with Charlie, to discuss starting Turning Point Academy, now Turning Point Education.    I still have the texts on my phone:   text May 31, 2022 Charlie: Please call me Bill: I just finished an interview so I am available now – I will try calling you Charlie: (attached article “TPUSA launches first Turning Point Academy – schools promoting traditional values planned across the nation”)  You are going to play a major role in this! Bill: Awesome. At our dinner, I distinctly remember overhearing Rob ask what Charlie what his plans were for the weekend. Charlie responded that he was taking the weekend to fast and pray because he needed to get God’s direction on some important decisions.   Wow. I was so impressed by Charlie’s genuine private prayer life.   text June 22, 2022 Charlie: Thank you so much for flying out Bill! I loved spending time with you. Very excited what we will be doing together. God bless you! Bill: I just spoke with my wife, Susie, and she is excited about us helping you too. My wife and I agreed, and it has been a joy working with the absolutely first class Turning Point Education team of Hutz Hertzberg, Jennifer Burns, Francine Quintero, Scot Polender and Destiny Enos.   One of the highlights was producing a weekly educational video, “How We Got Here.”   Being a guest on Charlie's program was always a highlight. His mind worked so fast!  I know Charlie texted literally thousands people, but I picked out some of the ones we exchanged.   text June 14, 2022 Bill: Great six-minute talk! (attached article “Harvard Student Condemns Anti-Americanism in Senior Speech")  Charlie: Yes! text June 16, 2022 Charlie: Please send (the attached TPUSA Pastors Summit flyer) to all pastors that you know.  Bill: Amen!!! Charlie: (texted link to his podcast referencing me in his podcast “The Fifth Column Invading America” The Charlie Kirk Show) Bill: Brilliant! Excellent! You are the best!! Charlie: I can’t wait to see you next week Over the years, I have been honored to have participated in Turning Point USA and Turning Point Faith events. Charlie asked me to join him for a Freedom Night.    text July 7, 2022 Bill: (attached link “New DeSantis education standards correct popular misconception about church state separation”) I helped with this just a little. Charlie: I am glad you did. Thank you. Can you join us August 3 for event in Arizona? Bill: Yes. - The Supreme Court cited my book America’s God and Country in its (good) decision regarding separation of church and state (at end of the first paragraph on the top of the decision’s page 6) Charlie: Wow! Remarkable! text August 3, 2022 Charlie: Hi Bill – See you soon. I will interview you for 45 mins then we will take questions. Lots of fun Bill: Super – I prepared a PowerPoint on the history of education just in case you wanted it Charlie: Great – let’s prepare that before – can you get that to Will asap. Bill: OK My son and I arrived at Dream City Church in Phoenix, founded by Pastor Tommy Barnett, and pastored by his son Luke Barnett. We weren’t quite sure what to expect when we arrived, and were absolutely shocked when we walked into the auditorium and saw it packed with thousands.   There were two chairs on the platform, as Charlie often had. I turned to Charlie and asked who else was speaking that night. He replied “They are all here for you!”   That was nice of him to say that, but I knew everyone was there because Charlie promoted the event. It was an absolutely amazing evening with Q&A before the crowd.   text August 4, 2022 Bill: Thanks for the wonderful evening at Dream City! You are doing an amazing work. Charlie: Thank you so much my friend. You were terrific. How was the response after? Bill: Big crowd at the back table – sold out of lots of books. God bless you! Charlie: So blessed to hear that. My son and I participated in several events at that wonderful church since.   Charlie began to not just speak on college campuses, but also in churches. He was encouraged by great leaders such as Rob McCoy, Jack Hibbs, Frank Turek, Kirk Cameron, Jurgen Matthesius, Luke Barnett, Phil Hotsenpiller, John Amanchukwu, Eric Metaxas, Jentezen Franklin, Rick Green, Lance Wallnau, Seth Gruber, and many others.   I added a small part in networking him with respected leaders, such as Andrew Wommack at Charis Bible College, Pastor Steve Riggle of Grace International, Rob Pazienza at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Robert Schuller, Paul Blair, Jason Rapert of National Association of Christian Lawmakers, and numerous others.   text June 25, 2022 Bill: I had a good talk with Rick Scarborough. Charlie: Thank you very much Bill. text June 26, 2022 Charlie: (attached podcast link “One of the most enjoyable conversations I’ve ever had with historian Bill Federer” The Charlie Kirk Show) Bill: You are amazing! PS. Rick Scarborough mentioned how impressed he was by your humble attitude. Charlie: Thank you very much, Bill. God bless you. text July 6, 2022 Bill: I am still in Alaska – I spoke at Anchorage Baptist Temple. Charlie: That is Jerry Prevo’s Church. Bill: Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson flew my son Mike and me out to a glacier lake. Assistant Pastor Brian Mentzer hosted us – I am planting seeds for you. Charlie: Thank you!!! text July 7, 2022 Bill: Brian Mentzer may want you to share (at least by Skype) at a Wednesday night series beginning in September geared toward getting church members engaged. Charlie: I would be honored if I can make it work with schedule. In preparing for his debates, he would sometimes seek my insight, as well as that of people like Blake Neff, Frank Turek, Alex McFarland, David Barton, and others. text July 6, 2022 Charlie: Help me out here Bill. As President in 1797, John Adams – another founder – signed an international treaty stating that “the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion.” Bill: This is my post explaining "Treaty of Tripoli and the Confusion about it explained in four points – American Minute with Bill Federer" Charlie: OK text July 7, 2022 Charlie: (attached link “Separation of Church and State is a ‘fabrication’ says far right activist Charlie Kirk: They should be mixed together.”  Can you help me respond to the critics here? Some quoted, and historical info that shows the founders had indeed helped launched religious services in government, etc. Bill: (attached link “Religious Freedom! Who influenced Jefferson’s views on Separation of Church & State – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (attached link “Wall of Separation – a phrase nowhere to be found in the Constitution-Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (attached link “Freedom of Conscience: Rhode Island founder Roger Williams’ Wall of Separation as understood – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (attached link “Jefferson on Government Censorship, Coercion, and Molesting citizens for their Religious opinions – Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (attached link “Congress approved First Amendment same week it called for a Day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (attached link “Judicial Activism: Why Justices should NOT usurp power and make laws – American Minute with Bill Federer”) I am happy to do interviews with you explaining all of this if you like. Bill: (attached link “Maryland’s Christian Founding & What happened since? – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Here is another that tracks the change. text August 30, 2022 Bill: CONGRATULATIONS!!! We are excited for you having a baby girl!!! God’s blessings are upon you!!! Charlie: Thank you!!! text September 9, 2022 Charlie: What is the tyrant's reason for wanting crime to go up and not care about it? Bill: (Attached link Plato on How Democracies Collapse: "The manner of life is that of democrats ... Every man does what is right in his own eyes" - American Minute with Bill Federer) Charlie: Very good Bill.  text September 13, 2022 Charlie: Do you have some unique quotes or examples of political purges? Bill: (attached article “National SOCIALIST workers Party: Socialized medicine, gun confiscation, and Bonhoeffer’s courage – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (attached article “CRT in Reverse? Arnold Toynbee described Ottoman Empire purges – American Minute with Bill Federer”) text October 29, 2022 Bill: Silence Equals Consent-The Sin Of Omission - Calvary Chapel Chino Hills Charlie: Love it. text October 29, 2022 Charlie: Hey Bill can you help me build the argument that democracy is unsustainable. Bill: The word “democracy” has two general meanings - one is a “popular” government where the population is involved in ruling itself. This meaning came into wide usage with FDR contrasting America with the National Socialist Workers Party (NAZI); and Truman contrasting America with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) The second meaning of the word democracy is an actual form of government, such as in Athens. “Demos” means “people” and “cracy” means “rule.” This only worked on a very small scale, such as a city-state, as every citizen had to be physically present at every meeting every day to talk about every issue. Any larger than this it broke down. If someone was not present at the meeting they would have had to rely on messengers who could twist what information was talked about. This would effectively make those who relay the information as the true rulers. Bill: (attached article "Fisher Ames "A democracy is a volcano which conceals the fiery materials of its own destruction" - American Minute with Bill Federer) Bill: (attached article Montesquieu's 3 Types of Governments: Republics; Monarchs; and Despots who rule by Mandates & Executive Orders - American Minute with Bill Federer) text November 4, 2022 Bill: Did my democracy posts help? Would you like me to clarify any of it? Charlie: Yes! February 15, 2023 Bill: Charlie - blessings to you & Erica! I got your email and would be glad to speak for you in May at a pastors summit. Let me know who to follow up with for details. God bless you. Charlie: Thank You! May 21, 2023 Bill: I spoke at an event with Lance Wallnau, Mario Murillo and Floyd Brown in Ocala, FL. He wants to plan more events and have you involved! Would you be open to that? If so I can forward you his contact info. Charlie: Sure text April 11, 2023 Bill: Ben Greenfield - Life on Instagram: "Historian Bill Federer of the fantastic newsletter at AmericanMinute.com writes ... Charlie: Keep up the great work bill! God bless you greatly for your faithfulness.  text June 6, 2023 Bill: Charlie - thank you for having me on your show. You are doing a great work! Blake is brilliant! Also it was so good seeing Erika! You are blessed!!! Charlie: Thank you so much! What a great time bill.  text July 31, 2023 Charlie: (attached article "High school boys are trending conservative") Turning Point USA has more high school chapters than college chapters. We have been pouring investment into high schools for a few years. Now the data shows our focus is paying off. This is huge. Bill: Praise God! You are a man with a tremendous vision! God is with you! text August 20, 2023 Charlie: Thank you bill. Keep up the incredible work text September 15, 2023 Charlie: (attached article "Charlie Kirk Tells Pastors TPUSA Faith’s No. 1 Mission: ‘Excommunicate Wokeism From the American Church as Quickly as Possible’") Bill: God is using you & Erika in powerful way! The Spirit of the Lord is upon you and within you for such a time as this!!! text September 19, 2023 Bill: Charlie - I spoke at Lee Beaman’s house yesterday and he said great things about you!!! Charlie: He's the best! text November 27, 2023 Charlie: Please share (attached article "Rewind: The Origins of Thanksgiving with Bill Federer) Bill: Thumbs up text April 24, 2024  Bill: I published a book challenging pastors and church members to be involved reforming society, titled Silence Equals Consent - the sin of omission, which I dedicated to Pastor Rob McCoy. text May 31, 2024 Bill: Charlie - I was on Kevin Freeman’s Economic War Room and spent time with Lt. Col. Tommy Walker USMC (ret) the new president of Center for Security Policy. Charlie: Excellent When I traveled the country, I would text him photos of me with Turning Point Faith representatives that I would meet across the nation. He was so proud of them.  Sometimes I would simply meet a young follower of his.   text June 2, 2024 Bill: Just spoke in Eugene, Oregon, and a young leader, Maverick, is greatly inspired by you. Charlie: That’s awesome! Go Ducks! text July 8, 2024 Bill: Charlie - We love your new book Right Wing Revolution. Charlie: Wow! Thank you! As busy as Charlie was, meeting with President Trump, Vice-President Vance, and nearly every major conservative political, media, and religious leaders, he would take time to text me a Bible verse, to which I would give a thumbs up or text one back.

I debated whether or not to share some these, but since so many people only knew him from headlines, I thought it was important to let them know what a genuine Christian he was.   text July 12, 2023 Charlie: John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus, the LOGOS, TRUTH, overcomes the “world” (lies, darkness, Satan) The iron law of the universe is that true things ultimately prevail. That is the promise of Christianity. We are in a confusing battlefield. Satan is the “prince of the world” constantly making us doubt. Satan in Hebrew is “prosecutor” “accuser” “doubter” Jesus, the Christ, didn’t just say true things but was truth himself. And … the truth frees you.

text August 6, 2023 Charlie: Psalm 119:159-160 "See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love. All your words are true, all your righteous laws are eternal."

text August 28, 2023 Charlie: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." Charlie: Thank you bill. Keep up the incredible work text September 14, 2023 Bill: Charlie, Former Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert heads up NACL (National Association of Christian Lawmakers) would like you to speak at their big event. He has lawmakers from all over the country who are members of NACL text September 15, 2023 Charlie: (texted link to article “Charlie Kirk tells pastors TPUSA Faith’s No. 1 mission is to excommunicate wokism from the American church as quickly as possible”)  Bill: God is using you & Erika in powerful way! The Spirit of the Lord is upon you and within you for such a time as this!!!

text September22, 2023 Charlie: Proverbs 2:6 "For the LORD gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." text October 2, 2023 Charlie: Deuteronomy 31:8 "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

text October 27, 2023 Charlie: Proverbs 16:32 "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." text October 28, 2023 Bill: Jeremiah 17:7-8 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Charlie: Thank you text November 21, 2023 Bill: Thank you for pushing back against “critical race theory” in the military!

text November 22, 2023 Charlie: Psalm 7:17 "I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High." text November 23, 2023 Charlie: Thankful for you Bill.  Bill: We, and millions more, are thankful for you & Erika.  text November 27, 2023 Charlie: (texted link to The Charlie Kirk Show “REWIND: The Origins of Thanksgiving with Bill Federer”) Please share.  Bill: !!!

text November 28, 2023 Charlie: Hebrew 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  Bill: Amen

text November 29, 2023 Charlie: Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." text December 2, 2023 Bill: I am with Pastor Joe & Kathleen Pedick – they really love you & Erika.  Charlie: That’s really sweet. I really like them!!!

text December 4, 2023 Charlie: James 1:2-5 "Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever face trials of many kinds, because you that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given you."  Bill: !!

text December 5, 2023 Bill: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV Charlie: I love that verse text December 9, 2023 Bill: Daniel 11:32: “… but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel 12:3: “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” text December 17, 2023 Bill: (After Charlie’s message at AmericaFest) WOW! POWERFUL GOSPEL MESSAGE!!! Charlie: Thank you! text January 15, 2024 Bill: “A liberal is someone who won’t take his own side in a fight.” - Poet Robert Frost. Thank you for having courage. Jeremiah 1:8 “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.” Charlie: God bless you text April 19, 2024 Bill: You should interview Dr. Anna Ord, Dean of College Health & Behavioral Sciences at Regent University. She grew up in Soviet Moscow. She totally destroys “socialism” speaking to woke students! Charlie: Wow! Cool Bill: I am at Regent for Board of Trustees meeting having dinner with her. She remembers being six years old having to stand in line with her mom from 5:00 to 8:00am in minus 30 degree winters once a week to get a quart of milk for their whole family! When she came to America she took photos of grocery store shelves to send back to her family. And she is appalled at naive American students wanting socialism! Charlie: Wow text May 21, 2024  Bill: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SON!!!  Charlie: Thank you!!!

text May 27, 2024 Charlie: John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." Memorial Day. We remember.

text May 28, 2024 Charlie: Proverbs 16:24 "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." text May 31, 2024 Bill: Trump is now America’s version of Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned then became president!  text July 8, 2024 Bill: Charlie - We love your new book Right Wing Revolution.  Charlie: Wow! Thank you!

text August 16, 2024 Charlie: (texted link to "America was founded as a Christian nation. Prove me wrote - Charlie Kirk @charliekirk11x.com") Bill: You are BRILLIANT!!  Charlie: I learn from you. Was I factually correct? Bill: Yes  Bill: (attached link “Was the U.S. Constitution ratified by ‘Christian’ States? – American Minute with Bill Federer”) This one always ties liberals into knots!  Bill: (attached link “Articles of Confederation: The First U.S. Government & the Role of Religion in the States that Ratified it – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (attached link “Blackstone’s Commentaries of the Laws of England: Charles Finney’s Gospel Revival, & “another gospel” – Liberation Theology Social Justice – American Minute with Bill Federer”)  Bill: I put my research together on the 13 state constitution in this book “The Original 13 – A Documentary History of Religion in America’s First Thirteen States”)

text August 29, 2024 Charlie: John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free text August 30, 2024 Bill: Jackee is a great TPUSA Faith representative in Virginia! Met her yesterday at a Virginia Pastors conference👍 Charlie: Great! text August 31, 2024 Bill: Met Nigel Robinson TPUSA Faith in South Texas!!!  Charlie: Great!

text September 6, 2024 Bill: I am having lunch with the President of the College of the Ozarks, Dr. Brad Johnson. He would LOVE to be in contact with you!! Charlie: Would love that! I have heard wonderful things about this school. Charlie: Psalm 103:8 "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." Bill: Talked about you! Senator Josh Hawley speaks so highly of YOU!!! Charlie: He’s the best! text September 24, 2024 Bill: Bill Federer with Turning Point leader Samantha Funderlich Charlie: Wonderful! text October 4, 2024 Bill: Phil Walker is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Regent University. He REALLY wants to get you to campus.  Charlie: Great!! We’ll do it in 2025

text October 19, 2024 Charlie: Psalm 72:11 "May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him." text October 29, 2024 Bill: Saw a radio station in Phoenix is for sale. Charlie: interesting!

text November 4, 2024 Bill: Just finished speaking in Washugal, Washington, and the couple driving me are listening to Charlie Kirk Charlie: Thank you! Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." text November 6, 2024 Bill: (after Trump election victory) Praise God!!! All your hard work paid off!!! Thank you for being a courageous leader! Charlie: Thank you!! We did it. GLORY BE TO GOD! text December 1, 2024 Bill: I was not sure if you were aware, but I did a book on the history of Christmas traditions to reclaim the holiday for the glory of God!  Charlie: Love this

text December 2, 2024 Charlie: Jeremiah 30:17 "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord." text February 10, 2024 Bill: (texted article "How Charlie Kirk became the Youth Whisperer of the American Right")  Great article!  Charlie: Thank you!

text February 16, 2025 Charlie: Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." text March 7, 2025 Bill: My dental hygienist Emily follows Charlie Kirk TPUSA🏆  Charlie: Wow! Awesome text March 11, 2025 Charlie: Can you please send me the quotes from Jefferson or the founders that were negative on islam please Bill: (texted link to article “Jefferson & the Barbary Pirate Wars with Morocco, Algiers, Tunis & Tripoli – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (texted link to article “Jefferson’s views on Jesus, Christianity, Rights of Conscience, Indians, Islam – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (texted link to article “Treaty of Tripoli & the confusion surrounding it – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (texted link to article “Tocqueville on Christianity in America; Islam in Algiers & his seemingly prophetic warning on how Americans will lose their freedoms – American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (texted link to article “September 11th – Political Islam’s long War on the West -American Minute with Bill Federer”) Bill: (texted link to article “How Islamic Expansion from East spread Renaissance & Reformation West – American Minute with Bill Federer”)  Bill: (texted link to article “Dr. David Livingstone, Scottish Missionary to the Congo – American Minute with Bill Federer”)

text March 12, 2025 Charlie: Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

text March 14, 2025 Charlie: I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Bill: I heard someone describe that verse as “a maintenance verse” to be used quite often text March 17, 2025 Bill: Charlie, FYI - Wednesday I am speaking at a Native American Christian Leadership Conference (with Huron Claus) in Phoenix. Great connections with that community if you are ever interested I can pass along  Charlie: Would love that.

text April 20, 2025 Bill: (texted link to Keith Green’s “Easter Song”) Charlie - Happy Easter to you and Erica and your entire wonderful family! (This is my favorite Easter song!  Charlie: Thank you! Romans 10:9 "Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved." Let’s share the truth of the resurrection daily with boldness and love. God bless you my friend. May 23, 2025, Salem News Channel Charlie Kirk and Bill Federer discuss the role of Christians in government and what the Bible says about it

text June 6, 2025 Charlie: Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."  Bill: Amen! And YOU are definitely a God-ordained Spirit-led peacemaker!!

text June 17, 2025 Bill: I spoke at Rob McCoy's church Sunday, but my wife, Susie, watched you and Erika at the Young Women's Leadership Summit on TV. She said it was ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!! She was SO IMPRESSED with Erika, saying she is such a tremendous role-model for young women! She like the way that you and Erika answered all the young girls' questions so perfectly!!! She liked the way you keep Saturday - the Sabbath day - with your family! Charlie: Wonderful!!! text August 7, 2025 Bill: (texted link to SouthPark cartoon depicting Charlie) Thank you for courageously speaking the truth! Charlie: Thank you!!! text August 20, 2025 Bill: (texted Rumble video "Charlie Kirk Hits Oxford Students with a MAJOR Fact Check") Love your Oxford talk! Charlie: Thank you!!! text August 22, 2025 Bill: Note to me from a former Army Psy-Ops officer -Back in 2012, Obama made sweeping changes to the Patriot Act that created a "loop hole." Previously it had been illegal to conduct PsyOp on US citizens, but now it's technically not. As a result, the mission set of CIA SSO's (Special Skills Officers - primarily the guys who do black psyops) was largely adapted to allow, encourage, and promote influence operations on US soil, targeting US citizens. It's honestly out of hand and doesn't seem to be getting any better, even under the new DNI!  Charlie: Wow. Can you send more info.

On September 6-7, 2025, my son, Michael, and I joined Charlie in South Korea with Rob & Michelle McCoy to be a part of Build Up Korea with Mina Kim

It was an amazing event drawing thousands of young people who want to preserve that country’s freedom as well as the Christian faith, as Korea is 25 percent Christian.

Other speakers were Rob McCoy, Ryan Helfenbein of Liberty University, Alex Bruesewitz, Joe Ahn, Kangmin Lee, Abigail Dejarnatt, Maureen Bannon (daughter of Steve Bannon). Steve Bannon and Jack Posobiec addressed the crowd via video.

It was personally significant moment to see my place on the speaker's line up -- a switch from eleven years earlier, when I first heard Charlie speak at the Robinson Civic Center in Illinois.    This time I was the “warm up” speaker right before Charlie took the stage.

Charlie met with a Korean reporter before his talk, with Mina Kim interpreting.   I recorded the audio of Charlie’s interview, as it is a habit of mine to make sure the media does not misquote. At the 9 minute 40 second mark the reporter asked if Trump winning was the election happiest moment of his life.   Charlie responded that it was the fourth happiest.   First happiest was marrying Erika, second and third were his children’s births, Trump winning was fourth.   Then across the room, Pastor Rob McCoy said - Jesus!   Charlie quickly corrected his answer to the reporter, saying his happiest moment was giving his life to Jesus, the second was marrying Erika, third and fourth were his children, so Trump’s win was fifth!   Thank you, Charlie, that above all your brilliance and communication skills, that above all your keen political insights, your witness of our Lord and Savior Jesus is first!

In the back room, Charlie met with Korean Pastor Son Hyun-bo of Segero Church in Busan, South Korea, -- a courageous pastor who helped organize a million Koreans to fill the streets of Seoul to protest the a pro-trans bill before their legislature.   Soon after, the country got a new President who made overtures to China and North Korea.  The Korean government raided the pastor’s home, seized his cell phones and computers, and drummed up lawfare charges against him.   While I watched, Charlie promised Pastor Son Hyun-bo that if the South Korean government arrested him, Charlie would personally call President Trump and use his platform to let everyone in America know how South Korea is weaponizing against Bible-believing Christians!

In one of Charlie Kirk's last statements at the Build Up Korea event, he said "But my last piece of advice - put Jesus first in all that you do!   But then we must ask, what is the second most important thing?  The second most important thing is to make sure you are allowed to do the first thing!   Everybody - it is not news to you, there is a crack down against the Christian faith in this country happening right now. And as believers we are Biblically commanded to stand up for those persecuted in the faith.   And if you don't focus at all on the second thing, which is making sure you can spread Jesus, then we will all be sharing the Gospel from a prison cell one day!" (watch here)

My son texted Charlie afterwards. text September 6, 2025 Michael: Maybe the best speech you’ve given. Well done brother. Travel safe.  Charlie: Thank you so much man, I pray it was well received!

Two days after we left, Pastor Son Hyun-bo was arrested by the South Korean government imprisoned. Please pray for the Christians in South Korea!

Less than 24 hours before Charlie was assassinated, he group texted Rob McCoy, Bob McEwen, and me this Bible verse:   text September 9, 2025, 10:31am Charlie: I Corinthians 16:9 "... for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." Bill: praying hands September 10, 2025, Pastor Rob texted me: “My friend Charlie Kirk was murdered today by a coward. His life will be remembered for many wonderful things. He built it all with the power of the spoken word.  He never used violence but was threatened every day with violence by those who couldn’t contend with logic and truth and now they have done to my friend what evil always does; it takes away life.  Charlie did not die however but instead he has begun to truly live. His life was secured eternally by His Savior Jesus Christ. This truth allowed Charlie to face every threat with courage because he didn’t fear death. All evil knows is death and they derive power from death.  Charlie lived for life and will be remembered for this. My heart is broken for his family; His wife Erika and his two precious children. Evil has not prevailed and it will not win.  Charlie called me his pastor but I prefers to be known as his friend and greatest fan.  Today reminds me of what Billy Graham said. He said one day you’re gonna hear in the newspaper that I died. Don’t believe them!. I’ll be more alive than I ever have been." Our prayers go out to Charlie's beautiful wife Erika and his daughter and son. Thank you Erika for keeping Turning Point going forward! It will be greater than ever, mobilizing young leaders! We know that is what Charlies would want. This IS the turning point - millions of young leaders rising up to take Charlie's place, carrying forth the truth to the entire world!   Charlie, we miss you. Your 31 years have changed the world. Charlie wrote in the foreword to John Amanchukwu's book: "I've seen pastors who fear their neighbors more than they fear God, and fear dying most of all -- and why would anyone want to follow a 'Christian' who is worried about dying?"

I was brought to tears seeing an AI picture someone produced of Charlie walking up white marble steps into Heaven to meet Jesus, and turning around to pass the baton to a crowd of young people holding their hands up to grasp it. My son, Michael, would say, Charlie left us shoes too big to fill, so it is going to take all of working together to carry on what he started. I couldn’t help but think of President Abraham Lincoln's famous ten-line Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863. I cannot now read it without also thinking about Charlie   “Four score and seven years ago – (now nearly 250 years ago) -- our fathers brought, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead -- (Charlie now being among them) -- who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.  It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us— that from these honored dead – (now including Charlie Kirk) – we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain— that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and – that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

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