Pastor Greg Laurie transformed an area marked by tragedy into a space of hope and renewal during the “Hope for America” event. This gathering at the UCCU Center in Utah Valley University drew over 7,000 attendees eager to connect with their faith following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The night was not only a memorial but a powerful affirmation of belief, featuring performances from renowned Christian artists Phil Wickham and Chris Tomlin, who also honored Kirk during his memorial service in Glendale, Arizona.
One particularly moving moment came when Wickham led the crowd in singing “Awesome God,” a timeless worship anthem by Rich Mullins. This song resonated deeply, grounding attendees in shared faith and reverence. Following this, Wickham’s rendition of “Living Hope,” with its uplifting message, echoed through the venue. The chorus, which proclaims liberation through Christ, encapsulated the event’s spirit: “Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free; Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me.”
Pastor Laurie, known for his role at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California, delivered a poignant gospel message. Originally, his organization had intended to conduct an event in Utah in 2027. However, the urgency following Kirk’s tragic death prompted Laurie to expedite planning, resulting in an inspirational gathering within just six weeks. This swift response illustrates the community’s commitment to healing and faith in the face of loss.
Laurie shared personal insights from his life, recounting his journey to Christianity during the late 1960s, amid the Jesus movement. He spoke candidly about his challenging upbringing, raised by a single mother struggling with alcoholism. His testimony, complemented by a clip from the 2023 film “Jesus Revolution,” underscored a message of transformation and redemption. Laurie highlighted that God, akin to a father, desires a deep relationship with His children, emphasizing the eternal nature of this bond.
In addressing the audience, Laurie did not shy away from the brutal realities surrounding Kirk’s assassination. He acknowledged the profound question of why such events occur and reassured attendees that despite life’s uncertainties, God’s greater plan remains. Quoting Romans 8:28, he affirmed that the Lord will work through adversity for the good of those who love Him. This affirmation of faith serves as comfort during challenging times.
As he reflected on Kirk’s passing, Laurie offered a powerful statement: “The moment [Kirk] took his last breath on Earth, he took his first breath in heaven. And that’s where he is now. Not because of what he did, but because of what Christ did for him.” This poignant reminder of salvation and grace resonated deeply, stressing that faith in Christ is the source of hope and assurance for all believers.
The evening culminated with an altar call, an invitation for those touched by Laurie’s message to step forward and publicly confess their faith. Hundreds rose from their seats, demonstrating a profound response to the call for spiritual renewal. Remarkably, Laurie reported that over 2,100 individuals professed their faith as a result of this event, extending to overflow sites and online viewers—an extraordinary testament to the event’s impact.
To conclude the night, Tomlin performed “How Great Is Our God,” a song that echoes themes of reverence and praise, bringing the evening to a powerful close. His performance not only honored Kirk’s memory but also uplifted the attendees, reminding them of the greatness of their God in moments of sorrow and celebration alike.
Overall, the “Hope for America” event served not only as a tribute to Charlie Kirk but as a pivotal moment for many seeking solace and reaffirmation of their faith. Pastor Greg Laurie’s leadership and heartfelt message invite reflection on the profound nature of faith, community, and the enduring hope found in Christ.
"*" indicates required fields
