The events of this week have absolutely rocked me to the core.
It began with the ruthless murder of Iryna Zarutska, a young woman who fled the chaos of Ukraine seeking refuge and safety here in the United States. She was chasing new beginnings, yet her life was cut short in a senseless act of violence during what should have been an ordinary train ride. What makes this tragedy even more grievous is that no one came to her aid—no one stood up for her or even checked on her in her final moments. Iryna’s mother, sister, and brother are now left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
God’s Word says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). May we surround the Zarutska family in prayer, asking the Lord to comfort them in their deep sorrow.
And then yesterday, the world was shaken once again by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a man committed to truth, debate, and ultimately the proclamation of the gospel. His leadership at Turning Point USA gave him a platform to reach countless young people, but more than his influence, what stood out most was his faith. Charlie once said in an interview that he wanted to be remembered for his courage in the faith. By God’s grace, he accomplished that.
Like the Apostle Paul, Charlie lived in the tension of “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Yesterday, he gained Christ in full, hearing the words every believer longs for: “Well done, good and faithful servant”(Matthew 25:23).
Yet as much as we rejoice for Charlie’s eternal reward, we weep for his wife and children, now facing life without their husband and father. Scripture reminds us of God’s heart for the fatherless: “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5). Last night, as I played Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots with my own son, I couldn’t help but think of Charlie’s little boy and girl who will never again wrestle with their daddy, hear his laugh, or cling to him when he comes home. The thought sickened me, and it drove me to my knees in prayer for the Kirk family.
Both of these tragedies remind us of the fragility of life, the cost of discipleship, and the urgent call to stand firm in our faith. Our world is broken, but Christ remains King.
So here is my plea to you today:
- Pray earnestly for the Zarutska and Kirk families—that the God of all comfort would be their refuge (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
- Stand boldly for your faith, as Charlie did. Live with courage, no matter the cost.
- Do not be a bystander in the face of evil. Let us “defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3).
- And above all, make much of Jesus with the time we are given.
May we, like Charlie, be remembered not for titles, platforms, or influence, but for courageous faith in Christ.
– Mike King, Executive Director