Dear John, 

It was a privilege to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial service alongside allies from other states. Our hope was to honor Charlie’s memory, stand tall in the gospel, and go forward boldly in the hope of the resurrection.

But we did not know the depths of what was going to happen, and I personally want to encourage you with what we received, perhaps beyond what you’ve seen in the media.

First, if you’ve never worshipped with 73,000 other people, you really haven’t lived yet 😉. God’s Spirit abounded in the praises of His people on Sunday--answering sorrows, emboldening the fainthearted, and filling hearts with joyful determination. But here’s the thing, heaven comes to earth every time we worship, but sometimes we’re blind to it. I want to encourage you to double down in the worship of God, looking forward to the effects here and now as well as giving you a foretaste of worshipping with a countless multitude in heaven someday. Worship is not only good for the soul, it must be the soul of our work in the public square.

Second, there was an overwhelming sense of gospel camaraderie and conviction for the conservative movement. You could see this in the majority of the speakers and roars from the crowd, but you could see it in the faces and determination of those standing in line during the early, hot Arizona morning. Our group met a young mother, with a three-year-old in her arms and a four and six year old in tow. They drove through the night from Pismo Beach, CA and were patiently keeping it together though they had run out of water and snacks. It was easy for us to offer them the extra water and snacks we had brought, but she treated the offering like it was some miraculous answer to prayer. Tearfully, she shared, “you have no idea what this means to us.”

I think, as her children grow, the memory of Charlie Kirk’s memorial service will be one of those foundational moments in their young lives. And in a small way, we had an opportunity to show that God provides even the little things for those who boldly stand together in the hard times. I marvel at that, not only for my own sake, but for what it means to our movement as a whole. Don’t look down upon the small things we have to offer in service to Jesus. They are often part of the bigger thing He is doing that you only get glimpses of from time to time. Whether big or small, they bind us together in love, which is the strongest of bonds.

Third, much has been made about Erika Kirk's public forgiveness of Charlie's shooter, but this is probably still too little. The difficulty of that moment was palpable in the stadium. We could all feel it as Erika took a long breath. It took enormous courage and faith to utter those words. All of us, had we been in that position, would have had our emotions screaming against what we knew was right to do. But faithful feelings follow faithful actions. Erika modeled that wonderfully. We all must follow God because Jesus Christ is Lord. Our 'good ideas,' emotions, government, or societal expectations are not Lord.

Finally, this gospel moment is one we must not squander. With millions of people hearing the gospel from so many public figures on Sunday, now is not the time to grow silent or apathetic. Vice President Vance said, “I have talked more about Jesus Christ in the past two weeks than I have my entire time in public life.” Friends, people are listening. Our youth are awakening the importance of faith, family and freedom in profound ways. Will you proclaim and live the message, modeling it in hope for the next generation? Minnesota is not beyond the grace of God. He uses ordinary people like you and me. Your time, talent, and treasure are worth investing in gospel-anchored work. This means your local church and family first, but it also extends to elections, the courts, public policy, and Capitol.

Thank you for working through this long email and for your continued support for our work (which is also part of your work!) at Minnesota Family Council. We're honored to support and protect your freedom to worship and serve God in our state, families, and churches. God is on the move, let's lean in even more together.

Yours in Christ,