Vigil in Honor of Charlie Kirk
St. Marys, GA – Saturday Night, September 20th
On Saturday night, September 20th, our little town of St. Marys, GA gathered together for a very special Vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk. What a blessing it was to see it all come together!
With the help of Jessica Errico and Peggy Beutel, and under the steady guidance of June Maxwell, we were able to organize everything in just five short and very busy days. It was truly an honor to set it up in honor of Charlie.
Community Gathering
To my amazement and joy, between 100–125 people came out. When I filled out the assembly application and permit form for the city manager’s office, I had estimated 75–100. With such a short time to prepare, that number felt like a stretch, but I was hopeful.
So when I stood to speak that night and looked out over the crowd that had gathered so quickly, my heart was full. Families and friends spread across the grassy field in front of the Amphitheater Stage, while others pulled up in their golf carts to take part.
The turnout was deeply moving—not only because people came to honor Charlie’s influence on campuses, in the media, and in the public square, but because they recognized what truly defined him: his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, the light he carried so brightly.
Reflections Shared
That evening, I had the privilege of sharing a few words. Here is part of what I shared with those gathered:
“As we gather tonight, I want to take a few minutes to reflect on the life of Charlie Kirk — not only the public leader that so many of us knew, but the man of faith, courage, and conviction that he truly was.
Charlie once said, ‘I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. The most important thing in my life is faith.’ That was more than a quote — it was the way he lived. His friends have shared that every day, Charlie would begin his morning with this simple but powerful prayer: ‘Here I am Lord, send me.’ And the Lord did send him — into some of the most difficult, challenging spaces of our culture.
He didn’t go to pick fights or stir up division — he went to have real conversations. On college campuses he challenged students to think critically, to prove him wrong if they could, and to engage in civil discourse. He reminded us often that professors should teach students how to think, not what to think. Through that, he encouraged people to search for truth and to never be afraid of asking hard questions.
But more than that, Charlie was bold about his faith. He stood on God’s Word without apology and shared Jesus every chance he had. He knew that real change doesn’t come just through politics or debate — it comes through Christ transforming hearts. And when God transforms hearts, He transforms lives.
Charlie was also a family man. He deeply loved his wife and children. He was not just a public voice, but a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend. His calling reached far beyond politics — he pointed people to Jesus and called us to help Make America Godly again.
So tonight, as we remember Charlie, let us not only mourn his passing but be inspired by the way he lived. May we, too, have the courage to pray, ‘Here I am Lord, send me.’ May we speak truth in love, stand firm in faith, and carry forward the light that Charlie shone so brightly.”
Program Highlights
Pastor Randy Dockery opened and closed the ceremony in prayer and reminded us of God’s faithfulness.
A heartfelt letter from Mayor Greg Lockhart was read aloud by Councilman Chad Ingram.
Anna Blackshear blessed us with her voice, singing both the National Anthem and Amazing Grace.
June Maxwell, our local Republican Chapter President, and Councilman Chad Ingram shared with passion and a great message about how we too should live as Charlie did.
Chad Ingram also served as MC with such grace.
The entire evening carried a spirit of unity and reverence. From heartfelt words to uplifting songs, every part of the vigil pointed us back to Christ and honored Charlie’s legacy in a beautiful way.
Gratitude
I was honored to stand alongside such faithful voices. Each one spoke with grace and conviction, pointing us back to the true source of Charlie’s strength—Jesus Christ.
I am especially thankful for everyone who contributed:
Those who shared words of encouragement
Anna, whose songs lifted our hearts in worship
Everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the Vigil meaningful
A very special thank you goes to my podcast producer, Kanan St. Rose, who went above and beyond—bringing us a portable PA system so everyone could hear, and capturing the beautiful photos you’ll see below so this night can be remembered.
To Jessica, Peggy, Pastor Randy, June, Chad, Anna, Kanan, and Tony Errico—thank you from the bottom of my heart. And above all, thanks be to God, who gave us the strength, unity, and favor to bring this vigil together so quickly.
A Night of Faith & Remembrance
It was a night of remembrance, of gratitude, and of shining Christ’s light in honor of a true man of God, Charlie Kirk.
Check out the photos below to see glimpses of this unforgettable evening.
Scripture
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
2 Timothy 4:7–8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Closing
May we be inspired to carry forward that same courage, faith, and shining light—until we, too, finish our race with Christ.
