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The Inspiring Charlie Kirk: My Friendship with a Great Man - by Bill Federer

The Inspiring Charlie Kirk
by Bill Federer

 

It is less than 24 hours since Charlie Kirk was shot when I am beginning to write this.

 

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 2 ½ hours drive east of my home in St. Louis, Missouri.

 

I remember entering the civic center auditorium, which held around 500 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 off 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. He 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 the efforts to preserve America’s freedoms.

 

Foster would always have 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 up a few flights of stairs with him, 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 the seed money which helped launch Turning Point USA’s exponential growth.

 

Charlie later had Turning Point do a short documentary on Foster & Lynn Friess’ outstanding story, beginning with their marriage shortly after 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.”

 

Charlie’s pastor was Rob McCoy of Godspeak Calvary Chapel, who had also served as mayor of Thousand Oaks, California.

 

Rob and I crisscrossed the country for years speaking at American Renewal Events sponsored by David & Cindy Lane. These were powerful events with an impressive lineup of some of the most motivating patriotic Christian speakers.

 

In January of 2020, Pastor Rob McCoy asked me to join him and Charlie at his church on a Sunday morning.

On this particular trip, my flight landed in Las Vegas, but my connecting flight was unexpectedly canceled.

 

With no other flights available, and feeling impressed to be at 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 spiritually providential feel to it, with Charlie, Rob and me speaking to the congregation.

 

I often crossed paths with Charlie on the speaking circuit.

On July 4, 2020, I published the book, Socialism: The Real History from Plato to the Present, and dedicated it to Charlie Kirk.


Foster Friess died, May 27, 2021. At the memorial service, Tucker Carlson 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 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 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 some of our 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:

 

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’s 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.

 

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 is 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.

 

June 14, 2022

Bill to Charlie: Great six-minute talk! (attached article “Harvard Student Condemns Anti-Americanism in Senior Speech") 

Charlie: Yes!

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. 

 

July 7, 2022

Bill to Charlie: (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!

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!”

 

I knew everyone was there because Charlie promoted the event, nevertheless, it was nice of him to say that. It was an absolutely amazing evening with Q&A before the crowd.

 

August 4, 2022

Bill to Charlie: 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 Jack Hibbs, Kirk Cameron, Jurgen Matthesius, Luke Barnett, Jentezen Franklin, Eric Metaxas, Floyd Brown, Phil Hotsenpiller, John Amanchukwu, Lance Wallnau, Rick Green, 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, Robert Schuller, Paul Blair, Rob Pazienza at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Jason Rapert of National Association of Christian Lawmakers, and numerous others.

 

June 25, 2022

Bill to Charlie: I had a good talk with Rick Scarborough.

Charlie: Thank you very much Bill.

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.

July 6, 2022

Bill to Charlie: 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!!!

July 7, 2022

Bill to Charlie: 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.

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

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.

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”)


On April 24, 2024, 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.

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.

 

June 2, 2024

Bill to Charlie: Just spoke in Eugene, Oregon, and a young leader, Maverick, is greatly inspired by you.

Charlie: That’s awesome! Go Ducks!

August 30, 2022

Bill to Charlie: CONGRATULATIONS!!! We are excited for you having a baby girl!!! God’s blessings are upon you!!!

Charlie: 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.

 

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.

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."

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

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

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!!!

September22, 2023

Charlie: Proverbs 2:6 "For the LORD gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

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."

October 27, 2023

Charlie: Proverbs 16:32 "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."

October 28, 2023

Bill to Charlie: 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

November 21, 2023

Bill to Charlie: Thank you for pushing back against “critical race theory” in the military!

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."

November 23, 2023

Charlie: Thankful for you Bill.

Bill: We, and millions more, are thankful for you & Erika. 

November 27, 2023

Charlie: (texted link to The Charlie Kirk Show “REWIND: The Origins of Thanksgiving with Bill Federer”)

Please share.

Bill: !!!

November 28, 2023

Charlie: Hebrew 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Bill: Amen

November 29, 2023

Charlie: Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

December 2, 2023

Bill to Charlie: I am with Pastor Joe & Kathleen Pedick – they really love you & Erika.

Charlie: That’s really sweet. I really like them!!!

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: !!

December 5, 2023

Bill to Charlie: “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

December 9, 2023

Bill to Charlie: 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.”

December 17, 2023

Bill: (After Charlie’s message at AmericaFest) WOW! POWERFUL GOSPEL MESSAGE!!!

Charlie: Thank you!

January 15, 2024

Bill to Charlie: “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

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

May 21, 2024 

Bill: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SON!!!

Charlie: Thank you!!!

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.

May 28, 2024

Charlie: Proverbs 16:24 "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

May 31, 2024

Bill: Trump is now America’s version of Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned then became president!

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

July 8, 2024

Bill: Charlie - We love your new book Right Wing Revolution.

Charlie: Wow! Thank you!

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”)

 August 29, 2024

Charlie: John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

August 30, 2024

Bill: Jackee is a great TPUSA Faith representative in Virginia! Met her yesterday at a Virginia Pastors conference👍

Charlie: Great!

August 31, 2024

Met Nigel Robinson TPUSA Faith in South Texas!!!

Charlie: Great!

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 speaks so highly of YOU!!!

Charlie: He’s the best!

September 24, 2024

Bill: Bill Federer with Turning Point leader Samantha Funderlich

Charlie: Wonderful!

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

October 19, 2024

Charlie: Psalm 72:11 "May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him."

October 29, 2024

Bill: Saw a radio station in Phoenix is for sale

Charlie: interesting!

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."

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!

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

December 2, 2024

Charlie: Jeremiah 30:17 "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord."

February 10, 2024

Bill: (texted article "How Charlie Kirk became the Youth Whisperer of the American Right") 

Great article!

Charlie: Thank you!

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."

March 7, 2025

Bill: My dental hygienist Emily follows Charlie Kirk TPUSA🏆

Charlie: Wow! Awesome

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”)

March 12, 2025

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

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

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.

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

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!!

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!!!

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, who address the crowd via video, along with Jack Posobiec)

 

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 - giving your life to Jesus!

 

Charlie quickly corrected his answer to the reporter, saying his happiest moment was giving his life to Jesus, the second was marrying his wife, 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 has made overtures to China and North Korea, the pastor’s home was raided, his cell phones and computers seized, drummed up lawfare charges were filed against him, and he was threatened with arrest.

 

While I watched, Charlie  promised Pastor Son Hyun-bo that if the Korean government arrested him, he would personally call President Trump and let him, and everyone in America, know about this political weaponization in South Korea against Bible-believing Christians!

 


"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)

 

More here

My son texted Charlie afterwards.

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 and is currently in prison.

 

Please pray for the Christians in South Korea!

 

Less than 24 hours before Charlie was assassinated, he texted Rob McCoy, Bob McEwen, and me this Bible verse:

 

September 9, 2025, 10:31am

I Corinthians 16:9 "... for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 --

Links

https://thecharliekirkshow.com/podcasts/the-charlie-kirk-show/rewind-the-origins-of-thanksgiving-ft-bill-federer

https://townhallreview.com/podcasts/townhall-review-conservative-commentary-on-todays/is-america-slowly-surrendering-her-freedom-charlie

https://1160hope.com/columnists/charlie-kirk/video/6830d59b8cc8bf0001e25ebf

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1420297149009521

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFSYUzfoG3c

https://thecharliekirkshow.com/podcasts/the-charlie-kirk-show/rewind-the-origins-of-thanksgiving-with-bill-feder

https://thecharliekirkshow.com/podcasts/the-charlie-kirk-show/no-debt-goes-forever-unpaid-ft-dr-bill-federer

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Oers3wrXfPY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kuepr54rh44

https://omny.fm/shows/the-charlie-kirk-show/10-7-hour-3-v1

https://omny.fm/shows/the-charlie-kirk-show/one-of-the-most-enjoyable-conversations-ive-ever-h

https://omny.fm/shows/the-charlie-kirk-show/10-7-hour-3-v1

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28364290/

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  • Shannon McGuire on

    Powerful story. Prayers forall. Thank you for sharing

  • rose on

    Thank you Bill for sharing this with us. Thank you for helping him communicate so well with this younger generation. I would imagine you were a mentor to him. The Lord’s work is just beginning where he left off that’s for sure.

  • Sheila Stagman on

    This story you shared with your followers is truly moving. David , Summer and I have all read your wonderful memories about Charlie . Our family is so sad about his horrific killing.

  • Tim on

    Bil, thank you so much for sharing this!! You and Charlie are great champions of the faith.
    Matthew 16:24-25 ESV
    Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

    Your application of the Gettysburg Address to include Charlie was perfect!

    God Bless!
    Tim Level

  • Denise Capra on

    Thankyou for sharing! So rich, touching and inspiring- your friendship was such a Divine connection

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