09/18/2025
Charlie Kirk Vigil brings a call for a spiritual revival
"It was a call to action of Christian faith and values Saturday evening during the vigil for slain conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
About 15 speakers, in no particular order, stood near the flagpole at Rotary Park near City Pier Beach in Sebring and shared their feelings about Kirk dying for expressing his beliefs.
The initial speakers spoke of the loss for Kirk’s family and children, but said in his death his message will continue noting the surge in applications for chapters in the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, which Kirk cofounded.
The 90-minute vigil took a few turns with a gay man speaking saying he was from “the other side,” but had no ill will for the conservatives. A few of those who had spoken came forward and shook the man’s hand.
Later, a woman identified herself as liking other women in a frank talk about her life. Her demeaner was low key as she expressed her feelings.
Near the end of the vigil, a few spoke on the issue of separation of church and state or religion and politics. One woman said the church didn’t get political, politics got spiritual.
Most of the speakers Saturday night didn’t identify themselves.
The vigil started with Samuel Sandoval of the Neighborhood Church, Sebring, who said he feels sorry for Kirk’s wife and family and the way he died.
“But, then I thought to myself, what a privilege it was for him to be counted as worthy to give his life for Jesus Christ,” he said. “We have hope as believers in Christ and that is why I think Charlie could stand there and debate some of the most hostile people.
“Some of the people who hated him, he would just sit there and talk to them because inside he had the love of Jesus, which he knew was free. It was gracious. It was something extended to everyone.”
Virgil Beato, Sebring High School social studies teacher and the faculty sponsor of the Young American’s for Freedom, said while about 150 students had gathered to pray Thursday for the anniversary of 9-11, they also prayed for a lot more things, including Kirk’s family.
He asked those present to pray for a revival of the youth in Highlands County. “Students are hungering for the truth,” he said.
County Commissioner Kevin Roberts said, “If this was a pitch dark movie theater and you couldn’t see your hand. If you strike a match it will pierce the darkness. It will overcome the darkness.
“The Bible says, let your light so shine that others see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven,” he said. “It also says, in everything you do work at it with all your heart. Not working for yourself, but working for the Lord.
“We have all been crushed by what has happened,” Roberts said. “Don’t ever, ever grow weary in doing good work. The Lord said at the proper time we will reap the harvest, if we don’t give up. God rewards perseverance.
“We need to persevere ... We need to show love. Goodness overcomes evil all the time. The light does pierce the darkness,” he said.
The vigil ended with the gathered group singing “Amazing Grace” and “God Bless America.”
Prior to the start of the vigil, Susan Goulette of Avon Park said, “It is wonderful that people are getting together instead of fighting and saying things. It is just absolutely horrific what happened.”
It was a call to action of Christian faith and values Saturday evening during the vigil for slain conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
