WASHINGTON (TNND) — Pastor Craig Dyson of Convo Church in Reno, Nevada, reflected on the legacy of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA Faith, following Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday. Dyson, a close friend of Kirk, emphasized that Kirk’s life was driven by his faith in Jesus Christ rather than political ambitions.
“Charlie did what he did because he had a passion for Jesus Christ,” Dyson said. “He was inspired by the Word of God. He encountered Jesus Christ in his own life, and he wanted to give himself in life and now also in death and making sure that people understood the truth matters.”
Kirk, known for his influence on both political and religious communities, was remembered by Dyson as a “Christian martyr” rather than a victim of political assassination. Dyson noted that Kirk’s death was not due to his political views but because of his faith.
“Charlie wasn’t afraid to lose his life,” Dyson said. “And that’s the inspiration, I think, that we still find today, that I still find today.”
Kirk’s impact extended to college campuses and high school chapters across the country, where he engaged with young people about their purpose and identity. Dyson highlighted Kirk’s commitment to addressing issues such as suicide, depression, and identity crises among the youth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He wanted to make sure that these young people knew that they had purpose, that they were loved,” Dyson said. “It wasn’t just because of people trying to be good people and live a good life, it was because they were the God that created them with a specific identity in place.”
Dyson expressed his determination to continue Kirk’s legacy, alongside many others, by standing for the truth of God’s word and leading people into freedom.