What is your Turning Point?
It has been days since Charlie Kirk has gone to be with the Lord.
The news came as a shock. Vandy and I have been following his ministry for years, especially his passion for young people and his boldness in proclaiming truth. His advocacy for the next generation caught our hearts because, in many ways, it reflects our own calling here in Cambodia. 👉 Ministries in Cambodia
Our ministry has always been centered on university students and young professionals. We believe that the future of Cambodia rests on the young people, and the best way to truly impact them is not through mere social programs or personal ambition, but by pointing them to the unshakable truth of the gospel. We have long prayed for a movement among the Khmer youth a movement that rises up for truth, for righteousness, and for Christ.
So when we learned that Charlie Kirk passed away while doing what he loved proclaiming the gospel on a university campus it left us silent. We sat around the dinner table as a family, trying to process what had happened, and then we prayed together for his wife Erika, for their two young children, and for his entire family. Before going to bed, I found myself still thinking of them, especially Erika.
The thought was sobering: God’s calling is a cross to bear, but it is worth it. Life is fragile. Death can come anytime. But what matters is whether we live faithfully to the purpose God has set before us. Philippians 1:21, my husband’s favorite verse, echoed in my heart: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Erika’s Silent Pain
For me personally, my heart resonates deeply with Erika. Losing a husband so suddenly, and then having to explain that loss to two young children, is beyond words. It is a valley that only those who have walked through can understand.
I remember when I lost my papa. He was not only a father but also a church planter in my mom’s hometown in Isabela. He was devoted to the gospel and worked with a Christian NGO to help farmers and families start livelihoods. But one day, his life was cut short.
We believe he was robbed. His body was tied to his motorbike and thrown into the Cagayan River. Days passed before he was found. It was just before Christmas.
I was still young when it happened, but I saw the deep pain my mom endured. She was devastated, broken, and for a time, unable to function. I thought she wouldn’t make it. As her firstborn, I felt the weight of stepping in to lead, to provide, to keep our family together. Financially, emotionally, spiritually it was heavy. We left our province and moved to Manila, where we tried to start over. It was not easy. We had arguments. We were still grieving. But God carried us.
Looking back, I realize how much I resonate with Erika’s situation today. She has two young children who need their mother’s strength while she herself grieves. I imagine her nights quiet tears, unanswered questions, the burden of explaining to little ones why their daddy is not coming home. My heart aches for her, and I know many of you who have lost someone dear will understand this ache.
But here is where the story does not end. By God’s grace, we found healing, slowly but surely. And I believe He will do the same for Erika and her family.
A Redirected Life
After my papa’s death, life changed. I put aside my dream of becoming a flight stewardess. Instead, I took whatever job I could find to support my mom and siblings. At that time, it felt like giving up my dream. But now, I see how God redirected my life toward something greater.
Had I been in the airline industry, perhaps I would have missed His calling for me here in Cambodia. Today, I serve alongside my husband as a pastor’s wife, a missionary, and a teacher. Everything has happened for a reason, and every detour was part of His greater plan.
Even when we feel like life has robbed us of something, God can redirect us into His will. That redirection may come through pain, but His plans are always higher than ours.
Bearing the Cross
When I was preparing to be sent as a missionary to Cambodia, one of the mission directors asked me a question I will never forget:
“Are you willing to die in the mission field for the cause of the gospel?”
The question pierced my heart. Tears welled up in my eyes. I was young, single, and full of fire for the Lord. I answered with conviction: “Yes, I am willing.”
That question has stayed with me over the years. And in moments like this, when we see a servant of God called home so suddenly, the question becomes real again. Are we willing to carry the cross God has given us? Are we willing to live for Christ, knowing that our time on earth is not promised?
Unshakeable
Isaiah 40 is a chapter that speaks to moments like these.
It was written for people living in exile, weighed down by fear, sin, and uncertainty about the future. Yet, the chapter begins with these words: “Comfort, comfort my people.”
We see a beautiful contrast in the chapter. On one hand, human life is fragile:
“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field” (Isaiah 40:6).
Life fades. Flowers fall. Our best efforts crumble. Death comes.
But then comes verse 8, a verse that gives us hope:
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
His promises never expire.
His truth never changes.
His comfort never ends.
Isaiah 40 also reminds us of the greatness of God. He measures the oceans in the palm of His hand. He calls every star by name. He gives strength to the weary and power to the weak. And yet, this powerful God also speaks tenderly to us.
When life feels unstable, when death comes suddenly, when grief overwhelms us God’s Word remains unshakable. His promises stand.
Reflections for Us Today
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Life is fragile, but God is faithful.
We cannot control our days, but we can trust the One who holds them. -
God’s Word is our anchor.
In seasons of loss, cling to the promises of Scripture. They never fade. -
Our calling matters more than our comfort.
Whether in Cambodia, America, or anywhere in the world, we are called to live boldly for Christ. -
The gospel is urgent.
Charlie Kirk’s passing reminds us that time is short. We must proclaim the gospel with conviction and love. -
God gives strength to the weary.
For Erika, her children, and for anyone grieving today, may Isaiah 40:29 be true: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
A Message for Erika and the Kirk Family
To Erika, though we may not know each other personally, I want to say this: you are not alone. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. He will walk with you in the nights when grief feels unbearable. He will give you the words when your children ask questions. He will be your strength.
To Charlie’s children: your daddy’s legacy is not gone. His faith, his boldness, and his love for Jesus will live on through you.
To the faith community: let us not let Charlie’s passing silence us. Instead, let it fuel us to live with more boldness. Let us proclaim Christ not just in churches but in campuses, workplaces, homes, and streets.
Closing Encouragement
Death can come suddenly.
But God’s Word endures forever.
His promises are unshakable.
Let us live our days for Christ. Let us carry the cross He has given us. Let us proclaim the gospel with urgency. And when our time comes, may we also say with Paul, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”
Questions for Reflection
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Am I living today with eternity in mind?
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How can I encourage someone who is grieving right now?
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In what ways can I be bolder in sharing the gospel this week?
Prayer
Teach us to number our days. Help us live with boldness and faith, trusting Your Word that never fades.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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