Kirk inspires action
David (left), Jessica, Bennie and Zachary Wehunt join in prayer during a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk.
Pastor Richard Vega gives a call to action while recounting Charlie Kirk's love of God and country during a prayer vigil honoring Kirk.
With American flags in hand, many gather at McCollum Park for a sunset prayer vigil honoring Charlie Kirk.
BEACH CITY— Prayer vigils have occurred around the country as many continue to grieve the death of Charlie Kirk, and Chambers County is no different.
The Chambers County Republican Party Executive Committee, with the assistance of the Chambers County Republican Women's Club, hosted a sunset prayer vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
"It's about coming together as a community, something that Charlie always believed was essential," said Precinct 11 Chair Nick Rice. "He understood that unity doesn't mean that everyone thinks the same. It means that we walk side by side, grounded in truth, and working towards something greater than ourselves."
Pastors and community members shared prayers and kind messages about Kirk, while inspiring others to get involved in their communities and in politics.
Rice noted that Kirk was able to inspire younger generations to become leaders in their communities, and he taught others that political discussions can happen with respect, even when opinions differ.
"His leadership lit a torch of courage and conviction, and now it's up to each of us to carry that torch forward," Rice said.
Pastor Richard Vega of Harris County met Kirk through various initiatives and was featured on The Charlie Kirk Show with other pastors. Vega recounted Kirk's devotion to God and his kindness towards those around him.
"My friend, everywhere he went, he brought Jesus Christ with him," Vega said, adding that Kirk spread the love of God and country.
Vega described praying over President Donald Trump alongside Kirk, sharing that Kirk always spoke scripture or had a sermon or message to share.
"We're all Charlie's. Charlie put a seed inside of everyone that followed him and watched him," Vega said. "I'm hoping that each and every one of you will spread the truth, will spread the gospel."
Vega spoke a call to action, inspiring people to get involved in politics, however they are able to.
"My friend didn't die for no reason. He stood for our First Amendment right, our constitutional right," Vega said. "He stood on those values that we believe so dear."
Chambers County Republican Party Vice Chair Donnie Self, who organized the event, said Kirk inspired millions, and his legacy will continue to inspire.
Self said tolerance and silence of ideologies led to the current environment of the country.
"We chose silence when our voices were needed," Self said. "We all have big, beautiful mouths, and from them a voice, a voice that is free, a voice that can be as loud as we choose to make it, a voice that can make a difference."
Self encouraged everyone to get involved in churches, the community and in political organizations.
Pastor Shane Perez of Fisher Road Baptist Church said Kirk wasn't fighting a physical or political battle; he was fighting a spiritual battle.
"We lost a good soldier in Charlie Kirk. He was a man who fought for truth, justice and the American way," Perez said. "He's with God in Heaven. We are still here, and there is still a battle raging."