The following is a letter Pastor Ben read to our congregation this morning in our Worship Service.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is with a profound sense of sorrow that I address you today. We have all heard the news of the senseless, brutal, and public assassination of Charlie Kirk, an event that has shaken our nation and left many grappling for understanding. The reports of his death on September 10th at Utah Valley University, where he was speaking at a public gathering, confirm that this was not a random act, but one of deliberate political violence. In the face of such a horrific act, the Body of Christ must not remain silent. Many are grappling with the historical and spiritual weight of this moment, as some have even asked if we are witnessing what could be the first Christian martyr in American history. We are called to be a voice of both prophetic conviction and compassionate grace. This letter is meant to guide our hearts and our prayers as we navigate the coming days together as a community of faith. First, we mourn with those who mourn. Our hearts are heavy for Charlie Kirk’s family—his wife, children, and parents—as well as his friends and all who were impacted by his work. Beyond his public role, he was a man who openly professed his faith in Jesus Christ and shared the Gospel with all he dialogued with. The loss of any human life is a tragedy, and in times of grief, we remember that our Lord Jesus wept. And so should we. Second, we must confront the spiritual darkness that fuels such acts. We are told the accused is Tyler Robinson. While justice must be sought and served by the state, and he must be held accountable for his crime, we must also pray for his soul, a heart lost and without hope, in desperate need of a Savior. In this we also pray for his family, that God would bring them comfort in this tragic and devastating time. We are called to pray for those who persecute us as Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:44. This incident is a painful reflection of the hatred and division that is escalating in our culture. Yet, we are reminded in scripture that "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). The Apostle James also warns us, "Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19). As Christians, we must resist the temptation to respond to violence with violence, or to repay evil with evil. As Romans 12:17-21 instructs, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil… but overcome evil with good." This moment calls us to examine our own hearts and ask: Are our words a source of healing or of harm? Do we pray for those we disagree with, or do we wish them ill? This tragedy is not a reason to cower in fear; it is a profound opportunity to rise up. The world needs the light of Christ now more than ever. We must boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel—that there is hope, forgiveness, and new life to be found in Jesus Christ, even in the darkest of circumstances. Let us not be silent or retreat. Instead, let us use this sorrow to awaken in us a renewed urgency to live lives of holiness, compassion, and righteousness. I invite you to join me in these actions in the coming days: Prayer and Fasting: Let us collectively seek the face of God for comfort, wisdom, and the restoration of peace in our nation. Loving Community: Extend grace and understanding to one another, even when we hold different opinions. Sharing the Gospel: In both word and deed, let us be a beacon of hope, sharing the love and peace of Jesus with a hurting world. Finally, as we close this letter, let us remember the beautiful and radical truth of the Gospel: that if Tyler Robinson repents of his sin and trusts Christ as his Savior, he will stand with Charlie Kirk in the presence of Jesus in heaven, worshiping forever. This is the power and beauty of the Gospel! May the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, stand guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). With a grieved, yet hopeful heart, Pastor Ben |
Service Schedule
Sunday 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 10:30 am Worship in the Family Life Center & Kid's Church 10:30 am YouTube (available by Tuesday each week) - Chillicothe FCG 6:30 pm Bible Study 6:00 pm Youth Fellowship & Children's Ministry Dinner Church Wednesdays! 6-7:30pm. Bring your families! Your dinner is provided for you! Join us for Dinner Church on Wednesdays It is an amazing time of a delicious meal, fellowship and Study in the Word! 
fcg bRICK mINISTRY
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We love & appreciate Pastor Ben Liston, Julia, Lydia, Ava & Amelia. What a blessing they are to us!
Senior Pastor
Ben Liston, wife Julia
and Children
Terry Aldenderfer's Class - Bible Scholars - Had a great time at Tumbleweed. Stay tuned for their next outing announcement!
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Terry & Vicki Aldenderfer
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