Thousands Make Decisions for Christ in Utah Following Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death
OREM, Utah – On November 16, Utah Valley University hosted Hope for America, a one-night Harvest Crusade led by Pastor Greg Laurie aimed at bringing hope and healing to a community shaken by the September 10 assassination of Christian leader Charlie Kirk.
The one-night event began with a moving tribute video honoring Kirk’s life and legacy, setting the stage for a night focused on faith and the message of hope. “Despite this tragedy, God has done amazing things around our nation, and people are asking questions… It was like a wakeup call,” Laurie told the audience. “This is your moment tonight. This is your wakeup call tonight. Don’t let it slip by.”
The evening featured worship led by Phil Wickham and Chris Tomlin, and a message from Greg Laurie titled “Home Before Dark”, sharing his personal testimony and emphasizing the search for life’s meaning. “Christ entered in and changed my story, and He can change yours as well,” he said. He reminded attendees that purpose is not found in objects, phones, or religion—it is found in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Drawing on Jeremiah 29:11 and the story of the prodigal son, Laurie reassured the audience of God’s love and plan for their lives.
“You don’t need to clean your life up to come to God,” Laurie told the crowd. “You come to God and He will clean your life up. Jesus says, ‘Come to me, all you who are bending beneath the weight of sin, and I will give you rest.’”
Lives Transformed
The altar call brought more than 1,000 individuals at UVU, who made professions of faith in Christ, with an additional 1,000 online doing the same. Each new believer received a New Believer’s Bible with study notes by Laurie and instructions to attend church, read the Bible daily, pray consistently, and share their faith with others.
Attendees shared testimonies of God’s move at the event including a fresh emphasis on Christianity’s impact in Utah. “I had three of my friends leave the LDS religion last night and accepted the true gospel of Jesus Christ,” said one attendee, “It was an amazing night. Christianity is coming to Utah!”
Laurie encouraged anyone struggling with loneliness, emptiness, or thoughts of suicide: “God has a plan for you… He loves you, and He has a plan for you. Don’t entertain that thought another day.”
A Night of Hope and Revival
Hope for America proved to be a tangible expression of God’s love in the face of tragedy. With thousands gathering in-person and online, the event demonstrated the growing appetite for revival and transformation across communities in America.
As Laurie said in his message: “What was meant for evil will be turned to good.” And for the thousands who responded, the angels truly were rejoicing.
