Home Office Weekly Update: September 11, 2025

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a man praying with a body of water and sunset in the background
In the face of recent events, we are reminded to pray.
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A reflection on recent news and an announcement about an upcoming summer camp in South Africa.

Thoughts on the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

This week, Charlie Kirk, a political commentator and activist, was shot while holding an event at a Utah university. Later news came that he died from his wound. What a sick tragedy for the nation. What a loss for his wife and two small children who must go on with life alone. May God be with them in this moment of loss.

Charlie Kirk was a 31-year-old political conservative. His ability to engage young people on morals, ethics, religion and politics is credited with influencing the election of Donald Trump as president in 2024. He led a movement called Turning Point USA that took him onto college campuses, engaging young people on cultural issues. He was articulate and able to “take as good as he gave” in debate with people who disagreed with him. His movement was significant, and his death leaves his supporters angry and determined.

Kirk was a professing Christian and talked openly about his faith. He was known for turning off his phone, social media and his work on the seventh-day Sabbath.

At facebook.com/reel/712946431703108 Mr. Kirk says:

“It says very clearly in the Scriptures, ‘for six days you shall work, and the seventh day you shall rest.’ If you are feeling overrun by society, you might be feeling depressed or anxious, here’s just this one way you might be able to improve. Turn your phone off for one day. No contact, no social media, no work. Your mental health will improve dramatically. That is a day to go be with God. That is a day to read your Bible, and be out of the busyness and the hurriedness and just the anger and the noise of this world. Go back to God’s natural rhythm. And it’s made our family much tighter knit. And I could be traveling for five or six days, but if I get at least one good Sabbath with my family, it charges all back up.”

An AI search brought up this bit of information:

Recent Talk (March 2025) – Fulcrum7

  • Charlie grew up Presbyterian and discovered the Sabbath via both Scripture and a radio speaker, Dennis Prager.
  • The Sabbath improved his life dramatically—he slept better and avoided burnout.
  • He was reportedly writing a book on the Sabbath.
  • Family, employees, even the President know not to contact him during the Sabbath—he kept the day distinct and sacred.
  • He contrasted observant rest with societal pressures, saying only slaves work seven days a week and emphasizing freedom in honoring the Creator.

He was blessed for keeping the Sabbath. It is evident he had a high regard for Scripture. No doubt this drove his passion for a number of conservative policies, including the right of the unborn, and made him an articulate defender of America and its role in the world.

Assassination is unfortunately on the rise. Donald Trump survived two attempts on his life during last year’s presidential campaign. Recently a member of the Minnesota legislature and her husband were killed by a gunman. Another state senator was wounded. The recent list of attacks goes on. We are a divided nation, split down the middle between “red” and “blue” states. Every national election is cast as the most decisive for the future of the country. There is some truth to this thought.

We should all say a prayer for the family of Charlie Kirk. Pray for America too, that more will step back from the fever-pitched partisan debate that has seized our body politic. May we all turn to God in humility and ask for pardon and mercy.

—Darris McNeely, International Education and Services Coordinator

Good Works Volunteers Needed

The United Youth Camp in South Africa is seeking two experienced counselors for their camp in December! Interested applicants must love adventure, God’s way of life, God’s people and camp! If this sounds like you, please consider applying today at ucg.org/give/122. You can read about previous volunteers’ experiences from the following reports:

The dates for camp are Dec. 22, 2025 through Jan. 1, 2026 (with 1–2 days of travel on either end, depending on your location, or longer if you'd like to see more of the country). Deadline to apply is September 26, 2025.

—Lena VanAusdle, Good Works Program Coordinator