After a week of devastating national news, including the assassination of conservative activist and campus organizer Charlie Kirk, the Bob Jones University Student Leadership Council held a prayer meeting for the student body on the night of Sept. 11.
The meeting followed other recognitions of the impact Kirk’s death had on the student body. Kirk, an outspoken Christian and media personality built much of his political organization with a focus on young people, many who are now of college age.
During chapel earlier in the day, the student body sang “It Is Well,” and then Dr. Josh Crockett, executive director to president Dr. Bruce McAllister and chapel coordinator, spoke about Kirk’s death, and said the university’s leadership wants students to be courageous leaders.
“During this spiritual formation of being at a Christian university like BJU, that you would know what you believe but that you would be willing to stand for what you believe,” Dr. Crockett said.
At 8 p.m., more than 100 students, many with heavy hearts, voluntarily gathered on Palmetto Green to join in prayer for the nation and the local community.
Women’s Student Body President Karis Henson led the meeting with an encouragement to pray for the country, the spread of the gospel and opportunity to witness to unbelievers at this time. She reminded students that despite the devastation of Kirk’s assassination and other current tragedies, “we do have a hope and His name is Jesus.”
Henson recommended that students pray through Psalm 46, either in groups or individually. The psalmist opens the Psalm with recognition that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Bonds were formed, burdens lifted and tears shed as students prayed for each other and for the nation over the next hour.
As the sun set on campus, singing could be heard from several of the groups. The lyrics of “Lord, I need you” echoed the sentiment of the nation as the BJU community continued to pray over the losses and tragedies the country has faced this week.
