My Brother Charlie

Do you have a brother you look up to?

I’m thankful to have two brothers I admire and consider role models. But one of them, Charlie DeTellis, has something unique that stands out to many people—his first name. When I heard the news that Charlie Kirk had been shot, my first thought went to my brother. It was almost instinctive. At that time, he was in Haiti. Later that day, I received a text from him: “Charlie Kirk was killed today. He was a great debater. Age 31.” I replied, “Yes, sad. Two children. Wife.”

When I reflect on the life of Charlie Kirk, I think of the men behind Charlie. There were many people who influenced his life, but there are three specifically I have been thinking about. First, his mentor, Bill Montgomery. I found a video of Bill sharing the story of how he heard Charlie Kirk give a speech, and following it he walked down to the front of the room and said to this young teenager, “You need to drop out of college and speak more to young people.” Literally, a month later, Bill Montgomery and Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA. 

The second man behind Charlie Kirk was his pastor, Rob McCoy. We all need a good pastor who challenges us in our faith. Both of them were students of history and the Bible. Together, they would discuss what they read and help sharpen their knowledge of God’s Word. The third man behind Charlie Kirk and the most important was Jesus. I still believe Jesus is the answer for our world today. Charlie Kirk is quoted as saying, “More than anything else, I want to be remembered for the courage of my faith.” During the memorial service honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, the Gospel message of Jesus Christ was shared loud and clear. Yes, Charlie knew introducing someone to Jesus was the most important message.

My brother Charlie and I talk often about politics and the challenges facing the United States and the world. The fact is, New Missions and our political views have remained neutral due to the risks we are met with internationally if we are publicly outspoken about who is in political power. Truth be told, our mission has outlasted 15 heads of state for Haiti since our arrival in 1983. If we ever took allegiance to any of them, our mission would be at risk. Personally, I believe the local church is the greatest force for good. The fact is, the nation where we live must maintain freedom of religion and protect those rights. Telling someone about Jesus is the most important message we can share. Having the freedom to do so is what we have to prayerfully defend. 

For you and me, what’s next? When we see people like Charlie Kirk’s life become shortened by such a horrific event, what do we do? Personally, again, I think of my brother Charlie–that is my brother in Christ, Charlie Kirk. He would be brave with his faith and bold with sharing the truth of God’s Word, the Bible. I’m praying that I may be more brave and bold. ~Tim DeTellis