Tunch Ilkin Headlines the Latest Gathering

Steeler broadcaster and two-time Pro Bowler Tunch Ilkin provided his patented “Tunch Punch” as they keynote speaker at the April 26 Gathering. The men’s breakfast, held at the Wyndham Grand Downtown Pittsburgh, packed 380 eager men into the ballroom to hear an enthralling and humor-specked testimony of Tunch’s journey to faith in Jesus Christ.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Tunch came from a Muslim family and despised Christians — until he actually met several in the Steeler locker room, men like Pro Bowler Mike Webster, NFL weight-lifting champion Jon Kolb, and roommate Craig Wolfley. Their sincere love for Christ and for each other moved the young athlete to examine his life and made him want what he saw in their lives.

WPXI meteorologist Stephen Cropper emceed the event, and Jerrel Gilliam, executive director of Light of Life, one of the city’s most respected ministries, offered the invocation.

Guests offered a variety of comments on their experience. “This was my first Gathering, and I thought it was amazing.” “Tunch nailed it!” “Thank you for talking about Jesus’ love for me. I don’t think about it enough.” “Thanks for a wonderful morning!” “This was my first time @ The Gathering. This was incredible! Every aspect of this event was awesome & I hope to be invited back.” “Thank you for putting on such a great event this morning. I truly enjoyed Tunch and his message, and this is coming from a Bengals fan.” “Awesome turnout… Tunch was phenomenal and I appreciated this candor.”