David Wilkerson
DAVID WILKERSONCountry Preacher Called To Reach Violent Gangs in NYC
Wilkerson served as pastor in small churches in Pennsylvania until he saw a photograph in Life magazine of several New York City teenagers charged with murder. Moved with compassion he was drawn to the city in February 1959.
It was then that he began his street ministry to what one writer called "desperate, bewildered, addicted, often violent youth." Ask a Christian in the west if they have read a David Wilkerson book, and many will say yes. The most well-known is The Cross and the Switchblade which has changed the face of evangelism in the western world. The story has been read by over 15 million people in some thirty languages since 1963. In 1969, a film of the same title was released. This story of how Wilkerson left his home at just 28 years old to evangelize the gangs of New York has inspired and encouraged Christians to step out in faith all across the world. He still preaches powerfully today from his Church in New York and indeed ministers regularly all across the world. David Wilkerson is a living history maker.
Wilkerson served as pastor in small churches in Pennsylvania until he saw a photograph in Life magazine of several New York City teenagers charged with murder. Moved with compassion he was drawn to the city in February 1959. It was then that he began his street ministry to what one writer called "desperate, bewildered, addicted, often violent youth."
That same year, he founded Teen Challenge ministries in Brooklyn, New York, which has reached youth and adults with life-controlling problems worldwide through its 414 centres. The ministry's biblically based recovery program for drug addicts has been recognized as one of the most effective efforts of its kind.
In 1967 he began David Wilkerson Youth Crusades, an evangelistic ministry characterized by his own efforts to reach teenagers he called "goodniks" — restless and bored middle-class kids — to prevent them from being seduced into a life of bondage to drugs, alcohol, violence or lawlessness. Through this ministry, CURE Corps (Collegiate Urban Renewal Effort) was founded in an effort to harness the idealism and sacrificial zeal of many Christian young people who wanted to give their lives to Christ-centered efforts.
In 1971, Reverend Wilkerson's ever-expanding ministry moved its headquarters to Texas, where he founded World Challenge, Inc. The ministry's mission is to promote and perpetuate the message of Christ through public teachings.
In 1986, while walking down 42nd Street in New York City at midnight, Reverend Wilkerson's heart broke yet again for God to raise up a ministry in Times Square. He cried out to God to do something and at one o'clock that morning he sensed the Lord speaking to his heart, "You do something. You start a church. You know the city and you love it." At that moment, Times Square Church was birthed in Reverend Wilkerson's heart. The church opened its doors in October 1987, first in rented auditoriums and eventually in the historic Mark Hellinger Theatre, which the ministry purchased in 1989. Today, Times Square Church, with a missions-focused congregation, is a virtual microcosm of New York City. Nearly 8,000 people representing over 100 nationalities worship together under one roof.
For over four decades, Reverend Wilkerson's evangelistic ministry has included preaching, teaching and writing. Throughout that time a distinctive characteristic of his work has been his direct efforts to reach the neediest among us with help for both body and soul. He has authored over 30 books including, The Cross and the Switchblade, The Vision, Revival on Broadway, Hungry for More of Jesus, Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately?, and The New Covenant Unveiled.
Now in his seventies, Rev. Wilkerson has been led by the Holy Spirit to exhort pastors and their spouses throughout the world to renew their passion for Christ. "I've been an evangelist for 50 years, but I didn't want to preach to pastors until I had grey hair, until I'd pastored. Now after 15 years of pastoring, sharing the hurts, pains, and difficulties of the ministry as a pastor, I felt the Lord finally release me, that I might have something to say."
On April 27, 2011, while driving east on Route 175 in Texas, Wilkerson crossed into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a tractor trailer. He was reportedly not wearing his seat belt, and was pronounced dead on the scene. His wife Gwen was wearing a seat belt, and was injured.
Rev. Wilkerson's last blog post stated the following: "To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights," he wrote, "and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, 'I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident."'
For an interactive timeline of David's life, click here.
Click here to visit the World Challenge website and to listen or watch his powerful sermons.
judi
said:
 |
... This man is a great man of God. We have followed his ministry and he is always right on, a lot more people should heed what he says for he is a true prophet of God. |
Amy hansford
said:
 |
... I have been wanting to get get the book the VISION by him for years and we want to know how we can get 5 copies for our friends,please email me back Thank you. |
Amy hansford
said:
|
... I want toget 5 copies of the Vision Please let me know where i can get this, The book is so right on, Thank you Amy |
Danny Steele
said:
 |
... I Have Listen To Brother David Wilkerson And Got His news Letter Since 1993 He Has Helped To UnderStand Alot Of The Devil's Tricks And GOD'S Mercy. I Have Been Greaving Since. I have Heard About His Death But He Has Paid His Dues And Ready For His Reward. LOVE And PRAYERS TO His Family And The Church. R.I.P Brother David Wilkerson. |
Pakki Suresh Kumar
said:
 |
... Oh shocked to hear his death. An unbelievable daring preacher to the gangsters. |
ivania santos
said:
 |
... PENA QUE MEU SONHO DE CONHECER O REV:WILKERSOM FOI INTERROMPIDO,GOSTEI DE LER A CRUZ E O PUNHAL. |
Erica Navarro
said:
 |
... The cross and the switchblade was the best book i've ever read. i fell in love w/ it.  |
