David Wilkerson

Elizabeth Sherrill

John L. Sherrill

Teen Challenge (Organization)

"Go to New York City and help those boys." When David Wilkerson heard those words in his heart late one night as he glanced at a picture in Life magazine, he was dumbfounded. The boys in question were members of a violent gang and on trial for murder. He was a country preacher settled comfortably in a little mountain church in Pennsylvania. What could God possibly expect him to accomplish--in New York City, of all places? But the thought would not let him go--and his life and the lives of countless despairing teens were changed forever on account of it. This is the story of the founding of Teen Challenge, an inner-city ministry that today maintains residential and crisis counseling centers around the globe. But even more, it is a story of how the most unlikely people can hear--and follow--God's call to do the impossible.--From publisher description.

The Cross & the Switchblade

Todd Luallen

I can see why this book was so popular in the 70's. And I see why it's still a heartwarming and challenging chronicle today. Wilkerson is not shy about his shortcomings and doubts as he writes about his experience going from the small-town country life, to the hardcore violent streets of New York. I loved reading about his prayer life and the multiple "fleeces" that he laid out for God. I also loved listening to the miraculous events that always came about in the bottom of the ninth inning, at the very last minute. But ultimately I loved the story of transformation that occurred in one troubled and lost teen after another. It is so encouraging to hear that so many teens were saved from a life of addiction and "death on the installment plan." 

Wilkerson lived a life of faith and obedience to his Lord and Savior, and his story presented in this book is just a small taste of what life can be like for any that choose to follow in his footsteps. The proof is in the changed lives of those that he ministered to on the streets of New York. 

As a side note, it was interesting for me to read about the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" as related by a pentecostal Christian. Wilkerson and many of his co-workers believe wholeheartedly that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the path out of addiction for those that are so afflicted. The multiple accounts of freedom from addiction that are detailed in this book are compelling evidence in favor of his beliefs, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read about them.

The Cross & the Switchblade

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