David Wilkerson

The Cross, the Switchblade, and the Man Who Believed

By: Gary Wilkerson

Narrated by: Mark Smeby

This is the story of David Wilkerson, the man who believed against the odds that God could do great things in the rejected and ignored of New York City, who refused to give up on those on the streets even when they had given up on themselves, and who saw in the eyes of the drug addicts and gang members what others failed to see - the love of Jesus Christ.

But who was David Wilkerson? Many Christians don't really know. More often than not, we saw the fruit of his faith in God rather than the man himself.

When Wilkerson moved to New York from rural Pennsylvania in 1958 to confront the gangs who ran the streets, he was a skinny, 120-pound man. After the initial publicity that brought him face to face with some of the most dangerous young men of the city, he largely flew under the radar of the media, using the Word of God and a bit of tough love to help men and women of the street escape the destructive spiral of drugs and violence. Wilkerson was always the real deal, full of passion and conviction, not interested in what others said was the "right" or political thing to do.

Wilkerson later founded the Times Square Church, now a non-denominational mega-church of 8,000 members, to this day a crossroads for those battling sin, drugs, and pornography, and a place where the message of Christ is discussed. He created the faith-based program Teen Challenge to wean addicts off drugs, and then World Challenge, dedicated since its beginning to promoting and spreading the Gospel throughout the world. Both now have branches worldwide, continuing the work that God began in the life of one man who believed.

David Wilkerson was a man of faith who trusted God would give him what he needed to enter a world of crime and killing. He was a man of conviction who took the dream God gave him and marched forward without ever looking back. And he was a man of vision who could not be shaken from his beliefs - sometimes even when counseled otherwise. David Wilkerson was the preacher of New York City.

©2014 Zondervan (P)2014 Zondervan

it was worth it for me

I could relate to David about his upbringing. It was also interesting to how God working the changes in David's life to make him the man I know from hearing most of his sermons. God bless the Wilkerson family!

inspiring!

The life Brother Dave lived is amazing and inspiring. The word of God that is spoken through the life he lived brought me to tears multiple times.

highly respected and esteemed Christian leader

David Wilkerson was a man who lived what he believed and taught and believed and taught what he lived. His life affected me deeply and indeed millions of people internationally. A great life lived wholly for God. I will probably get more from this book by reading it. The narration was not the best and I had problems understanding it from the beginning (even after selecting a lower speed). Otherwise this is a great man with a great story and I would have given it the highest rating for content

A story of faith

This is a tremendous story of a truly humble man who understood the meaning of living by faith.

Moving and Inspiring

I love this biography and have been greatly jmpacted by his ministry over the years.

Like the man a little bit more

I just liked it, and would recommend it to others. Not a waste of time. Why 15 word minimum?

Please listen to this. It is true story.

Loved this book! I'm so glad to get the back story to the Cross and the Switchblade.

David Wilkerson God's Annointed

Inspite of everything David loved God and wanted everyone to experience God's love for them.

A must read.

A compelling story about a man (DAVID WILKERSON) with a vision that trusted God. Every minister ought to hear or read this book. inspiration for such a time as this. Proof that you don't need gimmicks to touch the world for Christ.

Very inspirational

Great inspiration in ministry and struggles as a person to keep a good and honorable mission