It is with sadness that Called OUT 4HIM Ministries extends our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and associates of Rev. David Wilkerson, who was killed in an auto accident on April 27th, in Texas.
NOTE: Rev. Wilkerson's wife, Gwendolyn, was critically injured in the crash as well as another woman - please pray for their healing!!!
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| May 19, 1931 - April 27, 2011 |
Rev. Wilkerson first came to public attention via the 1963 publication of his book, "The Cross and the Switchblade", the book that chronicled Wilkerson's early years in New York City tending to drug addicts and gang members. It sold 15 million copies in 30 languages and was adapted into a major motion picture, released in 1970, starring Pat Boone as Wilkerson and Erik Estrada as Nicky Cruz, the teen gang member whose life was transformed by Wilkerson's ministry.
Background
In 1957, David Wilkerson had heard the call to minister to the gangs, drug addicts and others living on the margins in New York City. He started Teen Challenge, a biblically-based drug, alcohol and evangelism outreach program that he ran for 14 years and eventually expanded to 110 centers nationwide. He moved to Tyler, Texas, and founded a similar organization, called World Challenge (he was still its president at the time of his death), doing street ministries in New York in the summers.
The sudden explosion of crack use brought him back to Manhattan full-time in 1987 and David founded Times Square Church which opened its doors in October of 1987, under the umbrella of World Challenge Inc., in an area of Manhattan that was then riddled with X-rated movie houses, strip clubs, prostitution and drugs.
Rev. Wilkerson was known for his passionate sermons and writings that encouraged righteous living and complete reliance on God.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen, who also was injured in the crash, and their four children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Further information regarding memorial services, etc. can be found on either the World Challenge or Times Square Church websites:
World Challenge, Inc.: http://www.worldchallenge.org
Times Square Church: http://www.tscnyc.org
Our prayers are with the family of Rev. Wilkerson at this time, while we also rejoice that he is now with the Savior he devoted his life to serving.
Update: Details about Wilkerson's memorial service will be posted on Times Square's website, which states that it will be streamed live.
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