Gone Home

When I was a young teen,  my parents regularly bought great inspirational books for us all to read. One of those which made a huge impact on me was The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson. I also read his book The Little People, which opened my eyes to the plight of disadvantaged children living in the ‘concrete jungles’ of New York City in the  60’s. These books opened my eyes to a whole other world outside my peaceful, naive existence, cemented my faith and also grew in me a desire to help those in need.

I was shocked and saddened to hear that Wilkerson, 79,  was killed in a car crash today, and his wife is in critical condition. It’s always a shock when someone you have known and/or respected suddenly dies.

But I also feel somewhat excited  because he is now in heaven, face to face with Jesus. His testimony of  how God used a ‘skinny, country preacher’ to change the lives of young people in the slums of New York is an amazing story. 

David Wilkerson, founder of  Teen Challenge,  is definitely one of my ‘heroes’.  My prayers are with his wife, his family, and his community.